My Next Gun: Sig 226 vs. CZ 75 SP-01

[choira]

I am looking at these two guns as my next 9mm. I am basically deadlocked so I now ask you guys: which one and why?

Thanks

 

[Old Dog]

What is the intended use? Carry? Range only? Home defense? IDPA?

While the CZ is a worthy handgun in its own right, the P-226 could possibly fill more roles for you (see above). Usually more accurate out of the box, more holsters available, parts, springs, sights and magazines all readily available from a variety of sources.

 

[JDGray]

Both great choices! I agree with the above poster I tend to favor CZs trigger, however.

 

[techmike]

The sig is a nice weapon (but it's never grown on me). I checked out a SP01 over the weekend and fell in love. I love the way it feels in my hand, points very naturally. It's next on my "to buy" list.

 

[PPGMD]

I have both a Sig 226R SCT and a CZ 75 SP-01 Custom Shop. Honestly I prefer the CZ over the Sig. That might change after I get the SRT kit in my Sig (only the Elite series comes with it installed), but I doubt it.

 

[SRT1]

I own a Sig 229 (the .40 sw) and the CZ P-01 (9mm) and neither one is by any means a bad choice in any way shape or form. If I couldn't have both and had to pick just one, I'd lean towards the CZ though. As far as why, it would be a slight edge in ergonomics. Very slight.

 

[Ala Dan]

Tough Choice

but, get the SIG- you won't regret it~!

 

[Autolycus]

I am also going to suggest the Sig. I have loved every Sig that I have held.

 

[1KPerDay]

Try both and see which fits your hand better. For me the P226 is the best-feeling pistol I own. Extremely accurate and utterly reliable, too.

 

[hawkeb]

Sig is a good choice but they are not what they once were. Never thought I would buy a CZ....till I shot one, very nice. Just comes down to fit and feel. But I do feel that Sigs are getting a little over priced !

 

[Richard.Howe]

Sig is a good choice but they are not what they once were

You're right, they have indeed been substantially improved.

You will never go wrong with the Sig P226.

Rich

 

[azmike9]

I would go with the CZ. I just bought a 75B stainless and it became my favorite right away. Shoots great and feel great to me. I am selling my Hi powers and buying more CZ's

 

[ApexinM3]

Why chose between one ore the other? I say... Both. Why? 'Cause they are both great guns!

The CZ will be cheaper than the Sig, but not by much. Just my $.02 worth...

 

[schmeky]

Man, this is a tuff one. I own both, a West German P-226, and a CZ-SP-01. All I have to say is, just having such outstanding pistols to choose from makes me proud to be in the USA. I feel we are truly living in an age were we have some of the best guns ever made to select from.

You can't go wrong with either, so there is no "best" choice. I think it has been suggested to try them out if possible.

If mainly for range work, the extra weight of the CZ is a plus, making 300 round sessions a joy, wishing you had more ammo. The drawback to the CZ (and the Sig) is if you miss a target, or shoot some wild groups, it's your fault

The Sig has a higher bore axis, is lighter in weight, and would better double as a carry and range gun. The Sig is as reliable as any auto-loader made, maybe having a slight edge over the CZ, but very, very, slight (if in fact it exists).

Me, I always pick up my CZ when heading to the range.

 

[choira]

this will be a range gun...looks like the CZ wins out! does anyone know how the factory night sights on it are? who makes them?

What things should I do off the bat to improve the sp-01? I heard replacing something in the trigger and a new spring is a great start?

 

[PPGMD]

I would replace the hammer spring with the 15lb one, beyond that you will need a bit more knowledge to go beyond that. I wouldn't get the Tactical model that comes with the factory night sights, it's a decocker model.

If you have $900 I highly suggest the CZ Custom Shop SP-01. It has all the upgrades that I would do to a CZ.

 

[choira]

Am I correct in understanding that only the tactical model comes with the 19rd magazines?

Is there anything specifically wrong with the decocker model of the ap-01 or are you jus tnot a fan of decockers overall?

 

[PPGMD]

All SP-01 come from the factory with 2 19 round magazines. All CZ-75 models takes both the 19 round and the 16 round magazines (I use mostly 16 round magazines in my SP-01).

I am not a fan of decockers I prefer to carry and use my guns cocked and locked, they are also harder to work on the trigger.

 

[Tecolote]

QC has dropped across the board for all the major manufacturers. Read the dedicated SIG and CZ forums and you'll find complaints about both brands. Having said that I've never handled a CZ75 that was as reliable and accurate as a P226. I tend to judge by personal experience and as always YMMV. But the P226s I've handled fed everything from Blazer to Greek surplus with hard primers. I can't say the same for CZs. Newer CZs have rough triggers and some have a lot of camming. I haven't noticed the analogous issues in SIGs.

Get the one that you like best with the manual of arms that you prefer.

 

[schmeky]

PPGMD,

Is giving excellent advice. If there is any way you can swing it, a custom shop SP is money well spent.

At the very least, replace the mainspring as he suggested with a 15 lb'er from Wolff; the custom shop SP already has one.

Tecolote,

I've handled 2 CZ's that have equaled or bettered my P-226.

 

[PPGMD]

Having said that I've never handled a CZ75 that was as reliable and accurate as a P226.

I have, my CZ is as accurate, as my Sig 226. I've shot both for extended periods without cleaning, both performed fine.

Anyways it's hard to compare the two pistols IMO. One is a $500 stock pistol, and $900 custom shopped, the other is a $1,000 pistol, and $1,100-1,300 gun smithed.

I would put my $900 CZ Custom Shop pistol against even a Bruce Gray Sig (yes I've shot a gun he's worked on, it's very nice). It's certainly better then my stock SCT, perhaps after the SRT kit is installed it might be close but that's another $180-280 depending on which smith you have work on it.

I don't regret either purchase but if you told me that I could keep only one, I would keep my CZ.

 

[FlyPenFly]

I have a P226R CPO in .40SW and a P-01 with a Mike Eagleshield trigger job.

I love both pistols to death but if I could only have one, it would be the Sig.

Both pistols are more accurate than the great majority of shooters including myself. However, in stripping both pistols and just counting the feel of the gun, the P226 has a quality Germanic feel (ironic considering the slide is made in NH) and that extra touch of quality that I do not get from the CZ. Like comparing an M3 to a Acura. Sig also has better customer service than CZ.

This isn't to say the CZ is in any way defunct or cheap feeling, in fact it's the opposite, but even with the trigger job on the CZ, I find myself preferring the P226 trigger break and it comes from the factory that way.

I also shot a few mags of SP-01 and I found myself preferring the P-01. The SP definitely had a lot less felt recoil though.

Considering the price brackets though... I'd take a Sig over an HK and I'd take a CZ over a Glock.

 

[txgolfer45]

Sig P226. One of the finest combat handguns made. The CZ isn't bad either though!

 

[choira]

Just to clarify, I am looking at a Sig 226 CPO (non-rail version) and a new CZ...does that change anything for the guys who voted Sig out there?

 

[FlyPenFly]

Keep in mind, a new CZ will have a very very rough trigger out of hte box. You'll need to get a trigger job or buy a lot of snap caps because you'll have to dry fire that thing 1000+ times to smooth out the trigger.