CZ-75 vs Browning Hi Power?

[Bob Reed]

Hello,

The only 9mm & .40 caliber pistols that I care to own is The Browning-Saive High Power. But, if I was forced to pick something else, then it'd be a CZ 75 B SA (Single Action Only Model).

Here's some good Browning High Power info.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/index.html

[87GN]

I vastly prefer the older, pre-B CZ's manufactured in good 'ol days of the Cold War. They honestly seem to be better made. Maybe not better finished, but better made. If you get one of the older guns that were made prior to the firing pin lock, you can get a double action pull close to a nice S&W K frame revolver.

If we're showing off pre-B porn...then...

too much flash, I know.

[crusader377]

That is a tough call. I own both the BHP Mk III and a CZ-75B. I think they are very close in handling and both are very reliable. I have owned the BHP for over 10 years and the CZ for two years. I actually bought the CZ to keep wear off of the BHP. For me, the BHP feels slightly better in the hand and is the better of the two for CCW. The BHP also is a classic and will hold its value better than the CZ. On the other hand, the CZ is considerably less expensive and I have found it slightly more accurate at speed.

If I was you I would go with the BHP simply due to its collectors and historic value and they are getting harder and harder to come by. After purchasing the BHP, I would save and get the CZ as well. Both are excellent pistols and you can't go wrong with either of them. If you don't really care for the collectabily or historic value, then get the CZ because it is a much better value for the dollar.

[MiggyE]

i agree with crusader377. i spent several summers long ago shooting hundreds of rounds and joining competitions using either of these two guns as stock (my uncle owned both back then, but he preferred using his Remington Rand 1911 National Match in competitions). both are basically very good steel framed 9mms.

like, crusader377, if your into nostalgia, or- as the others have pointed out- you don't mind a little customizing, then the Browning HP is a great investment. if not, and you want out-of-the-box action, then the CZ is the gun for you.

[j-hon]

I grew up on 1911's and BHP's, but I'm a CZ convert. I too feel it's simply a better BHP.

Personally, I feel the '75SA platform is the best of the breed (with the possible exception of the new stainless'). Updated beavertail (upswept, which allows a much higher hold) different safeties, and a slightly extended mag release. Much more ergonomic for me, to the point where I've replaced 5 old-style 75'B's with the new frame (including converting one to DA/SA). I've had two Pre-B's, and honestly can't say I was hugely impressed.

FWIW.... The old style Pre-B's are generally regarded as having a better trigger because they lack the Firing-Pin-Block that many of the newer models have. I replace the FPB's in my guns with a $3 spacer from Angus and they are the same as a pre-B model. It's a 10 min affair to do so, with no negative trade-off that I've seen.

And because pictures are worth a thousand words:

[JHC]

How would you guys with experience with both compare the trigger reset between them? I've shot Mk III's a good bit and liked them very much except I had issues with the reset when also shooting a lot of fast drills with Glocks and 1911s.

[j-hon]

How would you guys with experience with both compare the trigger reset between them? I've shot Mk III's a good bit and liked them very much except I had issues with the reset when also shooting a lot of fast drills with Glocks and 1911s.

Stock... bout the same, I'd give the CZ a little edge (especially if it's a SAO). Neither are anything I'd exactly write home about. The real beauty of the CZ lies in what they become after just a little work. Complete night/day difference, using factory parts (15lb mainspring, Angus competition hammer, and ditching the FPB stuff is so equipped). CZ's come from the factory a little rough in the machine finish aspect. Some judicious polishing and the part swaps as stated above and it's really an entirely different gun, with a trigger that I think is on par with a tuned 1911. I've had tricked out BHP's with trigger jobs, and none of them can even remotely compare in that department.

For example.... My Kadet steel gun has a SAO trigger that breaks ~1.5-1.7lbs, as much or as little pretravel as I'd like (I prefer a lightswitch since this is a comp gun), zero overtravel, and a reset measured in MM. It also lights off all rimfire ammo, and has had zero trigger related issues.

[RAM Engineer]

Hey! Who posted a picture of a Colt? Seriously, though...what's the deal with these CZ-40s?

1. Who is "Angus" and does he have a website?
2. Templar recommended a "steel" trigger for the 75B-SA. The stock triggers aren't steel? If not, where can I get a flat steel one?
3. Anyone have any experience with the SP-01s? Their rails slots don't look optimum for an X300.

Thanks for all the info guys!

[j-hon]

Hey! Who posted a picture of a Colt? Seriously, though...what's the deal with these CZ-40s?

1. Who is "Angus" and does he have a website?
2. Templar recommended a "steel" trigger for the 75B-SA. The stock triggers aren't steel? If not, where can I get a flat steel one?
3. Anyone have any experience with the SP-01s? Their rails slots don't look optimum for an X300.

Thanks for all the info guys!

Back when the CZ-40B's were $250, they were probably one of the best deals in a handgun going. Think a commander 1911, in 40, with '75 guts. Pretty neat guns, but I've since sold both of mine because I never shot them (I really don't do much with 40S&W). I kinda wish I would have kept one, especially now since they are pushing the $500 mark, as I wanted to trick one out to see what it could do. There's a guy that goes by BurningSquirrels on the 'net who's probably done more with the 40B platform than anyone.

To answer some of your questions:

1. Angus is a CZ sponsored shooter, he runs the factory custom shop (www.ghostholster.com) and is an all-around pistolero badass. He's the guy who likely sets up the majority of the competition CZ's you see around (though there are several others in the game).

2. The early 75SA triggers were polymer. The newer ones I've got are all steel. I've never broke a polymer trigger, but I aslo usually swapped them out pretty early for the Angus versions because they are adjustable for pre-travel (the factory ones are only adjustable for over-travel). The Angus versions used to come in AL and steel, though I think now they are all steel (they are the ones pictured above). He has a new design out with a flat blade that supposedly makes the CZ more 1911'ish in trigger feel, but I've not shot one of those.

3. I've had two SP-01's, but ended up selling them. Cool guns, but I prefer the lighter profile of the '75 platform. The SP-01's are fullsize +p, so keep that in mind. Don't see as many people with them from the "duty" realm, but they have pretty much dominated every pistol competition they are legal in since inception (the Shadow being the USPSA production monster). No idea about the light thing, as I've never tried it. CZForum (www.czforumsite.info) would be the place to ask.

[sdacbob]

I used to own a Pre B CZ 75. It was stolen not once but twice, never recovered the second time. I replaced it with a CZ75 Compact PCR. Both are great pistols and the compact holds 14rd +1. I also have a Hi Power. If I had to chose between the two it would be tough!