Question on semiauto action types!

[jhc5]

Thinking about my first semiauto. I plan on using the gun for paper, for a nightstand gun, and maybe for trying to get into competitive shooting down the road.

I am thinking about one of the CZ 75b's (either BD, SA, or regular). I ran into some confusion when thinking about the pro's and con's of each action type. I will likely not carry this gun, because of its size. Here is my laundry list of questions:

1. What functionality is it that leads you to buy a decocker model? Is it just safer to lower the hammer?

2. What functionality is it that leads you to buy the regular model (manual safety) versus the decocker model?In other words, why do you choose regular manual safety versus the decocker?

3. What functionality is it that leads you to buy the SAO model? Is this basically the same function as a 1911? You'd have to carry cockednlocked or hammer down? I'm tempted this way by the possiblity of a better trigger overall; is this the case?


Hope you guys can help educate me. Thanks!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I have a PCR, an alloy-framed compact with a decocker. I like this system for two reasons. One, when the hammer is lowered by use of the decocker, the hammer sits at and starts its stroke from approximately one-third cock. This reduces the trigger reach and double-action stroke. Two, the decocking lever is well placed on the frame and lowers the hammer in a controlled manner. The 75Bs I've handled have the thumb safety a little too far forward and flat to the frame for my thumbs. I would be quite happy with a 75BD, I think.

 

[BlindJustice]

I own a 75B - I have no problem lowering the hammer manually to the "safety Notch" as it is called by CZ. This is the "One Third Cock" that
TLH refers to. I like having the option of the thumb safety because I come
from a long experience with the 1911. If I am at the range or in the field and
want to pause for the next shot,I can employ the thumb safety until it is time for the next shot. In this way the next shot would be SA which I find in reactive or slow fire more accurate than DA. I do drop the hammer manually for carry. Too heavy for carry? my CZ 75B when loaded fully is about the same as a fully loaded full size 1911 - .45 ACP.

my method for manually dropping the hammer.
* place Left index finger outer most joint against the
cocked hammer with your palm facing toward the rear
of the gun.
* Pull trigger, releasing hammer and as your Left index finger
allows the hammer forward - get the trigger finger off the trigger
then allow the hammer down to the safety notch

It would be a very bad idea to carry a semi-auto in COndition Two
that is with the hammer down and a round chambered, although the
75B designation does mean it has a firing pin block that SHOULD block
the trigger from striking the firing pin if un cocked AND the trigger is not
depressed. I also have a 1911, the S&W and it has a firing pin block
system as well but I would never carry it with the hammer down and a
round chambered FWIW.

I guess the SA model has a better SA pull but it disables the DA feature
and that is a desireable feature to me. The DA/SA 75B or BD can also have
a trigger job to improve trigger pull but I find the stock setup fine for a service pistol.

Randall

 

[bluetopper]

For paper punching and any kind of competitive shooting the 1911 is the way to go.
Just my opinion, but I feel the masses will agree.

 

[TheVirginian]

Go SAO. If you carry or store for HD, I'd either not chamber a round or leave it cocked and safety on, depending upon your situation. I used to have my Hi-Power chambered with safety on for all purposes when I lived alone. I keep my CZ clone unchambered now that I am with family. Once the slide is drawn, it's SAO all the way...
-Bill

 

[jhc5]

So the trigger pull on a SAO is better than than the pull on a DA/SA in single action mode?

I think I like the SAO option for my intended purposes. I am not going to carry this gun, and I think I can handle racking the slide.

I'm hoping to be able to find the SAO CZ75bSA to try it out, but its unlikely any store is going to have one for rent.

Any other SAO steel guns that you guys would recommend for under 600? I'm partial to 9mm, because of price (and yes I know its not manstopper that 45 is)