I currently own only two types of pistols, CZ's & 1911's. I've been thinking about getting a Hi-Power eventually, and would like to hear from folks who own CZ's & Hi-Powers, and how they compare to one another. I would assume that if you really like the attributes of a CZ, then a Hi-Power should be a no-brainer. Any comments?
CZ's & Hi-Powers
- Thread starter boogalou
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The only pistol that fits my hand better than my CZ-75 is my High Power. The CZ fits like a glove. The High Power fits like a custom-made glove.
I still prefer the SA/DA mode of the CZ to the SA only mode of the High Power, but that's personal preference. When I carry the CZ, I carry hammer down for a DA first shot. I can't do that with the High Power.
The tiny safety on my mil-spec High Power makes it unusable for carry in it's current configuration. That's not a problem if you have a gun with the larger commercial safety.
I don't care for the mag disconnect on the HP, but I also don't care for the Mag Brake on the CZ, so that's a wash.
Bottom line: If you like one, your apt to like the other.
I still prefer the SA/DA mode of the CZ to the SA only mode of the High Power, but that's personal preference. When I carry the CZ, I carry hammer down for a DA first shot. I can't do that with the High Power.
The tiny safety on my mil-spec High Power makes it unusable for carry in it's current configuration. That's not a problem if you have a gun with the larger commercial safety.
I don't care for the mag disconnect on the HP, but I also don't care for the Mag Brake on the CZ, so that's a wash.
Bottom line: If you like one, your apt to like the other.
JohnBT
Member
I'd never owned a 9mm, but I bought a CZ-75B Military 3 or 4 years ago because of the reputation, the 'free' hicap mag and the low price. Great pistol. I ordered some Hogue wooden grips and some more mags for it and I've been very happy.
Then a couple of years ago I bought a basic BHP even though it cost nearly twice as much (okay, 79% more). I now prefer the HP since I bobbed the hammer and removed the mag disconnect - not by much, but it feels a little better in my hand and has better sights for me.
I'm not selling the CZ though and I still like 1911s best of all.
John
Then a couple of years ago I bought a basic BHP even though it cost nearly twice as much (okay, 79% more). I now prefer the HP since I bobbed the hammer and removed the mag disconnect - not by much, but it feels a little better in my hand and has better sights for me.
I'm not selling the CZ though and I still like 1911s best of all.
John
Stephen A. Camp
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cratz2
Member
I'm pretty much a 1911 and CZ kinda guy as well... If you like them, I can't imagine you'd quite hate BHPs... 
I've never owned a BHP (or even a clone) though I actually bought my first CZ-type gun (basic, no-frills EAA Witness) when seeking out an Arcus BHP clone.
As to how they compare... though many will disagree, I usually say that I prefer CZs because they are better values and generally have better out of the box triggers. Definately exceptions, but of the CZs I've bought vs the brand new recent production BHPs I've handled, the CZs just seem to be the way to go. Plus, I'm a bargain shopper... Last CZ75B SA (single action) I bought, I gave $320 for with one 15 rounder. And my PCR cost me either $300 or $320. Between them, that's a lot of stuff for $640. That's less than the cost of any of the Springfield Loadeds I've bought brand new and about on par with (to slightly over) most BHPs I've seen.
I've never owned a BHP (or even a clone) though I actually bought my first CZ-type gun (basic, no-frills EAA Witness) when seeking out an Arcus BHP clone.
As to how they compare... though many will disagree, I usually say that I prefer CZs because they are better values and generally have better out of the box triggers. Definately exceptions, but of the CZs I've bought vs the brand new recent production BHPs I've handled, the CZs just seem to be the way to go. Plus, I'm a bargain shopper... Last CZ75B SA (single action) I bought, I gave $320 for with one 15 rounder. And my PCR cost me either $300 or $320. Between them, that's a lot of stuff for $640. That's less than the cost of any of the Springfield Loadeds I've bought brand new and about on par with (to slightly over) most BHPs I've seen.
If you want a low buck Hi-Power check out the FEG PJK-9HP it is the actual clone. I had one. Decent gun. I think I still like the feel of my CZ better, but the Hi-Power fit very well too. Arcus also makes a Hi-Power clone the 94 that is suposed to be good, but the slide has more of a square contour, not quite as sleek looking as a regular Hi-Power slide. There are FN Hi-Powers out there too. Good luck looking...
Jon Coppenbarger
Member
Do have a few highpowers and like them.
My pre war one I sold in the spring but still have a couple ww2 ones and the one I carry once in awile is my .40 practical.
My pre war one I sold in the spring but still have a couple ww2 ones and the one I carry once in awile is my .40 practical.
Black Snowman
Member
The grip on the Hi-Power interferes with my trigger pull technique, otherwise I'd like them. CZs fit me like they were molded to my hands. So, you just have to try them out yourself I'm afraid.
faustulus
Member
I bought a HiPower at a retail chain about 10 years ago for 299 nib. (deal of a lifetime) It has been my primary carry since then. When I started shooting IPSC and IDPA I wanted something similar that I could shoot the 
"crap" out of. I got a CZ 75 SA. For carry it is hard to beat a Hi Power. It is almost as slim as a 1911 (espeically considering the thick grips that normally come on the 1911) and can hold 15 rounds of 9mm (with mecgar mags). or 17 with KRD.
Get a Hi Power you won't regret it.
"crap" out of. I got a CZ 75 SA. For carry it is hard to beat a Hi Power. It is almost as slim as a 1911 (espeically considering the thick grips that normally come on the 1911) and can hold 15 rounds of 9mm (with mecgar mags). or 17 with KRD. Get a Hi Power you won't regret it.
