Your recommendation: CZ 85 Combat or Walther PPQ Match

[John G C 1]

I have both and like both.

I took a friend shooting and he wants to ditch his old 9mm and get a new one that would be a good pistol for target shooting. He will not carry or compete.

He liked these two equally and asked me to recommend one. Seems like a tie to me.

Walther is lighter, more visible target sights, good trigger

CZ is heavier, thinner target sights but more robust, long reach for double action, good SA trigger

Obviously there are differences.

Anyone have any thoughts on why one might be better for a new-ish shooter who wants just target practice? Like I said, seems equal to me, but I figured I would ask in case I was missing anything.

Thanks

 

[gotboostvr]

I'm an unabashed CZ fan.

But, I'll justify my recommendation of either a 85 or a 75B SA simply because parts and magazines are cheap and prevalent.

Sights can be changed to suit ones tastes easily enough.

He should ultimately go with whichever he likes best though. The Walthers seem like nice pistols.

 

[czhen]

Sadly, the CZ 85 is not longer imported to USA.
I called CZUSA looking for one and gave the sad news.

 

[Pilot]

He may want to look at an SP-01. All steel like the 85c, and a little bit more weight in the muzzle due to the rail. My shooting buddy has one, and all he did was install a lighter mainspring, and it is a dream to shoot. (It was great prior to the spring swap) It is a range, and HD gun for him. I'd also look at the 75SA like others have said.

 

[John G C 1]

So the 85 Combat is gone. That is a shame.

I will tell him about the sp-01. He could get adjustable sights for it too, I believe.

 

[ericuda]

Have had an 85 that i got in the late 80's and not a ppq match, just a standard 5" ppq. Different pistols one striker fired and the other hammer. To me they feel and shoot completely different and am glad I have both. To pick one i would now go with the ppq match due to the ability to easily mount a optic sight, Both will offer very good reliabilty and loads of fun but the optic option would sway me.

 

[sbwaters]

It’s like Harry Potter’s magic wand. Hold ’em. The gun will decide for you.

 

[azrocks]

Sounds like the best person to answer those questions would be the new shooter. Do they have troubles reaching the CZ's DA trigger? Do they have smaller hands that favor (most likely) the PPQ? Does a heavier gun help with their recoil control, or does a lack of upper body strength cause the weight to be problematic? Does the DA/SA transition cause them difficulty?

 

[bikerdoc]

Another CZ affectionado here. Im not a big guy at 5 6", 140 lbs and they fit me fine. Did not like the feel of the Walther.

 

[jrmiddleton425]

So the 85 Combat is gone. That is a shame.

I will tell him about the sp-01. He could get adjustable sights for it too, I believe.

If you find a CZ for sale, you have to jump on it or it's GONE. There are only a couple of shipping containers of CZ pistols imported annually. Add to that the fact that the 85 is no longer being made.

 

[John G C 1]

Thanks all. Food for thought.

 

[Litlman]

I have an 85 Combat and have shot a regular PPQ but in 45 cal. I love the CZ. The PPQ had a nice trigger with good reset. Two different animals. I do remember that the Walther felt good in hand and I shot it well. Best thing to do is try both. Polymer striker fired vs all steel classic double/single action. The CZ melts into my hand. (Better comparison would be PPQ to Phantom when it comes back out)?

 

[bernie]

If you want an 85, just check on Gunbroker. They do pop up on there, and they may be used, but used handguns still work (normally).

 

[I6turbo]

I can't find any interest in polymer guns, so the Walther would be out for me.

I'm a big CZ fan, but I REALLY love my 85 Combat. I have a Cajun Gun Works Ultra-Lite kit in it which improves an already great gun, IMO. It's a joy to shoot and extremely accurate. I never understood why more people didn't buy the 85 Combat instead of the 75 B. Just didn't know the advantages, I guess....

 

[John G C 1]

I have and love the 85 combat. But if it is no longer imported into the US, then my friend will need to consider something other than the PPQ.

