Which 9mm for target shooting?

[Lobotomy Boy]

Poll: Which 9mm for target shooting?

I plan to purchase a 9mm strictly for target shooting in the next couple of weeks. I have found a nice used (like NIB) stainless Springfield 1911A1 for $635, which appears to be a fair price. I can't decide between that or a new CZ75B, which I really like. I would also consider a Browning High Power or a Glock G34.

Pros and cons:

Springfield:
Pros: I've always wanted a 1911, but don't need another .45ACP; Good price compared to new means it will hold resale value better over time.
Cons: Quality-control concerns, magazine feed concerns.

CZ:
Pros: Handling the gun gives me a warm fuzzy right in the center of my reptilian brain stem; High reported owner satisfaction; Cheap, compared to others on list.
Cons: Reports of overtight chambers that need reboring to reliably feed certain ammo.

Browning High Power:
Pros: I've always (sort-of) wanted one; High reported owner satisfaction.
Cons: I really don't know much about these guns.

Glock:
Pros: It's a Glock.
Cons: Already have one Glock, plan to buy a second for CCW this summer, and want something different.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sean Smith]

What do you mean by "target shooting"? None of those guns are appropriate for reall bullseye-style shooting. If you are just blowing up random stuff at the range for fun, any of them would be good.

Cons: Reports of overtight chambers that need reboring to reliably feed certain ammo.

NEVER heard of that one about CZ-75Bs. I couldn't find ammo that mine WOULDN'T feed, including Winchester Ranger-T 127gr +P+.

And the correct term would be "reaming" the chamber.

 

[clipse]

Cons: Reports of overtight chambers that need reboring to reliably feed certain ammo.

This is not a common problem. Many people I have talked to say that the CZ 75B is the most accurate out of the box 9mm. I think that is arguble but I do know that my 75B is alot more accurate than I am. It is also more accurate than any of my friends 9mms. My vote went for the CZ.

clipse

 

[Calhoun]

I'm with Clipse. I have not been able to find a round that my 75B will not chamber. I have never had a malfunction with it. It will put rounds in the center of a target all day long. Also, they are easily worth much more $$$ than they cost.

I haven't shot a SA 1911 in 9mm so I can't comment on that. The BHP's are great, but cost more and you don't really get that much more gun. Glocks... well you get a Glock. Weither that's good or bad is up to you. For me it's not really a big selling point. For you it might be the end all be all. If you've already got one, why not try something new. You might decide that a CZ will turn into more than a range gun.

Whatever you get, be safe with it and have fun

Peace out,
Calhoun

 

[MoNsTeR]

If you can get the Springfield to run it would be my choice. Might be easy, might not. Failing that I'd pick the Glock and send it to Charlie Vanek. The CZ and Browning are good guns (I've owned both) but just aren't up to the 1911 and Glock in my book.

 

[pogo2]

Stainless Sig P226?

Sig has introduced an all-stainless steel P226 model, which I just saw in my favorite gun store. This might make a very accurate target pistol in 9mm. I have a conventional Sig P226 with alloy frame that is quite accurate, and the all stainless version would give you about 8 ounces of extra weight to enhance stability and accuracy, I would think.

 

[cratz2]

The CZ would be my first choice (due to overall greatness and a low price) and the 1911 would be my second choice (plenty great, but more expensive). I've had both and while I enjoyed my 9mm Springfield, I'm not likely to own another one while I have zero doubt that I'll own several more CZs in the future.

I don't personally care for the 'target' Glocks and the BHP is perfectly nice, but I'd expect the CZ to be just as good in every respect for less money.

 

[HogRider]

I have a 9mm 1911 and it is a great gun but my shooting buddy has a CZ 75 and I can get tighter groups with it - every time. And I tried hard with the 1911.

The 75 has never failed a single time in at least 5000 rounds. I think the CZ 75 is hard to beat in 9mm, specially in this price range.

For target shooting I would recommend the CZ75.

 

[Ankeny]

FWIW, there is a known issue of some makes of ammo being too long for the CZ 75B in 9mm. In particular, Corbon 115 HP ammo causes a lot of troubles because of the shape of the Sierra hollow cavity bullet. I chose to add enough leade to the chamber to allow the gun to feed anything that would fit in the magazine. Others simply avoid the ammo.

 

[gvass]

"Stainless Sig P226? "

Wait until the new SIG P226 X-5 will be on the market.

