Tuned Browning Hi Power vs CZ SP-01 Shadow

[sbmohr75]

Hi all,

I recently was able to nab a NIB Mark III Browning Hi Power on gunbroker for $550. I really love the feel of the pistol, how it points, and its balance. However, it definitely needs work to get it where I want it to be. I did remove the mag safety, but the trigger still sucks. I also would like to install some Heinie slant pro night sights, but because the slide has to be milled, the installation + the sights is pretty expensive (~$250).

However, during my last range session, I got the chance to shoot a CZ SP-01 tactical. I really liked it. The only drawback IMO is that it is a bit heavy. Since then I've been considering selling my BHP and using the money from the sale and what I was going to spend on tuning the BHP for buying a souped up SP-01. Something along the lines of this (leaning a little more toward0 the shadow due to the lack of a firing pin block):

http://czcustom.com/CZ-75-SP01-SHADOW-PolyCoat-9mm.aspx

or,

http://czcustom.com/shadowtarget.aspx


Since I got my Mark III at such a good price, I am sure I can get most, if not all of the money back that I paid for it. So, I would like your opinions on which pistol to go with. I live in Phoenix, AZ , so there are a lot of good smiths around for both guns. The purpose of the gun will be range, home defense, and possibly competition (I already have a 9mm EMP for CCW). Based on my calculations, the total cost of the Hi power and the work I would want done would be equal or a little higher than the cost of the CZ with the options I want. So, which would you choose? Thanks! This is literally keeping me up at night!

 

[Walt Sherrill]

It's really a PERSONAL CHOICE -- and one that ONLY you can make.

Some folks will tell you that the BHP is the epitome of SA handguns, and they are good. Most of those folks may not have shot a tuned CZ.

Since you've already shot one and liked it, I'd be looking at the CZ Custom Shop if I were you -- nobody does CZs better...

They're both good guns. I've got several CZs and have an older T-series BHP.

 

[kamagong]

Both are fine pistols, but if it were me I'd go with the BHP tuned by a good smith. I'm not a big fan of the long trigger pulls on CZs.

 

[Jim Watson]

Either will be a fine general purpose centerfire plinker or self defense weapon, but if you are looking at competition, the various CZs outnumber Brownings about 999 to 1. Or more.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

The LONG trigger pull of the CZ is an issue ONLY if you are starting from hammer down for a DA first shot. If you carry cocked and locked (as with the BHP), the trigger pull isn't greatly different -- a bit longer, but not uncomfortably so. And most of the take-up can be adjusted out on a dedicated SA model.

 

[armoredman]

Anything that comes out of Angus' shop, CZ Custom, is going to be incredible. I have had the chance to handle several of pistols they have done trigger jobs on, and they are incredible.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

umm......that's a hard one but if I had 1200 to spend on a sp-01 I think I would buy a stock model and send it off to schmeky at Cajun gun works he has some amazing parts that cz custom does not offer at this time and they are at a good price, you would also be able to customize the guns to fit your needs closer. As mentioned above the DA pull is a little long stock but CGW has two reach reduction kits to help with that and he offers a extended firing pin with a 12 or 12.5 and 8.5 hammer springs which I have in my cz and it makes for an amazing trigger pull and I have had nothing but A+ experience with him.

Here's a link to the site, tho I don't think everything he offers is up there yet you would have to email him or check the CZ forum.

http://www.cajungunworks.com/

Also the shadow target looks like a really nice pistol and if you didn't want to send one to get worked on that's probably the route I would go.

 

[jmr40]

I've owned and shot several CZ's and have never been impressed. The Browning HP's I've owned and shot were far better.

 

[sbmohr75]

i appreciate all the responses.

 

[railroader]

I haven't owned a browning highpower but I have owned a few FM and an arcus highpower. I have also owned a few cz pistols. I personally shoot cz pistols better. I currently have the sp0-1 shadow and I also have tricked out 75sa. I just recently converted the shadow to single action only so the trigger is like a nice 1911 trigger. Both the sp-01 shadow and the 75sa shoot really well but I think the 75sa handles a little better because it isn't as heavy in the front. Since you are interested in a sp-01 shadow there also is a short dust cover SAO version of the shadow at CZ custom for about $100 more. That gun should have all the shooting characteristics of my 75sa right out of the box. Here's the gun I'm talking about. They have the wrong picture on their site by the way. http://czcustom.com/cz75shadowsablk.aspx If you decide to order this shadow make sure that it has the trigger that has adjustment for pretravel and overtravel.

