So I've been looking at picking up a pistol in the near future. I had a .45 1911 a few years back but sold it due to not being able to get to the range much due to work and range hours.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 1911, they've al
However work allows me more time now so I've been on the hunt a bit.
The CZ75/85s have caught my eye, as have the Beretta 92's. I've pretty much ruled out the 92's so unless something can seriously convince me I think they're written off my list.
My budget will probably be in the $700 range, I've seen a few decent CZs and 1911s in that ball park that would fulfill my semi frequent range visit.
Basically, I guess, which one would you get if you could only get one and why?
What you should get really depends upon your budget and what type of shooting you like. I happen to own both a 1911 (Colt Gold Cup National Match) and a CZ-75 SP-1 Shadow.
1911s:
Just about everybody and his brother make and sell a 1911 pistol. Quality and shooting enjoyment usually vary in direct proportion to price, up to a certain price point.
There are cheap low end 1911, such as Norinco, which are quite crude, although usually solidly made and reliable. They cost about half the price of a CZ-75 Shadow. I have shot some, and they are quite inaccurate (at least compared to a Colt) mostly due to spongy feeling and heavy triggers. I am sure that they can be improved to some extent, through tuning and parts changes, but that brings the cost up considerably.
There are mid price 1911, which are well made, reliable, accurate and have crisp, if somewhat heavy triggers. In that category, I would include the Ruger SR1911, the Remington R1, and the base Smith & Wesson model. These cost about the same as a CZ-75 Shadow.
There are high end 1911, such as my Colt Gold Cup National Match. The latter has a dream trigger breaking like glass at about 2 1/4 pounds. It sports a mirror like gloss bluing and is extremely accurate and reliable. It also costs more than twice the price of a CZ-75 Shadow, if you were to buy it new.
CZ 75
The most common of these are the SP-01 Shadow and the 75b. They are polycoated guns, as opposed to blued. Polycoating is acheaper, albeit less durable finish.
They are double action pistols, as opposed to single action for the 1911. For range use, this makes little difference.
In single action, there is considerable trigger take up, but a solid and well defined wall. The trigger breaks cleanly, with very little required pressure. These models do not feature a decocker, although other CZ models do.
The IWI Jericho 941 (the all steel version) is a CZ 75 clone. It is cheaper than the CZ and I have heard good things about them, although I have no personal experience with that pistol.
Pros and cons of each:
The .45 ACP is more expensive to shoot and reload.
The 9 mm Luger has lighter recoil than 45 ACP
The CZ-75 Shadow is a bit heavier and has a more ergonomic grip. It soaks up recoil better than most 1911.
The 1911 looks better.
The 1911 is limited to 8 rd. magazine capacity in 45 ACP. The CZ 9 mm mags accept 10 rounds.
9 mm brass can be found in abundance for free in the recycling pails of most gun clubs. 45 ACP is less common.
