Stoeger Cougar 8000 vs CZ-SP-01, 9mm

[schmeky]

Have a Ruger P-95 that I simply don't like. Bought it new and try as I might, I cannot warm up to the P-95. With that said, it's time for the P-95 to go.

Was looking at a local gun shop and handled a CZ-SP-01. I already have a CZ-75. The SP felt like butter in my hands and feels even more ergonomic than my beloved 75. But, trade-in on the Ruger is $200.00. The SP was $544.00. This would leave me paying about $375.00 out the door with the SP.

Looked at a Stoeger Cougar 8000 also. It was $349.00. Trading the Ruger, I could walk out the door with the Cougar for about $163.00. The Cougar looked "good", but I would not rate the overall workmanship close to my former Beretta 92. There were some rough'ish areas on the finish, but the action felt very smooth. So, there is about $200.00 difference between the SP and the Cougar, which is a lot of ammo.

I "feel" the Cougar cannot hold a candle to the SP in accuracy (my 75 is fantastically accurate, so I expect no less from the SP).

My question is, I wonder how close the Cougar is to the SP in actual accuracy given a competent shooter?

 

[GunNut]

Sell the Ruger for $300 FTF locally, and then buy the CZ SP-01.

You can list the Ruger for sale here for free.

 

[Kymasabe]

I've owned a couple of the Cougars, one 9mm and one .40cal. I've also owned one CZ...a Rami-P. The Cougars easily out-shot the Rami. Keeping in mind we're comparing a full size gun to a compact. Don't let the Stoeger name fool you. These are Beretta's, made in turkey with Stoeger stamped on them instead of Beretta. Mine were surprisingly accurate, way better than average. More accurate than a $350 handgun should be. Nice light recoil as well. I've shot one or two other CZ's...an older 75 that I wasn't impressed with and an 85 Combat that I loved. My opinion is..the CZ P01 has an ergonomic advantage over the Cougar, together with it's excellent build quality and reputable accuracy...gives it a little advantage over the Cougar.
If you're shooting IPSC or want the absolute best accuracy you can get, go with the CZ. If you're looking for a really good range gun, home defense gun, plinking, whatever...the Cougar will do the job quite nicely and save you some $$ for ammo. Only gun I've owned more accurate than the Cougar was my Sig P226. Cougar beats my Sig P239, my current S&W 6904, the Rami, and every Taurus I've ever owned.

 

[Blarelli]

The stoeger is a quality gun, as is the SP. The Cougar, from my experience, is a decently accurate gun. I'd say a little bit more accurate than the equivalent glock.

 

[ftierson]

To me, the Cougar feels better in my hand than just about any other handgun, period...

That includes the CZ SP-01, which I've also handled.

Then again, I have pretty big hands.

I'm not a big fan of the paint that either Stoeger uses on the 'new' Cougar, or that CZ uses on the SP-01...

They both look somewhat cheap to me.

But they both are quite nice guns in every other way.

Personally, I'd probably pick the Stoeger Cougar...

After all, there is that price difference to think about too...

Forrest

 

[schmeky]

Only gun I've owned more accurate than the Cougar was my Sig P226. Cougar beats my Sig P239, my current S&W 6904, the Rami, and every Taurus I've ever owned.

Kymsabe,

Thanks, this is a great help. I highly prize accuracy. I too have a Sig 226 (9mm) and it ties with my CZ-75 for top accuarcy honors. That says a lot about the Cougar, being just a notch below the Sig in accuracy.

I really appreciate your input, as well as everyone else.

 

[BReilley]

The SP-01 is one of the best bang/buck deals out there, if you can stand the bulk and weight... it's HEAVY when loaded!

Great pistol, though. Fits my hand perfectly(your mileage may vary, etc) and points naturally.

I'd pick the CZ any day given that choice.