That IS a real target pistol.

6" bull barrel, single action only match trigger, adj. sights, frame mounted safety, mag-funnel, 19 rd (ohh, 10 rd for USA) mag. All the goodies...

 

[Snakeoil]

CZ here also, own one myself. Sweet trigger.

 

[CZ52GUY]

CZ-75B

Great value...shoots better than most of its owners.

Mine eats anything.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[Sactown]

I"ve got a CZ75BSA and a G34. The CZ is a much better shooter for me. Fits my hand like a glove. Good pointability. I had to readjust my shooting style for the glock.....kept aiming high for some reason.

 

[Marshall]

I'll just keep my vote secret and mysterious.

 

[killermarmot]

have you considered a Sig, grea tout of the box acuracy

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I've added the Sig 226 to my list of potential guns, but have removed the SA 1911, not because I want to, but because it's been sold.

I've also added the Beretta 92FS to my list, though right now I'm leaning towards the CZ75B, or perhaps even a CZ85B. For once price is not the single most important consideration. I like the adjustable trigger and adjustable sights on the 85, and it is still cheaper than the used 1911 (which I had almost made up my mind to buy but was too late).

I've found a pretty decent deal on a Browning HP, a Belgian-made, Portuguese-assembled version with adjustable sights. It is $519, which doesn't seem too far out of line. The trigger didn't feel nearly as nice as the CZs I looked at earlier, though.

I don't know any range that rents CZs or Brownings, but I should be able to rent a Sig and a Beretta. I have yet to read a discouraging word about the performance of the CZs, and they feel good in my hand, so the Sig and the Beretta will have to be pretty good guns to sway me.

 

[BHPshooter]

I've gotta say, the 1911 definitely has the market cornered for everything you could want in the target arena.

Pros:
It will have (or be made to have) the best trigger.
The removable barrel bushing can be made very tight for great accuracy.

Cons:
It may be sort of expensive and hard to find.

Wes

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

1911s in 9mm are darned hard to find around here. There are two series 80 Colts in 9mm at a local shop (Bill's in Robinsdale for the Minnesota literate), but they wan't over $800 apiece for them and won't budge on the price.

 

[Mr. Mysterious]

The accuracy of the Steyr M9 I bought a couple months ago really suprised me...after the 50 rounds it takes for you to get used to the sites. They do make traditional sites if you don't like the trapezoid.

 

[Ala Dan]

From your poll, I like Browning's; but from MY poll,
I LOVE the unlisted SIG's!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Dr Strangelove]

Once you try a Browning HP with a Cylinder and Slide trigger job and commander hammer with either Hogue finger groove grips or slim custom wood checkered grips you will fall in love and never find another gun that fits your hand so well that makes one nice ragged hole in the targets. Splurge and go for combat Novak night sites. Every 9mm since has had to stand up to this standard of comparison. And I have sold every one since without remorse, including a 39 S&W, Beretta 92, Colt 9mm 1911, Astra A-70, and the list goes on.

I will say I have taken a liking to the Sig 239 for more concealabity and it feels very good in the hand. It is likely my 9mm next purchase.

 

[robctwo]

I have the Browning High Power, CZ75BD, Glock 34 and Sig 226 Stainless Stock, all in 9mm. The Sig is a lot more $ and a much better target gun. Adjustable sights, bull barrel and 2 1/2 lb in single action. It also weighs a lot. That new single action Sig sounds pretty cool as well. the Sig 226 Stainless Stock is available right now.

The CZ with the kadet Kit is a very good place to start. Two guns for the price of the BHP. The Browning is a classic. Great single action. The Glock is very good, and is a Glock.

The Smith & Wesson 952 has been calling to me as well.

 

[MikeK]

My vote went to the CZ. I own one and a Glock 34. To me there's no comparison for target shooting. A SIG 226 might be a better choice, thouigh more expensive. The BHP or 1911 wouldn't be bad choices either. If the CZ feels right to you, you can't go wrong with one. I've never had a problem chambering any ammo with it.

 

[rick_reno]

Target shooting in 9mm, you should look for a Sig P210-5-9. It'll be expensive and they can be difficult to find, but you won't find a more accurate 9mm handgun. They sometimes show up on the various internet gun auction sites.

 

[Mr Kablammo]

I suggest a CZ 75 SA, if available.