FUN / Shooting Range Handgun (CZ, Glock, 1911) 9MM

[redhemi]

I have 3 full size 1911s and out of the box no problems from any of them. The only problem you would have is leaving it stock for HD and they are out of your price range. I would say a CZ SP01, 75b SA or just a 75b. All good shooters with the SP taking the lead with the weight of the rail making for quicker follow up shots. If you own a Glock and like it stick with that but if you can try out a CZ your Glocks will soon be gathering dust in the safe.

[static2126]

9mm 1911s are very fun guns too

[checkenbach]

You could just mod your 226 and save some cash. I just put a Gray guns flat trigger/ improved trigger bar set along with a 17 Lb hammer spring in my 228, and it made a HUGE difference. Now for better sights and an SRT kit.
That said, I have a few Glocks, and they do all that they are asked, and easy to mod, but the triggers are an acquired taste. I have a Springfield 9mm 1911 too, it’s a sweet shooter, super accurate too. I had issues with early model Wilson Combat mags, but they have changed the follower, and they work ok. I have since moved to MetalForm mags, they all run perfectly.
I have been interested in CZ’s lately, and rented an SP-01, it was super accurate, very controllable, and the ergonomics were great too. This will probably be my next gun. I strongly recommend renting, or shooting a friends gun that you are interested in, holding one in the gun store may be different than shooting one.

[.40Cal]

Seems CZ and 1911's are in the lead.

Love to have either, since I don't have either of them. 1911 looks classic, feel classic, and sweet.

2 cons: 8 / 9 rounds only in most 9mm 1911's. And reliability is still not 100% in a 9mm 1911. I feel guns are like airplanes, you need 100% reliability. CZ on the other hand, is gaining my interest as well.

[dave85620]

Beretta 92fs, Cz p01 or Glock 19.

[recpark99]

All mentioned are just fine, seems like you're leaning towards a CZ. They're great guns, easy to disassemble, customizable. Some people don't like 1911's because of the disassembly, once you've done it a few times it's very easy. Good luck

[JR18]

CZ SP01 makes an amazing range toy but I shoot my Glock 19 more then any gun I own.

[Handgunther]

I would suggest you try them and compare the different choices you're considering.

A 9mm 1911 is a ton of fun because it shoots so softly, and my Springfield is a very nice and very reliable model. It never misfires. The trigger is the main attraction, plus you get 10 rounds instead of 8. With a front FO sight, it's hard not to put it in the range bag.

The CZ SP-01 fits me like a glove thanks to the contoured grips, and is crazy accurate. I understand why so many people love it. You can also upgrade the crap out of it if you get the bug. You can even make it into a creamy .22LR with their Kadet kit. The Tactical Sport is much different and much nicer for target shooting; but for the price, an SP-01 is very hard to beat. I own both. I would imagine the Beretta 92FS is the closest competitor in that price range.

I'm not a Glock fan, so I'll withhold my opinion. Polymer 9mm guns are not the most fun to shoot at the range, IMO; but they are very popular. I love my M&P9, but I enjoy shooting my heavier guns more.

None of these guns feels anything like a 226. The 226 Scorpion was the first pistol I fell in love with, and I bought a Nitron and upgraded it w/SRT so it shoots almost exactly like the Scorpion. But after trying more brands/models, especially CZ, the 226 started to feel very bulky and fat compared to other all-metal pistols, even my 1911s. These guns are all so great and reliable, the weapon(s) I take with me usually come down to the caliber and feel of the gun in my hand. It can be a very personal decision, but it's all just for fun.

You're looking at some good choices. Good luck and happy hunting!

P.S. With the DA/SA action, night sights, rail and de-cocker, the 226 is an awesome HD gun!

[tuna quesadilla]

You already have a P226 which what I prefer to shoot for fun and HD over any of the other guns you listed. Maybe look into the SP2022 or Beretta M9/92fs.

The only CZs I think are worth having are the Shadow 2, TS and 97b. The TS is way out of your price range.

I have to agree with this part. I'm sorry to say that this will probably offend some people, but I think that all the people who rave about the base model CZ75s and CZ75 SP01s have probably never actually a shot a truly nice handgun. Because a base model CZ75/SP01 is really a pretty rough handgun with a mediocre-at-best trigger.

I would not buy a CZ as a "fun" gun unless you were either willing to spend hundreds of dollars Cajunizing it, or unless you were willing to go straight to the top of the line like the Shadows and the TSs.

[brownfeathermedic]

[Garv]

I have the most fun with my G34.
SP-01 is a close second.

[.40Cal]

I would suggest you try them and compare the different choices you're considering.

A 9mm 1911 is a ton of fun because it shoots so softly, and my Springfield is a very nice and very reliable model. It never misfires. The trigger is the main attraction, plus you get 10 rounds instead of 8. With a front FO sight, it's hard not to put it in the range bag.

The CZ SP-01 fits me like a glove thanks to the contoured grips, and is crazy accurate. I understand why so many people love it. You can also upgrade the crap out of it if you get the bug. You can even make it into a creamy .22LR with their Kadet kit. The Tactical Sport is much different and much nicer for target shooting; but for the price, an SP-01 is very hard to beat. I own both. I would imagine the Beretta 92FS is the closest competitor in that price range.

