Information wanted on possible first gun purchase

[XDAndMe]

Originally Posted by Etta Place

If I wanted to use the CZ 75b SA for home protection, would it be good for that? I really don't understand the difference between single action and double action.

Whether or not it is good for home defense is a matter of opinion, really. I think you would be well-served by anything 9mm or larger that shoots well and that you are comfortable with. Modern bullet design really levels the playing field between calibers anymore, so I wouldn't be concerned about that. If you like the gun, shoot it well, and it is reliable, then absolutely use it with confidence for home defense. Others will suggest bigger calibers or even shotguns, but it is really a matter of opinion. That said, I would prefer to have a shotgun handy at home, but that is not always possible.

As for SA vs. DA, the DA trigger is going to be safer because it is heavier to pull. That is because DA does two things for each trigger pull: it "cocks" the firing mechanism and releases the "hammer" (I'm using traditional terminology, even though not all pistols have hammers). Therefore you don't have as much fear of the weapon accidentally going off if something gets caught in the trigger guard. Consider it a passive safety device. The downside is that it requires more training to become proficient because the heavier trigger pull reduces accuracy and makes follow-up shots more difficult.

SA gives you a much lighter trigger because it only releases the "hammer," it doesn't cock the weapon as well. This relies on the weapon being pre-cocked by the operator, hence the external hammer on many models. When a weapon is pre-cocked, it is very dangerous. Any slight pressure on the trigger will discharge the weapon. This is why 1911's have to be locked when they are cocked for carry, hence the term "cocked & locked." The benefit of SA is increased accuracy and speed of follow-up shots.

I would buy the regular CZ 75B because it gives you the option of DA/SA. You can manually cock it for SA when you decide you need to. Otherwise, you just use it in DA mode and carry it in DA mode, which is safer.

In case you're wondering, the XD is a hybrid in that respect. It is technically a double-action trigger, but the firing pin is always half-cocked. (I think)

[XDAndMe]

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention, because of the design of semi-automatic pistols, once you put them in SA mode by cocking them, they can stay in SA mode for all the shots you want. That's because the travel of the slide under recoil can reset the hammer, unlike revolvers where you have to manually cock them for every shot you want SA. I have fired a Sig P228 that had SA/DA. The first shot was a heavy DA mode shot (unless you cocked it first), and all shots thereafter were SA. Very nice.

[Etta Place]

Thanks XD!

[XDAndMe]

Sure thing. If I'm mistaken somewhere I'm sure someone will be nice enough to correct it.

[retired]

My Beretta 92f, which I bought upon retiring, is the same DA/SA.

[Frenchy]

I too believe that today's 9mm choices make it a competent defense round. If you live in a congested environment (apartment complex, etc.), I would consider the "frangible" designed bullets. These limit the damage that might be caused by a bullet penetrating a wall, and entering another room and hurting an innocent, while still being quite effective on the assailant.

[AZXD]

More great advice!
No wonder I like this place.

I agree once you reach the 9mm level everything levels out from a defensive point of view. It does come down to ammo selection, choosing something that is reliable and that you are comfortable shooting.

With that said, the .380 is arguably a descent round if you can control it. Shot placement becomes more critical with the smaller caliber weapons.
(a bb gun in the eye will drop a non-drug-crazed person)

Etta,
Most of what is out there in the $400+ range new will be a good purchase, and of course you know we all have opinions, so shop wisely, try a few and ask for those opinions

Oh, and if I end up buying a CZ because you posted that picture, your gonna have to explain it to my wife

[Etta Place]

I had my second lesson and my second time at the range this afternoon. We couldn't go to the range I went to before because their electricity was out due to the fires.

Anyway, I did okay. My shots are still very consistent and close to the center of the target. However, I kept shooting to the right and lower than the center of the target. So, my instructor shot a few rounds through my gun to see if it was me or the gun. Turns out, the sight line on the gun is off. He adjusted it quite a bit and it got better, but it still needs some adjusting, and I don't know if I want to be the one to do it. I plan to call the gun store where I bought the gun tomorrow to see if they have the proper tools to do it because it requires a very small screwdriver - like the kind you would use to adjust your glasses.

Bill, my instructor, told me that I do have a tendency to push down with the front of the gun as I shoot, as a counter-measure to the recoil, which isn't that much, but I guess it's natural to flinch at first. Also, I kept getting hit with the casings. I got hit a few times the first time I shot, but this time it was A LOT. They went in my hair, down my blouse, and one even came over the top of my glasses. So, that WAS NOT cool at all. In fact, it was rather hot. Next time, I think I'll wear a turtleneck!!

I also had a few misfeeds of cartridges. I shot 200 rounds, and had probably 3 misfeeds (if that's what you call them).

So, I'm a little disappointed in my gun that the sights were not lined up properly from the factory. And, I don't like getting hit with the casings all the time.

This time, the noise from other shooters didn't bother me that much. There were only a couple of guys shooting, plus I had my ear muffs on better I think.

I like shooting and want to become a really accurate shooter. I asked Bill about the CZ. He sounds like he's pretty much a Glock man. I think he has four or more of them! He also has an XD 1911. He said the next time we go shooting he would bring various guns for me to try out. He doesn't favor the DA/SA combo.

I guess Bill is teaching a concealed carry class next month. One of the guys who works at the range used to be border patrol and wants to take the class.

That was my experience this time. I plan to clean the gun tomorrow, and do some dry firing.

[Frenchy]

The wayward casings may just be a peculiarity of this gun, but as you gain experience, it may subside. There also may be an extractor tension problem, but that would be unusual with a rimfire.

[DanTheEldest]

Hey Etta--you may have posted this earlier (I haven't read the whole thread), but between hitting low/right and casings raining down on your head, are you left-handed?