Love the CZ75 Compact, but a GLOCK is a GLOCK. And then there is the Beretta M9, way big for a concealed carry piece, but not much heavier than the CZ75 Compact. Parts for M9 and GLOCK are much more plentiful, but neither are as sexy to me as the CZ. Anyone had a chance to shoot all 3? Thoughts on each as an all around "do everything" gun?
Glock 19 vs CZ75 Compact vs. Beretta M9...
- Thread starter Papa D
- Start date
The M9 is not a do everything gun because you cannot carry it easily in the warmer months. It is a good duty sized pistols but if I could only own one that would not be it. Nothing wrong with it but it has limitation due to its size. If I was getting one I would get an Italian one. 
The 19 and the CZ compact are a better "I can only have one" gun IMHO. They are big enough to be accurate in most peoples hands. They are small enough that with the right rig they can be carried 24/7 365. Both are can carry 14+1 or more so capacity is really not an issue. This is what makes them a better all around gun IMHO. They are, however, very different in their setup and feel.
I own both and prefer the CZ. I am more of a DA/SA fan and if you get the true CZ compact not the P01 or PCR you have a gun which can be carried cocked and locked or DA/SA. The downside to the CZ is that the trigger will cam. You can feel it on every CZ 75 design. Some guns show more some show less so make sure you at least dry fire the gun you are getting. Parts support is not as high as the Glock but with guys like CZ Custom and Cajun Gun Works you can do just about anything you want to your CZ.
All that said I personally think that the Glock 19 is the standard by which all other compact tactical plastic is judged by. It simply works, now that the Gen 3/ Gen 4 extractors are working. They are also cheaper. This was not always the case. CZs used to be $350-$400 OTD these days it is hard to find one under $500. A Glock 19 can still be had for under $500. For example I can get a Gen 4 with standard sights with 4 mags OTD for less than $500.
The other thing to consider is the trigger. Do you prefer a striker fired gun with the same pull every single time or do you like the DA/SA trigger with an option to carry cocked and locked. In the end IHMO the race is between the CZ and the Glock and there is no right or wrong there is only preference. If I was told I could only own and defend myself with one of these 2 I would not feel under gunned or ill equipped. YMMV
The 19 and the CZ compact are a better "I can only have one" gun IMHO. They are big enough to be accurate in most peoples hands. They are small enough that with the right rig they can be carried 24/7 365. Both are can carry 14+1 or more so capacity is really not an issue. This is what makes them a better all around gun IMHO. They are, however, very different in their setup and feel.
I own both and prefer the CZ. I am more of a DA/SA fan and if you get the true CZ compact not the P01 or PCR you have a gun which can be carried cocked and locked or DA/SA. The downside to the CZ is that the trigger will cam. You can feel it on every CZ 75 design. Some guns show more some show less so make sure you at least dry fire the gun you are getting. Parts support is not as high as the Glock but with guys like CZ Custom and Cajun Gun Works you can do just about anything you want to your CZ.
All that said I personally think that the Glock 19 is the standard by which all other compact tactical plastic is judged by. It simply works, now that the Gen 3/ Gen 4 extractors are working. They are also cheaper. This was not always the case. CZs used to be $350-$400 OTD these days it is hard to find one under $500. A Glock 19 can still be had for under $500. For example I can get a Gen 4 with standard sights with 4 mags OTD for less than $500.
The other thing to consider is the trigger. Do you prefer a striker fired gun with the same pull every single time or do you like the DA/SA trigger with an option to carry cocked and locked. In the end IHMO the race is between the CZ and the Glock and there is no right or wrong there is only preference. If I was told I could only own and defend myself with one of these 2 I would not feel under gunned or ill equipped. YMMV
Uncle Malice
New member
I'd take the Sig P226 over the M9 37 times a day.
I'd also take the Glock 17 over the 19. Feels much better in my hand.
I'm just not a Beretta fan at all.