 

[Mr.Blue]

The SP-01 in a heartbeat. That extra weight up front makes muzzle rise almost nonexistent. BTW, the factory mags fit 19 rounds, not the 18 they say.

Personally, I would try to keep both guns.

Good luck.

 

[rellascout]

I will give you $500 + Shipping for the BHP... Seriously!

 

[David E]

What kind of competition?

If USPSA, then the "best" division for the BHP is Limited Ten, but you'll score minor (presuming it's 9mm) when everyone else is scoring major. The last time I saw a BHP in Competition was in the 80's

The CZ is very well represented in Production division.

If IDPA, then the BHP is right at home in the ESP division, as is the CZ. But the CZ could also be used in SSP division.

If the long trigger reach of the CZ with hammer fully down doesn't bother you, then it would be the more versatile of the two for your stated purposes.

 

[Mikey Idaho]

Both are great guns in their own right with their own fanbases. Tons of personal preference involved. If I were in Arizona i'd make the decision easy for you and buy the BHP lol.

 

[priler]

tough call assuming you had no preference,both are able to meet your expectations. i'd go for the one that felt and pointed better for you.

me,i'd go the cz route,..and i wouldn't even have a problem with the DA pull,not with all the cz custom work and parts.

the BHP doesn't feel overly big in the hand and it's nice and slim on top and a little taller above the hand but i really love the way a cz feels and with the models your looking at,i much prefer that beaver-tail. i don't know why cz just doesn't go for this beaver-tail on all the models.

anyway,with the cz you have a bit more options,choices and it's a bit more customizable.

 

[sbmohr75]

tough call assuming you had no preference,both are able to meet your expectations. i'd go for the one that felt and pointed better for you.

me,i'd go the cz route,..and i wouldn't even have a problem with the DA pull,not with all the cz custom work and parts.

the BHP doesn't feel overly big in the hand and it's nice and slim on top and a little taller above the hand but i really love the way a cz feels and with the models your looking at,i much prefer that beaver-tail. i don't know why cz just doesn't go for this beaver-tail on all the models.

anyway,with the cz you have a bit more options,choices and it's a bit more customizable.

^^^The beaver tail is one thing that I really like about the SP-01. While I like the balance of the BHP and the way it sits in my hand a little better than the CZ, the corner of the tail at the back of the BHP really digs into the web of my hand. However, welding a beaver tail onto a BHP runs about $250, requires re-finishing, and requires going without your pistol for several weeks to months.

 

[Orion8472]

I have a tuned SP-01. The trigger is actually a bit 1911-ish. Had it changed over to a SA trigger, removed the firing pin block, set screws on the trigger for travel and stop, and about a 2-3 lb. pull. Having said that, a GOOD trigger job on a High Power can also produce a great trigger feel.

 

[Bozwell]

I have a tuned shadow and I can't say enough good things about this gun. Every person who has shot it has given it rave reviews and a few have just outright bought one for themselves. I have other CZs I enjoy but the tuned shadow is in a league of it's own. Cz Custom did mine and did a great job. Schmeky (David) mentioned in an earlier post is a great option too. If you get a shadow, I do not foresee you being disappointed.

 

[EAJ]

Very pleased with my CZ 75 SP-01 Custom Shop, but have always wanted a Browning HP.

 

[sbmohr75]

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I took my BHP to the shop today and was able to do a side by side comparison of my BHP and the SP-01 shadow and target.

I am definitely going to keep my BHP and get it tuned. Nothing wrong with the CZ's, but compared to the BHP, they just felt less refined. I dunno, there is just something about the feel and balance of the BHP. Once I get a beavertail, trigger job, and Heinies intsalled on my BHP, I think it will be close to perfection.

 

[David E]

I prefer the BHP, personally, so I think you made a good choice. And even if you score "minor," so what? You'll be shooting a cool gun and have fun doing so.