As I said, I have the PPQ and he likes it.

I wonder about the XDm competition model with the Powder River Precision trigger upgrade?? I told him to give it a look. Seems to get fantastic reviews but I have never held one but I imagine he can find one at a Cabellas or Gander.

Glad I got my Combat 85 last year. Too bad the 75 can't take an adjustable sight without significant modification to the slide. I wonder what the custom shop would charge to cut a notch in the 75 slide to take the adjustable sight?

 

[gotboostvr]

LPA makes some adjustable sights that fit the standard dovetail.
I think CZC and Cajun Gunwork either carry or produce their own as well.

 

[I6turbo]

I have and love the 85 combat. But if it is no longer imported into the US, then my friend will need to consider something other than the PPQ.

Assuming you meant to write 85 Combat instead of PPQ above. There's no reason he can't get an 85 Combat unless he wants one today and can't find one. Like many of the CZ guns that have been discontinued in the past 4 years or so, the 85 Combat still shows up pretty frequently on GB.

Glad I got my Combat 85 last year. Too bad the 75 can't take an adjustable sight without significant modification to the slide. I wonder what the custom shop would charge to cut a notch in the 75 slide to take the adjustable sight?

Not sure on what the cost would be, but CGW or CZ Custom could tell him quickly (if it's not on their web site). I like the adjustable sights, but also like the other differences that the 85 Combat offers vs. the 75 B. Like the over-travel adjustment on the trigger, the lack of FP block and the resulting improvement in trigger pull, the drop-free mag feature, and the fact that a 75 pre-B drop-in short trigger reset is available. I have the 75 B and the Combat, both with the same GCW kit in them, and the Combat is just a little bit smoother and sweeter (not to knock the 75 B at all!).

 

[John G C 1]

good info. and yes, I meant something other than the 85 combat. I will tell him to dog GB if he wants the 85 Combat and I will pass on the other info. I had forgotten the lack of the FP block!

 

[everydefense]

I love CZs as well, but as others have mentioned, if possible, your friend should head to a nearby gun shop and fondle a variety of CZs (okay, and Walthers, too, since you mentioned he likes both). The alloy-framed compact (whether the slide says CZ 75D, PCR, or P-01) should definitely be one he tries- it is highly recommended.

As well as the ergonomics and accuracy, I've always loved how easy CZs are to field strip. Great bang for your buck. I've never handled or shot one of the polymer-framed CZs (P-07, P-09, etc), but I've heard they are worth looking at, as well.

Btw, making your 75B drop mags freely is an extremely easy fix that takes one replacement part. I swapped my mag brake out for a flat replacement years ago and have had flawless operation ever since.

 

[gotboostvr]

The 75B SA's come with drop free magazines, and over travel adjustable triggers as well as ambi safeties. They're single action only which is easier to get used to than DA/SA and perfectly fine for a range toy for just about anyone.

I'm really happy with my SA, but if I had another full size I'd want a 85 Combat or a SP-01.

 

[Martowski]

I've tried the CZ-75 multiple times but can't get it to work for me as much as I would love it to. Just never seemed to "click." PPQ, for me, is vastly superior in terms of shootability and trigger. But, it's really a personal preference thing in the end. Kind of like Ford vs. Chevy on this one... there isn't a bad choice here, just a choice.

 

[I6turbo]

The 75B SA's come with drop free magazines, and over travel adjustable triggers as well as ambi safeties. They're single action only which is easier to get used to than DA/SA and perfectly fine for a range toy for just about anyone.

I'm really happy with my SA, but if I had another full size I'd want a 85 Combat or a SP-01.

So many options and good choices! The SA is also a very good candidate for anyone interested in a 75/85 platform gun. I saw my first SP-01 Tactical in person recently and although I certainly don't NEED one, I'd LOVE to have one. And those are just the "lower priced" guns. If one has $1200 - $1500 to spend, then you get into another level of goodness with the Shadow or Tactical Sport models.