Author Topic: 97BD vs competition  (Read 6307 times)

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Offline BarnacleBill1

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97BD vs competition
« on: October 12, 2009, 07:33:48 PM »
I'm looking at adding a "modern" .45 ACP to my arsenal.

My favorite handgun of all time is my CZ P-01.  It is pretty much perfect, and I don't shoot anything better.  It is also utterly bulletproof reliable.

So, what better .45 ACP than the P-01's big brother?  Unfortunately, 97 really isn't, because to date the 97 doesn't seem to do alloy frame.

So, I'm looking at the whole field of .45's against the following spec...

  • DA/SA Decocker, DAO or "Light DAO"
    First shot trigger pull >6 lbs & subjectively "DAish" (e.g. stock Glock trigger is too light, "NY-1" OK)
    Manual safety OK as long as I can safely ignore it (e.g. a Beretta 92 FS)
    Weight (empty) not to exceed 39 oz (GI M1911)
    Barrel length 4.25-5" (Commander to M1911)
    Magazine capacity at least 10 rounds
    Tritium night sights (can be aftermarket but factory preferred)

The purpose of the weapon is self-defense in contexts other than concealed carry, so suitablity for concealment or competition is not a factor.  However, I'm not looking for a "crew-served handgun" (e.g. HK MK23).  I had occasion to wear a GI M1911A1 on my hip during a loooong day working for my Uncle Sam, and it gets heavier than you think after the first 8 hours ;)

So, what do folks that have experience with the 97BD think about it vs the likes of...

Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP SD
FNP-45
Glock 21
HK45
Ruger P345
SIG P220 Combat
SIG P250 Fullsize
S&W M&P
Springfield Armory XD 45 ACP
Taurus PT 24/7 OSS

Offline hakr

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2009, 08:34:31 PM »
Why would you want an alloy frame when you can get a steel frame? 

Offline BarnacleBill1

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2009, 08:38:49 PM »
Why would you want an alloy frame when you can get a steel frame?  

Weight

However, the grip feel of a metal frame with rubber panels (e.g. my P-01) is far superior to most combat tupperware, so alloy is "just right".
« Last Edit: October 12, 2009, 08:40:50 PM by BarnacleBill1 »

Offline schmeky

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2009, 09:52:26 PM »
BarnacleBill1,

If you're looking for a bigger version of your P-01, the 97 ain't it.  All the guns in your list are alloy or polymer framed; obviously the 97 is steel.  All your choices are excellent and I own a Sig P-220, which is the one that will "feel" most like your P-01, i.e. alloy frame, medium grip size, reliable and accurate.

You could conceal carry the P-220 and the weight is acceptable, not the 97; it's large and heavy, especially with a full 10 round mag and one in the pipe.

Just my .02 cents.

Offline dusty10

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2009, 10:34:57 PM »
Your list is all good.  I own a few on that list but I just got a Dan Wesson CBOB.  Wish I had done that first and saved all that money on the other guns.  ::)
"When people are universally ignorant and debauched in their manners, they will sink under their own weight without the aid of foreign invaders."   Samuel Adams

Offline bang bang

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2009, 01:50:43 AM »
I'm looking at adding a "modern" .45 ACP to my arsenal.

My favorite handgun of all time is my CZ P-01.  It is pretty much perfect, and I don't shoot anything better.  It is also utterly bulletproof reliable.

So, what better .45 ACP than the P-01's big brother?  Unfortunately, 97 really isn't, because to date the 97 doesn't seem to do alloy frame.

So, I'm looking at the whole field of .45's against the following spec...

  • DA/SA Decocker, DAO or "Light DAO"
    First shot trigger pull >6 lbs & subjectively "DAish" (e.g. stock Glock trigger is too light, "NY-1" OK)
    Manual safety OK as long as I can safely ignore it (e.g. a Beretta 92 FS)
    Weight (empty) not to exceed 39 oz (GI M1911)
    Barrel length 4.25-5" (Commander to M1911)
    Magazine capacity at least 10 rounds
    Tritium night sights (can be aftermarket but factory preferred)

The purpose of the weapon is self-defense in contexts other than concealed carry, so suitablity for concealment or competition is not a factor.  However, I'm not looking for a "crew-served handgun" (e.g. HK MK23).  I had occasion to wear a GI M1911A1 on my hip during a loooong day working for my Uncle Sam, and it gets heavier than you think after the first 8 hours ;)

So, what do folks that have experience with the 97BD think about it vs the likes of...

Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP SD
FNP-45
Glock 21 i dont shoot glocks well.  i have a G17 and had a G21.  they are good guns, but i found others that i can shoot better.
HK45
Ruger P345
SIG P220 Combat i like my P220.  since they were designed around the 45 HP, i figured get a gun for it instead of one modified for it.
SIG P250 Fullsize
S&W M&P
Springfield Armory XD 45 ACP  i like my XD tactical. I wasnt impressed with the tirgger at first but it smoothed up in one range session.  i shoot it alot more accurate then my Glocks too.
Taurus PT 24/7 OSS

if youre interested, take a look at the Beretta Cougar in 45acp. 

Offline BarnacleBill1

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #6 on: October 13, 2009, 07:19:32 AM »
if youre interested, take a look at the Beretta Cougar in 45acp. 

Doesn't look like they make those anymore.  Apparently Beretta owns Stoeger and makes the Cougar in Turkey under the Stoeger brand name, but only in 9mm & .40 S&W.

Offline BarnacleBill1

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2009, 07:21:08 AM »
BarnacleBill1,

If you're looking for a bigger version of your P-01, the 97 ain't it.  All the guns in your list are alloy or polymer framed; obviously the 97 is steel.  All your choices are excellent and I own a Sig P-220, which is the one that will "feel" most like your P-01, i.e. alloy frame, medium grip size, reliable and accurate.

You could conceal carry the P-220 and the weight is acceptable, not the 97; it's large and heavy, especially with a full 10 round mag and one in the pipe.

Just my .02 cents.

That's what I was afraid of after handly an EEA Witness in .45 ACP - didn't feel much like my P-01.

Offline BarnacleBill1

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2009, 07:26:12 AM »
Your list is all good.  I own a few on that list but I just got a Dan Wesson CBOB.  Wish I had done that first and saved all that money on the other guns.  ::)

That's an M1911, though.  I'm sure it's a fine one within its type, but not really what I'm looking for on this buy - double action, etc...

Offline Gary1911A1

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2009, 12:40:22 PM »
For a Light Weight CZ97 I would think the EEA Witness with the polymer frame would be the closest to what you want. I know the Witness not on your list and for what is on your list I can recommend the Sig 220 r HK45.

Offline bang bang

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #10 on: October 13, 2009, 01:28:14 PM »
if youre interested, take a look at the Beretta Cougar in 45acp. 

Doesn't look like they make those anymore.  Apparently Beretta owns Stoeger and makes the Cougar in Turkey under the Stoeger brand name, but only in 9mm & .40 S&W.

if youre open to used, there are a couple on GB.  i didnt look at the other sites tho.

Offline BarnacleBill1

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #11 on: October 13, 2009, 07:01:18 PM »
For a Light Weight CZ97 I would think the EEA Witness with the polymer frame would be the closest to what you want. I know the Witness not on your list and for what is on your list I can recommend the Sig 220 r HK45.

I followed up on this suggestion by researching the Witness polymer... unfortunately it has the original CZ75 style of DA/SA with no decocker.  That would be OK if I wanted to keep it C&L, but since I want to keep it hammer down on a loaded chamber it's not so good.

While researching that, though, I ran accross a reminder of the Baby Eagle / Jerico (i.e. Israeli CZ clone).  Apparently Magnum Research used to import them in polymer frame, but the current importer is Charles Daly & it looks like they are only importing the steel frame.

Offline BarnacleBill1

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #12 on: October 13, 2009, 07:03:40 PM »
if youre interested, take a look at the Beretta Cougar in 45acp. 

Doesn't look like they make those anymore.  Apparently Beretta owns Stoeger and makes the Cougar in Turkey under the Stoeger brand name, but only in 9mm & .40 S&W.

if youre open to used, there are a couple on GB.  i didnt look at the other sites tho.

I'd go used if I really had to have something not made/imported anymore, or if it was a big money issue, but otherwise I fear it's like what my Dad used to say about used cars ("buying somebody else's problems"). 

Offline Gary in Pennsylvania

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #13 on: November 08, 2009, 08:50:31 AM »
I can carry my XD-45 tactical (full size 5-incher) allllll day in it's BlackHawk! CQC Serpa paddle setup.  Fits tight against my body and DOESN'T tug on my pants/belt.


I recommend the XD to ANYONE.


I'll be buying an XD9SC this Wednesday and a Serpa as well!
Gary in Pennsylvania
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Offline the perfesser

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Re: 97BD vs competition
« Reply #14 on: November 08, 2009, 06:04:20 PM »
+1 on Gary in Pennsylvania's post.  I have a CZ97B (not BD) and an XD .45ACP Tactical (5" barrel).  Like them both lots; both shoot better than I can.  The XD has a loaded chamber indicator, just like the CZ97B, and a grip safety in addition.  It's a relatively light pistol too.