Hello. I'm new to the modern type of handguns. All my experience is with Civil War era firearms. I'm looking for something for open or concealed carry, target practice and home defense. At the moment my top choices are the Glock 19 and the CZ P07 DUTY. Would anyone have some advice or recommendations for me please. Thanks in advance.
New handgun.
- Thread starter Derek.J.
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Red Wind
Member
Welcome to THR, Derek.J. The Glock 19 is certainly a fine choice for target practice and home defense. You will get a lot of good advice from the members here on other possibilities, which are enumerable.
Welcome to the forum! I have no personal experience with CZ firearms, but have read good things about them. That said, I have plenty of Glocks, including the model 19. I find it to be 100% reliable so far (only 1k through it though), very easy to conceal, and yet large enough for use as a home defense arm. I am sure someone else can chime in about CZ.
TomJ
Contributing Member
Derek,
Another welcome to THR. I own both and you won't go wrong with either. The grip on the CZ is, IMO more ergonomic and comfortable. That's a personal preference and you should handle both to see which fits you better. Make sure to consider both the Gen 3 and 4 Glocks as the grips are different. The Glock is striker fired, so every trigger pull is going to be the same. The CZ is hammer fired. The first trigger pull is going to be longer, with each subsequent pull being shorter. Some people like the consistency of having the same trigger pull each time, where others through training become accustomed to 2 different pulls. This again is a personal preference. Both are common guns, so you'll find holsters, accessories and after market parts for both, but the Glock is more common and I've found more accessories available for it.
My advice is to find a range in your area that rents guns and if possible shoot both. Some times a gun that feels better in your hand is not the gun you shoot better.
Another welcome to THR. I own both and you won't go wrong with either. The grip on the CZ is, IMO more ergonomic and comfortable. That's a personal preference and you should handle both to see which fits you better. Make sure to consider both the Gen 3 and 4 Glocks as the grips are different. The Glock is striker fired, so every trigger pull is going to be the same. The CZ is hammer fired. The first trigger pull is going to be longer, with each subsequent pull being shorter. Some people like the consistency of having the same trigger pull each time, where others through training become accustomed to 2 different pulls. This again is a personal preference. Both are common guns, so you'll find holsters, accessories and after market parts for both, but the Glock is more common and I've found more accessories available for it.
My advice is to find a range in your area that rents guns and if possible shoot both. Some times a gun that feels better in your hand is not the gun you shoot better.
Coyote3855
Member
Another vote for the Glock 19.
guyfromohio
Member
I've owned several specimens of both. I actually like the CZ a hair better, but the G19 is no slouch. Either would be great for you. The CZ can be had for $80-$100 less than the G19.
ljnowell
Member
From those two the CZ would be pretty hard to beat.
HankB
Member
I'd suggest you choose the handgun that fits your hand more comfortably, and has better "pointability" in your hand.
The way I test "pointability" is to pick up the pistol and hold it at waist level while I focus my eyes on some suitably distant target; then I close my eyes, bring the pistol up so it feels as if it's aimed at the target . . . and then open my eyes. Repeat this several times - see if the pistol actually is aimed where it "feels" it's aimed. The pistol ought to be pointed somewhere close to where you mentally aimed it.
Glocks, 1911s, BHPs, and a number of other pistols work well for me; many SIG, Ruger, and S&W pistols do not. YMMV.
The way I test "pointability" is to pick up the pistol and hold it at waist level while I focus my eyes on some suitably distant target; then I close my eyes, bring the pistol up so it feels as if it's aimed at the target . . . and then open my eyes. Repeat this several times - see if the pistol actually is aimed where it "feels" it's aimed. The pistol ought to be pointed somewhere close to where you mentally aimed it.
Glocks, 1911s, BHPs, and a number of other pistols work well for me; many SIG, Ruger, and S&W pistols do not. YMMV.
J-Bar
Member
Another Welcome!
I think your goals will have to be compromised. I can't think of any handgun that is perfect for target work as well as carry and home defense, although a Colt 1911 Gold Cup in .45 ACP would come close.
Since you are familiar with revolvers (Civil War era), don't ignore the modern revolvers. The 3 inch barreled Smith and Wesson K-Frame .38 Specials and .357 Magnums, and the new Ruger GP 100 Match Champion with a 4.2 inch barrel in .357 Magnum deserve a look.
I carry a 5-shot snubbie Smith and Wesson Model 60 in .38 Special. I have other guns for target work, and others still for home defense. If you don't compromise, you can buy more guns!
Good luck, and show us pictures of your decisions.
I think your goals will have to be compromised. I can't think of any handgun that is perfect for target work as well as carry and home defense, although a Colt 1911 Gold Cup in .45 ACP would come close.
Since you are familiar with revolvers (Civil War era), don't ignore the modern revolvers. The 3 inch barreled Smith and Wesson K-Frame .38 Specials and .357 Magnums, and the new Ruger GP 100 Match Champion with a 4.2 inch barrel in .357 Magnum deserve a look.
