CZ-85 or Hi-Power???

S

SouthernShark

New member
I want a pistol for target practice (9mm). The pistol should also be useful for other tasks. I assume that both of these pistols are versatile.

That said, I want something that will fire accurately out of the box. Again I assume both of these will, but if it were an easy choice I wouldn't be asking for advice would I?

On the one hand I am leaning towards the Hi-Power because it is smaller and more compact. It seems like parts and mags are easier to find for the Hi-Power too. On the other hand, the CZ-85 seems like it has more safety features. The CZ-85 also seems to be more "ready out of the box."


Any ideas?

-Southern S.
 
I've had a CZ-75B, and now have both an older Hi-Power and a newer CZ-85 Combat.

I'd be hardpressed to choose between them. Both have excellent triggers, both are very accurate. Parts shouldn't be an issue with either; after-market parts aren't really needed for the CZ-85B, as it has most everything you'll need, and parts are readily available for the Hi-Power.

(A local gunsmith tuned my CZ-85 trigger, and I removed the mag safety from my Hi-Power. Stock guns in all other respects.)

Until just recently, I had a SIG P-210-6, the "target" version of the P-210. Up to 25 yards or so, both the CZ-85 Combat and the Hi-Power would shoot right with the P-210; beyond that distance, the P-210 seemed to have an edge. (My ex-210 came with a proof target that showed 1.75" group at 50 meters, roughly 55 yards.)

I'd suggest you see if you can't shoot both and decide for yourself. How they feel in your hand may be the deciding factor.
 
That is really a tough choice!

I have one of each. A 68 "T" Hp and a Satin Nickel Combat 85.

They are very similar in the grip angle. The CZ is a little fatter than an HP with wood grips, but nearly the same as an HP with the Pachmyer grips. If you get a Belgian HP you will be happy with the quality. The CZ 85 Combat has just a bit more fit and finish to it than its CZ75 brother.

For me the CZ is just a little bit easier to group with consistently. That may be heresy to some HP afficianadoes, but thats what works for me. Both of mine are box stock although I did remove the mag safety in the HP.

Both are just plain fun to shoot at the range, and both have high cap mags available.

You should have no problem getting parts for either one.

If I owned neither, knowing what I know today, I would go with the CZ first because I like the DA/SA function. That makes it a bit more versatile for me than carrying cocked with the safety on.

You might want to try to shoot one of each first.

Let us know what you decide!
 
Haven't shot an HP, but like my CZ75. Fifteen-round pre-ban cz factory mags are easily attainable for $35. The only difference I know of between the 85 and the 75 is that the 85 has an ambidexterous safety. If this is true, the only reason to buy an 85 instead of a 75 is if you or someone who will be shooting the piece are left-handed. If cost is an issue, a polymer-coated CZ75B Military can be purchased, if you shop around, for $329.
 
The firing pin safety block is also eliminated in the CZ85B.

I bought 17 round hi caps for my HP for $20.00 each from CDNN.

The mags are on par with the CZ mags for quality.
 
I had a cz85b for a few weeks, it had major jamming problems. I did everything possible to make it work (swapping out the slide stop spring, polishing the feed ramp and changing out the springs and followers on the mags). The 85 is extremely accurate, but I would not trust my life with it!
 
Re: South African 17 round mags from CDNN...

I've bought 6 of them, three earlier this year, and three recently. The first three were perfect. The last three don't work for crap, and I'm still trying to figure out what's wrong.

I've smooth, filed, polished the followers, the inside of the tub, etc., and they still don't feed properly. <sigh>
 
Tough Choice...BHP 1st, then CZ

I would go with the BHP first as they are a classic and everyone should have one. That being said, you will still want the CZ, so save your $$$ and get that next. For me the CZ-85 has very little advantages over the stock CZ-75B, unless you are a lefty. Save your money and get a CZ-75B Mil.
 
Firing pin block

Coltdriver,


I have a 75 sa with a firing pin block, I was interested in how you removed that from your 85b.
 
The easiest way to remove the firing pin block from a CZ-85B is to buy the CZ-85 Combat, which comes without the FPB... <grin>

That's probably the cheapest way to do it, too...

(I have the CZ-85 Combat. It supposedly has a little higher level of fit and finish, and mine has the satin nickel finish. Comes with drop-free mag [brake], ambi-controls, like the standard 85B, and adjustable sights [identical to the Mec-Gars I had on a 1911.])

Nice gun.
 
Walt,

I also have 85 combat in two tone finish and agree its a little better put together than my 75 sa, but i didn't know that the firing pin block could be removed in the b model cz's. by the way i had Mike at czusa do a trigger job on my 75sa, breaks clean as a whistle now.
 
Max,

My 85 Combat came without the firing pin block. My CZ is one of the only guns I have that I have not tinkered with in some minor way, ie mag safety removal, 1911 stuff, springs, grips, etc etc......

Jumpcut,

If you still have your CZ, the folks at CZ USA will make it right. Their customer service has been very good from every person I know that has used it.
 
I carry a cz 85 and have had no problems with that weapon. Accurate and very reliable with the main limiting factor being the availability of leather.
I am also a fan of the hi power but I believe that the older guns are better than the mkIII hi powers.
 
Leather for CZ-85s...

Re: Availability of leather for the CZ-85 Combat or CZ-85B.

It should not be a problem. Anything that fits the CZ-75 will work with either version of the 85, and anything that fits the Beretta 92/96 seems to work as well.

Check http://www.wildbillsconcealment.com for a custom holster at an almost-off-the-shelf price. Wild Bill has made several for me, including one for my CZ-75B (now sold) which works well with the CZ-85 Combat.
 
leather
I have tried the cz85 in a safriland mdl 200 and 070 holsters for the beretta 92 and could not get them to work. Went to a specific made holster from tex shoemaker for the cz 85 for duty carry.
 
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