Dan Wesson Pointman 7 or CZ 97B?

[Phil3]

I currently have a CZ 75B single action (9mm), and love that gun. Thought I would add a 45, and looked at the CZ 97B. Then I came across a Dan Wesson Pointman 7, which is very nice, but about $300 more. It also comes with nicer sights, and a better trigger, and perhaps better fit and finish. It does not matter to me that it is a 1911. I am struggling to spend $1,000 on what is arguably just another semi-auto shooting a bigger bullet, albeit one with a better trigger and sights than the 97B. I do have to say that the Wesson looks exceedingly well built. Opinions?

- Phil

 

[schmeky]

Phil,

I have used a CZ-97B as my range gun for some time now, in fact I put about 150 rounds through it this morning and just passed the 4,000 round mark.

The 97B compared to the Pointman 7 is like comparing apples to watermelons, their basically isn't a comparison. Although I don't own a PM7, I have seen them and read quite a bit about them. The PM7 will have much better sights, a significantly better trigger, use much cheaper and more readily available magazines (it is after all, a 1911), have a higher resale value, and probably be as accurate, if not more accurate, than the 97. However, you pay for all this.

Sounds like I'm recommending the PM7, doesn't it? Not necessarily, but I will caution you that if you have not held a 97, you need to before you buy one. The grip is noticably larger than the PM7. 97's ARE more ammo sensitive, don't let anyone tell you they aren't, but then again the PM7 could be as well.

To get the 97 up to the trigger and sights the PM7 comes with, you'll spend an extra $150.00, I suggest the Hogue grips, for another $20.00. It adds up, there ain't no free lunch, pay now or pay later.

In closing, I can shoot my 97 more accurately with greater ease then I can by best 1911's. The 97 is a heavy, stable, durable, and "different" platform. Here's my high mileage "beater" 97 tricked out to my liking. I would say get the 97, since they aren't that common, and get a 1911 down the road.

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[GZOh_Jr]

Good looking gun Schmeky. I actually like the looks of the 97 better than the 75. Too bad the 97 doesn't come in 9mm...

 

[HorseSoldier]

I had a 97 for a while. If you are thinking about one, definitely make sure you like the grip profile before you spend the $$$ -- it's definitely not intended for small to medium sized hands.

Mine was a superb range gun, though -- recoil is subjective, but I thought it was very soft shooting, and think the pistol was eating up more muzzle flip than other 45s I'm familiar with (including 1911s).

Downsides are that there's just not that much after market support for the design. Most holster makers just don't do a holster for the 97, for instance. And it's too big for anything but range use or, in theory, duty carry, though I don't know if anyone uses it for a duty gun.

 

[schmeky]

I've owned many .45's through the years and the 97 is the softest shooting .45 I have ever fired. Couple this with excellent inherent accuracy and you have a range gun that instills great confidence, which leads to tremendous fun at the range.

The 97 isn't for everybody, but for some, it's a superb shooter.

 

[chris in va]

Too bad the 97 doesn't come in 9mm...

Oh, but it does. Sortof.

 

[Tamlin]

You are right - the Dan Wesson IS exceedingly well-built. I bought a PM-7 recently, after spending considerable time researching 1911's in general. I am very happy with this gun. Yes, it is pricier than others, but you do get what you pay for. As a purchaser, you have to decide what you are willing to pay for. For $300 less, the CZ may be perfect for you. Handle both, then see which one feels the best to you.

 

[j1979]

I would handle both as well. The PM7 IMO is a far superior and much, much higher quality firearm than the CZ. Ive had and have both , there is no comparison

 

[armoredman]

The 97B is a bigger gun than the 75B. If you have slightly larger hands, and like the 75B fit, the 97B will work well. Also, don't forget the 97B is also available as the BD, with decocker, if you wanted one like that.