I carry a 5-shot snubbie Smith and Wesson Model 60 in .38 Special. I have other guns for target work, and others still for home defense. If you don't compromise, you can buy more guns!
Good luck, and show us pictures of your decisions.
Both of your choices have excellent reputations for reliability but they have very different trigger mechanisms. The best trigger mechanism for a self-defense handgun can be and has been debated ad nauseam, but you will need to make a decision as to what is safest in your hands.
If you are not entirely clear on the different trigger mechanisms you might want to give this thread a read: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=248556
Striker-fired trigger actions like those found on Glocks over the advantage of a consistent trigger pull with the same travel and weight for every shot. They also lack external safeties. Some people find the absence of a safety an advantage for a self-defense weapon because it eliminates the danger of forgetting to take it off in a crisis scenario. Others feel that an external safety reduces the chances of an accidental discharge. You have to decide for yourself.
A striker-fired action pistol typically has a much shorter and often somewhat lighter trigger pull than the DA (double action) trigger pull of a DA/SA pistol like the CZ P-07. This and the absence of an external safety demands absolute trigger finger discipline, i.e, you don't put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to fire. They also require extreme care in reholstering in that any foreign material that makes its way into the mouth of the holster can accidentally pull the trigger and cause an accidental discharge. This sounds easy, but there have been many negligent discharges caused by shooters putting their fingers in the trigger guard without meaning to and even without knowing that they did, and there have been more than a few NDs as a result of less than careful reholstering.
DA/SA autoloaders like the CZ will have a relatively long and heavier trigger pull for the first shot, unless you manually cock the hammer or do so by cycling the slide. The slide cocks the hammer with the first and every subsequent shot and those single action triggers pulls will be much shorter and lighter than the first. Some feel that the long and somewhat heavy DA trigger pull confers a safety advantage against a ND because it requires a more conscience effort to pull the trigger. But DA/SA autoloaders do require a shooter to master the transition from the DA trigger to the SA trigger which some find difficult.
The CZ P-07 is kind of nice because it offers an external safety if you want one. The pistol has a decocker/safety lever. As it comes stock, the lever functions as a decocker only, allowing you to safely drop the hammer if you wish to cease fire after either shooting the pistol or cocking the hammer. You can convert the decocker to a safety with a simple parts change.
So I think in your case the decision regarding the optimal manual of arms is going to be much more important than the particular gun manufacturer.
If you are not entirely clear on the different trigger mechanisms you might want to give this thread a read: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=248556
Striker-fired trigger actions like those found on Glocks over the advantage of a consistent trigger pull with the same travel and weight for every shot. They also lack external safeties. Some people find the absence of a safety an advantage for a self-defense weapon because it eliminates the danger of forgetting to take it off in a crisis scenario. Others feel that an external safety reduces the chances of an accidental discharge. You have to decide for yourself.
A striker-fired action pistol typically has a much shorter and often somewhat lighter trigger pull than the DA (double action) trigger pull of a DA/SA pistol like the CZ P-07. This and the absence of an external safety demands absolute trigger finger discipline, i.e, you don't put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to fire. They also require extreme care in reholstering in that any foreign material that makes its way into the mouth of the holster can accidentally pull the trigger and cause an accidental discharge. This sounds easy, but there have been many negligent discharges caused by shooters putting their fingers in the trigger guard without meaning to and even without knowing that they did, and there have been more than a few NDs as a result of less than careful reholstering.
DA/SA autoloaders like the CZ will have a relatively long and heavier trigger pull for the first shot, unless you manually cock the hammer or do so by cycling the slide. The slide cocks the hammer with the first and every subsequent shot and those single action triggers pulls will be much shorter and lighter than the first. Some feel that the long and somewhat heavy DA trigger pull confers a safety advantage against a ND because it requires a more conscience effort to pull the trigger. But DA/SA autoloaders do require a shooter to master the transition from the DA trigger to the SA trigger which some find difficult.
The CZ P-07 is kind of nice because it offers an external safety if you want one. The pistol has a decocker/safety lever. As it comes stock, the lever functions as a decocker only, allowing you to safely drop the hammer if you wish to cease fire after either shooting the pistol or cocking the hammer. You can convert the decocker to a safety with a simple parts change.
So I think in your case the decision regarding the optimal manual of arms is going to be much more important than the particular gun manufacturer.
BSA1
member
Welçome Derek,
When you say "open or concealed carry" you seem to be talking about two different handguns.
The first and most important (and most overlooked) thing to remember is EVERYTHING in a handgun is a COMPROMISE whether it is it's size, caliber, ammunition capacity or even if it is a revolver or semi-automatic.
When it come comes to conceal carry most people prefer a small handgun with the exception being posters on Internet discussion forums. The larger the handgun the more you will have to work at concealing it. Glocks are not a small handgun. Depending on where you live it isn't difficult to conceal it in the winter while wearing bulky clothing but it is a totally different story when summer comes and it is 90 - 100 degree outside.
