CZ75 and M1911's what makes them so popular?

I got my first CZ at a local gun show... for $275. A Turkish contract overrun model. As the seller was doing the paperwork he said. "Ooops. We had it priced wrong. I'm selling it to you, because that was what we agreed to, but you're getting it for our cost." Good guy.

I got a CZ-40B for $325, shipped to my FFL. Great gun. I just wasn't all that interested in .40 S&W at that time. I like it a bit better now. About a year after I bought it I sold it -- for a bit more than I paid. I wish I had kept it, as that may be one of the best CZs.

I've paid more, but never as much as I see them selling for, nowadays. The only real consolation is that many of the competing guns cost even more.
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Yup I used to buy used Sigs under $450. Now it is hard to find one under $600. I remember NIB CZs compacts & 75B for $425 or so. I paid $300 OTD for a 40P frankengun, they were 40 B slides on P01 frames. I could pretty much find any CZ for $350 - $375 from the right dealers.

The first CZ I paid over $400 for was my P01 which was around $450 and was well worth the price. :)

CZs have gone up but I agree not really much more than their competition.
 
Not seeing where they are that popular actually. I see them at USPSA events which feature unlimited reloads. I've only seen one 1911 carried by a police officer, and that was a sheriff out in a rural area.
 
I loathe myself for saying this, but I cannot tell a lie (this time).

CZ's are the hipsters of the gun world.

I own four of them including what will be my primary carry gun (PCR), plus a Kadet .22 kit. I will likely have fifth plus a rifle by the end of next year (and a sixth if I can find a P-02). But let's look at this objectively:

1. Retro stylings? Check.
2. More popular in Europe than America? Check.
3. Unique feature that seems to be there for the sake of uniqueness? Check.
4. Rare, but not too rare? Check.
5. Small, but cult-like devotion among enthusiasts? Check.
6. Constantly tweaked and customized by owners? Check.

I hate myself.
 
My grandpa taught me to shoot pistols with an old Iver Johnson .22 revolver. But my first "real" handgun experience came with the USMC. I'm an old guy, not saying how old, but we still carried 1911A1's back then. And once I made E5, that's what I got my training on. Just seemed natural to go with what I know.

Plus, it can get you some good deals. I picked up a Springfield Armory EMP 9mm on a steal just a week or so ago because it would fail to extract at least once per magazine. It took about 10 minutes of checking extractor tension and "tuning" to get that little fellow running like a top. It's done 550 rounds without a sniffle, and likes every hollow point design I pitched it's way. Wants more. It might turn out to be expensive to feed... :eek:

Editing to add a picture for shameless self promotion purposes :D

 
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I I've got both a 75B Omega and P01 SDP.

Ergonomics are great for my hand

If I'm shooting ball, I want a .45.

With modern 9mm SD ammo, I'd like a 1911 in 9mm
 
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