Ruger & CZ Initial Observations

[schmeky]

I have a Pre-B CZ-75, 9mm, and I recently received a NIB Ruger P-93DAO, 9mm. I have shot the CZ a fair amount, the Ruger is still a virgin.

After comparing these 2 side by side I felt compelled to post my observations. The Ruger is very robust and gives the impression of being sturdy. Take down of the P-93DAO is also very easy and straightforward. Sights are good, but the DAO trigger pull "stacks" noticeably in the last 10% of the trigger pull. It is difficult to pull the DAO trigger until sear release and keep the sights precisely on target without sight movement at the moment of hammer fall. The Ruger is not fitted as "precisely", by this I mean the slide to frame alignment as viewed from the muzzle (slide is biased towards one side of the frame) and the slide can be wiggled on the frame to a degree, which for a "combat" pistol is fine.

I only paid $295.00 for the Ruger NIB OTD with 2 mags, a great deal. I plan to do a shooting comparison of these 2 pistols in the future and I want to include the following in a shoot off in a 4 gun comparison:

Glock 17 (already have one)
CZ-75 (already have one)
Ruger P93 (Just got one)
Sig 226 (Plan to get one by years end)

At this point the CZ is a much better fitted pistol when compared to the Ruger. The slide to frame fit on the CZ is very tight, the DA trigger pull on the CZ is longer than the Ruger, but does not "stack" as much as the Ruger. I can see clearly why the Ruger costs less than the CZ. This is not to imply the Ruger is no less reliable, but the CZ from a mechanical stand point, is in a different class than the Ruger.

For those that own a Ruger "P" series 9, as well as a CZ-75, I welcome your comments.

 

[yodar]

Ruger vs CZ 75

There is no comparison. Ruger is a mass produced firearm. The CZ 75 was built by craftsmen, not factory workers.

I like my RUGER P-95. It fills a niche. I would use it as my home defense gun. It is has some bulk, has a good feel in the dark, is reliable and functions well on ANY thing I feed it, including all my cast bullet handloads

But when I want to fondle a pistol and shoot accurately and seriously, acknowledging an exquisite trigger, I choose my CZ 75.

But for personal hand carry, I like my slim CZ 52 which (if you saw Robby Coltrane's character in GOLDENEYE blast the upholstery away from James Bond's
nether regions) is a loudenboomer mit spitzensparken which will go thru a car door and scare the snot out of anybody threatening me.

 

[CZguy]

I agree with you assessment. I currently own several CZs and have owned Rugers in the past.

There are better guns than CZs out there. But not for the price. In my view, they are the best value going right now.

 

[atblis]

Well

I don't know about the CZs being made by craftsman. They are most definitely a mass produced factory firearm. I would consider something along the lines of the Swede M96 to be the work of craftsmen.

 

[weregunner]

Shoot what you like and works best for you.I own 3 Ruger P series pistols.True,the P95DCs are different than the CZs,but then there are a lot of subjective ares we're talking about here.My Rugers,including the P97DC are DA/SA models.Getting used to the trigger transition from DA to SA takes practice and dedication.Yet my pistols triggers are smooth with no stacking.They all get 2.5in groups at 25 yards and that is all I need for social purposes.Target pistols there not.That's what the Ruger 22 is for.In other words,each copy of Ruger or CZ will shoot groupings that will suffice for combat shooting.Neither wins or looses in the accuracy department.Fit and finish?Mr. Ruger knew his designs would see hard use and abuse.They are not designed for aesthetic looks.These are working mens guns. A lot of what I am saying you might be able to say the same thing about CZs in truth.My daughter purchased a C85 because it fits her and is going to see hard use .So,we can argue semantics and pick each type apart and scrutinize but general statements are subjective at best.Believe me when I say that I tried hard to get her to buy a Ruger.After trying every and I mean every make, model and size of pistol, CZ was what worked for her.And I am happy for her.No hard feelings here on that subject.So guys, feel free to criticize each others brand. Not me.Oh yesss.CZs are massed produced.Every gun manufacturer has a custom shop or target model.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I have 2 Rugers (KP89D and KP93) and three CZ's (CZ 75BD, CZ SP-01 and CZ 97B). They are both excellent manufacturers. I think overall I would give the nod to CZ -- although Ruger isn't far behind. One shortfall, though, is the lack of aftermarket accessories for Rugers (sights, holsters, trigger kits, etc.) From a reliability standpoint, I think both brands are on solid ground.

I did chuckle to myself, though -- I never would have called the Ruger's takedown "easy and straight forward". Ask anyone who forgot to play around inside the magwell -- or can't figure out why the slide won't lock back when you finish reassembling it! It's not a big deal once you learn the trick, but it's certainly unlike any other pistol I've ever field stripped!

I think you've made two fine choices. The Ruger is an underadvertised value in shooting...my wife uses the KP93 as her gun -- she likes (and shoots) it better than anything else I own.

We'll be looking forward to hearing your side-by-side comparisons!

Jim

 

[Juna]

I did a side by side comparison of a CZ 75B and a Ruger KP-89D at the range a while back. I agree that both are great, reliable pistols that will feed anything, in my experience.

A Ruger is a great value and will never fail you. You could practically load rocks instead of bullets on top of your casings, and it probably still would feed and fire, LOL. Plus, it's American made, which is always a big plus. The Ruger felt solid & reliable, but big & blocky. It was more than accurate enough for self defense.

The CZ wins in terms of ergonomics, accuracy, fit & finish, appearance, and accessories, IMHO. It was more accurate, smoother to shoot, easier & more comfortable to hold, and just more fun, IMO. The grip fits like a glove with the CZ rubber grips on. For about the same price as a new Ruger, you can get a barely used CZ 75B, which I think is a step up. Plus, you can always get the Kadet .22LR conversion kit and get dirt cheap range practice with the same frame & trigger that you use for self defense or whatever else. You can't beat that.

IMO, the CZ 75 is the best value in terms of bang for buck on the market today. That is changing, however, as the prices continue to climb because more and more people are discovering them.

... Just my $.02 from my head to head comparison.

P.S. My wife loves the CZ better, too.

 

[schmeky]

Juna,

Ironically, I just received my CZ Kadet .22 kit s few days ago. Man this thing is sweet. The Kadet slide assembly fits as tight as the CZ-75, 9mm top-end. Fired a few mags through the Kadet and it's an accurate "cream puff" to shoot.

Talk about a win-win, 9mm ammo is relatively cheap combined with inexpensive .22 ammo, how can you loose?

I am bidding on a Sig P-226 and if the stars align just right, may have one by months end. I think it would be great fun to have an informal "shoot-out".

A CZ, Glock, Ruger, Sig head to head would be lots of fun.