CZ Rami or S&W sd9ve

Jram501 · December 22, 2018, 08:33 AM

Hi everyone I'm looking to ur expertise in making a decision for a firearm. First off I live in Belize where gun regulations are pretty strict, so what I purchase may very well be my one and only gun.
I have the option to buy either a CZ Rami or S&W sd9ve I plan to use the gun for everyday carry and to go to the range on weekends. Which would you guys recommend?

OhioGuy · December 23, 2018, 08:01 AM

SD9VE is very Glock-like and a good bit larger than the RAMI. It's also striker-fired so you don't have to learn two trigger presses (double action, and single action). The RAMI will conceal better. I happen to like DA/SA pistols and find the RAMI to be a great gun, although I don't own one. It's built like a little tank and runs very reliably for people who own them.

I would probably say that if carry is your main priority, go with the RAMI. If it's range use, the SD9VE will probably be easier to shoot for extended periods because it's larger. Both are very reliable.

wnycollector · December 23, 2018, 08:57 AM

Another vote for the Rami if carry is your primary focus.

subhuman · December 23, 2018, 09:13 AM

CZ everyday and twice on Sunday, truly excellent little pistol

2wheelwander · December 23, 2018, 09:57 AM

Rami. And you'll most likely have the only one seen. They can be hard enough to find in shops in the states.

When I found mine they were unloading it from the truck, bought it before it had a chance to hit the shelf.

Striker fired is easier to learn to shoot and requires less thought, but a DA/SA pistol like the Rami is so much more rewarding, and better looking to boot.

sigarms228 · December 23, 2018, 11:56 AM

Those are your only two options? Not even a Glock 19?

Between the two you list I would go with the the SD9VE but much prefer the Glock 19. The SD9VE is a good pistol but the trigger pull is a bit on the heavy side though workable and would improve with time. Since it will be your only pistol I would also compare warranties and parts availability. The S&W probably has the best warranty.

Good luck.

Dan-O · December 23, 2018, 12:52 PM

Rami hands down.

Dragon breath · December 23, 2018, 06:24 PM

Go Rami.

snakeye · December 23, 2018, 08:18 PM

Rami is the only way to go...

Leaf · December 23, 2018, 08:51 PM

The Rami, of course. I love old school S&W revolvers. A 4" 586 remains one of my favorite pieces but you won't see me buying any of their new stuff. Maybe I'm just old school but I don't understand the big problem folks have these days learning how to effectively shoot DA/SA type pistols. Maybe it is just something weird about those of us who spent so many years going back and forth between revolvers and autos.

2wheelwander · December 24, 2018, 09:58 AM

I have a theory. Stryker fired pistols are the automatic transmission of today. DA/SA are the manuals slowly fading out like they began to in the 80's.

Its us older farts who know the joy of dancing with a DA/SA pistol. The elegance of its lines, no plastic or huge concessions to manufacturing costs. Beauty for beauties sake.

Any beginner can pick up a Glock and start ringing steel in no time, and Glocks certainly have their place, I own one. But a quality DA/SA handgun just has that 'feel' to it and makes the smirk last a bit longer.

The same can be said for the 1911 and what I'm saying now could have been said when DA/SA/decockers came out.

Sadly, the day may come when DA/SA pistols go the way of the manual transmission.

Still, RAMI all the way!

Siggy-06 · December 24, 2018, 11:52 AM

Of the 2 choices, the CZ Rami gets my vote as well.

tallball · December 24, 2018, 08:58 PM

I've never owned a Rami, but I've owned a bunch of CZ's and clones thereof.

I also owned the 40 caliber version of the S&W in question.

The Smith was an okay cheap "introductory" pistol. It went bang every time, but the trigger was pretty bad.

All of my CZ's are better shooters, so I would go with the CZ.

Cosmodragoon · December 24, 2018, 11:48 PM

I would also choose the Rami. It isn't just because I'm one of those DA/SA dinosaurs. Handle both side by side. One of them can be described with words like "okay" and "adequate". The other can be described with words like "great" and "something special". I think CZ hit a home run with the Rami.

BTW, a friend of mine went on vacation in Belize. He got me some Marie Sharp's hot sauce. It was pretty good!

**Spats McGee** · December 25, 2018, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jram501

Hi everyone I'm looking to ur expertise in making a decision for a firearm. First off I live in Belize where gun regulations are pretty strict, so what I purchase may very well be my one and only gun.
I have the option to buy either a CZ Rami or S&W sd9ve I plan to use the gun for everyday carry and to go to the range on weekends. Which would you guys recommend?

Welcome to TFL, Jram501! I've underlined my first concern. We can post all day long about which is the better gun, which carries better, etc., but most TFL members are from the United States and few of us will know about the Belize gun market. I'd go with whichever one has better support and supplies in Belize, particularly if it's likely to be your only gun.

With that said, and bearing in mind that I've never owned or even shot either of them, if I were buying one or the other in the United States, I'd go with the Rami. So, there you go. Spats' Largely Uneducated Opinion On The Matter.

