To CZ or not CZ

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

cameramonkey

Member
Joined
May 14, 2004
Messages
84
Location
Maryland - behind the Iron Curtain
I've been eyeing the CZ-75 and P-01 models because of all of the great reviews. I've shot them and I really like them. Perfect fit for my mits. I want one!
But here in Maryland, handgun prices are outrageous. A CZ-75 costs about 470 bucks for the BD model. The cheapest I've been able to find the P-01 is 500 bucks. I know, I know... I need to move. I will someday (hopefully soon).
Anyway.... Since I'm on a very limited budget, I can only afford one. I had some questions about these 2 models (the 75BD and the P-01 - yes I like the decockers):
Which one would be a better defense gun? - shoot hollowpoints more reliably, have a longer service life, be less prone to parts breakage, not have to get it tuned before trusting it for definsive work, etc. I was reading the P-01's test report and it's kinda making me lean more towards the P-01 http://www.cz-usa.com/press.releases.php?msgid=37
But I didn't know if any of you CZer's out there had any better advice. I'm really torn here about both guns (and will get both eventually), but for now, I want the one that can be trusted to sit next to my bed and help keep me safe. Thanks in advance.
 
I'd get the P-01 first.

The alloy frame and smaller size will give it the edge in a carry role. It does give up a little in capacity to the 75BD though.

I've fired both and it is a wash either way. FWIW, I own a 75B only because they didn't have a P-01 in stock. They both fit my hands very well and didn't have any functionality issues.
Hollow point type bullets are not used/allowed in the Czech Republic, so all testing is done with FMJ rounds in mind. My 75B has had no feed problems, but I have heard of the occasional one that won't feed JHP's without a little polishing. Just test the gun out before actually hiring it for defensive duties. My 75B sits in the safe most of the time, but I'd have no problem grabbing it to defend myself with.
 
Are you going to carry it? You will probably prefer the P01 if you are. Personally I would rather have a model that I could carry cocked and locked, but that is my preference. Either pistol would be a good buy, those prices are high but not outrageous.
 
I own several CZ's. A 40B (looks similar to a 1911), A 40P (P-01 alloy frame with the 40B slide), and a 75B in 40 caliber. As you ban see I like the 40 caliber round better than the 9mm. If I were you I'd save up and wait a few months. CZ is coming out with several new pistols. The SP-01 will be out soon and will be available with a thumb safety model in 9mm. They will also have a new 75 compact model like the P0-1, but in all steel with a thumb safety and I believe a decocker. Thats what I'm saving for. Check out the CZ forum for more information.
 
You are going to have to test the gun out before using it in a defensive role. Make sure it is reliable before trusting your life to it. This goes for ANY gun from the lowliest $80 Hi-Point to $5000 custom 1911's.

My 75B feeds 124 grain Gold Dots with no problem. I didn't have to polish anything. Some folks have reported the need to, but I'd lean towards it being a non-issue.
 
Ditto what Clean97GTI said. Definitely need to buy what YOU shoot best.
That being said, I like both my CZ 75BD and my P-01, but for different reasons. They are tools, and as such, are better suited for slightly different purposes.
The P-01, being alloy and smaller, is a better carry piece for me. It is also a sweet shooter.
But, I happen to feel much better knowing a pistol is all steel or stainless, especially for competition or heavy range use, so I have more piece of mind with my 75BD, which also seems to better manage recoil because of the extra weight and longer barrel length. It's for that reason that my Sig's are stainless also. I'm also a big fan of decocker pistols for liability issues, which is another reason why I love my CZ's, Sig's, and Baby Eagles so much.
However, my 75BD does not have a rail and so will not accept lasers or lights.
Of course, the debate rages on about the pros (quicker/easier defensive shooting with increased accuracy without having to bring the gun up to aim) and the cons (intruder can follow the laser beam back to the source, i.e. back to you) of lasers and ditto for night lights, but if a rail is an important part of your defensive gear and strategy, then the P-01 is the way to go.
1911Terry mentioned the SP-01, which is the steel frame version of the P-01, and that's the one gun this year for which I am definitely waiting with eager anticipation. Best of both worlds, imo.
Best prices for NIB I've found are generally from David R. at Elliots Small Arms in Loiusiana ("Donkey 21" on GunBroker.com). Might want to give him a call at (504) 833-3140 and see if he can do anything for you.
Good luck and hope you can add many CZ's to your collection and enjoy them all.
 
Very few people here don't know I am a CZ man. I carry a PO1, and love it. It is very accurate, reliable, durable, and eats everything I have stuffed it with. No burps yet, and I get fantastic accuracy. I have fired a regular CZ75, and like it, and used to own a dearly departed :( CZ75 steel Compact, also a great gun. I reccomend the PO1 for carry. Don't worry about durability - it passed the NATO trials with flying colors. If you must have 40, the new CZ75 Compact 40 will hit the streets this month - we think in both steel frame and alloy, possibly with both decocker and standard safety. Can't beat it. The SP01 will be out in May or so, a full size steel frame 9mm IDPA/duty pistol, with standard 18 round mag, which Angus, (CZ sponsored shooter), swears he knows how to trick to 19! Very cool!
Cz or not to Cz? CZ!
 
I have both the P-01 and the 75B and for some reason I shoot the P-01 slightly better. I also note a bit less recoil with the P-01, perhaps due to the heavier nose of the gun due to the light rail on the front. They both feed everything I shoved into them, so no worries there. Both great pistols, but my P-01 is right up there with my SigPro 2009 as my favorite 9mm pistol.
 
Like others on this thread I have both the 75B and P-01. Both are just superb. While I really enjoy both I have noticed that the P-01 gets carried a lot more than the 75B. Both shoot about the same. The aluminum frame contributes greatly to the comfort of carry in the P-01.

