Soliciting Opinions for CZ handgun purchase.

locgo

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Greetings collective braintrust of CGN.

I would like to solicit opinions on which models of CZ’s handguns are good for ppl with no previous CZ exposure. Just interested in casual plinking not competition. Generally shoot left handed. I’ll probably just purchase used off EE with your recommendation of model and suggested price.

Looking forward to the input.

Thanks and Merry Christmas everyone!
 
Greetings collective braintrust of CGN.

I would like to solicit opinions on which models of CZ’s handguns are good for ppl with no previous CZ exposure. Just interested in casual plinking not competition. Generally shoot left handed. I’ll probably just purchase used off EE with your recommendation of model and suggested price.

Looking forward to the input.

Thanks and Merry Christmas everyone!

I did not have any exposure to CZ and on impulse I bought the CZ 85 Czech Police surplus from Marstar over a year ago (price $549). Produced in 1992 but rarely used. I'm extremely glad that I bought it. It fits my hand like a glove. Very accurate.
If you are not in competition, I'm sure that a used CZ 75/85 would be the least expensive and completely satisfactory to you. If you have more money you could look for a used CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow or something similar.
 
My first handgun was a CZ 75B. At the time I decided to get it because it was the best overall combination of ergonomics, reliability, accuracy, and price. It’s a great all around handgun. I eventually outgrew if for IPSC competition and bought a bunch of Shadow variants among other CZ models. One of those surplus 85s would be a good buy especially if you’re left handed. You also can occasionally find a good deal on a Pre B CZ 75, which in my opinion is a better gun than the B.
 
Locgo, I would strongly suggest that you visit a gun store or 2 and handle many guns. This way you can find what fits your hand and feels best for you. There are many great options out there. I have 1911’s, cz shadow a beretta 76 and some revolvers. Love them all and have tried many others i like and some I didn’t care for feel wise. This is a personal choice, what is right for me or your best buddy may not feel good to you. Even a 300$ norinco will shoot a bullseye at 20 mtrs. My cz shadow is all steel and heavy compared to a sig 226. I prefer a heavier gun, my son-in-law prefers the sig. go play with some. If you are in my area i will let you try mine. You can pm me.
Good luck
 
Other than surplus older CZs, the most commonly seen ones in Canada is the CZ-75 family. They are all excellent guns. The CZ85 is ambidextrous so will be a good fit for a lefty. The Shadow SP-01 and Shadow 2 rule the roost right now from everything from casual plinking to serious competition and are quite lefty friendly. If you want ONE CZ, get the Shadow series and you won’t be undergunned.

The 07, 09 and P-10C are also worth a look but the Shadow still has the best trigger of the lot IMO.
 
As mentioned above, trying a few out at a gun store would be best, as it's all about fit in the hand. I bought a CZ-75 SP-01 Shadow without trying it out first and found that the original grips were a bit too wide for my taste due to short fingers. I subsequently improved the fit by switching to slimmer replacement grips... You can certainly save yourself some grief, disappointment and extra dollars by handling the pistols before buying.

The CZ-75 is a great all around handgun. The trigger is crisp, the pistol is easy to maintain and the fiber optic sights are quick and easy to line up.
 
Other than surplus older CZs, the most commonly seen ones in Canada is the CZ-75 family. They are all excellent guns. The CZ85 is ambidextrous so will be a good fit for a lefty. The Shadow SP-01 and Shadow 2 rule the roost right now from everything from casual plinking to serious competition and are quite lefty friendly. If you want ONE CZ, get the Shadow series and you won’t be undergunned.

The 07, 09 and P-10C are also worth a look but the Shadow still has the best trigger of the lot IMO.

The CZ 85 Combat does not have the firing pin block and once you put a 13 lb. mainspring in it, it has a very good trigger. With its ambi controls, might be a better choice for a lefty and you could probably pick up a used one in nice shape for just a little more than the surplus 85's and it comes with better sights as well.
 
If you are left handed, then go with one of their ambi guns. I think the CZ85 is ambi as well as the Phantom. I could be wrong on the Phantom thing though. The CZP10C may also be a good place to start.
 
Depends on your budget, out of the box, for me, the best shooter I have is CZ shadow 2 compared to my shadow 1, Sigs, Walthers but shadow 2 works best for me. Looking forward to the CZ P10F when it arrives.
 
I just purchased a CZ shadow 1 as my first CZ. I find it fits my hands really nice and shoots nice. I'm still getting use to the trigger though. Very nice gun though. I'm not sure if I will like it more than my P226 but time will tell.
 
Have never been dissapointed with any of my cz’s..they really are that good out of the box...there is a reason the are consistently the go too competition pistol..
 
If your not thinking of competition shooting you certainly don't need a Shadow I or Shadow 2 which are excellent competition guns. The CZ P10C is a great pistol for the money and Tenda has them on now for $100 less than anyone else.
 
I am also looking at buying a CZ. I've shot the CZ75 SP-01 but I do'nt believe it was a shadow model.

I know the Shadow 2 is newer, but is it worth the extra cash over the original shadow? Not looking at competitive shooting, just casual range use.

Thanks
 
I am also looking at buying a CZ. I've shot the CZ75 SP-01 but I do'nt believe it was a shadow model.

I know the Shadow 2 is newer, but is it worth the extra cash over the original shadow? Not looking at competitive shooting, just casual range use.

Thanks

I strongly recommend you look at:

CZ Shadow 1
CZ 85 Combat
CZ 75B
Beretta 92FS
SIG 226

Those are four great options for a DA/SA pistol for general use and if pressed can be competitive playing the games. Money really is the only defining difference between the four I listed. With a change in the mainspring to around 13# all will shoot about the same for you,and are more than adequate to meet your range needs.

The Shadow2 and the various higher end guns bring features to the table that you are not likely ever need or be able to take advantage of so spend your savings on ammunition and targets.

For your purposes I would stick to an all metal gun, preferably DA/SA. Polymer guns are great if your a cop who has to carry one on his hip all day or for some competitions but for plinking I would stick to the metal guns as described.

Lots of choices. Don't limit yourself as there is no need to. It is a lifetime purchase.

Take Care

Bob
 
I strongly recommend you look at:

CZ Shadow 1
CZ 85 Combat
CZ 75B
Beretta 92FS
SIG 226

Those are four great options for a DA/SA pistol for general use and if pressed can be competitive playing the games. Money really is the only defining difference between the four I listed. With a change in the mainspring to around 13# all will shoot about the same for you,and are more than adequate to meet your range needs.

The Shadow2 and the various higher end guns bring features to the table that you are not likely ever need or be able to take advantage of so spend your savings on ammunition and targets.

For your purposes I would stick to an all metal gun, preferably DA/SA. Polymer guns are great if your a cop who has to carry one on his hip all day or for some competitions but for plinking I would stick to the metal guns as described.

Lots of choices. Don't limit yourself as there is no need to. It is a lifetime purchase.

Take Care

Bob

Thanks Bob,

You've confirmed some of my doubts buying the higher end CZ Shadow 2. Considering its about $400-$500 more not including taxes your suggestion about ammo and targets.
 
Buy a new CZ SP01 Shadow. Plink all you want, but easily employable for most competitions. Parts & accessories are available including holsters. For a 9mm auto under C$1000.00, the SP01 Shadow creams just about every other competitor. If you can name a better 9mm auto with similar features under C$1000.000 or even under $900.00 taxes in, make your case!
 
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