wanting a full size pistol

[justin22885]

as it stands, i have no full size automatics, and i really need to fill that niche and the pistols im considering right now are the walther PPQ, the steyr L9A1, and the CZ-75 SP01 / EAA witness full size

will the steyr and PPQ last as long as a steel framed CZ?.. im not concerned about the weight on this pistol, more concerned with durability and longevity and even though the polymer pistols have steel rails and all steel on the stress locations.. you damage the grip and youre pretty much out of an entire pistol.. so that concern has me leaning more towards the steel frame CZ-75 SP-01 as a go-to pistol for home defense, open carry, outdoor stuff, etc

if weight is not a factor, is there really any advantages to the polymer pistols?

 

[rjk2475]

Few people wear out a firearm unless they abuse it. If me, I would get another PPQ.

 

[Sunray]

Advantages to the polymer pistols are the fact you'll 'carry much, shoot little" with most handguns. Which one doesn't make much difference as long as it fits your hand.
"...EAA whitness..." Witness? Tanfoglio. EAA is just the distributor.

 

[justin22885]

i rather like the full size tangfoglios though.. gets you a rail and a wider range of cartridges, i believe they offer 9mm, 40S&W, 10mm, 38 super, 45acp, 357 sig, and .22lr with a slide and magazine change, plus you get a rail and a solid steel frame you know is going to last for decades.. but too be fair, i have zero interest in 22lr, 357 sig, 40S&W, 10mm, or 45acp.. 9mm, or 38 super is about all that interests me at this point so its kind of pointless to go with a bigger witness than a CZ-75

so.. CZ-75 SP01, steyr L9A1, or walther PPQ, all 9mm

 

[chris in va]

If you even think about carrying, the SP01 might be too heavy. I have a similar sized 97b and frankly it's a tank. If you want it for range/competition/nightstand duty, you'd be hard pressed to find better.

The PPQ is technically a compact carry gun in comparison to the CZ.

 

[justin22885]

yeah, i have no interest in conceal carry.. and if i open carry its on a thigh holster where the weight doesnt bother me.. im also used to shooting revolvers of which generally weigh more than the CZ-75.. i have weapons even smaller than the PPQ or steyr for concealment

 

[Teachu2]

If you want to really get spoiled, try a CZ 75SA.

 

[justin22885]

If you want to really get spoiled, try a CZ 75SA.

a single action CZ-75.. you mean hi powers?

im willing to consider just about any full size steel frame pistol as well as the above mentioned polymers.. though since im primarily looking for a doublestack 9mm, the 1911 grip would be way too fat for a 9 mil, so im excluding that one

 

[Zerodefect]

Great CZ in .40:


You should also consider a 1911 or Glock 41.

 

[Walkalong]

CZ 97 .45 ACP

 

[AK103K]

Advantages to the polymer pistols are the fact you'll 'carry much, shoot little" with most handguns. Which one doesn't make much difference as long as it fits your hand.

This can be said about any of them, plastic or metal, dont you think?

Unfortunately, its probably more true than not, and for any of them.

I believe in being well versed with what I carry, so what ever it is or was, its been shot a lot.


My top two choices for full sized, double stack 9mms would be, a SIG P226, or a Glock 17. Ive owned and carried both extensively. Both worked 100% right out of the box, are reliable, and are more accurate than I am.

As far as wearing out or damaging the polymer grip, I have yet to have the issue. Ive stippled most of my Glocks, an advantage of polymer by the way, and my one 17 just past 89,000 rounds. Its first parts breakage was at 88,900, a metal trigger spring. Even if you were to damage the frame somehow, it would likely still be cheaper to replace than the steel version. I believe Glock charges something like $150 to replace a frame.

 

[justin22885]

89,000 rounds is a lot for any pistol

and im planning to build a 1911 at some point, just not right now, i want something higher capacity first.. my plan is to shoot more than carry it, so weights not important to me

 

[200Apples]

.

wanting a full size pistol

.45ACP in a full size, steel pistol is a push rather than a snap, and with a good 1911's great trigger and with modern sights one can actually see, one can with very little practice achieve the results seen below.

i want something higher capacity first...

