Wow, didnt realize the following that the CZ handguns have...

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Kentucky

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I have finally decided to bite the bullet and get a Glock. I really love the 1911, but with with ammo prices being what they are (outrageous!) and my budget being what it is (pathetic) I have decided that the time has come to obtain a 9MM handgun. I have owned a S&W 459 in the past and I liked it alright, but I never liked how thick the grip was.

I had decided on a Glock 17 because of reputation/availability of parts and magazines/CAPACITY. Been doing some research on here about the G17 and have been surprised about how often people turn up talking about how much better they like their CZ's. I have been having ALL kinds of trouble finding a G17 anywhere for sale FTF in Tennesse, but I have stumbled on a CZ-85 for sale locally. After reading all these threads it is beginning to tempt me, although I dont see the CZ-85's referenced nearly as often as the 75's.

I guess my question would be, which of the two has a thicker grip? The G17 or the CZ-85? I know the Glock has a higher capacity, dare I even ask for a reliability comparison? :D I think what I really want is a G17, but if I dont find one quick the money in my pocket is gonna eat me up. BTW, this CZ-85 is for sale at $375 which is not a bad price from what I can tell off GB.
 
IIRC the CZ-85 is simply an ambi CZ-75.. which is kind of a gray area since the CZ-75 in .40 S&W already has an ambi safety. It's an odd decision on CZ's part to make these two completely different firearms.

Anywho, back to the question at hand. The Glock grip always seemed a bit fatter to me than the CZ's is, but the trigger is set further back so it's easier to reach. A CZ's trigger is pretty far out there unless you carry it in condition one. My G23 and C-75 have both been completely reliable firearms. Some people complain of weak extractor springs in the CZ, but that's an easy replacement with a punch set. Either firearm will do you well, but if you have puddgy little fingers like I do, make sure you are comfortable carrying a firearm in condition one if you decide to go with the CZ.
 
The weak extractor springs seem to show up in certain 75Bs. I don't think the 85 series were affected. That is a good price. do you know if it as 85B or the
older CZ85?

With the ammo pricing increased and soon to increase again. a lot of people are thinking 9mm to reduce cost. They are buying CZ 9mms and the .22 kadet kit for even cheaper shooting.
 
This is a great forum for general handgun info.
When you want to look at and talk CZ among people who love them, there is only one place. The Original!
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Best of luck with your CZ purchase!
 
Disclosure: I own three CZs: 83, 75B and SP-01 – they are flawless and I love them.


I think what I really want is a G17, but if I dont find one quick the money in my pocket is gonna eat me up.

No, buy the Glock if that’s what you really want. You need to hang in there; you don’t want to end up with a gun you don’t like. You may have to sell it at a loss and that would defeat the purpose of the buy.

FWIW CZs and 1911s do go well together. ;):D
 
Full disclosure: I have owned a CZ-75b Stainless for about a year and a half, roughly 2k rounds fired.

If you want a Glock, by all means get one if for no other reason than to satisfy your curiosity.

HOWEVER - if the CZ line has aroused your interest, I can safely say that if you do buy one I don't think you'll regret it. Go with one of their mainstream models, the standard 75b is a great gun. Personally my preference is the stainless. Give it about 1000 rounds before you decide whether you like it or not. I'm very happy with mine, in fact I recently passed a pistol qualification test where 210 out of 250 was required to pass, and I came in at 243. That was exceptional shooting for me but not for the CZ.

BTW you can find whatever you want on Gunbroker 24/7. they even have an FFL locator service that will help you find all the registered FFL's near you. I was surprised. Who would have thought a bait and tackle store would have an FFL on site? Not to mention the kitchen table FFL's who have no yellow pages listing. the weirdest one I spotted was in an auto body shop, no lie. Keep calling until you find someone to process you for the cheapest transfer fee. GOOD LUCK and congrats on your new handgun, whichever you choose!
 
BTW you can find whatever you want on Gunbroker 24/7. they even have an FFL locator service that will help you find all the registered FFL's near you.

Thanks for the advice. I have bought 3-4 guns off GB in the past, but I have reached the point now where I just wont do that transfer stuff anymore. Yeah, I am one of them ;) So I have limited myself to FTF deals in state. Apparently, all the Tennessee guys love their G17's because they arent selling them :)
 
I don't really like the CZ-75 personally, but my mom has one. In the hands of my dad, that thing is obscenely accurate. Also, as the only truly gun-savvy person in the family, I was usually responsible for cleaning it. Partially out of laziness and partly out of curiousity, I let it go several thousand rounds with no maintenance whatsoever. The thing never hiccuped. In fact to my knowledge, it has never jammed. The only other gun I've ever had with zero lifetime malfunctions is a relatively new Beretta, but it didn't have near the round count of the CZ 75.
 
