CZ now overpriced?

[IM_Lugger]

I handled SP-01 (haven’t played with CZ’s in a while) and was pretty impressed with the ergonomics. Never liked the slide and frame metal cuts on a regular CZ 75/85 but the SP-01 doesn’t have that problem... I wouldn’t mind getting one, but the workmanship just doesn’t seem to be on pair with Beretta and Sig which are now only a few bucks more! I’m talking about the slide serrations, extractor, hammer - they can be a little more refined, (and why does the take down lever pin sticks out so far on the other side?) IMO with the current exchange rate and new pricing $600-650 would be more reasonable.

Since most of the guns now are cheaper then they were few years ago, doesn't CZ look overpriced? It was a good deal at ~$750-800 when Glocks were $800+, Berettas $1000 and Sigs $1100+, but now with Glocks and M&Ps at $600. To me CZ just seem like a good deal now since the price hasn’t really came down at all.

 

[phil99]

Well, like you I lament the fact that CZ prices haven't come down like most others, but as the owner of 3 CZs, 2 Sigs, and an HK I can tell you that CZ's are still a great deal, it's just that a couple of years ago they were an unbelievable steal (in comparison to other brands). What's cool about CZ's is that they're not just a great gun "for the money" like perhaps a Norinco or a Ruger, they are great guns period that compare favourably with Sigs, HKs, and every other high end brand and just happen to cost significantly less. I own a Sig 229 and an HKP7M13 in 9mm, both of which are extremely reliable and accurate, but neither can run with my CZ Shadow. My 226 Stainless is a .40SW and in the accuracy department it runs neck and neck at best with my CZ40P, a gun that cost less than half as much as the Sig. As far as machining, finish etc., I find the CZ polycoat to be attractive and very durable. The inside of the slide may not be as flawless as a Sig, but it's not terrible and to be honest I don't spend a lot of time looking at it. Certainly there is absolutely no difference in function.
So again, I wish the CZ pricing came down in line with other brands, but even at current levels they are among the very best values you will find IMHO.

 

[richardoldfield]

IM_Lugger, I can only go by the prices in the States and CZs aren't the bargain they used to be. Regards, Richard

I paid $425 for the PCR, $259 for the CZ75B, and $210 for the Kadet 22 Conversion Kit plus two 22 magazines:

 

[NAA]

Lugger - You have a good point in this thread. I am old enough to recall when the first pre B CZ 75's showed up here. Not the cheapies with the "tropical" painted on black finish but the nice matte finish ones. Heck, they were $350 back then with two mags....

 

[lineofsight]

(and why does the take down lever pin sticks out so far on the other side?)

Because you need to push in on the protruding pin to pull out the take down lever on the opposite side to field trip the firearm. Can be done without tools.

 

[capp325]

I handled SP-01 (haven’t played with CZ’s in a while) and was pretty impressed with the ergonomics. Never liked the slide and frame metal cuts on a regular CZ 75/85 but the SP-01 doesn’t have that problem... I wouldn’t mind getting one, but the workmanship just doesn’t seem to be on pair with Beretta and Sig which are now only a few bucks more!

I briefly owned an SP-01 and I agree that the workmanship/fit and finish does not compare to Sig, HK, Beretta, Walther, etc. I bought one because of all the hype I've read on this board and other Internet forums, but after owning it, I have to say that CZ is a highly overrated pistol. Sorry CZ fans.

 

[ruel_CZ]

[but now with Glocks and M&Ps at $600.


My CZ 75B cost me 625$ and it's a 2008 made pistol, why it's not a good price ???

it's a full metal pistol not a plastic one (sorry glock and M&P fans) but it's the true...

and for the finition of the gun, IMO, the paint on the pistol don't shoot for you at the range... people buy CZ because they want a CZ and they know they don't buy a SIG or HK.

no offence,

 

[Lojak]

Back before I took a (long) break from the shooting world, I remember CZ's at $350-400 as well, brand new. Never did get one then, bought a Glock 17 and Sig 226. Now that I'm back though, I've considered it, and I really can't get past the price. Maybe it's psychological, but I find myself leaning toward others.