Both are very rugged, accurate and reliable. I would recommend starting off with the P-01. Incidentally, neither have had any malfunctions with hardball, hollow point, +P or +P+.
 
Dears
I am glad to hear you are satisfied with CZ gun production. I have spent more then 25 years on duty with different type of CZ guns from CZ 52 to CZ 75. I was very satisfied with CZ. Last time I was able to shot P-01 it is good gun but it is not my cup of tee. I prefer 5´´ guns and steel to shorter and alloy guns however it’s my opinion. Last CZ gun I had was CZ75 BD Police and I was very happy with. Now I would like to inform you about new gun form CZUB It is CZ 75 TS (tactical sport). IMHO it is very good gun for good price. You can see it on WWW.CZUB.CZ. All CZ guns are tested with hardball ammo. Using of JHP and such type of ammo is strongly bent. For this you have to test gun with type of ammo you would like to use.
All the best
yoky
 
Hi yoky! Nice to get the inside view!
All CZ guns are tested with hardball ammo. Using of JHP and such type of ammo is strongly bent.
Click to expand...
I realize English is not your primary language, and you do a great job with it, but could you explain this comment? Thank you very much - do you post over zt czforum.com?
 
Hi Armoredman
Sorry for my inaccurate information and wrong expression
According our gun law we can’t use for carry and for personal protection JHP ammo and such a type of ammo. We can’t use ammunition which can cause higher damage to human body. Such ammo is strongly restricted. We can use normal hardball ammo only.
Best regards
yoky
 
The only thing keeping me from a CZ is CZUSA spotty customer service. Search over at CZForum and you'll find complaints about "Mike" and CZUSA customer support. If CZUSA had a better reputation I wouldn't hesitate to buy a CZ.
 
Out of the Sigs, STI's, S&W's, Rugers, Kimbers...bla bla bla Ive had......Ive also had 20+ CZ's. They are my favorite brand and are as reliable as anything.
The Customer Service @ CZUSA is great but Mikes people skills are not the greatest, but they are getting better yet.........
Get the gun you want.........and shoot the hell out of it.
Shoot well........Eric
 
The vast majority of comments about CZ service on the CZ Forum are very good. Exceptional, even.

A few folks, with rifles, are unhappy with CZ's response to their problems.

The "notorious" Mike has "gruff" days and good days, but my personal experience with him has been very good. (I've called with questions about what I needed to do to make modifications, to get a part replaced, and to ask questions for the CZ Forum, although I didn't identify myself as a rep. of the CZ Forum.)

One of the recent complaints about CZ service came from a guy with a problem with his new rifle -- the gun didn't lock up smoothly. The owner wanted it improved, but Mike told him that if the gun functioned, it didn't need repair. (The owner was pissed, contacted CZ's home office and got action.) I suspect Mike was following company policy on this one.

Mike is a very talented gunsmith. He gets a lot of questions, and spends a lot of time on phones. At one time, members of the CZ Forum had him literally inundated with calls -- he wasn't getting much work done. (CZ asked those of us on the CZ Forum to call off the dogs, and we did, and channeled the info a different way.)

I'm sure Mike gets a lot of STUPID questions, too, and that may drive him to the "gruffness," previously mentioned. Still, he's never been anything but helpful, for me. And, of course, the customer is always right. Right?

That said, have you ever tried talking to a gunsmith at one of the other major gun makers? Were you even able to get past the receptionist? A few of the smaller companies, like Kimber will talk to you, but lotsa luck, othewise.

If CZ's "bad customer service" is the only reason someone has for not buying CZs, they've picked a bad one.

On the other hand, I can tell you some tales about customer service from some of the other gun makers -- including months to get a gun fixed by Beretta, under warranty, and they wouldn't respond to letters or phone calls about it. I'd get a computer-generated notice each month...

My experience with Ruger has been good, Kel-Tec very good, Rossi/Interarms (before they closed up shop) fair, and Taurus, very good. Some minor problems with SIG, with an order for parts getting screwed up, but stuff happens.
 
Also remember, CZ-USA has hired another gunsmith to work with Mike, and he should be completing his training sometime soon. The only place to armore qualified with CZ is at the factory....
I have dealt with Mike, Alice, Jason, and a few others at CZ-USA, and have always gotten excellent service. Try getting Taurus to honor thier guarentee, or get EAA to fix a problem! Now that's bad service!
 
I have five CZ's and have never had a problem with any of them.

I have, however, called CZ and spoken to the notorious "Mike" and asked him some questions. He was very straightforward, businesslike and to the point. His advice was spot on. I didn't felt that we really bonded as soul mates but I got exactly what I was after. That is good customer service. :neener:
 
CZ or not to CZ that is the question and the answer. :D

I carry a CZ2075Rami in 9mm. I love it and it fits me like a glove. I would like to get me a P01 as well. I would like to read the reviews on any new CZ's that come out.


Go out and buy/test your favorite CZ. :D
 
Since you said this would be a HD gun and not carried I would go with the CZ-75. As a range gun it will be heavier meaning more comfortable shooting over long sessions and you will have the higher magazine capacity.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
CZ P-01 internals
Replies
8
Views
973
PCRCCW
P
C
  • Locked
CZ question
Replies
15
Views
1K
Walt Sherrill
W
J
  • Locked
Cz Sp-01
Replies
6
Views
948
Navy87Guy
Navy87Guy
T
  • Locked
CZ 75 Compact vs. P-01 (opinion needed)
2
Replies
40
Views
2K
borntwice
B
H
  • Locked
Why does CZ not make a P-01 w/ a manual safey?
Replies
10
Views
2K
5x5
5
Back
Top