CZ97.45 or Kimber 1911 ?

[CDW4ME]

I prefer a consistent trigger, 1911.
I've not held the CZ97; but, going on appearance, I'd believe a 1911 easier to conceal in summer clothes.

 

[SDGlock23]

Let me say, the answer is never Kimber. There's not a more overpriced yet mediocre 1911 on the market. CZ hands down.

 

[CNobbe]

The 97 would be my choice as they're not as common..but I don't care for either brand.

I'd buy a Colt or a Springfield 1911 over both guns. You can get 10 round 1911 mags and have a much nicer trigger pull than a 97 out of the box.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

The Pcr is in the compact family, the compacts share the same grip panels. They do not share the same grips as the full size 75, shadow 2 or 97. Each of those have their own grips.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

Why not just leave it DA/SA and just use it cocked and locked?

In talking with CGW they said converting to SAO makes no difference to the SA pull, so they didn't see the point of making it SA-Only

I was headed down the same thinking that you were in converting a 97b in to SAO until talking with CGW and they said there is no pull difference between their tuned SA/DA and a SAO trigger when comparing SA in both instances. Their reply was that there is nothing in the DA trigger mechanism that has an effect on the SA pull, so one might as well keep options open.

It's easier and cheaper to do a SAO conversion and get a good SA trigger than getting both. The SAO really shines when you replace the "B" sear with the Pre B.

 

[czhen]

Both are fine pistols different league though. Depending how old is your Kimber and the CZ to clarify the CZ early model were notorious for breaking barrel pins later CZ improved materials, CZ stopped importing the 97 for a while, Idk the actual state of the 97.
Lastly, if big pistols grips and heavy anvil in your hip doesn't affect you go for it, accuracy is head to to head to any high price market pistol.
Talking about Kimber if you want to show your Kimba to friends when they come home on Friday nights cool. However, depending the year of production were some issues ala internal / external extractor and lastly for 1911 lover's the ineffable safety.
Similar issues like SIG thousands of models to reach more market, craping some of them doesn't matter, well they shared same CEO.
Kimber changed it's quality issues lately for good.
I've had no Kimber and probably never will, nothing personal just price point are very close to Les Baer u other manufactures with more steady quality and service warranty over the years.
For a beater, IPSC, steel challenge u others venues there are several brands more capable.

 

[bannockburn]

While I wouldn't necessarily go with a Kimber I would have to go with a 1911 over the CZ97. Nothing wrong with the CZ but like others have already stated the grip frame is just too big and wide (and a bit of a reach to the trigger), for my small size hand. For me the CZ P01 and P07 are the optimum size and width in the grip area for maximum comfort and usability.

 

[BreechFace]

It's easier and cheaper to do a SAO conversion and get a good SA trigger than getting both. The SAO really shines when you replace the "B" sear with the Pre B.

I’m not saying your wrong but I’ve got conflicting information. CGW says there is no different in SA trigger pull by leaving the DA parts in as they have no bearing on the SA pull. I’m really trying to find the truth here as I’m about to order a CGW 97b and was originally asking them about converting to SAO as I don’t intend or need the DA and their reply was I might as well have the option of DA as it won’t help the SA pull by taking it out.

 

[Terry G]

CZ 97b. I have a Colt Series 70 and a Glock 21. I'll choose the 97 for carry. It IS a beast, but it's easily tamed with practice. I didn't find a need to have the trigger worked on. I don't trust Kimber's, I've see too many malfunction even with FMJ. I have not had a malfun ction with my 97.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

You need to re-read what I said.
Yes CGW is right.
It's also 100% true a SAO conversion is cheaper.
There is simply more parts and labor required to get a good da/sa trigger than just a straight up sa trigger.

 

[Arubalover]

The CZ is a fantastic gun.

 

[JDGray]

CZ97 with a CGW straight trigger, converted to SA, no fpb safety, take up adjusted to minimum. Almost as good as a 1911 trigger! This gun is no less comfortable in my hand then my 1911, actually feels better. Did not before the conversion in DA though! Reach was too far, almost un useable...lol!

 

[wiscoaster]

Ummmm ... the photo posted in the OP is NOT the "latest" CZ-97. The latest CZ-97 has aluminum grips.

 

[sisyphus]

if I had a Kimber and a CZ I'd enjoy both at the range but when the SHTF the CZ is going on my hip without needing a microsecond to consider the choice

 

[Old Dog]

As this forum is chock-full of CZ fanboys (OK, so I'm one) and Kimber-haters, this older post almost strikes me as a troll post...

Still apples-to-oranges comparing a fat DA/SA to a 1911. Sorry, but in .45 ACP, I'll take the 1911 every day of the week and twice on Sundays...

 

[DocRock]

I recommend choosing the one that you shoot better.

 

[Zerodefect]

CZ hands down as per the OP.

The CZ walks the walk, the Kimber just doesn't. More of a range toy. I'd go CZ, and then consider a SAO conversion.

Also consider the higher end CZ's. Shadow 2, TS2, TSO. Or a higher end 1911. Dan Wesson Valor (black only).

 

[MJ]

I have had feelers out for weeks now still no joy from CZ.

 

[JR24]

I have had feelers out for weeks now still no joy from CZ.

Are you looking for a 97? Or the answer to the feedramp question?

 

[JDeere]

1911 IMO...The Kimber crowd will say Kimber and the CZ crowd will shout CZ. So many things can be done with a 1911 as far as upgrades and accessories. I have never had an issue with a Kimber and they have been accurate and dependable. I have other makes of 1911s in the stable as well that are also fine weapons...Pick the one you like the best and be happy...

 

[Terry G]

Colt Series 70, Glock 21, CZ 75b. I pick the 97b.

 

[Tensaw]

I have no experience with Kimber but I do have 1911s from Dan Wesson and ACW (semi custom). The 1911 platform is my favorite but I do love CZs. I have a P-01, Shadow 2, and a 97B. Right our of the box, I found the 97B a joy to shoot. It is very accurate and has to have the softest recoil of any .45 out there. There are two great sources of upgraded parts and services in Cajun Gun Works and CZ's Custom Shop. My CZ has been to CGW for their "E" conversion and to install an extended thumb safety. The improvement they made to the trigger made it about as close to a "1911 trigger" as it can get. Part of the conversion was to install a 1911 style bushing to improve accuracy and they also shortened the trigger reach. I don't have large hands so the trigger reach improvement was greatly appreciated. The 97B is still a handful but for me, but it's tolerable. I find myself shooting this CZ more than any pistol I own.

 

[bikerdoc]

I have a bunch of 1911's but not one Kimber. Nobody has time for a 200 round break in, when a C Z works out of the box and even better after a trip to CGW!

 

[Reinz]

I own CZ’s and Kimbers.

I bought the CZ 97 back in 97 and got rid of it. Reliability was fine and I thought I could overcome the frame size with my average sized hands (medium). But it was just a real pig while shooting.

I really tried hard to like it and hoped that I could get used to it. I just could not get it to perform, and I can usually shoot most handguns well.

Now the Kimber, or rather, most 1911’s; AHHH, fits my hand better than O.J’s glove.

 

[Nature Boy]

I want a CZ 97, therefore, I hope the OP finds one, doesn't like it and maybe sells it to me