Ruger SR9 and CZ75; compare and contrast

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Nashoba

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Hello everybody.
A few months ago I was involved in a traffic accident that destroyed my carry firearm (a Sig 1911 :banghead:), so a I have had to spend some time saving up for a new pistol. I have decided to shift calibers to 9mm parabellum, and I have narrowed my choices down to two different platforms; the Ruger SR9 and the CZ75 (or an equalish variant like the Baby Eagle or EAA Witness). I have shot both in a limited capacity, and I am pleased with accuracy and personal fit for both pistols. I am trying to tip the scales to one side or the other to make a final decision, so I would like to hear what y'all think about the two firearms compared, especially if anyone has personal experience with either or both.
The main purpose for this firearm will be everyday concealed carry, but I will also be carrying it in the field and laying it on my nightstand at night. Any points concerned with accuracy, reliability, concealability, and parts/accessories availability are welcome and appreciated. Any opinions outside of these two firearms is welcome as well, but keep in mind that I have about a $600 budget.
Thanks!
 
I have shot many CZ pistols, and they are fantastic. I only handled the SR-9, and it didn't fit me. Personal opinion only, didn't have a chance to fire it.
 
How about a CZ 75 compact sized pistol?
I have never really felt right with a compact. I tried the SR9c and it just didn't fit right. The grip extender helped with the fit (I have big paws) but it still felt kinda awkward in it's balance. Honestly it is also an aesthetics issue for me as well. I have always carried full size pistols and I don't have much to complain about in terms of carrying them.
 
I am biased, but have had experience with the SR9 (my boss' gun) and I own a CZ 75B.

The CZ is a classic firearm for a reason. The Ruger.....an OK polymer firearm.
 
Never heard of a CZ with a mag disconnect.

Last class I taught a lady had her SR9 go down. The mag release got stuck open. Mags wouldn't stay seated after that. Her backup gun, a Ruger LC380 went down when the mag disconnect broke. She ended up finishing the class with a borrowed Glock 19.

Nothing against Ruger revolvers, but if it's Ruger semi and it's not a P series... Not trusting it.
 
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Nothing against Ruger revolvers, but if it's Ruger semi and it's not a P series... Not trusting it.

A big +1. The Ruger P90 may be one of the most underrated .45's of all time.

But, I digress......
 
In the OP, you said you've handled and shot both guns, and were pleased with both. Given that, I'd take the CZ75B, mostly based on aesthetics. What else can we look at? They're very close in price, and both have great reputations. I'd prefer to not have to remove Ruger's magazine disconnect, and I certainly wouldn't leave it in place. Scales tip to CZ for me.

Only thing I dislike about the 75B is the very short slide compared to most other autos. Less to grab onto. Not a deal breaker though - and it's the most aesthetically pleasing auto there is, as far as I'm concerned.
 
In the OP, you said you've handled and shot both guns, and were pleased with both. Given that, I'd take the CZ75B, mostly based on aesthetics. What else can we look at? They're very close in price, and both have great reputations. I'd prefer to not have to remove Ruger's magazine disconnect, and I certainly wouldn't leave it in place. Scales tip to CZ for me.

Only thing I dislike about the 75B is the very short slide compared to most other autos. Less to grab onto. Not a deal breaker though - and it's the most aesthetically pleasing auto there is, as far as I'm concerned.
Magazine availability is one big thing that I am worried about. I have been out of the loop with the whole firearms shortage/buying frenzy and I have no idea what supplies look like. When I was selling my extra magazines and parts for my old pistol it was like I was selling Jimmy Dean to starving people.
 
CZ's love Mecgar mags. Very easy to find online. And can be found for less than $20 usually.
 
test fired a ruger SR9C (not an SR9 but close). Nice little firearm. Then went to look at a CZ75 P01. Wanted a PCR or a Compact but all they had was a P01. Bought it on the spot.Amazing firearm. Solid, Accurate. Built like a tank instead of like a station wagon. Plan to add a CZ75B Stainless as soon as i can justify it.
 
