M&P9 Range kit vs. CZ75 SP-01 for IPSC and/or 3 gun etc.

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ccgn

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Hi guys,

I am considering getting into IPSC and other shooting sports in 2016. It seems a 9mm is most suitable and at this moment I do not have one. Since I am not 100% sure whether the whole thing will be for me or not, I am hesitant to jump into the deep end and spend $1000 - $1500 on a 9mm and required equipment.

I would need to do my Black Badge first, as I do not have that yet.

I am considering the M&P9 range kit because it gives you practically everything need to get started, and assuming there are some decent Boxing day sales I could get into one for approx $650, which is a nice price point. I also already one an M&P22 pistol so I could get lots of practice on this platform.

However, I have been reading lots of comments that the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow is a highly recommended choice for IPSC competitions. However, depending on the Boxing day sale, it would likely be in the $900 range and doesn't come with holster and mag pouches like the S&W does. So I suspect that could put me in the $1100 - $1200 range vs. $650 for the M&P9.

I guess my big question would be; gun for gun, can the M&P9 be as accurate and competitive in the same class as an SP-01 Shadow? Or am I setting myself up to potentially not be as competitive vs other people who are using an SP-01.
 
I have owned both. I bought the M&P9 before knowing any better. I soon came to realize that I do not like polymer, striker fired pistols. In my opinion and experience, the CZ75 SP-01 Shadow has the M&P9 beat in every way except for the price. That's not to say that you can't/won't do well with the M&P, but I think you'd do even better with the CZ.
 
I have both, the CZ IMHO is a better choice by a country mile, love mine, my most accurate handgun by far and I have about 15 of various makes and models.
 
I hear you on the price difference...sadly, I'd vote the shadow too...my fav 9mm by far, and worth the extra....hunt the accessories on 'ee'..they do come up..
 
For some things in life, the old axiom that you get what you pay for is true. This is the case for the CZ SP-01. The OP is right. It is not an inexpensive firearm, but IMHO, it is worth every penny. From a smooth, relatively short resetting trigger with a crisp break, to the fiber optic front sight that allows almost "instinctive" aiming especially for follow on shots to the design of the slide that minimizes felt recoil and muzzle flip, it is probably the best bang for your buck. (Sorry, I couldn't resist that last part.)

Of course there are guns out there that are better than the CZ SP-01, but I personally can't think of any that are significantly better than it and that will be less than $1k.

If you choose to go with the M&P9, they have a reputation (rightly or wrongly) for not having good triggers. I would imagine, that to be competitive you would need to upgrade the trigger (not sure if you can with IPSC) but many people who shoot the M&P series opt to upgrade their trigger with the "APEX Trigger Kit" which will add more than $225 to the cost of the M&P. After this is done, the price difference is not really that much.

Finally, one big advantage of the CZ SP-01 especially for a beginner is that many people do shoot it. That means that when you go to your first few competitions (or even at your local club's "IPSC nights") there will likely be somebody there who will be able to give you a few tips or pointers.

Good luck with whichever you choose.
 
I own an m&p9 and I really enjoy shooting it, the trigger isn't as bad as some people say at least mine isn't. That being said if I was going to start shooting competitively and I had to choose between the m&p or the cz I'd go with the cz, I've shot both and the cz is stellar.
 
I don't own either. I used a mp9 at my range safety course. Not a bad pistol. I would definitely consider that a barrel and/or an apex trigger could bring the two a little closer to a level playing field. Price and practice wise.
On another note, I've never heard a single complaint about the cz.
Interested to see how things work out for you!
 
I have both of these guns and they are both great guns but with different characteristics. The M&P is polymer, has a snappier recoil, is plenty accurate for competition work, and gets you going for $650.00. The striker fire gun is ready to blaze right out of the holster, no safety to mess with, I consider this a real bonus.

The CZ is nice and heavy, has a "calmer" recoil, a fibre optic front sight which is nice indoors, $$$$ accuracy for low/mid $$$, it also has a safety and this will require you to train to use it with a double action trigger pull on your first shot. Not really a horrible thing but not as nice as the M&P which has the same trigger every pull. Will this accuracy help you compete? Depends on what you are shooting, but not really a big deal in my opinion.

Realistically there are plenty of barely used CZ SP-01 Shadows for sale on EE these days and $800 is doable, no tax. Some even come with the kit you require to use it in competition. Take your time and you could very well find a CZ in your price range, a small premium over the M&P.

It really depends on your own style but I started with an M&P 9 and if I had to I'd pick it up again tomorrow. I have found that I prefer 1911 style pistols and now use these. The M&P can get you going tomorrow and that is a good thing. It won't be your first and last pistol ayways!
 
If you can try out both then you should. I have the 9mm pro core and the trigger is the same. A bit of sanding smooths it out. When im in the competition mode I dont feel or notice it. I can upgrade with apex kit and this would take it just a bit over the 1k mark. At this point you might as well get the CZ.
 
I have M&P9L Pro Core. I shot the Shadow. Both guns are good. Tigger is not as smooth as the CZ but some polishing its a quick fix. I actually prefer the M$P Trigger since I don't really like DOA.
 
Thanks for all of the input. I will try to get my hands on, and shoot both before I make the final decision. Based on the feedback I am leaning towards the SP01, but hopefully I'll try both before dropping the $$.
 
ccgn said:
Thanks for all of the input. I will try to get my hands on, and shoot both before I make the final decision. Based on the feedback I am leaning towards the SP01, but hopefully I'll try both before dropping the $$.
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Seeing as you're in the lower mainland you can always go to DVC and rent both, I did that when I was trying to choose my first handgun. They had all of my top 3 choices available to rent, nice to have all three side by side to shoot at the same time. Made my choice pretty easy to make, worth the price they charge you for a couple boxes of 9mm.
 
For competition cz is money better spent yeah the m&p comes with mag pouches and holster but you'll end up replacing them anyway. If you try a it and decide it isn't for you the cz and holster/mag pouches will sell as a set faster then the m&p range kit and for a better price. Too be honest I wouldn't buy the m&p it is a great pistol but there's a reason you'll see more shadows then the m&p oh and look at the shadow not just the sp01?
 
CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow all the way. Two different price and performance brackets. New shooters I take to the range have 50% smaller groups when shooting the CZ. The low bore height and grip make a more stable platform.
 
As you have said you are getting a pistol specifically for competition such as IPSC or 3 gun. For these purposes the Shadow is a better gun by far. You'd be making a mistake with the M&P, but you'd be selling it so soon to buy a Shadow it wouldn't matter much :).
 
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