CZ 75 compared to Browning HP - Advice Please

[salsa]

So I really like my CZ 75 BD - so much so that I went out and bought a P-01.  However, I've always had my eye out for a Browning HP as well and a LGS has one (the Mark III) in stock.  I'm not going to sell either CZ, but since the HP is pretty expensive and I don't have the opportunity to actually shoot one, I'm hoping that those of you out there that either own both or have shot both a fair amount might be able to give me a comparison of the two.

Thanks

[harkamus]

I have a CZ Accu-shadow (highly modified Shadow which itself is a modified SP-01, while the SP-01 is just a railed version of the 75) and a Browning HP.

My comparison is as follows. The grip of a HP feels like a brick compared to the 75/SP-01/Accu-/etc. Not only does the HP have less magazine capacity, but the grip just feels unrefined over all. It actually has corners that dig into your skin. It's almost like the grip needs to be way more blended because the radius comes to a sharp corner so to speak. This is on the backstrap. I'm thinking a change of grips would possibly alleviate this problem. The trigger pull is heavy out of the box. It is single action so the reset is super short. However, the pull being so heavy doesn't offset how crisp the reset is in my opinion. That said, it's a nice shooter and deceptively light for an all steel framed, full size 9mm. Overall, I like it, but would not feel bad getting rid of it. I don't "love it" like my CZ. The HP is a classic design to me, but that's all it will be.

[AZ_CZ]

There is a lot to like about the BHP, but nothing makes it better then a CZ. Out of the box a BHP will need work and parts just to get it acceptable. Once it is tuned the trigger can be awesome. I have shot several models and have a clone that has been tuned up but none of them were/are better than my CZs. Your mileage may vary.

[ThompsonCustom]

Owned both but not the HP for very long. Not a bad gun and it shot better than expected but the Cz fells and shoots better for me.

[Joe L]

I had a friend that asked me to work one over.  I bought and installed some Cylinder and slide parts, removed the magazine disconnect, a bunch of stuff.  When done, it still wasn't as comfortable to shoot as a worked over CZ.  I didn't really like the trigger/sear/hammer setup in that gun very much, and the end result was some additional hand fitting of the aftermarket parts.  It was an education, not bad, not exceptional, however.  I would take a worked over CZ over a worked over BHP myself.  Lots of people like them, however, so maybe my bias in favor of the more oval gripped CZ, sear cage and all, is showing here. 

Joe

[Skookum]

Considering one can buy a CZ 75 B for half the price of a Browning Hi Power, or a fully Cajunized 75 B for a bit less than a Hi Power, it is hard to justify the latter unless one is collecting historically significant designs.

[Birds Away]

I used to have a BHP that I enjoyed shooting.  Once I got my first Cajunized CZ those all went away, never to return.

[Skookum]

I can't think of an area in which the BHP excels over the CZ 75, except perhaps in appearance:



.

And that's not clear cut.

[Jpknj]

I have BHP since '86.  I sent it to Ted Yost for one of his SRT packages. There is no one better to work on a BHP IMHO. It is one of my favorites. But comparing it to my CZ's can be disappointing. I have a Accu Shadow & PCR with CGW pro package with night sights. I have had a love affair with BHP for years. But I grab the CZ's more and more often then the BHP. I like the the PCR for carry and the Accu Shadow for range. The BHP is becoming a safe queen. Not sure I will ever sell it but I won't be buying any more of them.  I could easily have a Pro Tek, a SP-01 Tactical, and a Rami for the sale of my BHP. That makes me think.

[larryflew]

Always thought I wanted one also so I bought a really nice clone.  Anyone want a really nice clone for $400??

[bang bang]

heres my take on the BHP and CZ.

they are both great guns.  if you can have them both or all, i would go for it.

but handling the BHP is like holding a 2x2 in your hands. The CZ not and the CZ feels like its made for your hands.  At least thats my take on it.

[salsa]

Thank you all for your input and advice.  At about $1K for the BHP, I'm going to pass and have some custom work done on my CZ's.

[AZ_CZ]

Look for Charles daly BHP model. They pop up every now and then between $350 - $500 and are a very good quality clone that uses standard parts for upgrades. I didn't want to drop a bunch of $$$$ into a BHP experiment. Figured I would try a clone first then if I liked it go all in. The used CD I got was nicely modified by the first owner and I liked it a lot. After I started shopping around for a "real" one and handling quite a few I came to realize what a gem I have. Also how much $$$ it would take to duplicate what I already had.

[G30S]

I had Ted Yost do their Signature job on a Hi Power. It was disappointing but was what I feel is one of the best looking guns there is.  So far the only advantage is some smiths will checker a Hi Power. I have yet to see a CZ 75B checkered .

[eastman]

Cole's has a large number or FN HP-35 pistols on GunBroker - http://www.gunbroker.com/Semi-Auto-Pistols/BI.aspx?IncludeSellers=2621012

Prices range from $360-470 depending on condition.

My vote is "buy them both"