I'd tell you to go with the Glock, or maybe look into an HK USP/USP Compact/P30
I'd also take the Glock 17 over the 19. Feels much better in my hand.
I'm just not a Beretta fan at all.
I'd tell you to go with the Glock, or maybe look into an HK USP/USP Compact/P30
Spats McGee
Administrator
Welcome to TFL, Papa D!
I really like the looks of the CZ 75 Compact, but must admit to having absolutely no experience with them whatsoever. That said, when I looked for a 9mm carry pistol, I went with the G19, and am happy with that choice. It's small enough and light enough to carry all day (given my usual wardrobe), large enough to shoot well (for me), and ugly enough that a few scratches don't bother me. It's kind of a "jack of all trades, but master of none."
I really like the looks of the CZ 75 Compact, but must admit to having absolutely no experience with them whatsoever. That said, when I looked for a 9mm carry pistol, I went with the G19, and am happy with that choice. It's small enough and light enough to carry all day (given my usual wardrobe), large enough to shoot well (for me), and ugly enough that a few scratches don't bother me. It's kind of a "jack of all trades, but master of none."
Walt Sherrill
New member
The Beretta is a fine gun and it would be an excellent service or home defense weapon, but not great for concealed carry because of it's size. But, if you think a fullsize gun is OK, either the Glock 17 or the CZ 75B should be considered as well.
If you aren't turned off by polymer, the Glock 19 or 17 are hard to beat, and the 19 is smaller, which makes it a little better for concealed carry.
If you want a steel or alloy weapon, and want a gun that is easily concealed, the CZ compacts are also a good choice. The STEEL Compact (capital C) is noticeably heavier than the alloy compact CZs. The alloy compacts, however, come only in decocker versions, and decockers force a slight difference between the first and subsequent trigger pulls.
I carry a pocket gun most of the time. Otherwise I favor the Glock 19, 23, or 38. (And please note: I'm a big CZ fan.)
There is a new CZ model, the P-02, which has the alloy frame of the P-01 and offers a safety (rather than a decocker); that wasn't available when I had compact CZs, and it's worth consideration, too.
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If you aren't turned off by polymer, the Glock 19 or 17 are hard to beat, and the 19 is smaller, which makes it a little better for concealed carry.
If you want a steel or alloy weapon, and want a gun that is easily concealed, the CZ compacts are also a good choice. The STEEL Compact (capital C) is noticeably heavier than the alloy compact CZs. The alloy compacts, however, come only in decocker versions, and decockers force a slight difference between the first and subsequent trigger pulls.
I carry a pocket gun most of the time. Otherwise I favor the Glock 19, 23, or 38. (And please note: I'm a big CZ fan.)
There is a new CZ model, the P-02, which has the alloy frame of the P-01 and offers a safety (rather than a decocker); that wasn't available when I had compact CZs, and it's worth consideration, too.
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carguychris
New member
FWIW Beretta offers a 92FS Compact that's only a smidgen larger than the CZ 75 Compact.
The 92FS Compact may also be lighter, but I'm not certain, because the CZ website does not specify whether the quoted weight is measured with the pistol loaded or unloaded. Beretta says 31.6 oz unloaded, whereas CZ only says 2.03 lbs or 32.5 oz.
The 92FS Compact does not seem to be very popular, for reasons I've never quite been able to figure out. Most dealers in my area normally don't stock them. Also, holster selection and spare mag availability does not seem to be as good as with the CZ.
The 92FS Compact may also be lighter, but I'm not certain, because the CZ website does not specify whether the quoted weight is measured with the pistol loaded or unloaded. Beretta says 31.6 oz unloaded, whereas CZ only says 2.03 lbs or 32.5 oz.
The 92FS Compact does not seem to be very popular, for reasons I've never quite been able to figure out. Most dealers in my area normally don't stock them. Also, holster selection and spare mag availability does not seem to be as good as with the CZ.
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LockedBreech
New member
The Beretta 92 is my easy favorite of those 3, but if I needed one gun to be a jack of all trades it'd be the G19 easily. That gun is popular for a lot of reasons. It does lots of things well.
