SIG 229 or CZ-75B

[Cliff47]

The CZ75 is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the shooting fraternity, but the word is getting out. CZ's used to be available NIB for under $400, now you are looking at least $100 if not more on top of that, not that I am complaining. The CZ75 was designed for the export market to get some hard currency into the Czech Republic. The first one I picked up gave me the 'OH YEAH, this fits like a glove' reaction.

SIG has a reputation that is well deserved, and earned. I personally think they are over-priced, but excellent weapons. Every SIG I have picked up has felt a bit on the chunky side to my hand, not awkward.

 

[sixgunner455]

The CZ75 is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the shooting fraternity ... The first one I picked up gave me the 'OH YEAH, this fits like a glove' reaction.

+1. I'm very impressed with the internal design of the Sig, and I was going to get one, until I handled a CZ, and I was done for buying the Sig.

 

[chaim]

I own a CZ 75B, SIG 229 (in .40) and a 9mm SIG 226. I used to own a CZ 40B. My best friend has a CZ 85Combat (which I have shot fairly often). So, I know a little about both.

All else being equal, I'd buy a SIG over a CZ any day.

Reliability goes to SIG hands down.

My CZ 75B has been mostly reliable, but I have had some bobbles over the years (about one every 500-1000 rounds so not terrible). Overall it is decently reliable, but my friend's 85 Combat has been fairly bad and another friend (an online pen pal) had a ton of trouble with two CZ 75B's (CZ couldn't fix the first one and replaced it and they never got the second one right either but it was OK- just not good enough for him to trust as anything more serious than a range gun). My CZ 40B was a reliable gun. So, of the 5 guns I know 2 CZs were good (one with some problems, but reliable enough for HD/CCW if needed), 1 has been junk (replaced by CZ) and 2 were OK to trouble (but not enough to return it). I don't rate CZs as unreliable because my personal experience is decent, and there are plenty of positive reports online, but it isn't hard to find reports of trouble either.

My SIG 226 did have a few problems when I first got it, but it was quickly fixed and has been 100% for most of the time I've owned it. I chalk the issues up to my learning curve. It does not like running dry- I simply switched from a VERY light coat of oil to a heavier coat of oil or a light coat of grease and have had 0 problems since. I bought my SIG 229 after I knew better and I've never run it dry and it has been 100%.

Fit and finish, the SIG has it all over the CZ. If you look at the machining work inside the guns it is night and day. Outside, the CZ looks good.

Feel...there is a subjective difference in feel between an OK to good gun (CZ) and a great gun (SIG). Hold them, pull the trigger (when they have the same manual of arms), take them apart if you are allowed to by the store, etc.

Ergonomics...this is very subjective so you will have to hold both and see which you prefer. The CZ may have it over the SIG, but I actually like the way my SIGs feel.

Accuracy...both are good. It is hard for me to tell which is better, I shoot the CZ a little better (and not by much). But then, I have well over 10K rounds through my CZ and only 1000-2000 out of each of my SIGs so I am just a bit more experienced with the CZ.

Looks..CZ all the way, but if that is your main criteria go with a Browning or FN HP, it will be a quality gun that looks great (much better than either the CZ or SIG).

Costs...Obviously the CZ is less, but not to the degree it used to be. CPO SIGs may not be much more than a CZ (of course, that is a used but factory reconditioned gun v. a new gun). If you can't quite afford the SIG and don't want a CPO then get the CZ. They are decent guns so you won't be going wrong. If you are comfortable with the price of a SIG (or don't mind a CPO) then get the SIG.

All that said, if you see some of my other threads you'll see that I'm probably selling my 226 and keeping my CZ, but don't read too much into it. I've had the CZ a long time and at times it has been one of my favorite guns, so even though I like the 226 more right now I don't want to give up an old workhorse. Also, the 226 will net me a lot more money as it is worth much more money. Last, if I sell the CZ I have no CZ (and I do like the platform) and I'm not sure I'll be buying any more CZs while if I sell the 226 I still have the 229 and I will be buying more SIGs in the future (including possibly a 226 in .40S&W).

 

[chaim]

BTW- why the 229 v. the CZ 75B. As others have said, the 229 is a compact auto, just under the size of a full-sized service pistol while the CZ 75B is a full-sized service pistol. A closer comparison would be the CZ 75B v. SIG 226 or a CZ PCR, P01 or 75 Compact v. the SIG 229 or 239.

