New to open

[wingnut]

Looking at CZ Check mate and CK arms. Looking for help 63 and cant see the open sights.

[mro111lland]

Cant go wrong with a cz 

 

[jetjocky]

2011 all day long.

[echotango]

2011/CK. 

[jcc7x7]

CK 2011, will give you the standard by which all others are judged.

The most ability to change things if you think you need to or want to

The back up at matches with most other guys shooting them in open and limited, so tons of spare parts around at both local and big matches to keep you up and running.

Also you'll probably be able to shoot several 2011 open guns at your local club/clubs and get an idea of what you want to get in the original pistol and what you want to add or not etc.

CZ and tanfo open guns are cool and feel good in the hand but the back up isn't there yet at matches and in the aftermarket world.

But some guys like to be adventurous, me I like to shoot with out headaches so I've stuck with 2011 platform even though I really like the feel of the tanfo's.Cz guns.

You're going to get a bunch of "I thinks" with a thread like this, and my opinion is an i like also!

Better off sitting quiet and writing a list of plus and minuses and make your own decision, it's your money and time.

This I'll add with confidence, once you decide GO FOR IT!!!

Edited October 29, 2016 by jcc7x7

[mitchiepinoy]

CK ARMS! We are one of the best gun builder out there and we have top notch customer service and lifetime warranty!!! 

Edited October 29, 2016 by mitchiepinoy

[js1130146]

If you go the 2011 route, get some MBX mags. Much much easier than messing with STI tubes.

[teros135]

7 minutes ago, js1130146 said:

If you go the 2011 route, get some MBX mags. Much much easier than messing with STI tubes.

This^^^  STI takes much more work, especially for 9 major.

[MHitchcock]

As almost everyone else has said. Go with the CK if those are the options you are down to. MANY very talented builders/smiths can work on 2011's. Finding a CZ specialist, much harder to do. Aftermarket support is better, and you will have a much larger wealth of knowledge available to you via local shooters and Benos who are much more likely to be shooting 2011s in open. The CZ is a great pistol but IMO not worth the headaches that can come with trying to be your own brain-trust and technical support.

[ScottieShootz]

I agree, 2011 as numerous people at a match can help you if a problem arises.  Rarely see CZ open guns at local matches. 

[S&W686]

I own three CK Arms and two Freedom Gunworks guns.  All of them have been flawless.  I do not know if you could get any better.  Bobby backs his builds.  Go to Shooters Connection and take a look at what they have.

[abb1]

The biggest difference between these two guns is the grip. I personally would go with what you are used to, whether it be a CZ or a 1911 style. I have both, and personally, I have always opted for the 1911/2011 style, but lately I am getting more into shooting the CZ frame as they seem to have a more natural point of aim for me. The advantage to a 2011 is that they are much easier to work on and the parts are in abundance, the bad part is that mags are more expensive and more difficult to get (Brownell's still has them on backorder). Overall, I would just go with what you are used to shooting, you can't go wrong with either choice. 

Edited November 1, 2016 by abb1

[Tino2212]

I switched from a Tan gold custom ( simular to CZ) to a 1911/2011 platform and for me this feels more natural .

So just shoot both and see what you like more .

[zzt]

wingnut, I'm not going to be much help because I have both and shoot both.  I build my own 1911 single stacks, so I am very familiar with all components and fitting.  Until recently, I had never taken a CZ apart.  I did recently, because I sent it out for slide lightening and some other mill work, and to have both the frame and slide Ceracoted.  It is a snap to disassemble down to component parts.  It does require a few tools, just like a 2011 (unless you use the GI method with the FP and sear spring serving as tools).

mag capacity is the same for either.  CZ mags with extended basepads are cheaper and do not require tuning.  Ammo is loaded shorter, so you use less powder.  My 2011 is fine with standard SAAMI length ammo so I don't have to keep different loadings for the two guns.  Other than that, it is personal preference.

There are significant handling differences between the guns.  The CZ sits lower in your hand and the EVO type grip really gets you into the beaver tail.  Since the bore axis sits lower, muzzle flip is less, even without barrel ports.  Felt recoil is less with the CZ at the same PF.  That goes for both Limited and Open guns.  I did a grip reduction on the CZ and undercut the trigger guard a little more and deepened the beavertail area.  I also added thinner grips.  It fits my hand better than the STI plastic grip on the 2011.  I draw the CZ faster, because the shape of the grip instantly guides your hand to the correct position and your trigger finger automatically lands on the slide.

I have less experience with the 2011.  After the first match this year I decided to go with the 2011 exclusively, just to get used to it.  I am going to change the grip out, because the plastic STI just sucks.  I'm still adapting to the 2011, but I like the platform.  I'm a tinkerer.  This Winter I'll be trying different comps.  You will have a harder time doing that with the CZ.  All in all, it's six of one, half dozen of the other.  If you do go with a 2011, use MBX mags.  They are expensive, but do not require tuning.  They come with a race follower that will not lock the slide back on empty, even with an unmodified slide stop.  They also sell a follower that does, and it locks back on empty, not with one round in the mag like all the others.

[Hunter1998]

Recommend 2011 also, CK Arms is a great pistol and you also have many other options on this platform. Should be easy to find someone in your area to let you shoot their pistol to review different options like sights. I have had good luck with CK Arms and MBX mags.