I decided to keep my $200 gift card and I will have an additional 450$ post Christmas saved for a grand total $650 on my next purchase. I've always wanted a non polymer 9mm handgun so looking for opinions. I've shot both the beretta and cz and its 50/50 for me. This gun would be only for target practice and possibly another HD gun. All opinions are welcome. Durability and reliability are my defining factors.
Berreta 92fs/ M9 or CZ75
- Thread starter MilesR
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My vote goes to a CZ 75B SA with adjustable rear sight.
The 92 is a nice pistol too but I slightly prefere the CZ, 55% to 45%.
You can also take a look at the EAA Witness (Tanfoglio) Match and Limited: great guns but I don't know if the price meets your budget.
The 92 is a nice pistol too but I slightly prefere the CZ, 55% to 45%.
You can also take a look at the EAA Witness (Tanfoglio) Match and Limited: great guns but I don't know if the price meets your budget.
JeeperCreeper
Member
Both are great, but I love CZ just a tad bit more. But I'm sure I might give you a different answer tomorrow.
Since we are throwing out CZ clones/cousins, I'll throw my opinion out there that I love the Jericho.
Regardless, I like the CZ grip more than the Beretta.
And anyone know if the new US Beretta factory is making the 92's as well as the old one??
Since we are throwing out CZ clones/cousins, I'll throw my opinion out there that I love the Jericho.
Regardless, I like the CZ grip more than the Beretta.
And anyone know if the new US Beretta factory is making the 92's as well as the old one??
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Ive not owned a CZ 75 yet (I know, I know, its still on my list), but I have had a couple of CZ-clone Witness pistols and 4 M92s.
The Witness' were some of the most accurate and reliable pistols Ive ever shot. The grip frame always felt a bit strange to me, though. Also, as mine were full size steel-framed variants, they were very heavy. Only way I would ever consider carrying one would be the compact version.
I really didnt put that many rounds through them, maybe 500 all told, and never had a hiccup. I dont know of their are any common wear items or breakage parts on the 75........
The aluminum-framed Beretta is lighter, though a bit bulkier, but fits my hand better. One of mine was incredibly inaccurate, but the other three were all very good, though not to the level of the Witness. Ive had perhaps 3000 rounds all told through the pack and can only remember one jam not related to a parts breakage.........
However, Ive also seen them break. Ive had one broken locking block (very common on older M92s), a snapped hammer lever (somewhat common on newer M92s), and a broken barrel lug (very rare).
The good news is parts are plentiful (for now), and they are easy to work on. If you get a newer M92, they will have some polymer and polymer-coated parts: trigger, LH safety lever, mainspring plug, mag release, guide rod, and hammer lever. From time to time, Beretta will offer a steel parts upgrade kit. I had a bit of trouble tracking down steel bits to de-polymerize mine, but it was TOTALLY worth it. The trigger and action smoothed out 100%
Both of mine also now have the new, improved locking block. At this point, I feel confident enough in the guns that I would pick them over any of my other handguns ( except maybe my P226), to carry into the Zombie Apocalypse. But as they came from the factory, eh, not so much.
Which of course brings up the queston- have you considered a classic SIG?
The Witness' were some of the most accurate and reliable pistols Ive ever shot. The grip frame always felt a bit strange to me, though. Also, as mine were full size steel-framed variants, they were very heavy. Only way I would ever consider carrying one would be the compact version.
I really didnt put that many rounds through them, maybe 500 all told, and never had a hiccup. I dont know of their are any common wear items or breakage parts on the 75........
The aluminum-framed Beretta is lighter, though a bit bulkier, but fits my hand better. One of mine was incredibly inaccurate, but the other three were all very good, though not to the level of the Witness. Ive had perhaps 3000 rounds all told through the pack and can only remember one jam not related to a parts breakage.........
However, Ive also seen them break. Ive had one broken locking block (very common on older M92s), a snapped hammer lever (somewhat common on newer M92s), and a broken barrel lug (very rare).