CZ would be my choice
All are excellent examples of a handgun. The beretta is a service weapon and I'd discount it for that alone. I don't have much experience with Glock but won't knock them as they are hugely popular and well regarded by most. I'm currently in the market for my first 9mm and have decided it will be the CZ compact.
All are excellent examples of a handgun. The beretta is a service weapon and I'd discount it for that alone. I don't have much experience with Glock but won't knock them as they are hugely popular and well regarded by most. I'm currently in the market for my first 9mm and have decided it will be the CZ compact.
My compact, lightweight (alloy frame) CZ-75D PCR is my all around 9MM. It is an excellent range, home defense, and carry gun sharing all the compromises relatively well. Capacity, accuracy, weight and size are all well balanced.
That being said there are many others out there that would fill this role such as the G19, XDm, Sig P228/P229, HK USPc, etc. The CZ just fits me, and has proven to be excellent since I acquired it new in 2000.
That being said there are many others out there that would fill this role such as the G19, XDm, Sig P228/P229, HK USPc, etc. The CZ just fits me, and has proven to be excellent since I acquired it new in 2000.
I've shot the Glock 19 and Beretta M9 quite a few times at the range. No time with the compact CZ 75, but I do own a full size 75B; pretty much the same except for a slightly shorter barrel. I'd rather shoot the CZ and Beretta.
But for a do-it-all gun, I'd choose the Glock 19. It has similar magazine capacity as the others. It's about the same size as the CZ 75 Compact. It's probably lighter, too.
But for a do-it-all gun, I'd choose the Glock 19. It has similar magazine capacity as the others. It's about the same size as the CZ 75 Compact. It's probably lighter, too.
Hunter0924
New member
Of those I would choose the CZ for sure.
I have shot all 3 and while I do like the Glock 17/19 I prefer the ergonomics of the CZ and I do not care for the Beretta M9/92FS at all.
I have shot all 3 and while I do like the Glock 17/19 I prefer the ergonomics of the CZ and I do not care for the Beretta M9/92FS at all.
Crankgrinder
New member
I wanted the Cz comp. To begin with, the guys price was a bit on the high side. 575 I think it was 2 years ago. Then the price of the mags and finally the weight did it in for me. Ended up with a g19. The Cz is imo a more fine piece to be sure, so is the beretta. Fit and finish on those guns far exceeds that of glock to me, but the trinity of price, performance, and weight did it for me that time.
smokehouse4444
New member
Out of those three? The CZ without a doubt.
Two are very similar in action type, the Glock very different. You don't say if this is your first gun or twenty first gun. It does take some trigger time to adjust to the different systems. DA/SA takes more time to learn IMO, but if you do learn it and learn it well I honestly believe you can then master just about any trigger system out there. As WVsig said, CZs do have some camming, most noticeable in DA. It's my only gripe with CZ. But there are great shops out there, CZ custom and Cajun Gun Works, also mentioned by WVsig, that can really tune these pistols. A custom shop CZ has been on my dream list for a long time.
Unlicensed Dremel
Moderator
What does that mean? If it means "but we all know that a Glock is junky crap, relative to a CZ" then carry on. If something else, please continue to raise your level of understanding of handgun quality, and you will be well-served.
The CZ 75 compact or the P-01 is probably THE best all-purpose 2-stack 9x19 concealed pistol in the world, bar none.
LockedBreech
New member
Unlicensed Dremel said:
Easy there. I like CZ as much as the next guy, but that's a flat false statement. Glock quality and CZ quality are equivalent, if anything. If you'd separate statements of fact from statements of opinion and avoid talking down to people with different opinions, you'd be well-served.
Sometnfancy
Inactive
Can I offer a different option?
A Glock 23 (.40SW Compact)
and a 9mm conversion
That way you can carry more firepower and train cheaper
A Glock 23 (.40SW Compact)
and a 9mm conversion
That way you can carry more firepower and train cheaper