Hi Power vs CZ 75

[tdstout]

This question may have already been asked by someone else, but i couldn't find it. Anyways, I'm in the market for a 9mm, and I'm curious as to which one is better in terms of accuracy and reliability. Please don't suggest that I get a Glock. A buddy of mine has one and it's as uncomfortable as hell to me, plus I don't much care for plastic pistols. Dont start hating on me, it's just a personal preference. Any other suggestions are welcome though.

 

[mdThanatos]

From what I have heard they are both good choices. I too am in the market for a 9mm and don't want a polygun, this one for me would strictly be for the range. Another option you might want to consider is the Beretta 92. In terms of price it looks like it would be the CZ, the 92 and then the Hi Power, if you were looking at new. If you can find a place that has them and go get a feel for them.

 

[Sunray]

Hi. A CZ75 is a modified BHP clone. It is bigger though. The trigger is farther forward, much like a DA 9mm. Try it on for size first. Would have bought one when they first came to Canada(the shop I worked in had a bunch), long ago, but they're too big for my hand. sniff.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

Both are very good opitions tho both are a little different. the cz 75b holds more rounds but has a bigger grip and the double action reach is long, but it can also be carried cocked and locked in SA.

The hi power have less rounds but is better for people with same hands and holds less rounds. i think its 13 vs 16 but i'm not sure on that.

What are you using the gun for? carry or range gun? I carry a full size cz 75b but if I was going to only use it for the range I would buy a 75b SA or the browning hi power.

and the CZ isn't a browning hi power clone tho a lot of people seem to think that because they are close.

 

[ckone]

While I like Hi-Powers very much, the CZ borrowed everything great about them and added many improvements, for what a quality Hi-Power costs you can get a CZ 75 Shadow which is as good or better than just about ANY 9mm handgun out there regardless of platform...

 

[KodiakBeer]

The new (and very reliable) Mec Gar Hi Power mags hold 15 rounds.

The real difference is that the CZ is a DA/SA and the Hi Power is a SA. So, what platform do you prefer?

Or, you can split the difference and get the CZ 75 SA model. I don't know why those aren't more popular. It eliminates the long trigger reach issue and pretty much duplicates a Hi Power action, at least from the user standpoint.

 

[amd6547]

I have medium sized hands, and have owned several HiPowers. I have also owned a CZ75.
The CZ never felt as good in my hands as th P35.
While I shot the CZ well, it took more effort on my part, where the P35 felt like part of me.

 

[Wade Wilson]

I have had both, I STILL have the Browning High Power, sold the CZ-75. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the cz-75, in fact its a fantastic gun in general, not just for the money, but there is a reason the BHP cost almost twice as much. The BHP is somewhat smaller, and single action. You can get the CZ75 in SA/DA and S/A. They both make great guns and you wont be dissapointed either way.

 

[Quentin]

I think once you hold a Hi Power the decision will be made. Nothing else feels as good in many people's hands. The main problem is finding one these days but there are many like new and used ones out there. Don't forget there are low cost FM and FEG models, some of which are true clones. In fact some Argentine FMs are licensed by FN.

 

[Vince45]

I had a CZ 85 9mm , I shot a lot of IDPA with it and fired a case of Norinco, 2000 rounds one season , It never jammed ever , not one round .

 

[GZOh]

I own both and both are truly EXCELLENT pistols. Both are VERY accurate, both are QUALITY pistols and both are close to flawless shoots.
For my large hands, the CZ-75B feels alittle larger and 'fuller' while the BHP is the sleeker and sexier looker. CZ is DA/SA, BHP is SA only!
The CZ can be had NIB for about $500, while the BHP new is usually $700+. I own both and wouldn't sell either.
Start with the CZ and work 'up' price-wise, or the BHP and work down. Some refer to the CZ as a BHP 'clone' but it really isn't... looks close but that's all.
If you want a BHP clone go after a FEG-HP, usually in the $300+ range USED... also very good pistol!
Somehow, I'll ditto Quentin... Nothing feels quite like a BHP in your hands... Hard letting it go!!

 

[chrisb507]

I'm looking for a full-size, non-polymer, 9mm, too. And my choices are narrowing down to these two...I found this comparison between the BHP and CZ pretty interesting: http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Browning and CZ.htm

 

[DFW1911]

Two great choices; these two, IMHO, happen to be the most naturally pointing / ergonomically comfortable pistols I own.

The good news is you can't go wrong with either one. However, see if you can find a range where you can test fire them both, put them through their paces, and see which one you like the best.

You're onto two exceptional designs. Let us know which one you pick...and of course we'll be looking for a range report!

Good luck and have fun.

Have fun,
DFW1911

 

[Carter]

My CZ phantom (polymer framed version) is probably my most loved firearm. Its one that I will never trade, sell, or stop taking to the range.

I've never shot the HI-Power, but it felt great in my hand. However, I think the CZ has more aftermarket options available.

 

[schmeky]

A CZ75 is a modified BHP clone

A mis-representation if ever I read one. The designs are completely unrelated. In fact, the late Stephan A. Camp wrote an excellent report detailing the differences. Internally, these designs have nothing in common.

With this said, these are both timeless engineering marvels. You can't go wrong with either one. The main advantage with the CZ is it is currently very affordable, and the aftermarket support is growing exponentially. You can purchase a CZ, upgrade the trigger performance, sights, action quallity, and enhance other areas as well, and still spend less than you would on an out-of-the-box Hi-Power (that is known for a mundane trigger).