GarandTd · December 25, 2018, 08:09 PM

I don't own either one and I've not shot either one, but given the choice, I would choose the Rami.

Both are capable, reliable sidearms, from what I've heard, but very different in size, capacity, and operating system. To me the Rami would be the standout between the two. I am partial to the DA/SA operating system.

Leaf · December 26, 2018, 07:58 PM

Tallball, I carried a S&W 459 (9 mm) for a while many years ago and I would agree that the trigger was horrible. Back in the day though, it was considered by many to be a pretty good and relatively inexpensive pistol.

Old 454 · December 27, 2018, 06:56 AM

Go CZ and never look back.

chaim · December 27, 2018, 06:33 PM

As others have said, the CZ will be a better gun. It will also be better for carry. However, it is a bit small for a lot of range use. Your hand will get tired earlier than with a bigger gun. I have always thought that a mid-sized gun (like the S&W) is the best size for a one gun situation if carry is part of the equation. Small enough for carry most of the time, yet big and heavy enough for longer range sessions and more extended practice.

That said, you can go with the range benefits of the bigger gun and still get CZ quality. Are there any CZ 75B Compacts, PCRs or P01s around you?

Boarhunter · December 29, 2018, 10:00 AM

I own a RAMI with the manual safety. When I carry it, cocked-and-locked is my way of going. Very nice gun. The little CZ would get my vote!

BOARHUNTER

2wheelwander · December 29, 2018, 11:01 PM

1 post by OP, hasn't been back since the day after he asked this question.

But, lets keep praising the Rami. Makes me feel better since i own one!

ice monkey · December 29, 2018, 11:14 PM

Another vote for CZ

fl_rich · December 30, 2018, 07:41 PM

RAMI!

Cosmodragoon · December 30, 2018, 09:15 PM

Quote:

I had a steel RAMI in .40 and hated it. Just too snappy and small for that caliber... Also, the trigger was garbage. I have a CZ 40B, a SP-01 and a 97B. All had garbage triggers until I installed a CGW kit.

The first thing isn't a RAMI issue. It's a .40 S&W issue. The 9mm offers reasonable destructive capability (wounding potential, etc.) with relatively comfortable recoil across a wide variety of handgun platforms. The .40 S&W offers more destructive capability but that comes with a price. You lose a little capacity and you gain a little recoil. It moves up the line for what's comfortable and a lot of compact or subcompact guns end up on the wrong side.

The second thing is a problem with lots of double action guns, including many revolvers. There is a lot of speculation about why but too few models seem to leave their respective factories with great overall triggers. While the single action of those guns might still be crisper or nicer than your average striker gun, the initial double action often leaves much to be desired. Many can benefit substantially from upgrades and trigger jobs.

I don't think the stock RAMI trigger is "garbage" but if I was going to invest in a RAMI for EDC, an improved trigger would be part of that investment.

Cosmodragoon · December 31, 2018, 04:11 AM

Quote:

I think that's an oversimplification. The .40 S&W in the CZ40B is very shootable. It's still snappy but the larger size of the pistol and the additional weight... mitigate some of the recoil. The issue with the .40 is smaller, lighter guns...

I didn't think I was in TLDR territory there but in the same paragraph I said:

"The .40 S&W offers more destructive capability but that comes with a price. You lose a little capacity and you gain a little recoil. It moves up the line for what's comfortable and a lot of compact or subcompact guns end up on the wrong side."

I also discussed the issue of double action factory triggers in general. For people who are more experienced with CZ products, are they really that much worse than the norm?

December 22, 2018, 08:33 AM	#1
Jram501 Junior Member Join Date: December 21, 2018 Posts: 1	CZ Rami or S&W sd9ve Hi everyone I'm looking to ur expertise in making a decision for a firearm. First off I live in Belize where gun regulations are pretty strict, so what I purchase may very well be my one and only gun. I have the option to buy either a CZ Rami or S&W sd9ve I plan to use the gun for everyday carry and to go to the range on weekends. Which would you guys recommend?

December 23, 2018, 08:57 AM	#3
wnycollector Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 1,996	Another vote for the Rami if carry is your primary focus. __________________ The wicked flee when no man pursueth - Proverbs 28:1

December 23, 2018, 11:56 AM	#6
sigarms228 Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2011 Posts: 1,768	Those are your only two options? Not even a Glock 19? Between the two you list I would go with the the SD9VE but much prefer the Glock 19. The SD9VE is a good pistol but the trigger pull is a bit on the heavy side though workable and would improve with time. Since it will be your only pistol I would also compare warranties and parts availability. The S&W probably has the best warranty. Good luck. __________________ “When the people find that they can vote themselves money that will herald the end of the republic.” ― Benjamin Franklin

December 24, 2018, 11:52 AM	#12
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	Of the 2 choices, the CZ Rami gets my vote as well. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

December 25, 2018, 08:09 PM	#16
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I don't own either one and I've not shot either one, but given the choice, I would choose the Rami. Both are capable, reliable sidearms, from what I've heard, but very different in size, capacity, and operating system. To me the Rami would be the standout between the two. I am partial to the DA/SA operating system. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

December 23, 2018, 08:01 AM	#2
OhioGuy Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2016 Posts: 1,089	SD9VE is very Glock-like and a good bit larger than the RAMI. It's also striker-fired so you don't have to learn two trigger presses (double action, and single action). The RAMI will conceal better. I happen to like DA/SA pistols and find the RAMI to be a great gun, although I don't own one. It's built like a little tank and runs very reliably for people who own them. I would probably say that if carry is your main priority, go with the RAMI. If it's range use, the SD9VE will probably be easier to shoot for extended periods because it's larger. Both are very reliable.