CZ-75B grip dimensions:
Side-to-side (at the thickest point*): 1.4"
Front-to-back (at the grip screws): 2.1"
Circumference (at the grip screws): 5.75"

G17 grip dimensions:
Side-to-side (at the thickest point): 1.2"
Front-to-back**: 2.0"
Circumference**: 5.75"

* I have rubber grips on this gun that are slightly thicker than the standard grips. Alas, I no longer have the standard grips for comparison.

**At the point on the grip that roughly corresponds to where the grip screws would be if the gun were a CZ-75B

I'd say that if one of these guns feels good in terms of grip size, the other will as well. The Glock grip is boxier, so while it's slimmer and slightly smaller front to back it's still about the same in terms of circumference.
 
If you are going to use the gun for concealed carry get the Glock. If you are going to carry the gun consider the G-19 instead of the G-17. The small capacity difference is not going to be important and you can always use G-17mags in the G19. A difference of .2" in grip thickness is a very large amount if you are going to carry the gun.

Bill
 
I had both a CZ75 and a Glock 17 some time ago, now I just have the Glock. Really like the CZ's grip, as it is very ergonomic; however if you have small hands, as I do, then the reach to the trigger in DA is going to be a bit of a stretch. The Glock trigger is no problem, within easy reach for me without any shifting required with the grip. Something else to consider is weight; would you prefer the lighweight polymer frame (22 oz.), over the all steel frame (35 oz.)? If it is, maybe consider an alloy framed CZ.
 
I bought a Glock 17 because I wanted the most reliable, simplest pistol I could buy. I think I got exactly what I was after. It's so simple and reliable that it's almost boring. :D

The CZ-75B has been just as reliable (only a little less than 1000 rounds, but zero failures with WWB and Speer Gold Dots), but has more levers and things to pull on. :)

Both are fantastic. As for how they will fit you, personally, I'm afraid the only answer to that question will by found by wrapping your hands around one, or both.
 
Buy the one that fits you. CZ fits me like a glove, Glock like a brick. I carry my CZ PO1 every day, outstanding pistola, best I ever bought.
 
I'd get the glock if that's what you really want.

I really wanted a G19, but found a deal and bought a CZ75BD. The CZ shoots great, but I've had stovepipes and FTF in different ammo. I'm sure I could solve the problem with new springs, etc, but I couldn't be bothered. Maybe it's a rarity and I'm still going to give it one last try before I trade for a glock.
 
I have both. They are both excellent pistols. You simply can't go wrong with either.

Here is my suggestion: If you just want a reliable shooter, the G17 is hard to beat. However, if you admire firearms, like to just handle them, really enjoy their beauty, accuracy, precision, and smoothness, get the CZ.

I'm in the CZ category.
 
I have both brands, a G19, a G17 and a CZ 75 B SA.

Here's the CZ:

Lsidenewsights.jpg

Sights2.jpg

It's set up for IDPA / Steel Challenge and has a 2 lb trigger and excellent sights.

While all 3 guns are 100% reliable, I carry the G19.

G19.jpg

It's noticably lighter and is just more comfortable to pack all day.
Both the Glocks have TFO sights, also. That gives them the edge when it's dark.

John
Cape Canaveral
 
...I was usually responsible for cleaning it. Partially out of laziness and partly out of curiousity, I let it go several thousand rounds with no maintenance whatsoever. The thing never hiccuped. In fact to my knowledge, it has never jammed.

This is more the norm, rather than the exception. I have a 75B that I "test" on a regular basis by doing this. It is not uncommon for me to go 1000-2000 rounds between cleanings (and I have gone as much as 4500) and never had a problem. It was usually being bored at home looking for something to do that led to it's cleaning. It's by far the most reliable and most accurate handgun that I have.

The grip angle is a little diferent than the Glock. The CZ points better for me, but YMMV.


Japle: tell me about those grips you have on your 75B SA. They look really nice. Damn fine lookin' hangun you have there.
 
My CZ-75B, 75D PCR and Kadet Kit are among my favorite guns. The PCR is my main carry piece. Both accept the Kadet Kit which is loads of fun and great practice.

A Glock G19 is a great CCW piece also, I just prefer the CZ's design, ergonomics and that its DA/SA, but I have large hands and long fingers. My PCR fills the role of a lightweight, compact 9MM.
 
Calhoun,

The grips are a cheap pair of ash grips I bought on eBay. I trimmed them down to the countour I liked and then finished them with a few coats of clear polyurathane (sp) and a shot of Brownell's Alumahide II. Smooth, durable, unique looking.

Total cost - about $15.

I couldn't stand the factory rubber grips. I like to be able to shift my grip if I need to on a fast draw. The skateboard tape on the front and back straps are no problem, but the rubber grips were bad.

John
 
I appreciate all the response. The CZ guys have almost persuaded me, but I think I will hold out for a G17 since it is what I really want. Probably try to pick up a G19 later on as a companion piece. Now if I can just get someone in Tennessee to turn loose of one of these things!:D The fellow here that has the CZ-85 sure isnt making things any easier though, he lowered his price to $350 today.
 
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