 

[armoredman]

schmeky beat me to it - CZ and BHP have things like being an auto and 9mm caliber in common, not the same gun at all. The late, great Stephen Camp did have a very good comparison write up, being THE Hi Power expert and a CZ guru as well.
I have shot both and I still have CZ pistols, not Hi Powers. The CZs fit me like a custom made glove, and tend to be very accurate for me. Also, I am not a single action guy, never have been. I like the short DA of the halfcock notch on my CZs, and I agree with a poster above - the Phantom IS an awesome pistol!

 

[Wishoot]

I have both and enjoy shooting them both very much. Neither would be a bad choice. If one had to go however, it would be the CZ75.

For me, the Hi Power defines ergonomics, comfort, accuracy and precision machining. Don't get me wrong, the CZ is an excellent gun there's no doubt about it, but the Hi Power trumps the CZ in many respects IMHO.

Now I just had a chance to shoot a CZ SP01 Phantom and like any other CZ, it's awesome. I may enjoy it more than the 75B. Still doesn't compare with the BHP.

 

[Princi]

First, I'm shocked to learn about Stephen Camp, I'm glad I bought his manuals from him before he passed away. He lived just north of us here at DFW.

On topic: I owned the BHP before buying a CZ-75. As schmeky said: they are nothing alike internally. When I bought the CZ-75, I thought the same thing when I looked at the BHP. They do resemble each other.

The first time I disassembled the BHP, I was amazed at the simplicity of the design. It is pure genius. What I don't like is the later addition of the magazine disconnect, which screws up the feel of the trigger. However, even with the magazine disconnect, the trigger was better than the creepy trigger on my two CZ-75's (9mm and 22LR).

The CZ-75 has been copied as the Baby Eagle (Magnum Research) and the EAA Witness. EAA also imports the EAA Witness Elite versions that are made in Italy. The Elite versions are fantastic. I bought the Elite Match first, followed by the Limited, and finally got lucky and was able to get the Gold Team.

There is also a SAO CZ-75 that comes from their Custom Shop. I've shot it, but I don't think it is as good as the EAA Elites, but that is just a personal opinion and I can't give specific facts, I just didn't like it as well.

The EAA Witness Elite MSRP's are much higher than distributor cost, so you should be able to get one less than the MSRP.

 

[Philo_Beddoe]

Get a cz 75 SA (single action) target, can not be beat.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/sa-target/

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

Hi. A CZ75 is a modified BHP clone.

uh, nope. not even close


that's like saying an SKS is an AK47 clone because of the superficial resemblance.

 

[Pilot]

Like many others I also own both. I am a huge CZ fan, and you can't go wrong with the 75 series guns. However, my Browning Hi Power is just a notch above in almost every department. I prefer SA guns, also, and while I may pick up a CZ-75SA at some point, I am still always looking out for a good deal on another Hi Power.

My BHP is my most accurate centerfire pistol over many others including HK, Sig, Beretta, and even the CZ's which are darn accurate. You can't go wrong, and you'll probably end up with both some day. CZ are still a great value.

 

[Husker_Fan]

Like others have said, the CZ75 and HP are quite different. I have smaller hands and love the BHP. I actually picked up a LNIB Charles Daly (an FEG with some nice features). I prefer the HP to the CZ, but that's just my preference.

If you decide to go with the HP, think about one of the less expensive clones like FEG or FM. They are very reasonable and plentiful on the used market. Mine has been flawless and I have $310 in it. I'm sure I'll wind up with a Browning someday though.

 

[Smaug]

I like them both, but chose the Hi-Power.

They don't need to be expensive, unless they're a collectible wartime one (and even those are cheap compared to WWII era 1911s) or unless they're a new one marked with 'Browning.'

I bought my Charles Daly Hi-Power a couple years ago on close-out at Cabelas for $350. That brand is not every well respected, it seems, but the gun is top notch. My only complaint is that the white plastic piece on the weird XS front sight fell out. I never did like those sights anyway; great for combat, horrible for bullseye accuracy.

What the capacity of a 9mm CZ75? The Hi-Power is only 13 rounds in 9mm. But that is part of why it is such a comfortable grip; they didn't overdo it.

 

[bradym]

I love them both, they're both all-time proven classics, and you really can't go wrong with either one.

I agonized quite a while between them. For me, the choice came down to the fit in my hand. The CZ fits better than anything, and the HP, as much as I would love one, always feels a a wee bit too small for me.

It may be like the difference between picking a round or square butt revolver. Some prefer one, some the other, some don't particularly care.

So, my recommendation is just try both and pick which one fits the best.

 

[Smaug]

I own a Hi Power and have shot a CZ.

Hi Powers have the nice, consistent SA trigger and a very comfortable grip.

CZs have a horrible DA first shot, unless you get the odd variant with SAO trigger.

CZ slides run inside the frame, which can help accuracy, but the result is that there is not much slide to grip when racking it. It might be a problem with sweaty hands. Women generally cannot rack it, it takes a good amount of hand stength.

Hi Powers can vary a lot. They've been around for 76 years now, and have been made by many manufacturers: FN, Browning, FEG, Manurhin, etc. The vintage ones probably won't feed hollow points.

The Hi Power was an inspiration to CZ when they made the 75, and is John Browning's masterpiece, IMO. it is more comfortable and easier to field strip than the 1911.

The CZ75 is more of modern classic, and I think is a bit better looking.


"Well begun is half done."
-Aristotle