I went for the XDM 3.8 that can be full size or compact depending on the mag you put in.
1st question is have you shot any gun that you like yet? I bought over 30 handguns and half of them don't shoot expert for me so I would try and shoot a pistol before I buy one.

the thing is, were I live, there is nowhere within 100 miles that 'rents' guns to try....

I don't have the luxury of going down to the local range and saying I want to try out these 5 here and such....

I have been shooting my whole life and I have shot many types of firearms. I know what I am looking for. My brother has an XD and it is nice but it is not what I want. If I were looking for a carry weapon, yes, I would probably look at the XD much more because it has many thing about it that are awesome for carry but I am not looking for a carry weapon. I am looking at a home defense and target weapon. I want a longer barrel and a larger capacity. I want that accuracy at 50 yards and you just won't have that with a shorter barrel. You have a full inch longer to stabilize in the CZ over the XD...that is a lot in a 9mm.

I also do not want a composite weapon. I want steel. I like the weight of it and the fact that in a last ditch situation, I have a three pound piece of steel in my hand to bludgeon someone with. Maybe that is odd, maybe it is the only thing that will save my life. Maybe the composite will work as well...maybe not.

Maybe I am crazy....

I already have a carry pistol...two actually.

Look around, there is not a single 9mm under 600$ that even comes close to the CZ. It's the most reliable gun I own(I own HK's, a Glock 17, A ruger p95, ruger mark III .22lr, ruger sr22, Taurus .357 magnum, a smith and Wesson mp shield) and at the range I shot an XD, didn't like it as much as my cz by a long shot. CZ's are the way to go. Just my opinion.

Originally Posted by JMessmer

Look around, there is not a single 9mm under 600$ that even comes close to the CZ. It's the most reliable gun I own(I own HK's, a Glock 17, A ruger p95, ruger mark III .22lr, ruger sr22, Taurus .357 magnum, a smith and Wesson mp shield) and at the range I shot an XD, didn't like it as much as my cz by a long shot. CZ's are the way to go. Just my opinion.

Which CZ do you have....or CZ's? Do you like one model over another?

Cz-75 semicompact was my first, CZ-75B my second. I like the semi better but they're both amazing.

Have you considered the beretta selections? I just bought a PX4 storm full size about two months ago and I really like it. However this was my first purchase, but I've tried overs at the range and I like mine the best. I'm sure a lil biased!

Originally Posted by momtotwo

I am having trouble deciding between the different models.

I want a 9mm. That is set in stone.

I want a full size or a compact, not a sub...that is for sure. I am leaning more to a full size. I have no intent to carry this piece.

Tell me if I am thinking wrong about getting the 75 SP-01...it looks real good to me.

I'm thinking of the kids' game Hot and Cold...You are boiling, scalding hot. The SP-01 is such a fine handgun. I LOVE mine. It is so solid without feeling bulky or awkward for my small hands. Some buddies with bigger hands love the feel too. It will cycle virtually any ammo. Great trigger. Some may quibble, but there is essentially nothing bad to say about this pistol. Not great for carry, but you said that is not a factor.

Beretta 92.......................

Originally Posted by momtotwo

I am having trouble deciding between the different models.

I want a 9mm. That is set in stone.

I want a full size or a compact, not a sub...that is for sure. I am leaning more to a full size. I have no intent to carry this piece.

Tell me if I am thinking wrong about getting the 75 SP-01...it looks real good to me.

If your not planning to ever carry it, get the full size.
Is it for HD or for range use?
I have a CZ-75 BD that is primarily a range gun. I had an adjustable rear sight installed.
If your's is to be a range gun, I'd point out that CZ-85 Combat has the adjustable sights already. Not exactly a showstopper, but worth noting.

And yes, the SP-01 is a pretty nice pistol.

Originally Posted by TheLAGuy

Have you considered the beretta selections? I just bought a PX4 storm full size about two months ago and I really like it. However this was my first purchase, but I've tried overs at the range and I like mine the best. I'm sure a lil biased!

I have considered the Beretta but after careful consideration, I have leaned in the direction of the CZ.

Originally Posted by Overkill0084

If your not planning to ever carry it, get the full size.
Is it for HD or for range use?
I have a CZ-75 BD that is primarily a range gun. I had an adjustable rear sight installed.
If your's is to be a range gun, I'd point out that CZ-85 Combat has the adjustable sights already. Not exactly a showstopper, but worth noting.

And yes, the SP-01 is a pretty nice pistol.

Thanks for the notes...I will take them into consideration.

I have only such a limited knowledge of CZs, what made you decide on a CZ for your next pistol?

Whats up with the CZ's man, give the details!?!

Anyone who's done any research on cz's knows why they're the best choice.

Did some research... they look/sound like a quality pistol.

Can you elaborate on why they are the "best" choice?.... As opposed to a Sig or Beretta (best guns imo).

For me, what lead me to the choice was talking to a few gunsmiths who specialize in handguns and a few friends of mine who have owned both types of guns.

The gunsmiths, both of them, agree that the CZ's are easier to take apart and work on. If a part breaks, they are easier to replace. They are said to be very durable and accurate and hold up to the abuse just as well as the Beretta.

