In a Nutshell: There really aren't many other guns in the sub $600 price range that shoot as soft and easy as the IWI Jericho 941. That's why we chose it as our Editor's Pick. Its easy shooting and affordable price make it a favorite among both veteran and first-time shooters.
What’s my favorite handgun?
Well, that’s a tricky question, and it’s hard to answer without a qualifier. My favorite carry gun is the P365, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like other firearms.
If you asked me what’s my favorite gun to just go shoot for fun? What gun do I reach for when I’m not trying to train, compete, or carry? Well, that’s easy, my CZ 75 B.
For those new to CZs, something might look off about them. Well, that’s because the slide rides inside the frame rather than outside. This allows the barrel to sit lower inside the frame and shrinks the slide considerably compared to more common designs.
Thanks to this slide-in-frame design, the CZ 75 series of pistols has gained a reputation for being extremely accurate, insanely easy to handle, and fun to shoot.
The CZ 75 is one of the most copied and cloned handguns on the planet, so finding the right one can be tough. So today, we’re going to take a look at some of the best CZ 75 models and derivatives out there.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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The Original
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Best for Competition
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Best Large Caliber Option
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High-End Pick
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Most Affordable
Table of Contents
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How We Chose the CZ 75 Models and Clones
The guns on this list were picked based on a mix of hands-on experience and extensive research using our expertise on CZs and handguns. Guns that have been tested by us have undergone at least 500 rounds, if not more, through them at various distances with at least two types of ammunition — FMJ and JHP.
Reliability, accuracy, features, and value were the primary deciding factors influencing our picks for the best CZ 75 models and clones.
Best CZ 75 Models
1. IWI Jericho 941 – Editor’s Pick
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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IWI Jericho 941 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to rack
- Reasonably priced
- Accurate
- Soft recoil
Cons
- Can be hard to find in stock at times
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 16+1
- Barrel Length: 3.8″ – 4.4″
- Overall Length: 7.6″ – 8.2″
- Height: 5.4″
- Weight: 36.8 oz
When I say Jericho, I could mean Jericho 941, Desert Eagle, Baby Eagle, or Uzi Eagle. These are all names that the Jericho pistol has been imported under.
Confusion aside, the Jericho began life as an Israeli pistol for police, security, and military forces, as well as export. These pistols were manufactured by Israeli Military Industries (IMI), which is now Israeli Weapons Industries (IWI).
The Israelis wisely chose the CZ 75 to be the basis of their design. It was proven to be a reliable and robust pistol, and magazines for the platform were already widely available.
Jerichos feature a slightly larger slide with a triangular forward end that gives them a Desert Eagle-ish look. The grip shape is very ergonomic, and the hand feel is typically better than that on a regular CZ 75.
I strongly recommend the steel frame version (available in full-size and semi-compact). Yes, they are heavy, but they are super easy to shoot, easy to rack, and laser-accurate.
The extra weight helps keep recoil down, and the triggers feel slightly better than a regular CZ 75.
There really aren’t many other guns in the sub $600 price range that shoot this soft and easy. First-time shooters love these guns as much as veteran plinksters. I really cannot understate how awesome these guns are for the money — they rule.
If you want to know more, check out our in-depth Jericho review from our junior editor.
What do you think of the Jericho? Give it a rating below.
2. CZ 75 B – The Original
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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CZ 75 B Pros & Cons
Pros
- Original styling
- Good aftermarket
- Great ergonomics
Cons
- Basic sights
- Trigger is a bit heavy in double-action
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 16+1
- Barrel Length: 4.6″
- Overall Length: 8.1″
- Height: 5.4″
- Weight: 35.2 oz
Well duh! Of course the OG CZ 75 makes the list. The standard model is still produced, specifically the B model with its firing pin block.
Current production CZ 75s nail the look and feel of the original design. Besides the unique slide rails, the CZ 75 kills it ergonomically. The grip greets your hand like it was meant for it; it’s just the right size and shape to contour for an easy grip.
