Two choices 9mm, which one?

[mdThanatos]

So, after shooting .45 for a few years I am thinking about trying 9mm. I have two pistols in mind and unfortunately for me, there is not a range that rents and I don't know anyone that owns either one to try them out so I'll leave it to THR to help me decide.

Option one is the Stoeger Cougar, can get it for about 430 NIB with 4 mags.
Option two is the CZ 75B, cheapest I can get it otd is about 480 NIB and only two mags.

I know they are two different pistols but these are the two I am torn between, so which should it be? I have fired a PX4 storm and it was not bad at all, haven't fired a CZ of any kind though but it feels good in the hand.

Thanks,

MD

 

[Dr_2_B]

The CZ will win this poll. But you would do well with either. Comes down to which you like better. But CZs get a lot of love on this forum. It got my vote.

 

[sigarms228]

Out of the 2 my vote went to the Stoeger Cougar.

However I would take the SIG SP2022 over either and for less money too.

 

[Snowbandit]

The CZ will be more popular but the Cougar is every bit as good. They say the Cougar recoils less because of the rotary barrel but that's not much of a consideration if you're coming off a 45. I would go with the Cougar.

 

[mdThanatos]

I held the Sig SP2022 and didn't feel right for me, which disappointed me since when I went to look at it there was a sale for a hundred off normal price.

 

[9mmepiphany]

What usually draws folks to the Beretta/Steger is the rotating barrel...they like something a bit different...and the Italian lines. It is actually drawn by a very famous Italian design house...that also drew the Nikon F5 camera, the Lotus Esprit and the Lamborghini Countach.

The CZ is a more classic design with a strong link to the FN P-35

Functionally, I like the Cougar. The ones I've shot had a better trigger and the slide was easier to grasp.

 

[1SOW]

The majority of what I've 'read' about the Cougar has been favorable. I haven't shot it. I've never seen it used in competition.

I have 50K rds through my DA/SA 75B. I'm 'assuming' your referring to that action. The SA version eliminates most of the 'cons' below.

Cons: Long stock DA trigger reach and pull. You said it felt good in your hands.
Rough feel to trigger when NIB. The trigger requires a lot of cycles (dry or regular firing) to start smoothing out-500-750. It does smooth out considerably.
When in SA the hammer cams back before dropping. This makes the SA pull a little longer than necessary AND 'unlike' your 45 ACP.

PROs: The pistol is all steel and the weight limits recoil/muzzle flip well.
The stock 16rd mags can be had for $20. Mec-Gar makes the mags that work perfectly. All the 75-series mags fit the 75B, including the 19rd SPO1 mags
It's very accurate. The European-type chamber is shorter than most service pistols and enhances the accuracy. (XDs are almost as short).
It can be shot/carried in the DA, SA with safety (like the 45), or 1/2cock DA modes. The 1/2 cock mode shortens trigger reach and pull. The safety only functions in SA mode.
$7 dollars worth of easily changeable spring, lightens trigger pull significantly with ZERO loss of reliablity.
Parts and options like sights or grips are readily available at reasonable cost.
Drop-in options are available for about $150 (I could be off slightly here), eliminates hammer camming, shortens reach and lightens trigger pull to 6# and 3#- while maintaining reliability.

I'm not selling the 75B, I'm passing on what I have experienced 1st hand.

Mine still shoots well. I have broken some parts (one through negligence and one through wear) and worn out some mag springs that I relaced.

FWIW, I didn't vote.

 

[Bobson]

I don't like how short the slides are on CZ handguns, but I can't vote for the Cougar because I have an even stronger dislike for the slide-mounted safety. Of the two, I voted for the CZ. Good luck making your decision.

 

[Alex23]

This poll is useless. Gun choices are deeply personal.

You might as well say which 9mm: Sig P226 or Glock 19?

This is something you have to work out on your own, Tonto.

 

[wbwanzer]

I'm voting Cougar. I have one and like it. I've had two CZs that I liked well enough, I just couldn't shoot very well with them.

 

[Wishoot]

One of these days I'll own a Cougar, but I have 3 CZ'z and they suite me just fine.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

I've never owned or shot the Stoeger Cougar. I have owned several CZ75 variants. Given your choice I would pick the CZ. If for no OTHER reason, if you don't like shooting the CZ it'll be easier to sell/trade because of it's reputation & popularity. Enjoy whichever you pick!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I've owned a Cougar in .40 S&W. It was a great little pistol for the money. It was acurate as hell and comfy in the hand. I did sell it to my dad though since I realized that I don't care for the .40 cartridge. I switched over to an FNP-45, but I'd buy another Cougar in 9mm or .45 acp in a heart beat. I'v not shot a CZ.

 

[invictus82]

Hard to say which one you should choose. I personally love the Stoeger. Fits my hand well. I'm find the SA/DA very comfortable for me, and I've been able to shoot very accurately with it.

Rent and shoot both if possible and make a decision from there.

 

[fatcat4620]

You know those "Should have had a V8'"adds? Well I don't want to slap you on the head and say "Should have had a CZ"!
And wbwanzer shame on your for trying to sway the vote with your gun porn, shame on you.

 

[Rusty Luck]

I'd say the CZ its a joy to shoot and the parts and accessories are much easier to get ahold of. The SP2022 is what I have as my CCW and I love it, can get 3 different types of hand grips..