CZ 75 SP-01 Long Term Test

Ammo Shortage!

Howdy Gunrunners!

Hey, what's with the ammo shortage and triple-priced existing ammunition supplies? I know it's "Fear of Obama" and his policies taking effect, but so far he hasn't touched our guns. Now I can't find ammo, and guns are overpriced like never before. So Obama and the Libs win anyway. Nice.

Here are my review picks of the month:

"Budget" .45 Autos, which, these days, means under the $1,000 mark. It's amazing what people can be made to swallow-Three guns were reviewed extensively, and here are the results.

Para-USA GI Expert
Classic 1911 Single Action $600.00

• Sights-Highly Visible
• 2 Eight-Shot Magazines-Competition Quality
• Stainless Barrel
  
• Substantial-but not oversized extractor
• Standard Guide-Rod
  
• Left-side thumb safety only
• Focused on reliability with all types of ammo
• Good slide to frame fit
• Trigger 4.5 to 5 lbs
• Groups 25 yds. 1.0 to 1.9 inches
• Highest muzzle energy of three guns tested
• Fastest first action shot of three guns tested
• Best buy pick of this trio

CZ 97BD No. 01406
Decocker version of model 97B .45 Auto $874.00

• Based on classic CZ75 design
• DA/SA action
  
• Can be safely de-cocked with a round in the chamber
• Left side decocker lever only
• Self-illuminating night sites
• Loaded chamber indicator
• Well-designed rubber grips
• Two ten round magazines
• "Very controllable"
• Main two stress points - easily replaceable parts
• 13.5 lb double action trigger, 5.5 lb single action
• Good accuracy, .8 to 1.25 inches
• "One of the best TDA guns ever"

Beretta PX4 Storm F JXF5F25 45 ACP

Polymer-framed pistol w/hammer ignition

• Three interchangeable grip sizes
• Accessory Rail
• Ambi-Decocker/Safety lever
• Super-modern look and styling
• Rotating barrel lug for smoother action
• Ambidextrous magazine release
• White dot sites
• One 9 round, one 10 round magazine
• Fairly difficult to change grip sizes
• Long trigger pull for double action first shot
  
• Easy to field strip
  
• Good accuracy, 1.3" to 1.7"
• Slowest into action, of these three pistols
  

The decocker must be pressed down, then up again every time the slide is racked after inserting a full magazine. This could be tiring to some shooters. Also the decockers "stuck out too much", making racking the slide an awkward process.

Lightweight Wonder-9

Introducing the SP-01 Phantom: The classic CZ-75 9mm goes polymer, resulting in 33% lighter weight, 19 round capacity (18+1 in the pipe).....
Specs:

• Caliber 9 x 19
  Detachable magazine capacity 18
  Overall length 207 mm/
  Barrel length 120 mm/just under 4.75 inches
  Height 147 mm
  Width 37 mm
  Weight 800 g/28 ounces empty
  Trigger mechanism SA/DA
  Frame polymer
  Finish black polycoat (slide)
  Safety elements decocking lever, safety stop on hammer, firing pin safety

Reviews/Highlights:

• Well-balanced
• Soft Recoil
  
• Controllable/Very little muzzle-flip
• Interchangeable Backstrap for custom grip adjustment
• Accurate 2.5" to 3.5" Groups at 25 Yards
• Drop-Free Magazines
• Grip Tang Beavertail Protects Hand from Hammer Bite
• Fixed Sites
• Accessory Rail for Tactical Attachments
• Carry Cocked and Locked, or with Hammer Down
• Magazine Works in Older CZ Models
• Slide Locks Open When Empty