9mm or .40 ??

[Unregistered(d)]

Hello, I'm a CZ newbie trying to decide which SA i should buy. Presently own a hi power clone in 9 and a Kimber 5" in .45 and now "need" one of these CZ 75B SA's. I really like the .45 round and have become sort of ho hum about the 9mm and may even sell it to one of my buddies to finance the CZ. So now I'm sort of leaning towards the .40 since I think I really would like the extra power of that round. I could also make major in IPSC which I have justed started to shoot. Help Please !

[raro]

SA,

If you are "ho hum" about the 9mm cartridge, and you would like the advantage of shooting "major" in IPSC matches, the .40 caliber model is what you should buy.

I own an SA in .40, and it has been very reliable.  Have had it for about a year; with about 5k rounds through it, and untold dry firing.  I have fed it numerous inexpensive (cheap) factory brands plus my reloads.  I have used the pistol for IDPA, IPSC and range practice.

Some people like the 9mm, while others prefer the .40.  I won't get into a debate on the pros or cons for each caliber, and I will spare you my opinion.  The bottom line is that whatever you buy has to please only one person ... YOU.

Shoot Safe,

Ralph

[DarkHorse72]

I'm also debating getting the 9mm or .40 for CZ75SA to use in come local competition.   What is the difference in classes that a 9mm and .40SW can qualify in?
In the .40, you get scored with the .45acp crowd but in the 9mm you get less points when not hitting center of mass.  Is this the reason most go with the .40?

DarkHorse72

[bradu]

Hi Guys,

I will be shooting in IDPA Enhanced service pistol and am going with the 9mm. There is no power factor as such in IDPA, you just need to meet the caliber requirements (9mm or Larger).

If I had unlimited money, I would likely go for IPSC and the 40 S&W. But for me the more expensive ammo (practice), a speed holster, extra mags, more mag pouches, etc., is not worth it.

I just want to have a little fun on the weekend now and again. I can practice more with 9mm, and don't have to get into the equipment race. So for me it'll be much cheaper.

I guess it depends how seriously you want to get in to competition. If you want to play with the big caliber, in major power factor, it'll cost you.

You can check out some of the rules/requirements below.

www.idpa.com/
www.ipsc.org/

If you are planning to use ypur pistol for self defense (not a factor here in Canada) as well as competition, you may have other considerations.

Cheers,
Brad 80)

[raro]

Quote:  I'm also debating getting the 9mm or .40 for CZ75SA to use in come local competition. What is the difference in classes that a 9mm and .40SW can qualify in?

In IDPA, both models compete in the Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) division.  There is no scoring advantage for the .40 cal.  The 9mm has the advantage of less recoil and cheaper ammunition.  Maximum number of rounds loaded at the start is 10+1.  Hicap magazines are not a factor in IDPA.

In IPSC, the .40 cal has a slight scoring advantage.  IPSC targets are divided into 4 zones.  Each hit in the B, C and D zones are scored 1 point higher with .40 caliber (major) than with corresponding hits using the 9mm (minor).  Both versions of the CZ75B SA could compete in the Limited-10 or Limited divisions depending upon what type of magazines you have.  

The 9mm model of the SA is sold in the USA with 10-round mags, but factory CZ hicap magazines (15 rounders) are readily availble.  There are no factory hicaps for the .40 cal model; however some on this forum have been reporting success with Baby Eagle and Witness hicaps (12 rounders).  

I hope this helps ... shoot safe, and have fun!

Ralph

[raro]

Quote: I will be shooting in IDPA Enhanced service pistol and am going with the 9mm. There is no power factor as such in IDPA, you just need to meet the caliber requirements (9mm or Larger).

IDPA does impose minimum power factors for each of the 4 divisions.  The terminology they use is "minimum power floor".

From the IDPA rules posted on www.idpa.com


Minimum Power Floors & Chronographing Procedure:

The goal is to compete with "service type" ammunition, not light target ammunition; therefore, the following minimum power floors will be in effect.

-Minimum power floor for STOCK SERVICE PISTOL division is 125,000 (bullet weight  x  muzzle velocity).

-Minimum power floor for ENHANCED SERVICE PISTOL division is 125,000 (bullet weight  x  muzzle velocity).

-Minimum power floor for CUSTOM DEFENSIVE PISTOL division is 165,000 (bullet weight  x  muzzle velocity).

-Minimum power floor for STOCK SERVICE REVOLVER division is 125,000 (bullet weight  x  muzzle velocity).

Shoot safe, and have fun!

Ralph



 

[DarkHorse72]

Thanks for the explainations and suggestions.  Very helpful!

For .40sw, what would qualify for their power factor?  I assumed the heavier grained bullet like 180gr.

DarkHorse72

[bradu]

Sorry,

RARO is correct. There is a power floor in IDPA.

But for me it is somewhat irrelevant as ALMOST any factory 9mm load that is available will surpass the power floor for the ENHANCED SERVICE PISTOL division.  I guess if I were going to reload it might be a factor, but who reloads 9mm ? Not worth the time and effort for me...

I suspect the same will be true for the CUSTOM DEFENSIVE PISTOL division, If you use factory loads, you would probably have to go out of your way to find one that is below the power floor. But more people are likely to reload .45 to save some dough.


Also, from the IDPA rule book...

ENHANCED SERVICE PISTOL DIVISION is intended to offer a place in competition for shooters using popular Single Action 9mm/.38 Super/.40 service pistols.

(This is where you would be with either a .40 S&W or a 9mm. So the power floor for a .40 would be irrelevant.)

CUSTOM DEFENSIVE PISTOL division is intended to offer a place in competition for shooters using the "practical" custom 1911 style .45 single stack pistols.

IPSC is another story..., Power is of major importance when scoring, I suspect 9mm pistols are rare in IPSC competition, most people would likely use a .40 or .45.
to score as highly as possible.

Cheers, Have a great weekend !!!

Brad

[raro]

Quote: For .40sw, what would qualify for their power factor? I assumed the heavier grained bullet like 180gr.

In IDPA, any factory .40 caliber ammo easily exceeds the minimum power floor.  Most factory 165 and 180 grain loads top 170,000.  Far more than required to compete in the ESP division.  Some IDPA shooters that reload this cartridge will do so at reduced power levels to reduce recoil.

In IPSC, it gets a little closer.  To shoot "major" requires a minimum power factor of 165,000.  Again, factory ammo exceeds the requirement.

As for the 9mm, BRADU is correct, factory ammo makes power in either IDPA or IPSC (minor), which is 125,000.  IPSC does have a Production division, which is reserved for 9mm shooters using factory double-action semi-autos.

Have a good one!

Ralph