The good news is parts are plentiful (for now), and they are easy to work on. If you get a newer M92, they will have some polymer and polymer-coated parts: trigger, LH safety lever, mainspring plug, mag release, guide rod, and hammer lever. From time to time, Beretta will offer a steel parts upgrade kit. I had a bit of trouble tracking down steel bits to de-polymerize mine, but it was TOTALLY worth it. The trigger and action smoothed out 100%
Both of mine also now have the new, improved locking block. At this point, I feel confident enough in the guns that I would pick them over any of my other handguns ( except maybe my P226), to carry into the Zombie Apocalypse. But as they came from the factory, eh, not so much.
Which of course brings up the queston- have you considered a classic SIG?
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JTQ
Member
If you're talking over a few decades time frame, probably true. If you're talking over the past few years, they are pretty much always offered.
https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/be...ger-safety-levers-recoil-rod-mag-rel-/e00706/
They may be temporarily out of stock, but Beretta has become aware folks like these parts and they make them available. The new models, such as the 92G Elite LTT and 92X come with the steel parts standard.
Ohen Cepel
Member
Both great, classic options. I lean towards the Beretta but only since I carried it for years and so know it better. Can't go wrong with either one in my mind.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Although, inexplicably, these kits dont include the hammer spring cap (lanyard loop), which is probably under more stress than any of the other polymer bits. At least they have a stainless kit now which they did not even list back when I needed one.
Sadly, I fear all the 92s series guns have only 2-3 years left in production. We shall see, I suppose.
Targa
Member
I just don’t know how you could go wrong with either one. I have an M9, not be because I think it’s better than the CZ but because I got a little bit nostalgic from carrying one for so long in the military.
Since you are 50/50 OP, I would choose the one that you can get the best price on.
Since you are 50/50 OP, I would choose the one that you can get the best price on.
I have a USA built 92 ; I bought it used because it came with a VERTEC slide.
My only gripe was the plastic guide rod - really cheesy. Replaced that with stainless, upgraded sights , I now have great success in steel knockdown contests at my club.
I would rather it said “Italy” , but it is a great gun that has fulfilled all of my expectations.
Regarding Beretta vs CZ , easy choice for me because Beretta wins the cool factor hands down. Some may call that silly , but that’s how my brain works and I am good with it.
(I later went pure Italian with a 1951, the 92’s pappy. Very cool indeed.)
My only gripe was the plastic guide rod - really cheesy. Replaced that with stainless, upgraded sights , I now have great success in steel knockdown contests at my club.
I would rather it said “Italy” , but it is a great gun that has fulfilled all of my expectations.
Regarding Beretta vs CZ , easy choice for me because Beretta wins the cool factor hands down. Some may call that silly , but that’s how my brain works and I am good with it.
(I later went pure Italian with a 1951, the 92’s pappy. Very cool indeed.)
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Coyote3855
Member
I have a CZ pre-75 and a Beretta 92S, so not exactly the comparison you are making. Maybe close enough. I prefer the CZ because the grip fits my hand much better than the Beretta. Just feels more natural to me.
As to your criteria of durability and reliability, I have never had a malfunction with either pistol. I expect both to outlast me and be handed down to my son.
As to your criteria of durability and reliability, I have never had a malfunction with either pistol. I expect both to outlast me and be handed down to my son.
JTQ
Member
You could convince me the PX4 only has 2-3 years left - and I like the PX4 - but the 92 series is getting a lot of attention with new models like the LTT and 92X family. They look like they'll have a long future. Longer than the classic SIG line-up at least.
Old Dog
Member
Same here. I have more than 30 years trigger time on the Beretta and am entirely confident in it. With the Mec-Gar flush-fit 18 round and Plus-2 20 round magazines, lotsa firepower. People will bitch about the slide-mounted safety, but it should be used as a de-cocker only.
More holsters available for the Beretta. One of the more accurate out-of-the-box service pistols. Action and trigger can be slicked up. Smooth shooting pistol, well-engineered. If it fits your hand, go for it.
ApacheCoTodd
member
I puzzled over this a bit until I put it to myself this way.
Were I to HAVE TO (doesn't matter why - leave my hypotheticals alone!) give up either my CZ or my M-9, I'd let the M-9 go, as much as I love it.
My CZ carries more sweetly, ergoes are not remotely comparable (for ME), all steel, closed action....
Too though - there is cache to a Service-Grade M-9 over a 92. 92FS is not even a struggle.... ALREADY sold that one on.
