CZ 75B vs. S&W 5906

[TMann]

I currently have two 9mm semi-autos: a 3914 and a stainless CZ 75B. The 75B is my house gun, while the 3914 is my IWB carry gun and they're both great shooters. However, I'm a bit bothered by the fact that the safety on the 75B is positioned down to fire, while the 3914 is positioned up to fire. I worry a bit that if I ever had to use either one in a defensive situation, I would end up fumbling around with the safety. Am I overthinking the situation?

In any case, I'm now considering adding a 5906 (or a similar model) to the stable to replace my CZ as the designated house gun. On paper, their specs are similar (ie. full-size metal double-stack 9mms,) but that similarity doesn't always translate into similar real-life shooting experiences. Anyone out there that's shot both of these guns? I'd love to hear your take on these two. Thanks in advance...

TMann

 

[novalty]

I think the CZ75B is a fine gun. If you wanted to have a gun that functioned the same as your carry, then the 5903, 5904, or 5906 would be a great fit. I love my 5906 very accurate gun with the fixed sights, but do have Crimson Trace on it for HD. It has functioned flawlessly for me, with the 700+ rounds I have put through it. With the Crimson Trace grips on it feels like it was molded for my hand.

 

[RufusG]

I worry a bit that if I ever had to use either one in a defensive situation, I would end up fumbling around with the safety. Am I overthinking the situation?

I don't know if you're overthinking or not, but nothing says you have to use the safety. Then it's just a matter of pulling the trigger.

 

[mlk18]

Having similar actions styles and safeties across platforms is always a good idea. My agency issues Glock, so I always recommend DAO-like guns (even revolvers like the 642) for back up guns and/or off duty carry. While I have all kinds of handguns, all of my carry guns and HD guns are DAO-like. If under stress I have to manipulate a safety lever, and 99% of the time I train with guns where I just have to pull the trigger, I may be in trouble. It may only take a second for me to realize, but a second may be too late.

I say get the 915, 910, 5903, 5904, 5906, etc. Or maybe even the 6904 to match your 3914.

 

[AZretired]

I've owned both and I would go with the 3913/5906 combo and keep it off safe.

 

[Duke426]

I don't think you are "over-thinking" at all.

You fight the way you train. That is one of the things the Army taught me. The less you have to think and the more you react thru muscle memory the better off you will be.

I believe any of the weapons mentioned are fine guns and will serve you well. If you have to have several guns for differing purposes then I would stick with guns that have the same manual of arms regardless of their size.

JMHO

 

[TSQUARED]

I have used both the CZ-75B and S&W 5906 in some of the usual pistol games. Except for the diffrence in the grips they function equally reliably. While I use them for USPSA, IDPA and steel shoots I prefer a gun without any manual safeties for defensive purposes. In times of stress I want to concentrate on aiming and pulling the trigger. Thus I carry a Kahr PM-9 in a pocket holster at all times and have a Glock-17, S&W 99 and S&W M&P available for home use.

 

[kscardsfan]

You will always react/fight how you train. If you train more with the 3914, you will be doing your hardest to flip the safety up to turn it off when you should be pressing down on the CZ-75. I personally recommend DAO/glock style weapons, or at least a decocker only style weapon so you don't have to constantly worry about taking the safety off in a stress fire scenario.

 

[Watergoat]

I don't understand why you would use the safety on either pistol. Carry hammer down with one in the chamber. That's what the designers planned. Firing pins are blocked, but a long pull gets it going. Anything else is just adding complication, not safety.

 

[growr]

Don't use the safety on either of your fine firearms so that the first shot is simply double action. that way your are keeping things the same. However, if you choose you can carry cocked and locked with the CZ like a 1911. I have all three mentioned and have no problems with any of them. the moment my hand touches anything I own my brain goes onto auto pilot and away I go. Might work for you as well....
Randy

 

[roaddog28]

Both are great guns but for carry and home defense etc I like the DAO gun too. Either Glock or a Sigma. I have a SW40VE and its a fine weapon. But again, I am a revolver guy so DAO is second nature to me. I also agree your training on a particular gun all the time and especially in defense modes should be the type you carry for defense. Some people like 1911s but I prefer DAOs. Go with the gun your used too.