Since the 229 isn't quite full service pistol size and the CZ 75B is, you may be more accurate with the CZ (longer sight radius). However, apples to apples comparisons (like the 229 v. a compact CZ, or 226 v. 75B) and it won't be as big a difference. Still, there isn't that big a difference between the accuracy of my full-sized 75B and my compact 229.

 

[retrieverman]

I don't own either gun but have had a P228 for 12 years and thousands of rounds without a hiccup. In my CHL renewal in February (where I qualified for the third time with my Sig), there was a man with a CZ 75 that he had just bought the morning of the class, and it looked like a fine gun. On his very first shot during qualification, the slide "jammed" back and wouldn't unlock. The instructor tried everything he knew to fix it but couldn't, so the guy had to qualify with a backup pistol that he had fortunately brought.

That is all I know about the CZ 75, but I wasn't impressed. I am sure there are similar stories about Sigs, but I have never been present when one occurred.

 

[CPshooter]

As soon as I saw the title to this thread, I knew it would be crawling with CZ fanatics talking that smack 'bout Sig... surprise surprise

With that being said, both are top-notch guns. Both are built like tanks, and both more than likely would be 100% reliable out of the box and give you no real problems for many many shots.

I prefer the P229/P226. The ergos, aesthetics, and DA/SA trigger are better than the CZs IMO. I always thought CZs were butt-ugly except for MAYBE the P-01. Price does, however, favor CZ. I always ignored that part of gun buying though... unless you NEED your first CCW and are on a budget, there's no reason to be buying another gun in the first place if you can't afford the one you really want. If that's the case, you should be saving your money for rent, mortgage, tuition, car payments, etc.

 

[sniper350]

Built like a tank you say ........well yes, the CZ 75 certainly is. It's radial locking barrel with its upper locking lugs sure fits the description. Looks just like the 1911 design....doesn't it.

Why pay more for quality ?? ........the CZ is the best buy out there. No I am not a CZ fanatic I enjoy the 1911's much more, but do own both the P-226 and CZ 75B in 9mm. I wouldn't carry either one [ I carry a 5" 1911 ] ......but as a house gun, the CZ takes the prize. Fits the wife's hand much better.

I do agree that CZ's often need some tuning out of the box to get them extracting right. I usually replace the factory extractor spring with the Wolff extra power one and that solves the problem.

JF.

 

[Mr Kablammo]

Between the P226 and CZ 75, I would recommend the CZ 75 SA. The trigger and ergonomics are better, the cost is less. There is not much difference in quality where it counts-putting the bullets in the smallest possible group. I think that holds for the P228 as well. Your'e really gonna like that CZ.

 

[GaryArkansas]

CZ 75. Lower bore axis makes for a pistol that's more "point and shoot."

I also prefer the CZ's balance. I find the SIG to be a bit muzzle heavy for my taste. A fine gun, but not for the things that I consider important.

I find the CZ 75 P-01 (a CZ 75 variant) to be remarkably similar to the SIG in terms of balance. Has anyone else found this to be true as well?

A question for you Siggies - Are there any SIGs that are NSN'd?

 

[briang2ad]

CZ...

But look for one you can handle first and check out the trigger. If it is good, take it. I have been reading that SIGs have SOME reliability problems these days - seemingly not less than CZs. The CZ is a VERY well balanced, aesthetically pleasing, very reliable 9mm. The P01 is almost trouble free OTB. Most issues are easily fixed - extractor spring, ramp polishing, or a little shooting.

'Duty sized' - go with a 75B
Compact - PCR or P01.

They most likely will feel slimmer in your hand also.

Here is another reason: CZs are cool. Everyone has a Glock or a SIG - almost everyone...

 

[RNB65]

I've owned a Sig 228 and a CZ SP01. Both are excellent and completely reliable. The Sig will have the better trigger, but the CZ will cost quite a bit less. You can buy 2 CZ 75's for only a bit more than the price of a Sig. Handle/shoot both and see which one feels better in your hand.

 

[schmeky]

I totaled up the score and so far it's:

CZ - 16

Sig - 5

You can' go wrong with either one.