Todd.
Were I to HAVE TO (doesn't matter why - leave my hypotheticals alone!) give up either my CZ or my M-9, I'd let the M-9 go, as much as I love it.
My CZ carries more sweetly, ergoes are not remotely comparable (for ME), all steel, closed action....
Too though - there is cache to a Service-Grade M-9 over a 92. 92FS is not even a struggle.... ALREADY sold that one on.
Todd.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
Sold my 92. Love my CZ 75
SwampWolf
Member
I have both and the vote tabulation to date (ten votes for each) reflects my feelings about which is "best" for the purposes the op specified (and about anything else). Which is why they make coins with different sides. 
1KPerDay
Member
I’ve had some trouble with my one and only CZ75B and have no issues with a couple of Berettas so I vote the latter. Plus to me the CZ recoils quite a bit more.
if the 92 you’re considering has a straight dust cover that will clinch it.
on the other hand if you can’t abide the slide mounted safety, go with the CZ.
if the 92 you’re considering has a straight dust cover that will clinch it.
on the other hand if you can’t abide the slide mounted safety, go with the CZ.
There's very likely a "right answer" for you, but you'll have to handle both, and ideally shoot both, to know for sure which suits you.
Me, I had a Beretta 92SB for 3 decades. Then a few years ago I bought my first CZ 75-based gun (85 Combat). Thereafter, the Beretta got out of the safe one or two more times to go to the range. After discovering the CZs, I found that the Beretta in MY hand felt more like the box that the CZ came in (that is, not very ergonomic, just not right for shooting). It was a very high quality gun, well machined and well fitted with an action as smooth as silk, but to ME, the ergonomics and the feel in hand just wasn't in the league with the CZs. I sold it (and my 1911 and my HK), because I just didn't have interest in shooting it anymore. I've acquired several more CZs since and love them all.
My 92SB:
The Beretta along with the first CZ that drove me to sell the Beretta. And a Browning Hi Power that also suits me much better than the Beretta.
Me, I had a Beretta 92SB for 3 decades. Then a few years ago I bought my first CZ 75-based gun (85 Combat). Thereafter, the Beretta got out of the safe one or two more times to go to the range. After discovering the CZs, I found that the Beretta in MY hand felt more like the box that the CZ came in (that is, not very ergonomic, just not right for shooting). It was a very high quality gun, well machined and well fitted with an action as smooth as silk, but to ME, the ergonomics and the feel in hand just wasn't in the league with the CZs. I sold it (and my 1911 and my HK), because I just didn't have interest in shooting it anymore. I've acquired several more CZs since and love them all.
My 92SB:
The Beretta along with the first CZ that drove me to sell the Beretta. And a Browning Hi Power that also suits me much better than the Beretta.
Or keep both, as I did.
Dragonfly
Member
That's a tough call. I've got both a 92F and a Pre-B CZ75 and enjoy shooting them both. They do have quite a different feel with the biggest difference being the 92 having a significantly bulkier grip. I've got small hands and it's just about as big as I can comfortably manage. It's still great fun to shoot, though. Of course, as others have mentioned, the "manual of arms" is quite different between them, primarily due to the safeties. I'm a bit more partial myself to the CZ75—it fits me very well and, since one was my first centrefire handgun back in the 1980s I have a sentimental attachment to the model. However, your experience could be different—if you can "try before you buy" that would be ideal, otherwise, take your best guess and see how you like it. As others have mentioned, both will be an easy re-sale if you end up not liking your first choice. Oh, if you do go with the 92 be are and replace the mainspring with a 'D' Spring (originally intended for the double action D models). It makes the DA pull much nicer (and I think improves the SA pull too).
Here are mine.
Here are mine.
herrwalther
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I would get a 92FS for nostalgia reasons, but that is me. What did you shoot better, Beretta or CZ?
1KPerDay
Member
Dang... some handsome pistols. That SB is the bee's knees.
Zaydok Allen
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I have a 92 FS variant, a few Sigs, a few HKs, 2 1911s, and my CZ Shadow 2 is my favorite shooter.
I say save longer and buy a competition gun. They are fun shooters.
I say save longer and buy a competition gun. They are fun shooters.
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