SP-01 vs. Glock 19/17

[dhanee]

Deciding between CZs SP-01 and Glocks 19 or 17. Would appreciate any comments/comparisons on reliability, durability, accuracy etc of both guns.

Many thanks!

[leatherneck]

The G19 has a shorter barrel (4.02", total slide length of 6.85"). A better comparison may be between the SP-01 (4.7"), the G17 (4.49"), or the G34 (5.32"). The overall length of the SP-01 is 8.1" and the G34 is  8.15". In terms of total pistol length you can then narrow your choice down to either the SP-01 and the G34.

Magazine capacity is equal. The G34 is lighter. You might get slightly less recoil with the SP-01 because of the weight. Pricing is similar (slightly cheaper for the CZ). The SP-01 comes in either a manual safety model or the decocker model (Tactical). Glock has neither (doesn't require them based on design). The G34 has a slanted grip which can take some time getting used to. It took a while for me to adjust to the Glock grip.

Both are very good pistols. I like the G34 but if I had a choice between the two I'd take the SP-01 Tactical model now and the G34 later .  To complicate matters of deciding, maybe you should look at the Springfield XD pistols too. Whether you buy the SP-01, Glock, or Springfield XD (4" or 5" barrel) you are getting a very good pistol and shouldn't be disappointed.

[kinsco276]

I have a SP01, G17 and G34. I like all three guns and all three shoot superbly. I have only been shooting my SP01 for about 3 weeks, but it shoots great and Im really getting used to it. My Glocks shot great as well and never had any issues with any of them.

For IPSC competition, the SP01 is a pretty bleep good shooter though. The grip angle is just more natural than with the Glock.

Kevin

[dhanee]

Thank you leatherneck and Kevin!

My take on the SP-01 is its superior accuracy over Glock (not sure if you guy's feel the same?). Ive fired both and found that the Glock recoil was relatively harder to manage during rapidfire. Also felt that although the Glock was easier to initially aim (due to lighter weight), after squeeze of the trigger not as accurate compared to CZs SP-01.

Im basically looking for the smoothest (recoil), most accurate 9mm out there that I can also rely on if in a life and death situation (many say Glock's are the most dependable "never jams"). Any recommendations?    

All the best!

[leatherneck]

Many say Glock's never jam are living in a fantasy world. They do jam (although very rare). But again, that can depend on the shooter, the magazines, the ammo, the mechanical parts inside. I've seen jams with Glocks but never experienced one.

Sounds like you should go with the SP-01!

[gunfighter]

I'm an SP-01 owner and my buddy prefers the Glock 34.  We go back and forth, but he has a couple good points about his drastic plastic;

1.  Glocks are much, much easier to work on.
2.  The external lug barrel lock-up design will shoot longer in dirty environments.
3.  The external lug barrel lock-up design eliminates the possible slide stop breakage issue.

To counter his arguments, I decided to buy a 2nd SP-01.  It's the fastest way to get back up and running if something happens to my first one!

[Scfish]

I own an SP01, a G17, and a G19.  I doubt that there is any inherent difference in accuracy.  Informal testing with a sandbag as a rest attests to this.  I find the SP01 easier to shoot accurately due to weight, SA trigger, and ergomonics.  All three are great guns with different strengths.  The real bonus is that all three shoot as well as guns costing several hundred dollars more.

[tsw]

Are you looking for a sidearm or a pistol?

Glocks are great sidearms, but CZs are better pistols.

[gunfighter]

Quote:Glocks are great sidearms, but CZs are better pistols.

What the hell does that mean?

[leatherneck]

tsw, not sure what you are meaning here. A 'sidearm' is not a weapon of any sort. A 'side arm' is a weapon worn at the side like a sword, knife, gun, etc. So, a 'side arm' can be a pistol worn at the side. If either a CZ or a Glock pistol is holstered at one's side then it is a side arm (not a sidearm). What is your point?

[Walt-Sherrill]

Either is a fine gun.  Get the one that seems to fit you the best.  (I have both and like both.)

[CZJedi]

I think that I know what TSW is saying...

A side arm has to be 100% reliable, rugged, and as close to zero maintanance as you can get. It also has to have the right safety and comfortable carry size.

A pistol, on the other hand has to be accurate, attractive, and relatively low maintanance with good-excellent reliability.

For example, I have (for the moment) the 25th Anniversary 75B. I love it as a pistol; but would it be my side arm? No way! I would be too concerned about the glare offf of the shiny high-gloss nickle finish. I would also be too concerned with damaging that finish with a scratch or a chip. Poly guns (like the Glock, Sprinfield XD, CZ-100, ect...) do not have that problem. Take it in and out of the holster a few thousand times and no holster wear; you will never have to re-finish it.

You might want to have a differant trigger weight for a side arms over a gun that is only shooting targets. You would also probably look more closely at the safety system for a sidearm, possibly going for a de-cocker (the SP-01 Tactical has one, while the SP-01 does not).

What about size? A nice, heavy pistol at the range takes away recoil, but a light side arm is easy to carry all day. A pistol with a nice, grip that is comfortable in the hand might have to be sacrificed for concealability in a side arm.

You might have a super tricked-out pistol that is more accurate than you are, but every now and then there is a jam. A great range gun? Probably. A great side arm? No way!

A side arm will probably need night sights, while target sights would probably be best for a pistol.

I think you get the idea by now.

[leatherneck]

CZJedi, your explanation is interesting, though I don't think this is what tsw was getting at. Also, if I may be more 'exacting', or a pain in the ass, 'sidearm' and 'side arm' are two very different terms. Check out the dictionary. You refer to sidearm, as did tsw, when you should be referring to side arm (two words, not one).

webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=sidearm

May the force be with you!

[CZJedi]

Ok, I fixed the sidearm to side arm parts.