Using your thumb to activate the safety and magazine release requires minor movement. The slide lock is out of the way enough that it doesn’t get pinned down with an aggressive thumbs-forward grip.
DA/SA triggers walk a fine line between sucking and ruling, and luckily CZ sits in the latter. The double-action is long but smooth. The single action is short and sweet, with minimal take-up and a nice break.
My sole complaint about the CZ 75 trigger is the reset. It’s pretty long for a single action trigger.
It is hard to go wrong with the gun that is the closest to the original design from the original manufacturer. These guns are affordable, nice quality, and just plain cool — perfect for a first dive into the platform.
3. CZ Shadow 2 – Best for Competition
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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CZ Shadow 2 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Outstanding accuracy
- Competition ready
Cons
- Optics-ready version has an upcharge
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 4.89″
- Overall Length: 8.53″
- Height: 5.75″
- Weight: 46.5 oz
For those who are intrigued by the CZ platform but want to maximize performance, look no further than the Shadow 2.
The Shadow 2 takes the core design philosophy of the CZ 75 and hones it into an absolute monster of a competition shooter, all without the outrageous price tag of other comp guns.
These guns feature a much-improved DA/SA trigger, with the double-action being a very smooth 8.5-pound pull and the single-action being a very short and crisp 3.5-pound affair with a really short reset.
Combine that with a more aggressive frame design that allows for a higher grip, extended beavertail, and a ton of weight (46.5 ounces total), and bam… an ultra-fast and flat-shooting pistol.
You can get the Shadow 2 optics-ready or irons only. The current prices on the iron sight models are at a historic low. This opens the door for you to get a turn-key competition-ready pistol for under $1000.
Multiple members of the Pew Pew Tactical staff have Shadow 2s and love them. You can check out our full review of the Shadow 2 here, and also how it stacks up against other high-end guns in the video below.
4. IFG Tanfoglio Stock I 10MM – Best Large Caliber Option
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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IFG Tanfoglio Stock I Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful 10mm chambering
- Improved ergonomics
- Full-length dust cover and steel frame
Cons
- Finger grooves may not fit everyone
- Not optics ready
Specs
- Caliber: 10mm
- Capacity: 13+1
- Barrel Length: 4.5″
- Overall Length: 8.43″
- Weight: 42.4 oz
Tanfoglio of Italy has been producing CZ 75 clones for nearly as long as CZ has been making the guns. These guns used to be imported by European American Arms (EAA), but are now being distributed by Italian Firearms Group (IFG).
There are a metric ton of makes and models of Tanfo/IFG guns, so I am just picking one here for brevity’s sake.
Sure, 9mm is cheap and fun to shoot, but sometimes we crave power. The good news is that if you want that extra punch but want to stick with a CZ 75 platform, IFG has you covered with the Stock I in 10mm.
Fixed all-black sights, a deep trigger undercut, a generously sized beavertail, and a full-length dust cover do make this gun technically fall into the “competition gun” category.
However, its DA/SA trigger, general layout, and 13+1 capacity lend itself well for range use, home defense, and even carry usage.
The double-action pull is heavy but predictable, with the single-action pull being crisp and relatively light. We are not a huge fan of the finger grooves, but they are pretty understated and not overly intrusive.
These are competition-oriented pistols, so the accuracy is outstanding. Additionally, the extra weight from the all-steel frame and full-length dust cover really helps tame the recoil of the 10mm cartridge.
5. B&T MK-II – High-End Pick
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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B&T MK-II Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional fit and finish
- Threaded barrel
- Optics-ready
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 4.3″
- Weight: 30.68 oz
Brugger & Thomet, the famed Swiss SMG manufacturer, got into the handgun game a few years ago after purchasing parts and tooling from another Swiss company, Sphinx, who made CZ clones.