Having more rounds is great if you plan on missing a lot.

Bone stock Springfield 1911 Loaded. Two mags plus one in the pipe = 15 rds in each target zone, standing, 15 yds indoors.





[Edit: holy schneikies. sorry for the huge pic]

 

[justin22885]

its not a pistol for self defense.. also, im not interested in 45acp.. there was a time when i was but im getting out of that cartridge

though... i must admit the 1911 is an attractive jack of all trades.. one doublestack frame, and then a slide for any caliber you want to shoot.. or in many cases just 3-4 slides and a few extra barrels.. so that does make it an attractive offer.. get tired of one caliber and feel like a different one i can swap out a couple parts and im good to go

there are just a few elements about the 1911 that annoy the hell out of me

 

[Walkalong]

OK then, an all steel Witness in 9MM or .40.

 

[justin22885]

what can you guys tell me about hi powers?.. are they reliable?.. and how much do they typically cost.. its a decent alternative to a CZ since im primarily only interested in a 9 mil right now

 

[sigarms228]

For an all steel full size 9MM pistol the CZ CP01 is a great choice. Very soft shooter and hardly any muzzle flip.

 

[justin22885]

hmm.. another doublestack 9 mil i can consider for the price is berettas.. theyre aluminum though unless you get a brigadier model.. i wish i could get a brigadier with a rail

 

[justin22885]

im finding some surplus FN made browning hi powers for like $450 in working condition, but im wondering how worn or shot out these things are.. im considering buying one of those as a project to completely rebuild and refinish like brand new

also, the polymers are now off my list, ive decided i want something with a bit of heft to it.. i like a little weight in a pistol (that probably sounds strange to some) but i guess im just used to it.. so CZ-75 SP-01, browning hi power, or MAYBE a 1911 but not likely

 

[Kiln]

Having more rounds is great if you plan on missing a lot.

Or if you're a realist. Darkness, multiple targets, adrenaline, and people who are not stationary and made of paper are all good reasons to carry something with 14+ rounds.

 

[200Apples]

.

Or if you're a realist...

That was posted as humor. Here's your sign --->

However, I'm in CA with it's 10-rd limit. My pistols have Tritium night sights. I train. I do what I can.

Besides, 14 rounds of 9mm is equivalent to 7 rounds of .45ACP, so it's a wash... --->

 

[RON in PA]

If you don't need a hi-capacity 9mm pistol and 9-10 rounds in the mag is enough look at a 1911 in 9mm, many available.

 

[justin22885]

well, im definitely going to build a 1911 at some point just because its the one tool that can really be made to fire almost any caliber, from 22 up to 7.62x25 in some cases and everything in between... but the CZ-75 SP01 cant be ignored either as a solid, full size, fully features hi cap 9 mil.. so the decisions down to these two

i wouldnt mind going with a doublestack 1911 so i can have the higher capacity AND the ability to switch to other calibers if i feel like it.. but magazine options for doublestacks are much more limited as is the aftermarket for parts like levers, buttons, triggers, etc.. but ive discussed these concerns before in another thread

so basically 1911 (single stack vs double) vs the CZ-75 SP01 is where my decision hinges

 

[bannockburn]

In a full size 9mm. I would go with a Browning Hi-Power. Next, in a steel frame, I would opt for the CZ75 SP01. Both guns have outstanding ergonomics and make for a great range and home defense gun. In a polymer framed design I would be looking at a CZ P-09 or the Walther PPQ.

 

[justin22885]

im willing to consider the hi power... BUT new ones are like $900.. i can get two of all the other pistols ive mentioned for that price so unless i buy a military surplus hi power and rebuild/refinish it myself (which i am willing to do if theyre not too out of shape) then thats an option.. though, you could just convert a CZ-75 to SAO and have about the same thing