I have no experience with the Sig and nobody I know does...that is not to say that they are not great guns, just that none of my friends have one so I have no knowledge or experience to lean on.

The grip and balance are the last of the factors. The grip on the CZ seems to be more suited for slightly smaller hands and I am a woman. I can handle a larger pistol just fine but for me to have it be mine, the contour and slight tuck to the grip of the CZ seems to be an advantage for me. The balance of the CZ feels real nice in my hand as well.

I also have reports of the recoil being more of a directly in line recoil with the CZ rather than that of the Beretta which in my experience is a little off to the left. That could be a condition of the grip being at max for my hand.

Though the Beretta does have a model with an interchangeable grip that has a smaller size that seems that it would be suited for my hand, I don't particularly want that model just for that feature when the CZ's seem to all have a slightly more of a tucked grip.

Taking into consideration the things I talked about, I think for me, it is the right choice. I hope I am right but I would know until I have a few thousand rounds down range.

Originally Posted by TAPnRACK

Did some research... they look/sound like a quality pistol.

Can you elaborate on why they are the "best" choice?.... As opposed to a Sig or Beretta (best guns imo).

The question isn't whether CZs are the best, the question is, are Sigs and Beretta that much better considering the cost?
I picked my CZ over the Sigs and the Berettas. Hell the H&K USP was even a consideration. CZs are hard to beat generally, and when you consider they are a great value, it's a no-lose situation.
Aesthetics and brand prestige are separate discussions.

Ditto to what others have said. I might add, that many here in the US are unfamiliar with CZ because it was born behind the Iron Curtain and was basically the gun that fought on the wrong side of the Cold War. But it has a long history and a time-tested reputation for reliability and durability. It is one of the most widely used handguns in military and LE environments in the world. I liken it to the Beretta 92 in terms of pedigree - a great original design that only gets better with real-world use and iterative improvement over time as well as critical mass in the market place that has allowed sufficient investment in the manufacturing process/infrastructure to achieve the tightest tolerances and consistency in production. But very few Americans have ever touched one, because if you were in the military or LE you probably had a Beretta or a Sig or a Glock or a Colt.

Finally, I think the gun, both the older, standard 75 model and especially the SP-01, are beautiful objects. They have classical lines and proportions (rare in a product of Soviet block origin). They exude a certain dignity of a timeless design. I know that's a little goofy, but we all know that many of us feel that way about alot of our guns. Yes a gun is a tool, designed with a discreet purpose yadayada...but many of them are beautiful works of craftsmanship in addition. I feel that way about my CZ. And all else being equal, when I held my CZ versus holding several other fine handguns - M&P, Ruger, Sig, even the Beretta 92 - all of which "ticked the boxes" of function etc. there was a visceral desire to have the CZ.

Looking at the price comparison between some of these 'debated' brands.....

Sig with night sights in the 9mm - P250 - $642
Beretta 92FS - Night sights not available, USA made - $650
CZ 75 SP-01 with night sights - $660

tell me why some say that they are 'lesser weapons'. They seem to be 'right up there' when you are looking at the numbers. Prices are the same. Reports of durability are just as good. Reports of accuracy are just as good. What's the deal?

I have never seen a Sig handgun in person so for me, they are off the list as an option. Again...not to say they are not awesome but I am not going to buy something that I have no experience with and none of my trusted advisers have experience with.

Go shoot them both. I guarantee you will pick the CZ. By the way, it's not lesser in anyway.

Originally Posted by momtotwo

Looking at the price comparison between some of these 'debated' brands.....

Sig with night sights in the 9mm - P250 - $642
Beretta 92FS - Night sights not available, USA made - $650
CZ 75 SP-01 with night sights - $660
tell me why some say that they are 'lesser weapons'. They seem to be 'right up there' when you are looking at the numbers. Prices are the same. Reports of durability are just as good. Reports of accuracy are just as good. What's the deal?


I have never seen a Sig handgun in person so for me, they are off the list as an option. Again...not to say they are not awesome but I am not going to buy something that I have no experience with and none of my trusted advisers have experience with.

Couple things. Do they seriously want that much for a SIG 250? I would think street prices below $500 wouldn't be a stretch. Also, I compare the CZ75 family to the P226 & P229 ($800+). Yeah, it's a fair comparison. The P250 never occurred to me. But then I hate the concept of DAO, I don't care how "good" it is for a DAO trigger. I'm not on the police force in a liberal city, I want a proper trigger setup. Oh, FYI, the P250 is a polymer frame.

Originally Posted by Overkill0084

Couple things. Do they seriously want that much for a SIG 250? I would think street prices below $500 wouldn't be a stretch. Also, I compare the CZ75 family to the P226 & P229 ($800+). Yeah, it's a fair comparison. The P250 never occurred to me. But then I hate the concept of DAO, I don't care how "good" it is for a DAO trigger. I'm not on the police force in a liberal city, I want a proper trigger setup. Oh, FYI, the P250 is a polymer frame.

Like I said....I don't know anything about a Sig...they are not popular in my 'crowd.' LOL I dont' think there is even a dealer around there.

And yes, that is MSRP on all of those from all of their web sights.

I totally wish I could....there isn't anywhere around here that rents guns though.

shoot them both that is

Have you bought it yet?