Hi-Power and CZ-75D offered; can afford one

[CZU]

Get the .40 then trade it for a 70's era 9mm.

 

[Igiveup]

I have an HP in 9mm and a CZ75 with decocker in 9mm. I think the CZ is more accurate, for me anyway, and more comfortable to shoot. That being said, if you can flip the HP for more money then get a CZ, that is what I would do. I don't like the .40 caliber one bit.

 

[HardToHandle]

Good guidance above.

I own two Belgium P35s, but remember John Moses Browning worked on the initial design right at 100 years ago. I think High Powers are cool, but they were designed for a French Army specification dating to the Warren G Harding administration. I have one of my High Powers off to a gunsmith for $1000 of updating to make it a defense-ready pistol (hollow points, night sites, etc.).

The CZs were product improved High Powers in many ways, mostly adding better triggers and double action. They are also circa 1970s design and have been consistently product improved. The Czechs have done well, being the armorers of choice for hundreds of years.

I don't own a CZs, mostly because my hands just don't work with their double action trigger length. My shooting experience with the CZs is a L Frame revolver shooter used to double action would have zero issues. The CZ compact is also a sweet spot gun - weighty enough to absorb recoil, well balanced and readily concealable.

You really can't lose with the options. As Growr mentioned, the CZ Compact is a great concealable gun. Either would be great as a pointer/target gun and likely have comparable inherent accuracy.

 

[Echo40]

Definitely the Browning Hi-Power. Last I heard they were out of production and were going for upwards of $800 online. Plus it's a .40cal which is actually pretty scarce when it comes to HPs, and despite what folks say about it being snappy, (Personally I have no problem shooting .40 S&W out of compact polymer pistol like my SW40VE, but I digress...) an all metal firearm like the BHP should be pleasant to shoot no matter who you are. There are also 9mm Conversion Kits available for .40cal BHPs, so even if you hate .40 you can easily convert it to 9mm.

 

[Chukar60]

I think at the price the BHP is a better buy, but I no longer buy guns because they are a good buy. Person can broke buying good deals and never end up with something that makes you truly happy.
I have shot several HP's and they failed to impress.
Have owned a couple CZ75's, both B&D variants. I prefer the D.
I also prefer the 9 over the 40. I would be the nice guy and let someone else get the deal on the HP.

 

[Pig Hunter]

I have had both in 9mm. got rid of the CZ, The Hi-Power is the keeper for me.

 

[Muley Gil]

Hi-Power all the way.

 

[stansdds]

For $550, I'd take the Hi-Power, unless there is something wrong with it. I really like the CZ-75 design, but genuine Browning Hi-Powers are out of production, so unless there is something wrong with it, $550 is a steal.

 

[Mrnurse]

Lots of folks poo poo the .40 cal...me its just another tool you learn to use... a Hammer is not a screwdriver, but both do fine work for what it was designed for. Im a HP fan....CZ if great but the HP will retain value in my O-Pine.

 

[JohnRippert]

Not a .40 fan so this would be a easy pick for me. Sounds like you need to flip a coin.

 

[Telecaster]

These days .40 ammo is probably easier to find in the store, so if you want to shoot it now, get the BHP.

 

[squidsix]

You would be miles ahead on price with any HiPower at $550.
For $240 you could get a 9mm barrel and have a very fine pistol in two calibers.
Browning Hi-Power 9mm Conversion - Bar-Sto
My older brother has an old FN .40 cal HP with this barrel and it is a wonderful shooter.

 

[Telecaster]

You would be miles ahead on price with any HiPower at $550.
For $200 you could get a 9mm barrel and have a very fine pistol in two calibers.

There's your answer! Do it!

 

[old tanker]

I own both. The High Power to keep; the CZ-75 to carry and shoot.

 

[Naphtali]

Many thanks, guys. Any purchase would be for a "keeper." I have my EDC. This pistol would be, I believe, my only centerfire semiautomatic pistol. I had been leaning slightly toward the CZ, but I have small hands. Informing me that there is a drop-in 9x19 conversion has made the deal.

One question: Bar-Sto's conversion barrel also has three locking lugs. Am I correct that submachinegun ammunition and +P+ would not cause abnormal wear to the Browning?

 

[squidsix]

The reports I have read indicate that the .40 HiPower barrel and slide having a heavier three-lug setup to support the .40 cartridge make it suitable for more powerful 9mm ammo when converted.
I imagine you could shoot quite hot 9mm ammo in the converted pistol without damage, but I would not make it my range fodder.
In my mind, you will still be way ahead with an $800 BHP, with a 9mm Bar Sto barrel, with three locking lugs, shooting 9mm, than you would be with any other version of that pistol right now. I am seeing them at $1k where I live.

 

[squidsix]

Here is a pic of a cool HiPower just because I think they are sooooooooooo pretty.

 

[gen3guy]

Given your choice, I'd go with the CZ. If the HP were in 9mm, I'd say get it. I would never get a HP chambered in .40.

 

[ladder13]

For value, 550 is a great price, and resale, I would get the HP.
Not one of your choices, but for shooting and carrying, a CZ Compact.

I carry my 75D Compact before any of my vaunted 3913 Smiths. The CZ just feels right in my hand, and the gun is ultra reliable with more rounds. Just great guns, CZ.

Before I get battered, the HP is a great gun also.

 

[Beemerguy53]

I have a pleasant alternative that is becoming nasty. I have been offered a Browning Hi-Power 40 S&W and a CZ-75D Compact 9x19 mm. They are identically priced slightly under $550. Both are nearly new, cases and papers intact. I have window shopped to compare magazine costs. Costs for Mec-Gar brand magazines are within a couple of dollars.

The only semiautomatic pistol I own is a Ruger Mk. III target model. In the 1980s I owned a Colt Officer's Model 45 ACP. All other handgun ownership or shooting has been with revolvers.

I can afford one pistol.

Tough decision...both are good designs and well-made pistols.

If you decide on the CZ, I would be interested in the Hi-Power. Please send me a PM with the seller's information...thanks.