I'm not a Glock fan, so I'll withhold my opinion. Polymer 9mm guns are not the most fun to shoot at the range, IMO; but they are very popular. I love my M&P9, but I enjoy shooting my heavier guns more.

None of these guns feels anything like a 226. The 226 Scorpion was the first pistol I fell in love with, and I bought a Nitron and upgraded it w/SRT so it shoots almost exactly like the Scorpion. But after trying more brands/models, especially CZ, the 226 started to feel very bulky and fat compared to other all-metal pistols, even my 1911s. These guns are all so great and reliable, the weapon(s) I take with me usually come down to the caliber and feel of the gun in my hand. It can be a very personal decision, but it's all just for fun.

You're looking at some good choices. Good luck and happy hunting!

P.S. With the DA/SA action, night sights, rail and de-cocker, the 226 is an awesome HD gun!

Looks like you're LIVING MY Life... Lol. You got all the toys I'm dreaming of or considering... Your honest feedback would be valuable, since I don't have much of a choice to shoot/experience these guns.

What model of Springfield 1911 in 9MM do you have? How come it's never had ejection or feed issues? 1911 would be great to have - it's like a gun owner's dream gun, if not for the issues & price.

CZ SP-01 generally gets great range reviews, without any issues. It looks sexy (not as much as 1911, but 2nd close), CZ's fit the hand well. If it has a rail, can be good for HD as well. And with upgrades turned into a smooth shooter, close to Shadow.

As for the P226, I bought it 2nd hand, and is a basic 226 with rails, and hogue grip (with finger grooves). It's always reliable, but there's Nothing very personal or natural about it. I mean it shoots Okay, no issues, but I don't get that "personal feel" with a 226. I also bought it bcuz it's one the the best gun you could own and not very pricey + 5 Mags. And it was my 1st Handgun, and I thought I'd never need/ or buy another one - no point in having more than one 9mm. . I think most people buy it bcuz they know it's a great/reliable gun - but there's nothing Natural/ Personal about it (like CZ fit, or 1911 trigger). It came with the skinny (SRT) type trigger. Maybe needs some internals cleaned up/polished from Sig Factory...

I have to agree with this part. I'm sorry to say that this will probably offend some people, but I think that all the people who rave about the base model CZ75s and CZ75 SP01s have probably never actually a shot a truly nice handgun. Because a base model CZ75/SP01 is really a pretty rough handgun with a mediocre-at-best trigger.

I would not buy a CZ as a "fun" gun unless you were either willing to spend hundreds of dollars Cajunizing it, or unless you were willing to go straight to the top of the line like the Shadows and the TSs.

A Shadow is about 1000. SP01is about 550-650. A good trigger job, grips, hammer, and springs could make it the same as Shadow, which is basically a suited/upgraded SP01. So yeah, down the road $300 or so should get it to the same level as Shadow.

Even though 1911”s have standard 7-8 rnds, my 2 Colts run flawlessly. The Nickel One has had ejection port , trigger work, chamfered edging on mag port, and the Blue, only trigger work and polishing ramp. I would not trade them for the world. I ve always been enamored with 1911”s

I get it - hence my debate about the 1911 Vs CZ Vs Glock...

[Beendare]

Range gun eh? You already have a excellent defensive handgun in the 226.

Considering that all a guy can do is hold the pistol, aim and fire at the range...

I would say a 1911 framed gun in .45 or 9mm.....accurate plinkers.

....

[newbieLA]

STI 2011 in 9mm and Kimber 1911 in 45 are my 2 favorite range guns. The triggers on those guns can't be beat.

[Handgunther]

Looks like you're LIVING MY Life... Lol. You got all the toys I'm dreaming of or considering... Your honest feedback would be valuable, since I don't have much of a choice to shoot/experience these guns.

What model of Springfield 1911 in 9MM do you have? How come it's never had ejection or feed issues? 1911 would be great to have - it's like a gun owner's dream gun, if not for the issues & price.

Great minds think alike... (Also the CA gun roster keeps the choices to a minimum)

I just have the basic Springfield 1911-A1 Target - it's not like there are a lot to choose from... Frankly I'm not super familiar with other people's experience with that gun, or why a 9mm 1911 wouldn't shoot well, but for me it's been fantastic. I'm impressed with the Springfield - and it looks classy, for sure! It does hold 10 rounds of 9mm - not the 8 rounds others have mentioned. It's so soft, I could shoot that gun all day.

The SP-01 is a more tactical pistol, and it can be upgraded almost as much as a 1911. You get it...it's an excellent inexpensive gun that can easily be made into an excellent expensive one. I had a lot of people tell me to try it before I bought one, and I'm very glad I did. (I was shocked to learn that I actually decided I prefer shooting the CZ over of the 226) After thousands of rounds, I can't remember one FTF or problem with the gun. It is the most perfect gun out of the box I've bought in a long time.

Tough choices. I can foresee that you might eventually wind up with more than one of these guns in you arsenal...