Good luck,
roaddog28

 

[jaysouth]

For what it's worth, I like the 3d Generation Smiths. When carried in a good holster the safety is NEVER on. It's not needed.

However, when I leave the gun unattended, trunk, console, glove box, etc, I engage the safety until it goes back in my holster.

I have only owned one CZ 75, a fine gun to be sure, but I like the 3G smith better. I suspect that the CZ is just fine carried with out the safety engaged.

 

[BHPFan]

I currently have two 9mm semi-autos: a 3914 and a stainless CZ 75B. The 75B is my house gun, while the 3914 is my IWB carry gun and they're both great shooters. However, I'm a bit bothered by the fact that the safety on the 75B is positioned down to fire, while the 3914 is positioned up to fire. I worry a bit that if I ever had to use either one in a defensive situation, I would end up fumbling around with the safety. Am I overthinking the situation?

Yes, you are overthinking the situation. IMHO, to remedy this, you have to practice familiarization with both pistols. Each pistol has its purposes (3914 for CCW and CZ75B for HD). Either way, you have to learn to familiarize with both of their safeties and operations unless you are not using their safeties at all.

In any case, I'm now considering adding a 5906 (or a similar model) to the stable to replace my CZ as the designated house gun. On paper, their specs are similar (ie. full-size metal double-stack 9mms,) but that similarity doesn't always translate into similar real-life shooting experiences. Anyone out there that's shot both of these guns? I'd love to hear your take on these two. Thanks in advance...

TMann

While both the 5906 and the 3914 have similar operations, Stainless Steel CZ75B is just as hard to find as the 3rd Gen S&W semiauto pistol.
It's up to you if you want to sell the SS CZ. Tactically, you won't have to practice more to familiarize with different safeties if you have a 5906.

My opinions on both 5906 and CZ 75B:
1) CZ 75B has better ergos, but slightly longer trigger reach for DA.
2) 5906 has a smoother DA trigger. However, the CZ can be tricked out more to be a competition piece.
3) If mag safety bothers you, get the CZ.
4) Both are equally sturdy.
5) If you are a Cocked-N-Locked person, CZ is a better fit.
6) For HD, both will do fine.
7) I'd keep the CZ and save $$ to buy the 5906 since SS CZ75s are rare.

 

[R. G. Amos]

On a handgun that I may possibly have to use after being awakened in the middle of the night, I want a safety. There is a vast difference in cognitive ability when fully awake and when startled awake. I also want a safety that disengages by being pushed downward, a more natural action than pulling up. If you insist on using a 9mm, the CZ 75B is a good choice. I would get a couple of the CZ 20-rd mags for it.

 

[roaddog28]

Both are great guns but for carry and home defense etc I like the DAO gun too. Either Glock or a Sigma. I have a SW40VE and its a fine weapon. But again, I am a revolver guy so DAO is second nature to me. I also agree your training on a particular gun all the time and especially in defense modes should be the type you carry for defense. Some people like 1911s but I prefer DAOs. Go with the gun your used too.

Good luck,
roaddog28

Well I guest I will back track a little. I said I like a DAO gun. I shoot and have more revolvers than semi-autos. But today I bought a nice 5903 at my local gun shop. I have desired a third generation for a number of months. The gun will be a good addition to my Sigma. I will have too get used to the traditional double action verse my Sigma DAO and the fact I have one thing more I have to do before I can shoot the gun. As far the 5903 being my HD gun it won't . I have a trusty model 10 4 inch loaded and has two speedloaders waiting just in case a two predator tries to invade my household. The best answer to this thread is the kind and make of gun you shoot the best, trained on the most and the gun you don't have to hesitrate to remember how to shoot it under stress. For me its the revolver. For others a CZ75. A lot of law enforcement I know carried a 5903/5906 and trusted them. It comes down to the person and his or hers confidence in the chosen handgun. Enough said.

Regards,
roaddog28

 

[dgludwig]

I agree with the posters who advocated keeping the safety "off" on "traditional" das that have safeties, like the Smith 5906 or the Beretta 92. I carried a Smith "Third Generation" pistol (a Model 6906) for a couple of decades before retiring and it was my agency's policy to have the pistol carried with the safety off. No different than if carrying a da revolver in terms of safety or instant accessibility to the trigger for the first shot.