Help me decide...please

[J.D.Allen]

OK, here's another one of those which one is better threads...but let's see if I can narrow this one down a bit better...


I am going to buy a new pistol soon, and have narrowed the search down to two very specific choices. I have chosen to get a 9mm for various reasons, and that's not up for discussion, so please no caliber wars. Also since I live in AZ the roster is not an issue, nor are magazine restrictions although I do frequent CA so I will have to have some neutered mags for whatever I get for when I am there. I want SAO, and I have a somewhat limited price range, so here's what I've narrowed it down to:
a CZ 75B SA, or a RIA 9mm Tactical 1911.

Ready?....

GO!

Oh yeah. Almost forgot. Purpose will be SD and everyday carry both OC and CC. I have a real gun (Mossberg 500) for HD so no worries there.

[red_eyez]

I personally like 1911 platform, but since you're going to carry, the CZ might have an advantage of being smaller size.

[J.D.Allen]

I personally like 1911 platform, but since you're going to carry, the CZ might have an advantage of being smaller size.

Good point, although only slightly smaller, and close in weight too. I wonder if I would even notice the difference.

[Vacaville]

I like the CZ. At least for me, it's probably the most natural feeling semi-auto handgun in my hand.

[leelaw]

Get the CZ

[robcoe]

For carry, the CZ. If it was just a range gun then I would say the 1911.

[J.D.Allen]

For carry, the CZ. If it was just a range gun then I would say the 1911.

Why? Reliability issues? Comfort? (Both are extremely important in a carry piece obviously)

[robcoe]

Why? Reliability issues? Comfort? (Both are extremely important in a carry piece obviously)

Reliably, I have no idea of the reliably of the RIA 9mm 1911, but I know people who have 1000s of rounds through CZ 75s with no issues.

In terms of comfort it's all personal preference, for me the 1911 is great, but the CZ grip seems custom fitted to me, and both are easy to carry.

[Spirit 1]

You might want to consider the original CZ-75 Compact SA/DA with steel frame, as it's much more discreet size for carry, but still has all the great CZ75 features. With a CZ85 competition hammer & some filing on the safety you can have a nice 3lbs SA & 6lbs DA trigger! A SAO trigger installed adds $80 without or instead of the 85 hammer:

http://czcustom.com/CZ-75-COMPACT-PolyCoat.aspx

[J.D.Allen]

You might want to consider the original CZ-75 Compact SA/DA with steel frame, as it's much more discreet size for carry, but still has all the great CZ75 features. With a CZ85 competition hammer & some filing on the safety you can have a nice 3lbs SA & 6lbs DA trigger! A SAO trigger installed adds $80 without or instead of the 85 hammer:

http://czcustom.com/CZ-75-COMPACT-PolyCoat.aspx

hmmm...OK now why did you have to go and do that? Just when I think I'm getting closer to a decision you have to go and throw another option into the mix.

[McCrown]

Also, isn't the mag capacity greater in the CZ (assuming you normal capacity mags).

[TonyKat]

You've presented us with two options. Objectively this is my take on them.

The CZ-75 is a 35 year old pistol still made in the Czech Republic by the company who created it.

Rock Island Armory 1911's are 1911 clones made in the Philippines.

If I was buying a pistol I planned to own for the rest of my life it would be one that has been tried and tested over time and one with heritage. Not a clone of an american great, made in the philippines.

For full disclosure I personally don't own either of them and don't see myself getting either of them any time soon. If pressed against a wall I would get the CZ.

For perspective my firearms include:
- Remington 870
- Glock 19
- Stag AR-15
- S&W .38 Special
- Colt Colteer .22

Items on my wish list:
- Remington 700 SPS Tactical
- Kimber Solo
- Ed Brown 1911

[J.D.Allen]

Also, isn't the mag capacity greater in the CZ (assuming you normal capacity mags).

Yes. Quite a bit. 16 in the CZ, 9 in the 1911.

[J.D.Allen]

The CZ-75 is a 35 year old pistol still made in the Czech Republic by the company who created it.

Rock Island Armory 1911's are 1911 clones made in the Philippines.

Good point. Very good point.

[Legasat]

CZ for carry.