Spazzy- “I really like the 1911 or CZ75, help me choose between these two.”
Us- “Oh, you should really try a 357 revolver...”
As you can tell I am a revolver guy, others will say semi autos are the way to go. My comment was based on my preference and I stand by my suggestion.
But he asked about auto loaders... Thanks though.
As I am a 1911 aficionado, I’ll talk about the CZ first.
Nine millimeter. Da/Sa. Fifteen rounds. Decocker. A Legacy firearm with a large following. It has one advantage to the 1911, number of rounds carried on board.
The 1911. Single Action only. Chambered in the venerable 45 Auto, and many others including Nine Millimeter. Single stacked magazines of seven or eight, but also double stack mags in the 2011 grip style for payloads of up to seventeen rounds or more.
A classic beauty and strength. If you do run her dry, she makes a very convincing bludgeon. Looking good while doing so.
There is only one trigger pull to learn for a SA pistol.
There is a reason why 1911s are the front runners on the bullseye line...
Both pistols can be customized and personally improved readily, the "American Steel” more so.
Both would be excellent choices for the range or home defense. Both have great and proven track records. Both can be had at your price point in some very nice configurations.
Be aware that both models can be had in economy brands for the whole amount. That is, around $350 each. Not blued and polished, but a representative model of the class. Good for starting out.
There is joy in having what you want. Do not get a value model if what you dream of is smooth blue steel.
Handle many before you buy. Renting one of each, especially in the same range session, is excellent advice.
9MM is less expensive. But I find FortyFive Auto more pleasant to shoot. And big holes are cool.
Starting out with a Buckmark was a very good inclination. I love mine.
My 1911 was made by a revolver maker and came in a CZ case...