Decisions Decisions...

[controlled_burst]

Hi Shooters,

I am in the process of choosing a new .45 and wanted to get opinions of the four handguns below.

Springfield model XD9161

CZ 97 B

Glock 21

USP Compact .45

I have other models from Glock (19), Springfield (1911 mil) & HK (2nd gen USP compact .40) and love them all but I have not owned a CZ, nor have I heard much but never the less liked it when I shot it.

Important factors:

Reliability
Price point
10+ capacity

Also, even though I have done alot of research, if anyone can point out some trait that is a "show stopper" ie, extreme finickiness with ammo, known quality/malfunction issues, etc.

Thanks in advance for any feedback & suggestions.

CB

[tacticalcity]

Of the guns on the list I have experience with the Glock and the HK USP Compact, but not with the CZ. My vote is for the Glock.

Since you own another USP you already know about it's goofy magazine release and its finish quality. Maybe your experience is different but I had a few issues adjusting to it's unique quirks. The magazine release requires you to use both your thumb and trigger finger to attack it from both sides and push it downward to get it to function properly. If you try and do it one fingered it would cant and get stuck. Wasn't all that comfortable moving my finger around the trigger well every time I needed to drop a magazine. Others swear you can do it one fingered, but at full speed like during a firefight I suggest it could not be done as reliably as pushing in a traditional magazine release button with just one finger. Also the finish on the USP crap pretty crappy compared to that of the Glock. Holster and handling wear was immediate. Might as well have been coated with chalk, it came off that easily.

Don't get me wrong. I still like the USP much more than a laundry list of other guns...just no where near as much as I like the Glock.

[nocomply25]

I do not own a CZ but it seems like this past week 5 or 6 guys have picked them up. Every other post is about CZ and it seems everyone who owns them can not stop talking about them. Tacticalcity is a glock guy, and i think if you already have a glock then go for the CZ. Personally i really like my M&P. to me the M&P gives you function and reliability of the glock but with better ergos.

[JeremyS]

I love CZ's but the 97B stands out to me as an outlier on that list. Compared to the others, it is massive and heavy. It's all-steel and is a full+ sized gun. ^^^ I'd agree that M&P probably deserves to be on the list.

Yeah the CZ 97 is freakin' awesome, super reliable, super accurate, etc etc but it's just not like the others you're considering.

I don't like how XD's or Glocks shoot (typically does not feel good to me). Love the USP but would always be sad not to get the tactical one (dang CA). These reasons combined with my general appreciation for CZ firearms would lead me to choose the 97... it's a great gun. Again though... not similar to the others besides the caliber. Since you have a Glock and a USP already I personally would be looking for something different just to mix things up.

tacticalcity -- It's my understanding that most people who use the "euro style" magazine release (on the trigger guard) tend to push it with their support hand. I know a lot of people complain about having to alter their strong hand grip in order to operate them, but I don't think that's how they're designed to be operated. Just something different to get used to.

[Bug Splat]

As much as I like my 97B I can't recommend it as a defense pistol. It does not do well with HP or SWC ammo, grip is massive, heavy as all hell. It does make an amazing range and or match pistol. It is the most accurate 45 semi-auto I have handled. Trigger can be tuned to rival the best 1911's.

[controlled_burst]

Nocomply25- I had not previously considered the M&P but after reviewing specs and a few reviews it definitely merits a get to know you shoot. Thanks for the recomendation.

JeremyS- The CZ is definitely the odd duck. She's like the girl that isnt overly attractive & a little overweight but still makes cheer squad cause she has great skills, lol

As a observation on the USP mag release, I have never had a problem using my thumb & 1st finger to work the mag release but MUCH prefer the crisp pop of the G19 mag release