next handgun: CZ-75 or Argentine Hi-Power

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Dorrin79

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As I've stated before, I have decided to get rid of my KT P11 and Ruger P89 and get a new wundernine. My original intent was to get a CZ75 in 9mm, but a gun-nut coworker of mine pointed out that there are Argentine-made Hi-Powers built under contract with FN for cheap.

Anybody have experience with the Argentine Hi-Power? I've always been a big fan of the JMB-designed pistol, and I think I would like one a great deal. However, if the CZ is more accurate/reliable I think I will go with it, even if it is a bit more $.

Thanks!
 
If you can't score the HP (which you should try to get, I've heard the Argentine HPs are sweet for the $$), then get the CZ. The CZ would be the next best buy.
 
Both sweet pieces, but there are enough differences that should help you distinguish your preferences.

CZ75 is double-action/single action auto.
BHP is single action.

CZ75 I'm guessing would be new with a warranty.
BHP is mil surplus w/o a warranty.

BHP hi-caps are readily available, and are usually cheaper than CZ hi-caps.

Both can be carried cocked and locked.

CZ is probably about $50-$75 more expensive.
 
I have both.

My Argentinian police surplus P35 was made in Belgium, with the FN rollmark and the Argentina Crest rolled on top. The sights are crappy, because they are sooo small. However it is a slickity slick pistol, and has been exquisitely reliable and accurate.

CZs are wonderful too; pick the one that fits your hands the best.

Then get the other later.
:)
 
My vote goes for the best fit. BHPs feel horrible to me but the CZ's are pretty good. The CZ97B fits me the best but you're not shopping for a .45 ACP. You need to try them for yourself to know what works for you.
 
I have two BHPs and two CZs and think they're both great guns.

I hand load my ammo for best accuracy, and I find the BHP more accurate with hand tuned ammo. The CZ shoots well regardless of which ammo I use (including the cheap stuff from Wal-Mart).

The BHP has a very heavy trigger out of the box but breaks cleanly (after the mag disconnect has been removed.) The CZ has a grittier trigger but is very consistent where it breaks and it's easy to shoot well.

If I could only have 1, it'd probably be the CZ because of it's SA/DA action. Either way, you can't go wrong.
 
I have an Argentine HP and am very happy with it. Dead reliable right out of the box (after I got the Cosmoline off it, that is) and accurate as well. I'll eventually replace the sights; speaking kindly, they suck. Other than that it's a good gun, especially for the money.

My two cents.
 
thanks for the replies.

Sounds like the HP is good, but not perfect.

Depending on how well the CZ fits my hand, I'll probably go with it.
 
Dorrin,

I don't think you can go wrong with either. If you do get the HP, be prepared to remove that mag safety. It's supposed to help with the trigger a bit.

But go with what fits your hand the best. You'll love whichever you get!
 
I'm in the same boat, leaning towards CZ - Rittmeister and others with the Argentine BHP, what (if anything) do you plan to do about those sights? What are your options?
 
I have a cz75b and I have owned two FM hipowers. I would choose the cz over the FM's. The cz is more accurate, has a better trigger out of the box, and I like the cz finish better. The FM was good, the cz is better. Mark
 
I haven't decided about the sights. There are two schools of thought, at least in my mind: 1, I spent so little on the gun that it would be a great base for customizing, and 2 I spent so little on the gun that customizing would be dumb.

Either way, I won't be getting another HP for quite a while. I had a .45 (still have) and wanted an inexpensive 9mm just for cheaper shooting. Now I have one. Eventually I'll have a better hammer/sear and safety lever (the Argy is really small) installed and either Novak or Heinie sights dovetailed in, and probably have the slide and frame refinished. Possibly a better barrel as well. 'Till then, I'll just try to improve my shooting and have fun.

I don't know if this helps, but they're my thoughts on the matter.
 
I love the fit and function of my Argentine Hi-Power...if not the finish, which can be a bit on the cheesy side. I've had my Argentine Hi-Power for over five years now and it has never missed a beat. It is a natural pointer and shooter and I shoot it better than my G17 and HK USP9. The only drawbacks as far as I am concerned is the black painted-on finish and the three dot sights from which the white paint fell out of in short order. Still, for under $300 those are minor points in my book and easily remedied. I am very happy with it's service. :)
 
This may or may not be important to you, but you can quickly learn to completely disassemble a HP in just a few minutes. I'm not sure about the CZ, but I pefer guns I can work on myself.

Steve
 
There are several Argentine HiPowers being sold right now. There is a run of surplus guns made by FN for Argentina, surplus FMs that were made in Argentina and the later new FMs that are being imported. I have one of the FM M-95s that is actually the one that gets the most range time. It's very well built, accurate and so far, very reliable. Sights on the M-95 are as good as on my Browning Standard.
 
Well, here's another vote for the Argentine. I've had mine since either 95 or 96, and it's been a fine gun. It likes pretty much whatever I run through it, and it can be field stripped in a matter of seconds.

I'd like to look into getting one of the Detective models, though. They have a shorter barrel and slide.
 
I stopped by the local gunshow today and saw a couple Browning HPs. Pretty nice as far as finish, but what I noticed when I handled one:

The HP grip is SHORT and FAT compared to my CZ75. I like the CZ grip MUCH better.
 
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