CZ-75B vs. SP-01 vs. AR-24

[Z-Michigan]

I think I'm about ready to buy a CZ-75 or very similar pistol. I have shot the CZ-75B and BD models, and I own a Jericho 941 (midsize .40) and a CZ-40B, so I'm pretty familiar with the operating characteristics, etc., I'm just ready to actually own one in 9mm and probably a CZ-USA import instead of a clone.

My goals with the gun are primarily range use at 25 yards and closer, both generic target shooting and some action shooting work. Possibly some limited competition such as IDPA or ACTS. It would have something of a home defense role but that wouldn't be its primary purpose.

So, among these three closely related guns, what should drive my decision? It seems that the SP-01 is basically a "product improved" CZ-75, with the larger magazine, the rail, more weight (good or bad), and unspecified metallurgical improvements. The B is the original (as close as I want to get, at least) and the AR-24 is a clone, but seems to be a high end clone.

I have heard that the SP-01 can use the original CZ-75B mags, and vice versa - is that correct? My understanding is that the AR-24 uses the Witness and clones pattern mags, which are just different enough to be incompatible.

 

[armoredman]

AR-24 is a clone of a clone, the Sarsilmaz copy of the Tanfoglio. Sarsilmaz used to be a Tanfoglio importer into Turkey, according to info I saw on the Tanfolgio website years ago. Nothing bad about it, the AR24 is said to be a good solid pistol.
For range and home, I might choose the Sp01, but more likely the poly version, the Phantom, recently adopted by the Czech military.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Thanks, armoredman. I know about the AR-24s background, it just seems like perhaps the nicest clone out there (forged frame and slide, etc.).

Do you happen to know if the SP-01 can use CZ-75B type mags? I bought some a while back anticipating that someday I would get a CZ-75.

The Phantom looks nice but I have plenty of tupperware guns and really prefer steel for anything I'm not planning to carry a whole lot.

 

[coinshooter]

I have the CZ85B But of the one you picked I would take the SP01 All day has nightsights and rail.

 

[andrsnsm]

Here is my solution to your dilemma. Sorry about the quality of the pics but you get the idea.

 

[schmeky]

Z-Michigan,

Yes, the SP-01 and CZ-75B use the same mags.

 

[armoredman]

Love the stainless 75B, sweet. Hoping for an Sp01 Phantom next year, maybe.

 

[andrsnsm]

The Phantom is nice but I am not a huge fan of tupperware guns, I prefer steel. That said, the polymer guns are less heft to carry. But man I just LOVE the way my 75B and 75 SP-01 shoot. Sweet

 

[Runningman]

Yes the SP-01 will take CZ 75/85 magazines. I use a SP-01 and CZ 85 Combat as range guns. One thing you should know is the SP-01 uses a much stronger recoil spring than a typical CZ 75/85.

Between the recoil spring and the longer slide rails my SP-01 likes to be ran with lots of oil and 124 Gr loads. It did get much better after I got a good 300+ rounds thru it. I like the weight of the SP-01 for a range gun because it does make it easy to shoot a lot during a range session.

On the other hand the CZ 85 Combat uses adjustable sights has a slightly better trigger out of the box. The 85 Combat does not use a firing pin block so it slightly improves the quality of the trigger out of the box.

I'm a little surprised by the AR-24 pricing. My local dealer had a AR-24 for $550 earlier this year and also had CZ 75s starting at $560.