I was always a hard core 45 ACP 1911 person for my home defense gun. A number of years ago when push became shove I grabbed my Smith 5904 which was beside my Colt Series 70. Why I truly can't answer except for the higher capacity mag. From that time on the 9mm was my home gun and a couple years later I bought a Browning Hi-Power and nothing fits my hand better and it shoots like a dream. To put it mildly there a lot of top grade handguns and then there is the Browning Hi-Power. What ever you buy shoot a Hi-Power first either in 9 or 40.
Please no flames about the 1911 as I still like it and just last week I loaded up 600 rounds to do some blasting.
Have a good day and remember to pray for our troops fighting around the world.
Turk
Please no flames about the 1911 as I still like it and just last week I loaded up 600 rounds to do some blasting.
Have a good day and remember to pray for our troops fighting around the world.
Turk
Craig M. Arnold
Member
Hi-Power vs CZ
I have a bunch of CZ pistols and really, really like them. A while back I was able to pick up a really nice Hi-Power for a great price. After I shot it a few times I discovered that it fit my hand the same as my CZs. The Browning was very accurate, however not any more accurate than my CZs. So I sold the Browning for a very nice profit. I honestly believe that CZ pistols are every bit as good as the Hi-Powers, for a whole lot less money.
Best regards.
I have a bunch of CZ pistols and really, really like them. A while back I was able to pick up a really nice Hi-Power for a great price. After I shot it a few times I discovered that it fit my hand the same as my CZs. The Browning was very accurate, however not any more accurate than my CZs. So I sold the Browning for a very nice profit. I honestly believe that CZ pistols are every bit as good as the Hi-Powers, for a whole lot less money.
Best regards.
BlackJack
Member
Twenty plus years in the Army made me comfortable and competent with the 1911A1 so today my Kimber Custom TLE II is my principal home defense pistol. But I've owned and fired quite a few others--Glocks, SIGs, S&Ws, Rugers. I've had a CZ-75B a CZ-75BD and now have a CZ P-01 which I consider my principal carry gun (with 14rd mags since Sep 15). But still my favorite gun to shoot is my Browning Hi-Power MkIII with KRD 17rd mags, mag disconnect removed, Novak sights and ambi-extended safety. I can't imagine being without either the CZ or the Hi-power, so it would be tough to choose between them.
I have a practical 9mm hi-power. I didnt really think I would like the gun but it was too good a deal to pass up when I got it. Now that I have had it a while and shot it I have decided its a keeper. I have considered getting a cz-75 because of the similarities to the hi-power. If you get a hi-power you should be really happy with it. My only complaint it has been a little harder to find hi-caps compared to some of my other guns.
The real problem is..
That Caspian doesn't make Hi-power frames. Also there isn't a lot of aftermarket parts. I recently bought a Cylinder and Slide extended safety, sear, and no-bite hammer. My smith (works on rifles and 1911's mostly) couldn't believe the price even with his discount.
Seriously, could we start a letter writing campaign to Caspian about making frames and slides? Please, pretty please....
That Caspian doesn't make Hi-power frames. Also there isn't a lot of aftermarket parts. I recently bought a Cylinder and Slide extended safety, sear, and no-bite hammer. My smith (works on rifles and 1911's mostly) couldn't believe the price even with his discount.
Seriously, could we start a letter writing campaign to Caspian about making frames and slides? Please, pretty please....
There's not much to dislike about either one. They are both good pistols that can be made great pretty easily. I have been a HP fan for years, and I never thought I'd say this...but since I bought a CZ75B a few months ago, I've become a CZ believer and would have to give it the overall edge...particulary for the price. But I'd be satisfied with a HP any day.
faustulus
Member
I talked to one of the caspian guys at the SHOT show a couple of years ago. he said the company had flirted with the idea several times but always backed away. Heck if I had the start up capital I know where I would put it.
I agree with most of the comments made by the other forum members here. I have an SW1911 adj. and a CZ 75B in .40S&W, and I've had experiences with a few BHPs. The main difference betwwen the BHP & the CZ is that the BHP is single action and the CZ (in most variants) is DA/SA. Additionally, a CZ will generally cost you less that the BHP.
In my humble opinion, I think that these three gun styles are some of the best to be had anywhere, and the CZ is an excellent piece at a reasonable price, which makes it a great value.
In my humble opinion, I think that these three gun styles are some of the best to be had anywhere, and the CZ is an excellent piece at a reasonable price, which makes it a great value.
drannor
Member
I am partial to 1911's as well. That said I love CZ's, and think they present a great value. I just sold my CZ 75BD, and still own a 75B, 75SA, and 97B. I also own a FN Highpower SAS MK III, which I'm selling....
No doubt that the HP is a fine pistol. I'm still thinking of getting a Cylinder & Slide bobbed hammer and sear and making it a gift for my old man. The mag safety is a pain, and the trigger is gritty. It feels right in the hand I just can't get it to shoot like my CZs.
All of my CZ's have nicer triggers, and I shoot groups half the size with them that I do with the HP. Especially the SA. Even after spending the $$ to buy a metal replacement trigger for the plastic stock one in the SA it's still way cheaper than the HP. Actually you could probably get into a CZ 75B AND buy the .22lr Kadet conversion kit and come under the price of a Browning marked HP.
CZ.
No doubt that the HP is a fine pistol. I'm still thinking of getting a Cylinder & Slide bobbed hammer and sear and making it a gift for my old man. The mag safety is a pain, and the trigger is gritty. It feels right in the hand I just can't get it to shoot like my CZs.
All of my CZ's have nicer triggers, and I shoot groups half the size with them that I do with the HP. Especially the SA. Even after spending the $$ to buy a metal replacement trigger for the plastic stock one in the SA it's still way cheaper than the HP. Actually you could probably get into a CZ 75B AND buy the .22lr Kadet conversion kit and come under the price of a Browning marked HP.
CZ.
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