From an earlier similar thread by THR Member Irfan (started on 15 FEB 09):
"Which one whould you choose to combat with, Beretta 90-two (92FS if you prefer it) or CZ75 SP-01? (75B if you prefer it) Why?"
My Comments:
I own both (92FS & CZ75 SP-01). I'd pick the CZ.
I also own a CZ75B and have owned several other 75s and 85s since my first CZ purchase around 1992. I've been issued various military M9s since ~1994 (when they replaced our 1911A1s) as well as shooting them in SOF training courses since 1983.
Both the CZ75 SP-01 & 92FS are accurate and reliable (cycling and feeding).
Both of your listed choices offer rails for lights/lasers (a nice option).
Both can be had with effective factory night sights. My SP-01 has Tritium night sights vs. the standard white dots on my 92FS
Both are full sized duty pistols not conducive to concealed carry (although either can be carried CCW with the right carry setup).
Both will feed and fire just about any 9mm service load you care to try. The Beretta in particular will cycle endlessly with minimal cleaning and lube. I've put 800+ rounds through mine (an issued pistol) at a single session just to see if it would start to choke. After 800+ rounds, the slide began to exhibit minor sluggishness when cycling/feeding the next round. Field strip, wipe clean with small rag, applied CLP with shaving brush, reassemble...back in reliable action in a couple of minutes.
Based upon my personal observations with each:
The Beretta will not hold a candle to the CZ for long term durability. My unit expends a LOT of 9mm through our M9s. The Beretta has not held up to high usage firing by those in my career field. ALL of the original M9s issued to my units during the mid-90s have since been replaced due to wear and tear (especially to the aluminum lower frame). Locking blocks fail with depressingly reliable regularity. Someone's will shear at almost every range session. Trigger return springs also snap frequently. Crappy issued low bidder magazines have caused a number of problems in sandy/dusty environs.
BTW: Before someone chirps about Beretta's improved generations of radiused locking blocks...they work only marginally better (still fail) and are not drop-in for military M9s without a matching barrel change. On the other hand, for non-military/police use, a civilian 92 you purchase today will already come with the improvement. If you are just an occasional recreational shooter, the Beretta should deliver several thousands of rounds of trouble free performance.
I recently returned from Iraq where I carried a military issue 1911A1 manufactured in 1942. It would still outshoot most M9s (but not my CZ). I am betting that there will be no M9s still in service 67 years from now (nor any gunzine articles extolling the storied history of said weapon. )
BTW, just so that you don't think I'm flaming the Beretta without a frame of reference, I've carried the M9 operationally in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans, and Africa. I've also run the pistol through multiple high round count shooting courses where I've had my locking block shear on multiple occasions using different pistols, had trigger return springs snap, and observed dozens of similar failures on the weapons of my Soldiers. I've just learned to live with the known weaknesses, cross my fingers, and closely examine my pistol after every successful firing (using a magnifying glass). My current personally owned 92FS has not yet had a problem, nor has it ever jammed. On the other hand, it's still a relatively low-round count range toy (maybe 1600 rds fired).
All firearms are subject to failure. The CZ is no exception.
Check out CZ FORUM.COM for documented slide stop failures. Pretty rare (and probably limited to a particular run of production guns from several years ago). I've yet to have a mechanical problem with any CZ I've fired in the last 17 years nor heard any negative antecdotes from friends owning the same weapons.
BLUF: Mechanical parts failures are rare with the CZs. In other words, about as frequent as those of most other popular semi autos (Colt, Glock, BHP, SIG, H&K, etc.).
Beretta 92s are more problematic. The 92s are like FIATs from the 1970s...all that and a bag of chips...right up to the point when there is a parts failure.
My decocker equipped SP-01 will outshoot my 92FS (better factory accuracy combined with the ability of the heavier steel frame and slide to better handle recoil and allow faster followup shots). It has a higher magazine capacity and better ergonomics (for me). The grip fits my hand better than my Beretta (I don't have huge mitts). It's also a bit heavier than the 92 (which might be a negative consideration for all-day carry).
There are a lot more dedicated holster offerings for the Beretta, but some name-manufacturer rigs for the 92 will also securely hold CZ 75/85s. Dedicated CZ holster choices are increasing almost as fast as CZ pistol popularity and (unfortunately) prices.
I own quite a few semi-auto service handguns ranging in caliber from 9mm to .45 ACP. If I had to reduce my collection to just one pistol for serious use, I'd keep my well broken-in and cherished CZ75B. I've simply fired it a lot more to date than my SP-01. Its smooth trigger, fit, and accuracy are perfect for my needs. With more firing to smooth out the trigger, the SP-01 may eventually tie the 75B for that consideration.
Honestly, you'd probably be well served by either, but...for SHTF (or my next combat deployment), I'd take the CZ over the Beretta without a moments hesitation.
YMMV
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