The B&T MKII took the Sphinx SDP design, which was already and evolution of the CZ pistol, and turned it into a modern combat pistol with all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect.
It is unique in the fact that it uses a stainless steel slide and an alloy frame but with a polymer grip module. This 3-piece design is almost 2011-esque.
The rear sight is quite normal and is fully adjustable, while the front sight is a tiny ramp. Even though it’s small, I have no trouble seeing it.
Looking to add an optic? These pistols come cut for the Shield RMS footprint. An RMR footprint would have been nicer, in our opinion, but you take what you can get.
The 4.3 inches uses the European 13.5×1 left-hand thread pitch. Luckily, it’s not too uncommon, so you can still find options for cans and compensators.
A standard Picatinny lets you attach accessories of your choice, and a nice and wide thumb safety graces both sides of the frame.
In my experience, I love how smooth the trigger is. It has a very short reset that delivers a great experience in both double and single-action.
The term “built like a Swiss watch” gets thrown around a lot, but these guns are Swiss, and it shows. The tolerances are exacting, and the fitment is amazing. If you want the “nicest” CZ derivative, this is 100% it.
6. SAR B6 – Most Affordable
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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SAR B6 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultra affordable
- Accurate
- Reliable
Cons
- Basics sights
- Grip texture could be better
- Minimal holster support
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 4.5″
- Overall Length: 8.1″
- Weight: 28.2 oz
While I feel that the CZ platform is much better suited to steel and alloy-framed metal goodness, I know there are some solid polymer CZ clones out there.
One of my favorites is definitely the under-the-radar SAR B6, made by the Turkish company Sarsilmaz. These pistols are extremely budget-friendly, but you don’t sacrifice any of the core performance of the CZ 75.
Keep in mind that these are somewhat “stripped-down” models. You get very basic 3-dot sights, and the polymer frame doesn’t have amazing texture. The trigger is fairly close to a base CZ 75 in terms of feel, perhaps slightly heavier in double action.
It definitely won’t feel like a B&T, but the build quality is still solid, and the fitment is good. We have gotten shockingly good accuracy out of the B6s and B6 compacts we have shot. Our junior editor, Wyatt, has a B6C that prints nearly identical to his other compact CZ guns at 7-10 yards.
His only real gripe is that the raised serial number plate on the left side of the frame is at the top of the grip and has a tendency to rub the inside of his thumb under recoil. It is slightly uncomfortable, but for a gun so cheap, it isn’t the worst tradeoff.
The SAR B6 can be had for under $300 on a regular basis, and often can be found for under $250 if you are a savvy shopper. Flatly put, there is no other hammer-fired 9mm that can net you this much performance for under $300, period.
Some CZ History
As the name implies, the Czechs birthed the CZ 75 in 1975. If history class taught you anything, that means the Czech Republic didn’t exist. At that time, it was Czechoslovakia, and they were behind Stalin’s famed Iron Curtain.
In post-WWII Czechoslovakia, Josef and Frantisek Koucy served as engineers at CZUB. Here, they developed the CZ 75 in 9mm Parabellum — an odd choice for a country resigned to using 7.62 Tokarev and 9mm Makarov per the Warsaw Pact.
Export was the idea…but the ideas were sealed behind “secret patents.”
A secret patent might as well be code for no patent at all. The patents only ensured no one in Czechoslovakia could produce one.
No patents were issued abroad, and the CZ 75 design became fair game for the international market. Thus, the CZ 75 series quickly became one of the world’s most replicated pistols.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Input from this article came from resident Pew Pew Tactical editor Wyatt Sloan and long-time contributing writer Travis Pike.
Travis Pike is a former Marine infantryman turned gun writer and NRA-certified/concealed carry instructor out of Florida. Travis’ experience with CZ pistols and their clones comes after hands-on experience through concealed carry, competition, and general use at media events and at the range. Travis writes for multiple publications, including Pew Pew Tactical, testing and reviewing a variety of firearms.
