Talk me into a CZ SP-01

[iatrogenic]

I was pretty set on my next handgun purchase being an M&P9, but this morning after reading a comment about the CZ being "gun nirvana" accurate I'm now debating which one to get. I have to admit I didn't know much about them and from the light research I did after reading that, I am pretty impressed.

I already have a 1911 so I was thinking about getting a polymer gun in 9mm. My sister has a G19 (gen 3) and I honestly like the ergonomics of the M&P a lot better. I'm not going to ccw this so the glocks proven reliability records doesn't factor in much (not that I think the M&P is a jam-o-matic). I mainly want an accurate and comfortable 9mm.

Is the accuracy of the SP-01 Phantom the same as the steal frame SP-01? I don't mind the extra weight of the steal frame, if it improves accuracy and follow up shots. So the steal frame is NOT out of the question.

From what I'm seeing the CZ is about $150-200 more than the M&P9, but then again it comes with night sights and I was probably going to end up adding the Apex trigger to the M&P.

So which route should I go? Please elaborate on why you think I should get one over the other. Oh, and I can potentially see IDPA or ISPC matches in the future.

[leelaw]

Unless you have an exemption to the roster, the Phanton can not be DROSed to you as dealer stock.

As to convincing you.... Go shoot one, and you'll convince yourself.

[23 Blast]

With an SP-01, even when you run out of bullets, you're still carrying a deadly weapon!

Seriously - it is an all-steel pistol. Other than weight, what's not to like? It shoots tremendously accurately - due in part to it's weight. 9mm out of one feels like .22lr. The stock trigger isn't the best, but that's okay, it wears in and in any case, you do kind of get used to it.

[jonzer77]

It has almost no muzzle flip due to the weight. Awesome gun.

[chim-chim7]

Search for CZ bashing threads. You wont find any. If you are in San Diego and want to shoot mine, your welcome to. One magazine and you will say "what M&P".

[barrym66]

Is the accuracy of the SP-01 Phantom the same as the steal frame SP-01? I don't mind the extra weight of the steel frame, if it improves accuracy and follow up shots. So the steel frame is NOT out of the question....

...Oh, and I can potentially see IDPA or ISPC matches in the future.

The heavier weight of the (all) steel framed gun will work to your advantage, in opposing recoil and muzzle lift.

Oh, and... http://www.cz-usa.com/compete/

You'll find many SP-01's used in production based classes, for good reason. I am currently waiting for my own SP-01 Custom to arrive later this week, I'm going to try this over my Glocks in Production and SSP/ESP.

Good luck!

[Gryff]

The SP-01 Shadow and Phantom are a great guns.

Pros:
- Excellent ergonomics
- The Shadow is a heavy 9mm, so there is almost no recoil
- Accurate

Cons:
- Triggers from the factory aren't perfect. Need to break in and/or receive a trigger job before they are great.
- Trigger is a DA/SA type, unlike the M&P which is the same pull on every shot
- The Shadow is too heavy to be legal in IDPA as it is from the factory. You have to find a way to shave 3-4 ounces off it. Supposedly this can be done by replacing the factory grips with the ultra-thin aluminum ones available from CZ.

[barrym66]

The SP-01 Shadow and Phantom are a great guns.

The Shadow is too heavy to be legal in IDPA as it is from the factory. You have to find a way to shave 3-4 ounces off it. Supposedly this can be done by replacing the factory grips with the ultra-thin aluminum ones available from CZ.

True this....the thin grips (from Dennis Marshall or CZ Custom Shop) and a few other changes (polymer mag bases, AL mag release, 75B slide stop, 15 lb mainspring) make it possible to get under the 39 oz weight limit by a few grams(!). As delivered from the Custom Shop, it is supposed to make IDPA weight.

For the OP, get it, shoot it, make the changes later after you've decided to compete with it. Or if we wait long enough, maybe CZ will get the Phantom on the roster and all the above BS needed to meet IDPA requirements will be moot.

[iatrogenic]

So is the general consensus that the CZ is a much better buy, even at $200 more than the M&P?
I'm not in the SD area but thanks for offering. I'll have to go rent both at the range and make up my mind.

[pc_load_letter]

+1

I sold my M&P 9mm after shooting the CZ Sp-01 and the 75b. I purchased the 75b and am on a lookout for a SP-01 here in San Diego.

The M&P was a little easier to clean but I love the aftermarket grips I can get for the CZs. It is heavier. Everyone who shoots the CZ loves it.

MP

Search for CZ bashing threads. You wont find any. If you are in San Diego and want to shoot mine, your welcome to. One magazine and you will say "what M&P".

[shooterdude]

Since I made the comment about the SP-01 being "Handgun Nirvana" Let me elaborate that you must get a trigger job for this to occur. The CZ factory trigger has a mushy break and long reset. After the trigger job and a lighter mainspring you will have nirvana.

The myth of dry firing only gets rid rid of the grittiness that some people report but will NEVER make the trigger crisp.

In all fairness plan to spend about $200 to either send the gun to CZ Custom shop for the competition hammer with trigger job or have the stock parts worked over. I sent my 75B to CZ Custom but my SP-01 was worked by this guy :http://www.danielsgunsmithing.com/ and is better than the 75B.

After you get done whining about investing almost $900 for the gun + the trigger work and you actually shoot it you will not care what you spent.

Don't believe me? I shoot at "A Place to Shoot" in Santa Clarita almost every weekend and would be happy to let you try my gun. Bring a box of 50 rounds and then you HAVE to give it back...I mean it..go get your own!

[iatrogenic]

My girlfriends parents are from Valencia, so I might actually take you up on that offer in about a month or so.
Thanks.

[Blitzburgh]

I shoot at "A Place to Shoot" in Santa Clarita almost every weekend and would be happy to let you try my gun. Bring a box of 50 rounds and then you HAVE to give it back...I mean it..go get your own!

You might get company. Heck, I'll bring a case of ammo!

After all that I've read here about them I'm getting very very interested.

[shooterdude]

You might get company. Heck, I'll bring a case of ammo!

After all that I've read here about them I'm getting very very interested.

BTW, shooting steel close is booooring. I like to shoot the targets at 50 yards on the handgun range. I am getting so bored of not missing....

[eltorito]

I think the SP-01 sucks and you should not even bother with it (typed while waiting for CZcustom.com to open up)