Sig or CZ for Xmas?

[KAR120C]

I'm getting myself an autoloader for Xmas, please help me decide which one.

The situation: I want a 9mm that holds at least 14 rounds. Uses: Home defense/fun at the range (in both regards any new gun I get will be better than my SW340pd), on rare occasions I'd like to be able to carry this new gun (normally that would be the 340's job).

What I've learned so far: There are a lot of pistols out there whose ergonomics I hate. However the Sig226 and CZ75 both fit my hand really well. They are a joy to hold and dry fire, but I haven't been able to find any for rent, so that's all I can say so far. The biggest difference I see between the two is their sights. I like the standard Sig sights (that vertical white two part system, called ???). They seem like they'd be fast to use and accurate. The CZ, on the other hand, has three tiny lame pale green dots, which is a shame because the rest of the gun seems really nice. Given that I expect the gun to work for home defense I think some kind of night sights would be appropriate. I'm vaguely aware that aftermarket repalcement sights are available, but don't know any specifics, so...

topic #1 Are Sig's night sights worth while?
How difficult/costly would it be to upgrade the CZ sights?

On to the next topic. I'd always been thinking of just getting a full sized service pistol, but then a gun shop I went to had a used Sig228 for $570. This is more than the CZ, but a lot less than a new Sig, being a step down in size from the 226 I'm wondering if its improved concealability makes it a more appropriate choice for me. Some background info- I'm 6'4" 210 lbs, and have large hands. I can get all my fingers on the 228, but just barely. I live in a cold climate so I can use a covering garment most of the year, and would be willing to use a fanny pack to carry with if needed. My only experience carrying has been with my 340pd in a pocket holster, so I know nothing about carrying a 226 vs. a 228 (or the equivalent in CZ). Now I'd only plan to carry this gun rarely, and of course only I can decide which of the competing issues is more important to me, but I lack info on which to make that decision. Which brings me to...

topic #2 If I get the full size pistol, given my specifics, what are my realistic carry options? shoulder holster? is IWB still an option? Am I a fool to think I'd ever be able to carry a full size pistol?

Feel free to offer any other pertinent advice. And thank you in advance. This forum has been a great resource for me as I advance in the hobby/tool of guns.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

I went to had a used Sig228 for $570. This is more than the CZ, but a lot less than a new Sig,

on that note, it's time to find a new gun shop... you shouldn't have to pay more than 600+tax for a new base model 228...prices may vary round' your way, but damn...

if you can find an ffl that will order it for you, cdnn has used 228's with 3 13rnd mags for 369, add 10 for night sights...


when considering a new gun for carry, i think you have to really grow into a new rig... it's really a matter of trial and error until you have an idea of what is comfortable to you... im sure everyone here went through several guns, and a bunch of different holster styles until "it was right"...

i have no experience with cz pistols, but i have plenty with the sig models in question, and i now of a select few people that aren't comfortable with them... in the end it's all about what works with you... all you can do is try it out, if it don't work, sell it and move on to something new...

 

[macavada]

www.cdnninvestments.com

They carry several SIG trade-ins that may be more affordable. You can download their catalog to see what they have.

Luck!

 

[XLMiguel]

BTW, Mecgar makes 15 rnd mags for the 228, FWIW (Mecgar is an OEM supplier to Sig and others). I have both the 228 & 226, the 228 is more concealable, and IMO, shoots just as well as the 226. I also have CZ 75D-PCR, and again, IMO it is the equal of the 228 in every way except price

Frankly, I don't think you can go wrong with either one, both make great guns, but you will find more accessories available for he Sigs.

 

[45R]

Buy the Sig. Once you go Sig you never go back. There are alot of LEO trade ins as well as factory refurbs that you can find for under 500 dollars. You wont be disappointed with a Sig. I had one CZ and now have 4 Sigs.

 

[Tom Servo]

I agree: find another shop.

If you can find a 228 at a good price, I highly recommend it. Most accurate gun I've ever owned. Shoots just as well as the 226.

However, I can't knock the CZ, either. Both choices are utterly sound. Go with your gut.

 

[sfhogman]

Concerning sights, contact
http://www.cz-usa.com/
I believe one can order a pistol with self-illuminated sights or target sights.
Hope this helps.

 

[wardog]

Both are great. On value the CZ has it. But there's just something about SIG's.

For your purposes I'd recommend the P228. Alloy frame and compact dimensions lend itself to concealed carry. (Although CZ has alloy framed compacts as well.) Find an FFL who will order it from CDNN for you.

 

[edefonzo]

Cz 75b

The CZ 75B is a great choice for its reliability, great service accuracy, good trigger feel when broken in, and it fits the hand perfectly. There are reasonabley priced 15 and 16 round mags out there from Mec-Gar, one of the makers of OEM magazines for CZ as well as SIG. Plus, it looks good. Add a pair of rubber factory grips to replace the plastic and it's perfect. Add a set of Hakan's wood grips and it's a thing of beauty. The price will always be lower than a SIG, but it's performance won't be.

 

[Michael_2112]

You really can't go wrong with either choice. Both are fantastic pistols.

I'm a little biased I guess, but I love the CZ.

As for carry options, IWB works pretty well for full size service pistols.

I also concur, find a better shop....price seems kinda high for a used 228.

Also, might want to consider the CZ 75b, because you can always get a kadet kit later on. A .22 conversion makes for a whole lot of cheap fun at the range. Plus, you can probably get the 75b and the Kadet conversion kit for the price of a new Sig.