Home defense and target shooting can open the door to a third or even fourth type of handgun as the requirements can be different.
Research THR and you will find volumes of discussions on the about things I have cited.
When you say "open or concealed carry" you seem to be talking about two different handguns.
The first and most important (and most overlooked) thing to remember is EVERYTHING in a handgun is a COMPROMISE whether it is it's size, caliber, ammunition capacity or even if it is a revolver or semi-automatic.
When it come comes to conceal carry most people prefer a small handgun with the exception being posters on Internet discussion forums. The larger the handgun the more you will have to work at concealing it. Glocks are not a small handgun. Depending on where you live it isn't difficult to conceal it in the winter while wearing bulky clothing but it is a totally different story when summer comes and it is 90 - 100 degree outside.
Home defense and target shooting can open the door to a third or even fourth type of handgun as the requirements can be different.
Research THR and you will find volumes of discussions on the about things I have cited.
cheygriz
member
My preference would be the Glock 17 I find it easier to shoot accurartly than the 19
cc-hangfire
Member
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Between the two you presented, the answer is: yes.
Both fine handguns, top tier manufacturers. If you consider accessories (holsters both IWB & OWB, magazines, sight upgrades, etc) the Glock 19 would probably get my vote...And I'm not really a Glock lover. (I have a CZ75 that is the sweetest range shooter among my collection/accumulation; Glocks are dependable tools.)
Both fine handguns, top tier manufacturers. If you consider accessories (holsters both IWB & OWB, magazines, sight upgrades, etc) the Glock 19 would probably get my vote...And I'm not really a Glock lover. (I have a CZ75 that is the sweetest range shooter among my collection/accumulation; Glocks are dependable tools.)
bannockburn
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- 26,297
Derek.J.
Between the two I like the ergonomics and overall handling dynamics of the CZ P07 over the Glock 19. That's just me; many others feel the other way around with the Glock feeling better in their hand over the CZ. Might also want to check out similar sized guns from Springfield Armory, S&W, and Ruger.
Between the two I like the ergonomics and overall handling dynamics of the CZ P07 over the Glock 19. That's just me; many others feel the other way around with the Glock feeling better in their hand over the CZ. Might also want to check out similar sized guns from Springfield Armory, S&W, and Ruger.
farm23
Member
My son carries a Glock 19 every day. It is concealed with a IWB holster. I carry a 1911 but my next buy will probably be a 30S. Many like the 9 but I have always carried a 45 and am too old to change. My son has fired 1000's of rounds down range and I don't he has had one misfire. You will not go wrong with any Glock. You might check their new 43 model. I do not own a Glock so I have no ax to grid but from family reports they work and the cost is reasonable.
Zaydok Allen
Member
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Plenty of thoughts on Taurus guns......... Based on first hand experience, none of them good.
Armybrat
Member
Being a Civil War hardware buff, here's something you might find interesting:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...rron+CA9062+Richards+Transition+6RD+45LC+5.5"
A Cimarron conversion in .45 long Colt.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...rron+CA9062+Richards+Transition+6RD+45LC+5.5"
A Cimarron conversion in .45 long Colt.
Range time first
Derek,
I would strongly suggest you try both at a range. The grip ergonomics of both are quite different and what fits me fine, might be awful for you.
That said, I used to carry a GLOCK 19 on duty and at the time it was introduced, it was in my opinion, the best defense gun in the world, bar none.
Since then, a lot of nice guns have come onto the market, including the new CZ pistols. Try both and maybe some others.
To me, simpler is better and the GLOCK is a simple as you can get. No decocking, no manual safety to put on or off. Just aim and shoot!
Jim
Derek,
I would strongly suggest you try both at a range. The grip ergonomics of both are quite different and what fits me fine, might be awful for you.
That said, I used to carry a GLOCK 19 on duty and at the time it was introduced, it was in my opinion, the best defense gun in the world, bar none.
Since then, a lot of nice guns have come onto the market, including the new CZ pistols. Try both and maybe some others.
To me, simpler is better and the GLOCK is a simple as you can get. No decocking, no manual safety to put on or off. Just aim and shoot!
Jim
Desertrat357
Member
I don't have any experience with CZ. But as far as dependability you can't go wrong with the Glock 19. I've had mine for about 6 months, and it is a joy to shoot.
SC Shooter
Member
I had a PT-809 and found it too large to comfortably carry. For me, it was not sized right. My current carry weapon is a sig P-938. It shoots well, and I am very comfortable carrying it once I got used to carrying it cocked & locked.
Would the pt be good for home defense? Basically, is it reliable?
SC Shooter
Member
I had several failed to ejects before I got rid of it, so I would say probably not. I only used it as a range gun, and after about 1,000 rounds, decided it was not the gun for me.
Good to know. Guess I'm waiting till I can get my first choice.
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