first last and only .45: 97B or 1911?

[fm4]

Hi all!!
I'm new here, and am thinking of gettng a 97B as a first (and, ideally, last) .45.  I'm also thinking of getting a Springfield "loaded" 1911. Any thoughts? If you could only have just one? I just want it for paper-punching. Don't need to conceal it.
 I have a CZ-75 and just love it. I -do- think the trigger is mushy though and will be sending it to Mike Eagleshield this or next week.
Everyone says how much bigger the grip is... much bigger than a 75?

[Walt-Sherrill]

Kind of depends on whether you have plans to carry concealed.  And whether 97B works in your hand.  Its got a larger grip than either the 75B or the Witness large frame guns, so it may be a challenge.  If you start DA.  From cocked and locked it shouldn't be an issue.

If it fits your hand and you don't plan to carry concealed, its probably an easy pick: 97B.  But if you plan to carry, the 1911 *MIGHT* be a more compatible gun.

Most of the 97Bs are very, very accurate.

[Justice4all]

I just sold the last of my 1911 style pistols (black stainless) to buy a 97B and I couldn't be happier.

Don't get me wrong, I think very highly of 1911's, their mystique and history, however, I am firmly convinced that in order to get a fairly decent 1911 you've got to pay nearly a grand or more. That's not to say that the cheaper units aren't good, but the difference between even say a $650 1911 and a $900 would surprise you.  You may not feel the difference in the gun shop when comparing how well the action operates, the smoothness of the slide etc... It's at the range where the differences really stand out.

I believe when you buy a 1911 pistol, your paying a premium for the fact that it's a "1911".  It's like the companies are banking on the consumer being so enamored with 1911's that they can tack on $250 just for the priviledge of owning one.

A good example is the first 1911 I bought, a NIB Kimber stainless II for $780 out the door.  What did I get for that kind of cash?  One faulty magazine (no spare provided), a dirty and corroded barrel that still shot fairly straight and one broken Nylon main spring housing the first time I field stripped it (main spring blew past the retaining pin without the pressure from the hammer to hold it in).  No nice case, no cleaning brushes and no test target such as you get with CZ's.

My latest CZ, the 97B, came with a clean mirror smooth barrel, a nice case, cleaning tools and a test target that showed it could shoot pretty well.

Or to put it simply, a company that is devoted to supplying it's customers with not only a quality product, but a quality package!  The next 1911 I own will be one I purchase and build piece by piece with "real" steel components and not the MIM stuff.  Did I ever have a breakage? No.  But try a side by side shootout ( I have) with two 1911's.  One with the cast parts and one with billet machined parts and you'll feel and see the difference.

My point?  If this is your first, and possibly last (yeah, right) .45.  I say go with the CZ.  There isn't a 1911 that can compare for the same price.

Also, I have medium sized hands, and I'll admit the reach for the trigger in DA mode is just that, a reach.  But really, as ergonomically as the grip is designed, this isn't an issue.  The weight and size of this pistol only help to tame an otherwise hard kicking round.

[jwc007]

Quote:The next 1911 I own will be one I purchase and build piece by piece with "real" steel components and not the MIM stuff.

I agree! I'm also going to do that myself.  I wouldn't trust ANY 1911 that I've not been thru, myself.  If you want a pistol you won't necessarily have to tinker with to get it to work or keep it working, get a CZ97B.  And if the trigger reach on the CZ97B is not to your liking, then there is the option of the .45 EAA Witness ( I own and operate 2 of them).

1911, the GunSmith's friend!

[BRASMAN]

I have a 97B and a Springfield loaded. I prefer my 97B but also have large enough hands to use it. I like the CZ better but I am sure not every body does. When I mention a CZ97B on another board where people  are talking .45s it just get ignored all together. I guess if it does not cost over $700 it just can not be a real .45. LOL

[Boogalou]

If you are thinking about a 1911, I would recommend you look at a Springfield Mil-Spec instead of a "loaded" one.  It will do everything  the loaded one will do at a price comparable to a CZ97.  The only modifications I've done to it are different grips & aftermarket trigger, and I shoot it just as well as my CZ's.  With a lifetime warranty that's not to shabby for $400 new.

What I'm trying to say is that the 1911 design is fine if you keep it simple and treat the gun as a tool and not a toy.  There is a certain, shall we say,  mindset?  that causes some folks to spend more money on guns then they need to.  

I have never owned a CZ97 but I know they are quality pistols and are somewhat ignored by the shooting community.  But quality 1911's can be had for less then $500 if you keep your eyes open.

[tipoc]

"of gettng a 97B as a first (and, ideally, last) .45."

Whichever way you go I doubt it will be your "last" .45.
No more after this for the remainder of your days?  If you are this side of 80 that's a hard call.  Especially given the variety of good guns in .45 and how fun the round is to shoot.

The 1911 is the King of Pistols because after close to a century no one has knocked it off the throne yet.  For many shooters there are better platforms there may even be better guns in some applications.  But none have replaced the 1911 and probably won't.

The CZ97 is one of the better alternatives.  Priced right, rugged, good looking, smooth all over in a way that makes it ideal for a draw and much better at this than most of it's competition, reliable and it has good enough accuracy.  A good choice.

tipoc

[woodchip]

"of gettng a 97B as a first (and, ideally, last) .45."

Well the 97B was my first and will be my only .45. I carry it and use it to shoot on a league. After 6,000 rounds through it no major malfunctions (other than shooting over 200 rounds between cleanings  ). I see no reason to buy another one. I might one day buy the CZ IPSC competition model but that will be it.