December 23, 2018, 09:13 AM	#4
subhuman Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 383	CZ everyday and twice on Sunday, truly excellent little pistol

December 23, 2018, 09:57 AM	#5
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	Rami. And you'll most likely have the only one seen. They can be hard enough to find in shops in the states. When I found mine they were unloading it from the truck, bought it before it had a chance to hit the shelf. Striker fired is easier to learn to shoot and requires less thought, but a DA/SA pistol like the Rami is so much more rewarding, and better looking to boot.

December 23, 2018, 12:52 PM	#7
Dan-O Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 2011 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 969	Rami hands down.

December 23, 2018, 06:24 PM	#8
Dragon breath Member Join Date: August 25, 2017 Posts: 27	Go Rami.

December 23, 2018, 08:18 PM	#9
snakeye Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2013 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 127	Rami is the only way to go...

December 23, 2018, 08:51 PM	#10
Leaf Junior member Join Date: August 11, 2018 Posts: 198	The Rami, of course. I love old school S&W revolvers. A 4" 586 remains one of my favorite pieces but you won't see me buying any of their new stuff. Maybe I'm just old school but I don't understand the big problem folks have these days learning how to effectively shoot DA/SA type pistols. Maybe it is just something weird about those of us who spent so many years going back and forth between revolvers and autos.

December 24, 2018, 09:58 AM	#11
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	I have a theory. Stryker fired pistols are the automatic transmission of today. DA/SA are the manuals slowly fading out like they began to in the 80's. Its us older farts who know the joy of dancing with a DA/SA pistol. The elegance of its lines, no plastic or huge concessions to manufacturing costs. Beauty for beauties sake. Any beginner can pick up a Glock and start ringing steel in no time, and Glocks certainly have their place, I own one. But a quality DA/SA handgun just has that 'feel' to it and makes the smirk last a bit longer. The same can be said for the 1911 and what I'm saying now could have been said when DA/SA/decockers came out. Sadly, the day may come when DA/SA pistols go the way of the manual transmission. Still, RAMI all the way!

December 24, 2018, 08:58 PM	#13
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I've never owned a Rami, but I've owned a bunch of CZ's and clones thereof. I also owned the 40 caliber version of the S&W in question. The Smith was an okay cheap "introductory" pistol. It went bang every time, but the trigger was pretty bad. All of my CZ's are better shooters, so I would go with the CZ.

December 24, 2018, 11:48 PM	#14
Cosmodragoon Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Northeastern US Posts: 1,869	I would also choose the Rami. It isn't just because I'm one of those DA/SA dinosaurs. Handle both side by side. One of them can be described with words like "okay" and "adequate". The other can be described with words like "great" and "something special". I think CZ hit a home run with the Rami. BTW, a friend of mine went on vacation in Belize. He got me some Marie Sharp's hot sauce. It was pretty good!

December 26, 2018, 07:58 PM	#17
Leaf Junior member Join Date: August 11, 2018 Posts: 198	Tallball, I carried a S&W 459 (9 mm) for a while many years ago and I would agree that the trigger was horrible. Back in the day though, it was considered by many to be a pretty good and relatively inexpensive pistol.

December 27, 2018, 06:56 AM	#18
Old 454 Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2011 Location: Chesterton Ind. Posts: 822	Go CZ and never look back.

December 27, 2018, 06:33 PM	#19
chaim Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,095	As others have said, the CZ will be a better gun. It will also be better for carry. However, it is a bit small for a lot of range use. Your hand will get tired earlier than with a bigger gun. I have always thought that a mid-sized gun (like the S&W) is the best size for a one gun situation if carry is part of the equation. Small enough for carry most of the time, yet big and heavy enough for longer range sessions and more extended practice. That said, you can go with the range benefits of the bigger gun and still get CZ quality. Are there any CZ 75B Compacts, PCRs or P01s around you?

December 29, 2018, 10:00 AM	#20
Boarhunter Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 526	I own a RAMI with the manual safety. When I carry it, cocked-and-locked is my way of going. Very nice gun. The little CZ would get my vote! BOARHUNTER

December 29, 2018, 11:01 PM	#21
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	1 post by OP, hasn't been back since the day after he asked this question. But, lets keep praising the Rami. Makes me feel better since i own one!

December 29, 2018, 11:14 PM	#22
ice monkey Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 416	Another vote for CZ

December 30, 2018, 07:41 PM	#23
fl_rich Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2015 Posts: 103	RAMI! __________________ Many things others should worry about....