Wyatt Sloan is Pew Pew Tactica’s Jr. Editor and resident gun wizard. With over 200 firearms — CZ included — he knows his way around guns. Wyatt’s firearm experience includes certification as an NRA instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor. He has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales and uses his extensive experience with CZ and firearms at large to test CZ models and their clones for Pew Pew Tactical.
Our experienced team of gun reviewers and editors is run by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards. Jacki is a pistol girl at heart, with most of her gun time spent behind handguns.
Final Thoughts
The fact that so many different versions of the CZ 75 exist is a testament to its design. It’s the 1911 of Europe — prolific, copied, loved, and still going strong.
With superior ergonomics, low reciprocating slide mass, and a low bore axis, these guns and their derivatives remain some of the most popular and easy-to-shoot handguns today. If you are into hammer-fired guns, few deserve your attention more than the CZ 75 platform.
We love CZ 75s, but what about you? What’s your favorite CZ or copy? Let us know in the comments below! For more CZ goodness, head here for some of our hands-on CZ reviews!
Latest Updates
September 2024: Removed Kriss Sphinx SDP (discontinued), CZ 75 SP-01, EAA Tanfoglio Witness. Added CZ Shadow 2, SAR B6, IFG Witness 10mm. Additional information for each product was added.
29 Leave a Reply
Bought a CZ 85 combat because it has no firing pin block (the "B" in CZ 75B) . Trigger is outstanding and one of my favorites.
Rock Island MAPP has replaced EAA Tanfoglio.
I know they've been out for a while but the Grand Power K100 mk 12 (or mk23 or x-version) are really worth a look
Armalite AR-24 is the biggest sleeper out there, just wonderful CZ Clone.
Hey , I picked up a Sarslimaz B6 from Locked and Loaded. It's not the prettiest thang ,
Even still...
Arguably, the best $265, I've ever spent.
Samsun Yurt Savunma
Just pick up a cz sp01 beautiful gun very happy with it now I need to get to the range
I’m 74 and didn’t own a gun until 2 years ago. My next one up is a CZ 75 BD and I can’t wait. My 21 year old son likes the heavier artillery stuff but I’m mostly 22lr. Finally time for me to step up to a 9mm! Ha! Big deal for me!
You will love 75 BD. I have one. Rounds down the range cannot be even counted... and I have yet to see any malfunction.
I have a B-SA with Wenge after market grip plates, a P-07 Duty & my winter EDC is a 2075 D RAMI. The first firearm I shot for my NRA course was a match grade CZ75. I instantly fell in love with the platform.
My RAMI has issues. It double feeds intermittently, at least once every mag or two. And it doesn’t matter what type of brand of ammo nor any of several mags that I have. I’ve already sent it back to CZ once, not sure what, if anything, they did with it. Consequently, I don’t trust it for EDC or home defense. Maybe it’s one of those pistols that needs a 1,000 round break-in but it’s very frustrating. Too bad, as I really, really want to like it and it fits my hand soooo well.
Picked up a 75b about a year ago after going thru a G19 gen 5 and finding out that I didn't like it. Started shooting IDPA and some USPSA and realized that two is one and one is none.
So I bought a used SP01 to go with it.
I have the sneaking suspicion that someone did some work on the new pistol because the new trigger is much nicer than the 75B's. Now I have some MCARBO springs that I'm waiting for the snow to melt to install. My 'shop' is in the garage.
The CZ 75 is the rest of the world's 1911. Great pistol!! Grips feels as good as my 1911s. Points as well as my 1911s and I cannot tell a real difference in that area. Can switch between them effortlessly. A pleasure to shoot. My SP01 has 70k+ rnds through it and wouldn't trade for anything. CZ Custom and Cajun Gun Works are great resources for any CZ owner. (Disclosure: I am not associated with either except as end user of their products.). As a competitor I did make several modifications to the pistols springs, CGW's short reset & reach reduction kits, trigger job and competition sites and hammer, and grips. A most for stock CZ 75 is intermal polishing (there are great resources on Enoz Forum for the pistol). CZ Shadow and Shadow 2 are the best of the lot today. If I ever wear out my SP01 will upgrade, but don't if I'll ever wear out the pistol. Wonder if they are made from Russian T-34 tank steel that was recycled. LOL!!! Any rate 2 pistols I will always own are my 1911s and CZ75. Thank for the review/guide.
