XD 5 inch VS CZ97B

[Life During Wartime]

I am looking for guidance in a potential handgun purchase. It's up between the CZ97B (California Old Model with the wood grips) or a 5 inch XD in .45.

On the one hand, in 2016 they made some changes to the CZ that I don't like as much as the old model, which is still on roster here in CA. However, I haven't seen them around lately and am fearing that either the excess old models have run out or that it might not be renewed for the roster at the start of next year.

On the other hand, I am wondering when Springfield discontinued the 5 inch models of the XD. I haven't been on their website in years and just recently saw that they are no longer advertising it, but my local gun store still sells them. How much longer are they going to be available would you think? I actually prefer the 5 inch .45 with the short grip, extendable to a full size grip with the special magazines (I can clarify with a picture if you don't know which model I'm talking about), but know they don't make that anymore, but I am willing to wait for a good used one.

Ideally I would like to someday have both, but right now can only get one or the other. Even between that, I would rather save money right now than buy a pistol, but could be persuaded if one or both are running out. I am willing to buy either one or both used someday down the line but would prefer to have it new, though not necessarily now.

Help in these matters is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[chicharrones]

I'm no help other than I've wanted a CZ97 of some sort for a while now.

I've fired an XD in .40 on several occasions, but not in .45. It is a good gun, but the metal framed/hammer fired old school make of the CZ97 appeals to me more.

 

[Walkalong]

I had a 4" XD in .45, and it was a good gun, but I preferred my 1911s in .45 and so it got sold or traded at some point to fund new things. Fit my hand well.

I have a CZ97 with a competition trigger and it is a superb gun, although the grip is almost too big for me. (Wide but short hands.) My younger son with small hands absolutely loves it.

 

[I6turbo]

What changes are you referring to? They made some changes in 2013 but I wasn't aware of any changes since then. I like the 2013+ a bit better due to the grip changes, front fiber optic, and feed ramp mods, but not a huge deal between the versions. I love my 2014 model 97 B and would recommend one to anyone interested in a semi-auto 45 ACP. I love shooting it and as a bonus it's never malfunctioned with any of about 6 different RN rounds and two different JHP rounds (a few people reported less than perfect functioning with some JHP in the earlier version).

 

[Life During Wartime]

I didn't realize they did that so long ago. I thought it was starting from 2016 based on the way the catalog talked about it. It's the thin aluminum grips and fiber optic front that I meant.

 

[browningguy]

I had a 97 for a few months, just did not fit my hand at all. I've got a 5" XD in 9 mm that I like a lot.

 

[camper]

I have the XD 45 5" with thumb safety that I bought years ago. Great shooter as I recall. Haven't shot it in years.

 

[TomJ]

I have both and you won't go wrong with either. The benefits of the XD are a smaller grip and the fact that I prefer striker fired guns to hammer fired ones. The 97B's grip fits me, but just barely. If it was any larger it would be too large. It's benefits are a smooth trigger that's one of the best triggers on a hammer fired gun I've shot and it absorbs recoil well, slightly better than the XD (to me). If I had to pick one as a range gun, it would be the 97B. For HD, the 3 additional rounds the XD provides should be considered if all other factors are equal.

 

[wally]

I've both, the CZ97B has a honk-in big grip, the XD45 fits me nicely, in fact its the gun that proved there was no real need for .45GAP. I think the CZ inspired Tanfoglio EAA Witness Elite 45 is what the CZ97B should have been -- they take the same mags.

I don't think the extra rounds for the XD45 are available in California. I too prefer hammers & metal frames over strikers & polymer, but my CZ97B gets shot much less than the XD45, but the Witness gets shot more than either.

Both are great shooters. If the CZ97B is a good fit for your hand you can't go wrong with either. Only you can really decide, I doubt you'll find anyone who has totally regretted buying either, unless its someone who never picked up a CZ97B before buying.