First let me state that I'm not an expert shooter. But when I pull the trigger on my SR9, it hits the target. I've owned a CZ75B compact & a CZ75B. Those were solid pist
ols, & I should've kept the compact. But I like the sights and trigger better on the Ruger.
 
I have a cz75 and a sr9c. I love both. The sr9c FEELS much thinner and lighter to me and is what I would carry. I know the compact is a bit smaller than the sr9, but I dont think it's thinner than the fullsize. I shoot the sr9c very well. I have XL hands and still like how it fits me. I've shot a friend's sr9 and it didn't shoot or feel much different than my sr9c, though he has a ghost bar (forget the name exactly) installed.

Anyway, those are 2 of my favorite handguns, along with my p226 :) You can't lose with either unless you happen to get a lemon. I did my research before buying both and they have pretty good records.
 
I haven't shot the CZ, just handled it. I carry a SR9c...perfectly functional gun with a great trigger. Don't like the mag disconnect.

The CZ feels much thicker/bulkier to me.
 
I have never really felt right with a compact. I tried the SR9c and it just didn't fit right. The grip extender helped with the fit (I have big paws) but it still felt kinda awkward in it's balance. Honestly it is also an aesthetics issue for me as well. I have always carried full size pistols and I don't have much to complain about in terms of carrying them.
The "compact" CZ's like the PCR, and P-01 are actually larger than the full size SR9. They are similar in size to the Glock G19, are have alloy frames so they are also lighter than the all steel CZ's. They are the best of both worlds, IMHO, as they are large enough to shoot accurately, yet small, and light enough to easily carry and conceal.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/by-category/handguns/

The CZ's are far superior to the Rugers. Just shoot one, and you will see, and feel the difference.
 
I own a CZ75B and a Gen 4 Glock 19. I have never owned an SR9 but have fired a SR9C. I really like the CZ and it was my favorite 9MM pistol until I got the Glock. I was a Glock hater for decades but not anymore. You should really give one a try before you buy. They're in your price range.
 
I'm a big CZ fan, and have had MANY over the years. I'm also a SR9 owner, and may eventually get an SR9c. (I have an EARLY SR9, and upgraded the trigger with the Ghost kit; that doesn't seen needed with the SR9c or newer SR9 models.)

I like them both, but like the weight and size of the SR9c better than anything that CZ offers in the the "compact" or "sub-compact" range. I think the Ruger SR guns do the "Glock Thing" better than Glock does; Glock just does it with fewer pieces.

I've been thinking about a CZ P-07, too. That seems to be a nice mix of features and capabilities.

They're all great guns, and FIT is a matter that only the OP can decide. Customer service is great with either company, should you have one of those RARE problems.
 
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Like I said in my first post I have seen little difference in their accuracy. Both seem to be more accurate than I am. The feel for me is good for both pistols. The CZ feels very molded to my hand if that makes any sense. The SR9 on the other hand feels I little bit more rigid, but in a way that feels like it is secure. If anything I like the feel of the SR9 for how it kind of locks in my hand. Feels more stable. A barely noticed a difference in the two with recoil.
 
IMO the CZ 75 blows the Ruger out of the water as far as fit, finish, ergos, and trigger pull go.

Never fired either though, so take it with a grain of salt.
 
I own a CZ 75B and a CZ PCR and an SR9. All three a fine guns, but of the three the SR9 is my favorite and is what I carry when I'm carrying a full size gun.
 
Too bad you don't like the CZ 75 compacts (PCR or P-01) all I had to do was put one in my hand and I was hooked. At 3.8 inch barrel & 14 round mags it is far from a compact pistol. Mags are very available either from CZ, CZCustomshop.com or from Mec-Gar.

You need to pick the one you like the best.

Jim

This was my pick
SAM_0501.jpg
 
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