Currently have a P-01 decoder with some thin grips and Dawson sights. It's my winter carry and I love the way it shoots. Will probably Cajunize it eventually. My first CZ was an SP-01 that a trigger grittier than crushed granite. Never could get it smoothed out after hundreds of rounds and triple that dry fires. Traded it off since at the time I couldn't afford to have it customized and they aren't the easiest to work on. Also have a CZ P-10C that is probably my favorite gun, but the P-01 has that something special. A classic feel of a gentleman's gun, a shooter from the days that metal frames ruled.
I like your posts and look forward to them. Of course, I agree with your comments about the CZ pistols. I have 4 clones made in Italy by Tanfolgio, all in 10mm. All 4 are exceptional pistols. While early on some EAA pistols experienced frame cracks in the 10mm but I have had mine for years, shot them extensively and never experienced that problem. However, my pistols all have aftermarket cone shaped guide rods and in my early pistols I used a nylon like bushing on the guide rod. With quite literally hundreds of rounds, I have never experienced a problem of any sort at all. My EDC is a EAA Polymer compact in 10mm. Magazines for all 4 pistols are interchangeable, giving me options to use flush fitting or extended magazines for greater capacity.
I have added IMI red dot detachable sights, using the IMI tritium filled rear sight to which the dot sight attaches and detaches. I believe that every battery powered device can fail at some point and after some personal research using low profile dot sights with claimed co-witness iron sights, I was not persuaded it was a practical solution for me. However, the detachable red dot, leaving pretty much conventional iron sights exposed has worked excellently for me. So far, only a few range sessions and more experience is perhaps needed, but I have removed and reinstalled the IMI dot sight from its host pistol and thus far there has been absolutely no change in zero after removal, shooting the pistol with the irons and reinstalling the dot optic and shooting it again. Only a couple hundred rounds through that arrangement so far but, as they say, so far so good. Works just as I want and when the battery failes at an inopportune moment, I have conventional irons available with one throw of the lever. I just wish that IMI made a green dot model but I guess I cannot have everything.
In any event, the EAA pistols are very accurate, have decent triggers, offer moderate and high capacity magazines and are quite accurate. Also, they did not break the bank when purchased. Can it get much better?
I'm guessing you live in AK or on an island with bears? If I walked near you I think I would be able to sense the 10mm all over you. Hope you never fall into a stream. Yes, I'm jealous much.
I inherited an EAA Witness stainless 10mm single action. I loved it at first sight and handling. Fit my hand like a dream, looked sharp and promised devastating firepower. But at first loading I found it very difficult to get even 13 rounds into the 15 round magazine. And it felt and shot great but it jammed an average of once per magazine. I traded it. Wish I had known you, you might have helped me smooth it out and keep it.
I just bought a Phoenix Redback which is another, albeit very pricey, CZ-75 clone and it is UNREAL! They also make a gun called the Fusion which is their name for the now Kriss made Sphinx which Phoenix actually originally made. Also your review of the Jericho is right on as it shoots like a gun 3 or 4 times the price. Love anything made in Israel, like any gun from BUL.
A list of the best CZ 75s is incomplete without the PCR. IMHO, it's the best compact carry gun around. I've tried switching to some new plastic-fantastic about 5 different times and I always come back to the PCR for its shooting characteristics and its carry comfort.
