| In the role of combat sidearm, the CZ 75 SP-01 will excel. For me it stands out in the CZ lineup due to its light carry weight of 28.5 ounces (empty with magazine). For a full size service pistol with a 4.7" barrel and 18+1 rounds standard, that is a solid achievement. It opens up lots of POUs with this gun. Some may prefer the P-07 Duty model for its weight as well but it does not offer the longer sight radius and extra velocity of the Phantom. The Phantom as of mid-2010 is my top pick out of the line for use in the sidearm role. It will also make an excellent home defense, officers primary, WROL, or even competition handgun (steel SP-01 may be better in that POU). It inherits and benefits from the CZ lineage that established such a foothold in the 1980s (discussed). Back then the CZ 75 won over thousands of fans for its excellent grip, higher magazine capacity, great durability and reliability, and high accuracy. It established a mystique as well that for many still continues to this day. Those attributes are all found in the SP-01 Phantom. I however cannot say that it is better than the competing polymer designs of Springfield XD/XDM, Glock, Sig 250 series, S&W M&P series, FNP/FNX series, Ruger SR9, H&K USP/P series, etc. It simply achieves their same high levels of performance in a handsome form factor that appeals to DA/SA lockwork aficionados like myself. The transition in this lockwork from double action fire to single action fire may throw off some proponents of ... |