 

[PeterPan]

I think for what CZ offers they price pretty fairly. I got my Shadow in January from Ellwood Epps and payed 888 taxes in. Thia is not bad for a pistol which doesn't have plastic parts and shoots, handle pretty good.
My only complain is a slide stop and overall finish. They can improve there, but then, we will pay for CZ more.

 

[Can-down]

I think we get to pay extra in Canada because they are imported from Europe through the U.S. then into Canada......

 

[Merllin]

Id take a Shadow over a ANY Beretta or Sig anytime and I get range time with all of the pistols ever week. For just shy of 800 bucks you are getting a ergonomically superior firearm with a better trigger and a fiber optic sight. The gun is balanced better then any gun in that price range, from the Glock and M&P and XD to the Berettas, Sigs and Rugers.

As for the fit and finish of the gun, Ive seen more rounds through the Shadow without problems, gun still looks and performs as if it were brand new. I think it all comes down to personal preference. Im an M&P fan over anything, but Id take the Shadow no questions asked if I had too.

 

[Trigun]

Over the years, CZ gained more respectation and that is why the price keep climbing. I won't say it is over priced but as Richard mentioned "Not a bargan anymore." But even a 75B climb to 800'sh, I will buy it still.

Trigun

 

[shelby]

I briefly owned an SP-01 and I agree that the workmanship/fit and finish does not compare to Sig, HK, Beretta, Walther, etc. I bought one because of all the hype I've read on this board and other Internet forums, but after owning it, I have to say that CZ is a highly overrated pistol. Sorry CZ fans.

My experience and opinion matches yours completely.

 

[ruel_CZ]

Id take a Shadow over a ANY Beretta or Sig anytime and I get range time with all of the pistols ever week. For just shy of 800 bucks you are getting a ergonomically superior firearm with a better trigger and a fiber optic sight. The gun is balanced better then any gun in that price range, from the Glock and M&P and XD to the Berettas, Sigs and Rugers.

As for the fit and finish of the gun, Ive seen more rounds through the Shadow without problems, gun still looks and performs as if it were brand new. I think it all comes down to personal preference. Im an M&P fan over anything, but Id take the Shadow no questions asked if I had too.

+1 exactly what I think, thanks buddy

 

[CeeZer]

Depends on what you buy your guns for - to shoot, look at or brag about?

How many people did you see compete in IPSC with SIGs and Berettas?

Even US military team switched to SP-01

 

[Freedom Ventures]

I think we get to pay extra in Canada because they are imported from Europe through the U.S. then into Canada......

As far as I know London Arms brings them from Europe.

Since most of the guns now are cheaper then they were few years ago, doesn't CZ look overpriced? It was a good deal at ~$750-800 when Glocks were $800+, Berettas $1000 and Sigs $1100+, but now with Glocks and M&Ps at $600. To me CZ just seem like a good deal now since the price hasn’t really came down at all.

Remember that while the US Economy went for a crap, and it's dollar along with it - (which is now recovering dammmit) , Europe's economy did not. S&W and Glock are now manufactured in the USA.

Final comment; you're talking about steel guns here vs plastic. Steel has more than doubled in price in the last year too.

 

[Can-down]

As far as I know London Arms brings them from Europe.

Remember that while the US Economy went for a crap, and it's dollar along with it - (which is now recovering dammmit) , Europe's economy did not. S&W and Glock are now manufactured in the USA.

Interesting,
I guess it's a volume thing down in the States because even with their weaker dollar against the Euro they seem to have better prices on CZ's

 

[G Man]

Depends on what you buy your guns for - to shoot, look at or brag about?

How many people did you see compete in IPSC with SIGs and Berettas?

Even US military team switched to SP-01

Hey Ceezer,
Can you elaborate on this? I am trying to figure out if any military or law enforcement units are actually using the SP-01.

 

[IM_Lugger]

^I think the last line was a joke...

 

[G Man]

^I think the last line was a joke...

Well I had to take the bait. CZ claims that the SP-01 is being used by security forces in the fight against terrorism. I've been trying to find out if this is fact or just an advertising tactic.