I bought the CZ 75D (PCR) because of the smaller size and I don’t hang all kinds of crap off the front end. It’s a smooth design. I’ve shot it so much that I really don’t have to depend on the sights. Just pointing like you would with your finger gets your shot where you want it to go. One of my friends has an SP-01 and likes my PCR so much that he bought one also. Both are excellent firearms.
Fell in love with the CZ SP-01 when a friend handed me one to test at the range.
Fit and accuracy ruined my love of 1911's. Never turned back.
Surprised you did not mention the Cajun Gun Works (CGW) or CZ USA mods available.
Great project for me to buy the CGW kit and effectively upgrade my SP-01 close to a Shadow clone.
I bought a 75B Omega at the height of the firearm shortage in November 2020. Then I decided it was much too large certainly for carry. (I'm a 5'1" woman.) So I set out to find the 75 D PCR. It took me a while and I had to drive to the opposite side of the state to pick it up. It is a treat to fire. I still have the 75B Omega. At first my intent was to sell it but then the market started to loosen up so there was no way I could get my money out of it. And then we moved from a suburban subdivision to a rural property on 5 acres. So I guess I will keep it for home defense. I have not fired the 75B yet so it is still new.
My normal EDC is a Ruger SP101 .357 2.25". I finally got some slim aluminum grips for my PCR so I'm looking forward to carrying that one instead. It is a beautiful firearm and with the new grips fits my hands better.
My SHTF gun is a bone stock SP-01 Tactical.
Built like a tank, 18+1 capacity, fits my hand like a glove and has a great combat trigger.
My “not-shorts-tshirt-weather” carry gun is a
P-01 (alloy frame, de-cocker) with Cajun goodies. Love the 75 series CZs.
While i started with H&K, some beautifly made hand guns i discovered CZ and more importantly Cajun Gun Works, who customize CZ guns and turns them from great guns to unbelievable custom quality guns for reasonable prices. My favorite of all he CZ's i love is a customized CZ 97 45 cal. pistol that has been converted to a single action 2 lb. trigger and uses a EGW optical converter that converts the rear sight to handle one of several optics. It is even more fun to shoot that a nicely customized Colt 1911 i have and if ever i'm down a few mag with the CZ 75 just make me smile. Couldn't agree more that they are fabulous guns and i strongly advise you to see what Cajun Gun Works can do to make it perfect!
I ve bout several cz 75 s last 10 years and like them more than all I have. For me they ve show more quality, precision, and performance than others I have. Great weapon.
My CZ 75 PCR with self-defense trigger package from Cajun Gunworks is my only pistol. I added that to the S&W Model 28 I inherited almost 40 years ago. Have subsequently purchase a S&W J-frame and a Model 627 (8 shot in .357). Can never have enough revolvers, but one CZ is all I need for a pistol
My favorite range pistol is my CZ 75 SP-01 Tactical. I had it cut for a red dot and then did a full trigger job on it (Cajun parts). Simply amazing, flat shooting, minimal recoil pistol.
I've been kicking myself for getting on the CZ bandwagon so late. I had never handled a CZ until I purchased one last year and now I own 2. If I had shot one in the 90s, when I first started shooting, I would have def skipped the whole Glock rabbit hole I've traveled down (I might have even passed on the HK and Sig I own). Glocks are good guns but their ergonomics suck and their triggers will never be great no matter what you do to them. What a they are is reliable, light, possess a great reset and have awesome aftermarket support.
I've always lusted after a Sig P210 but now feel that the CZ75 SP-01 I own scratches that itch and is of higher capacity, has a rail and aftermarket support...at about half the price point.
Yes yes yes - my weekend carry is my CZ 75 D PCR Compact. My first handgun was a CZ 75 B. The clerk in the store, when asked what do you suggest for a 1st timer for home protection, suggested the CZ 75. This was year 2000ish. I was skeptical - never heard of it - but after a box on the range with a rental there was no question in my mind. I would like to try a Jericho with composite fram for carry - but I cannot image I could enjoy and trust more than my PCR.