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Pistol shopping advice

902 views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  SouthernBoy 
#1 ·
Hi, I'm Jay, a new member and would like some input.

Recently started range shooting and love it. Have shot many popular makes and models, and would like to finalize on one or two to own. Some of my favorites are the CZ 75 SP01, Smith and Wesson M&P, H&K P30, and the Walther PPQ.

There are many makes and models available with many variations designed for specific purpose, situation, shooter, etc. What I would like to plead is the reputation and functionalities of certain popular brands and models.

I understand it is almost universally agreed upon that the one pistol the shooter feels the best about would be the ideal gun, however I want to disagree to a point. For example; I love the feel and ergonomics of the CZ 75, not to mention its beauty and royalty. On the range I struggle to show consistency and precision to handle it. Springfield XDM's bulk and clunkiness makes it one of my least favorites, but I did pretty well with the .40 caliber on the first try.

One last thing I am hoping for advice is quality vs variety. With 2 grand to spend, would one muster all of assets on a CZ 75 SP01 shadow target? Or perhaps get the SP01, Smith and Wesson M&P and a Glock 19 for about the same amount.

Thank you in advance for reading and commenting.
 
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#2 ·
If you "struggle to show consistency and precision" with the CZ 75, a pistol with good ergonomics, the problem is in your technique, not in the gun.

My suggestion is that you buy either the CZ 75 or the XDM, and invest the rest of your available cash upon shooting lessons from the most reputable coach and trainer you can afford.
Gunsite and Thunder Ranch spring immediately to mind.

The problem with the CZ 75 is that it is a "traditional double-action" (TDA) pistol. This requires you to deal with two very different trigger actions: the double-action (DA) first shot, and the subsequent single-action (SA) follow-up shots.
However, as I understand things, the CZ 75 can be carried "cocked and locked" in SA mode, which could solve the two-trigger-actions problem.

The XDM, if I remember correctly, is a comparatively-light-trigger, double-action-only (DAO) pistol, presenting you with only one trigger mode to deal with. This is better for the beginning shooter than is the TDA system. It also eliminates having to learn to manipulate a safety lever, if you have chosen to use the CZ's SA mode.

"You pays yer money, and yer makes yer choice."

Jean and I are off to visit both grandchildren.
One of 'em's having her First Birthday!
We'll be gone until June 26th or 27th.
See you then...
 
#3 ·
The CZ-75B is my favorite target shooting 9mm, and I have the Kadet .22 conversion for it, which is my favorite target shooting .22.

The XD45 and XDs are my favorite self defense handguns, because I like striker-fired with no manual safety for that purpose.

The Glock G-20 (10mm) is the pistol I shoot more accurately than any other, despite the fact that it feels like I'm holding a brick (go figure).

All of the handguns you mentioned are good ones, so you are in an enviable position.
 
#4 ·
Figure out your goal. Do you want the gun for home defense? That gun needs to feel natural and reflexive in your hand and likely only needs to be accurate to 15 feet or so. Feel and comfort are key there. Do you want the gun for range time and do you get most satisfaction out of high precision marksmanship? That gun needs to be the one that gives you the best groupings, even if it feels like a brick. Do you want the gun for concealed carry? That gun has it's own requirements. There may not be a gun that is 100% for all your needs, so rank your needs and then rank the guns you like in terms of how they fit those needs.

I just paid for a new FNH FNX-40 today and I picked it out because it feels good and meets my needs of being a home defense weapon and range toy. I would never try to carry this fat boy, and ultimate accuracy isn't a concern. I don't need to know I can hit an intruder in the nostril of my choice, as long as I can get one in his head, you know? Understand your needs, buy a gun that fits them.
 
#5 ·
Of the pistols you mentioned, I favor the S&W M&P series. I have three of these and shoot all of them well. In particular my M&P 9mm Pro Series. A very accurate gun and very reliable, this is a keeper. And it is one of the best feeling and handling pistols you can shoot.
 
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