Mike

 

[cratz2]

I agree with those that say they are both great guns... However... is the 226 and the CZ75 really equally comfortable in your hand? I've had nothing but excellent experience with SIGs but I just have never found any of them comfortable. On the other hand, the CZ75s are the most comfortable guns I've ever held.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

As you can see, we aren't going to answer this for you. You've selected two of the nicest metal-framed 9mm autoloaders on the market. I went with the CZ75B. You'll have to decide this one for yourself.

 

[Red Tornado]

L-Boy's right, you'll never get a definitive answer here. They're both great, I got a Sig, however you're not me, use your gut. Why didn't you ask us something easy, like 'what's the best pistol round'?

I bet you'll love either one.
RT

 

[Black Majik]

Of the two, go for the Sig. IMO the P228 isn't that much different than the full size P226. IMO, the P228 doesn't even look like a compact size gun. That thing is still huge.

As for CCW, the Sig is thick while the CZ is on the thin side. Only way, IMO to carry a Sig would be to use a OWB pancake style holster.

As for shooting, range gun... both will be fine but I'd much prefer to shoot the Sig.

Good luck, I'd go for the Sig if I was in your position.

 

[QB]

I have P226 Sport Stock, P228 Hi Viz, and CZ 75 P-01.

All of my SIGS and CZs (I have more than the above listed ones) are great guns. I have received unsurpassed customer service from BOTH SIG and CZ-USA.

Last year I had more SIGs than CZs but I now have more CZs than SIGS. Something about the CZs that just fit my hand and balance/point nicely.

It's a difficult decision to make but I really really like the size and feel of the CZ75 P-01 (or PCR). There are 14 round factory P-01 mags and of course the 15-16 round fullsize CZ mags will work although they are not flush.

The CZ standard sights are not my preferred sights but I plan on putting Mepro nightsights on one of my P-01s anyway.

I'd say bottom line is the way the gun fits and balances in your hard and how well you shoot it......I'd really try again to find a store that has them to rent if at all possible since it's a very important decision to make (I know you said you can't find any but.....?).

I purchased my SIG 228 HiViz for $560 NIB......it may be a different market in MN but the $570 price seems too high. If trying to decide between a P226 and P228.....gee...I don't know....I guess I'd go with the p228. When comparing it to my P226 Sport Stock it seems to be considerably more compact but then again the Sport Stock is a stainless steel gun with target sights, extended controls, etc and so it's not quite like a regular P226.

Good luck in your decision........they're all fine guns in my opinion.

 

[robertbank]

CZ vs Sig

UMMMMMM! Well for value as a number of people have pointed out you just can't beat the CZ on price. If going that route I would go with the CZ85 Combat with ambi safety etc.

I have an early CZ85 with the built in adjustables. NIce sights but not the best for picking up in a hurray. Sigs are great guns but are they big.

If you are bent on a 9MM this may not what you want to hear but I just got a Trojan 9MM in the 1911 format. There just isn't a btter trigger than a well tuned 1911 and the Trojan is well tuned. With the thin grips it is easily concealed and man is it accurate. Mags are only 9 rounds but hey if you need more than 9 you ought to have a bible with you as well!

Have a Merry Christmas, Santa has all three guns and I am sure you will enjoy whichever he leaves.


Bob

 

[armoredman]

CZ is the best deal on the market today - my PO1 is outstanding. I have shot many SiGs as well, and they are very good pistols as well, and I would love to own a P220 someday. All said and done, the PO1 fits me like a custom made glove, and it is my everyday all day pistol.

 

[VG]

My experience owning (and trying to sell) a CZ was not the same as some others here.

The SIG P220 I've had for a few years is superb - accurate and handy.

As most assaults occur in low light (70-80%, according to Sigarms Academy) night sights are indeed worth it if you're serious about owning a pistol to defend your family.

 

[Pointman1776]

Ditto what QB said.

I absolutely love my CZ 75BD and CZ P-01 (and other CZ's), but I can do things with my Sig P226ST, P220ST, P228, and P229R-DAK (newest family member) that I can't seem to match with my CZ's.

Either way, you can't go wrong. Tens of thousands of military personnel, police officers, and goverment agency employees worldwide trust both guns every day with their lives.

Bottom line - buy what you shoot best. Maybe buy one, and if not fully satisfied, sell it and buy the other.

 

[Hammer-Ed]

I agree with what everyone says here including the part about how you won't get a definitive answer from this group. That is a direct result of both the Sig and the CZ being awesome, quality weapons.

I own the 75B and just love the feel and pointability of the rascal. I did touch up the lame sight dots with a little super bright white sight paint. That cost me about $4.99 and makes a world of difference to my old eyes.

I've had the pistol about a month and have shot 5 or 6 different manufacturer's types and weights through it, approx 500 rounds. It's accurate as heck (more so than I) and has never failed to feed or eject with FMJ or JHP's. Likes the Winchester and the Lawmen ammo the best.

On GunBroker.com the NIB, nickle plated CZ was $399 plus $20 for shipping and $20 for transfer. Best autopistol for the money, in my book.

I have also just ordered a IWB holster from Andrews Leather for the thing and can't wait for it to get here as I'm taking a CCW class and the CZ will be my carry pistol.

 

[Ky Larry]

KAR120C, I love my CZ's and have nothing but good things to say about them. However, I also own a SIG PRO 2040. It's great,too. I paid $400.00 for it last year,NIB, OTD. SIG or CZ, you won't go wrong. Good luck.

 

[ccw007]

I have never shot a Sig, but the CZ 75 is a great gun. I got mine in Feb and have since put 5000+ (Stopped counting) rounds through it without failure. I replaced the sights on mine with a set of PT night sights. I carry mine in Milt Sparks VM2. I have found that when shooting the CZ75 the goal to hit the bull's eye is to easy. I try to shoot all of the bull's eye out.