PHANTOM or TACTICAL

[goosedowner]

Hello, I'm thinking about getting back into competitive shooting again (IDPA this time) and didn't want to do the 1911 thing this time. To be different I was thinking about using my 75B SA but last week when I was at the local gun shop they had a SP01 Tactical that I really liked and I can get it for $524 out the door. As I started to do a little research I started to like the Phantom as well (have not seen one in person yet) and now I'm wondering which way I should go. Would the extra weight of the tactical be beneficial in IDPA or will I be able to run the courses just as well with the phantom.  From what I seen the price looks pretty good on this tactical compared to the phantom and would even leave some money towards  a trigger job, what to do, what to do??

What do you guys think.


Thanks
Lee

[valynor]

Hey Lee,

the first thing that comes to mind is "CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow", but this wasn't your question. ;-)

I think it's safe to say that for all dynamic (i.e. FAST) shooting disciplines a heavy full-steel gun is a big plus .. they're simply easier to shoot faster and more accurately.
All the polymer guns are made for basically two reasons:
a) they're cheaper to produce
b) less weight to carry around with you on duty

For sports, all-metal is the way to go.

 -Valynor

[USMCZ]

I have to agree with Valynor on the all-metal point he made.

I paid less than $524 for my Phantom so price should not be a major consideration between these two guns. The tactical is cheaper to get customized because it lacks the decocker found on the Phantom. This is relevant in USPSA but I can't say in IDPA as I don't shoot that.

The gun that fits better in your hand is always the best one!!!!!!!

Good Luck!

[Stuart]

couple points of clarification

SP01 tactical is the decocker steel version..comes in 9mm and .40
SP01 is the manual safety version in 9mm only
SP01 Shadow is the competition version of the manual safety model, 9mm only
SP01 Phantom is the polymer version, decocker only, 9mm only


other couple of things to note.
IDPA SSP division has a weight limit. the SP01 steel models in any version is over the limit.it needs some replacement of parts to meet the SSP weight limit. search various threads here to determine what is needed.
the Phantom from the weight standpoint is good to go. HOWEVER..couple of owners have noted that only the factory 19rnd mags will fit the gun, the MecGar 16, 17 and 19rnd mags will not insert or eject easily from the gun

[GaryXD]

As eerw has pointed out the Tactical is NOT LEGAL for IDPA. The weight disqualifies it for SSP and the full length dust cover disqualifies it for ESP.

Your 75B SA would be an excellent choice for IDPA. I used one for years.

[goosedowner]

Well I see that it is Ok to use in USPSA production class though.  I guess I'll have to check out the rules for that class.


Lee

[pistolbro206]

I had a tactical that I traded away recently (should have kept that one) and with a change out of grips to the lightweight set from Denis Marschal the tactical made weight for IDPA competition with no problems using the 19 round magazine.  I had also changed out the rear sight to the tactical rear sight from the factory and the front to a fiber optic.  That tactical was also the most accurate SP-01 I have owned.

The weight was right at the line though, around 38.85 and it also made the IDPA SSP 39oz. weight limit with the cocobolo grips and walnut grips that I have used with it.

I just was not a fan of the location of the decocker lever when I've been accustomed to the location of the safety lever on the SP-01s.
I'm curious about the Phantom myself.

Good luck with your decision.

[Stuart]

All the SP01s are legal in USPSA production.

[dgspurge]

Stuart...don't they still have to be within 0.2 oz. of the stated weight in the USPSA rules?  So, you can't get too crazy with making changes (i.e. grips, mags, etc.)

[Stuart]

its actually 2 ounces within the stated weight. so that is mainly grips, guide rods.