cz 75D compact vs. P01

Are you looking at the 75D PCR or the 75 compact?

75D means decocker, and as there are no decocker, all steel CZ-75 "Compacts" then this has to be a 75D PCR with the aluminum alloy frame. Some PCR's like mine from 2000 is marked, but lightly. You can barely see the "PCR" on it. Some 75D's do not have the PCR marking.

I chose the PCR because at the time there was no P-01. However, I see no use for a light rail on a carry gun, so still prefer the PCR for its slimmer muzzle. The PCR and P-01 are different in that the P-01 has a rail, has different sights, and the frame is forged rather than cast. Is one better than the other? To me it all comes down to the desire to have a light rail, other than that the other differences are very small.

Like this one.



With a Bedair stainless guide rod & Nill grips (CZ0358).

Alloy frames are forged on both guns, CZ doesn't do cast alloy frames.
Also no MIMS in either pistol.

I had a hard time returning the P01 I worked with a while back, may not be able to let the 75D here now go.

Replace the plastic guide rod with metal.
Understand the slide-inside-the-frame setup leaves these guns less convenient to grab onto in manipulating the slide during malfunctions.

I do not need a rail on my pistols, kinda like the looks of the 75D in that regard.
Both decently accurate.

Mag options (including floorplates) are interchangeable for both pistols.
There are sight options for both pistols.
Operation is the same.
Mag capacities are the same.

Denis

Actually, the rail on the P-01 is quite handy when it is used as a night stand gun. No need to worry about trying to search for a flashlight and a pistol in a time of need while trying to awaken from a sleep state. After all, you don't want to start throwing lead around in the dark, right?

As for which one, I'd use the D/PCR for carry and have the P-01 as a night stand pistol with an attached light.

Alloy frames are forged on both guns, CZ doesn't do cast alloy frames.

Click to expand...

When they first introduced the P-01, they also introduced "forged" frame as a NEW feature. The original PCR frame was NOT forged, but the new 75D/PCR has a forged frame. If you buy an older PCR, it's really a different gun in a number of ways. I doubt that a forged frame makes that much difference -- for except for some frame problems with the original PCRs made for the Czech National Police, which took place long before they were exported, I've never heard of problems with alloy-framed CZs, forged or not.

There is a potential issue when using steel guide rods with the alloy-framed guns, however -- as the steel (generally stainless steel) is harder than the frame and can damage the frame so that, eventually, it won't act as a base for the guide rod. CZ has warned against using steel guide rods in their alloy-framed CZ models and will not honor frame-related warranty work if they find a frame damaged by a steel guide rod.

The damage can occur at the spot where, as the slide moves back, the guide rod rests against the frame. That position is called the receiver stop.

I've only heard of a case or two of damage, and know that literally hundreds (maybe thousdands) of CZ users love and use steel guide rods in their alloy-framed CZs.

Yeah. It really comes down to whether or not you want the rail. It can be useful, but I would say the PCR is the better looking of the two. They do have slightly different rear sights, and the P-01 is supposed to be a product of a new manufacturing process at CZ, perhaps making service on the gun simpler. Every part on every P-01 is supposed to be interchangeable; no individual fitting required.

http://www.ptdoityourself.net/collection/images/cz75_13.jpg
Best looking CZ, ever, in my opinion!

CZ offers aluminum & stainless rods, says really no difference in durability or longevity between the two pistol models, says most parts are interchangeable (depending on the age of the pistols involved, minor changes have been done over the years).

No cast frames on any alloy pistols now.
They have grip options for both models.
PCR has a loaded chamber indicator, P01 doesn't, if I'm reading emails right.
Denis

CZ offers aluminum & stainless rods, says really no difference in durability or longevity between the two pistol models, says most parts are interchangeable (depending on the age of the pistols involved, minor changes have been done over the years).

Click to expand...

They offer both, but UNLESS THEY'VE CHANGED POLICY, they do not offer stainless rods for alloy-framed guns. That was the OFFICIAL word from them a couple of years ago. Perhaps they've changed their position?

Walt,
I'm working with a brand new 75D this week (shot it yesterday) & emailing my CZ contact.
One question I asked (since websites are not always current or complete) was if CZ offered alternative guide rods for the pistol.
The answer was stainless & alloy, with no mention of NOT using them in the alloy-framed 75D.

I'll see if they have anything else to say on it.
Denis

I love all CZ's I own 3, but my favorite by far is the PO1.

RE: Steel Guide rods in alloy CZs...

I first asked this question of CZ back in 2006, and got the following answers, which addressed several guide-rod related issues.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=14697.0

I later received information from CZ that they had begun to see "receiver stop" damage to some alloy frames from guns using the steel guide rods. That information -- and I can't find a copy of that specific reply -- said that their warranty would not cover damage to the frame caused by the use of steel guide rods. At other times, when I asked specifically about buying a CZ-made steel guide rod for an alloy-framed gun, they said they wouldn't sell one for that application if they KNEW that was how it was intended to be used.

I know that forging metal can make it more durable/harder, and maybe the new "forged" frames are more robust in that respect. I will be interested in seeing how they respond to a DIRECT QUESTION about that issue.

My "direct questions" asked if there are any problems with frame wear using the stainless or alloy rods, and if there are any official recommendations not to.

Glad you brought it up, since they hadn't indicated there was an issue I'd assumed there weren't any.
We'll see what the response is tomorrow.
Denis

I have both (and a CZ 75 compact, and a CZ 75 .40 compact, and a P-07 Duty. No P-06 yet). I like the feel and the looks of the PCR better. My PCR was used, and it has nice light trigger.

The primary reason I didn't keep the P01 when I had one here was its trigger.
Very stiff first-shot DA.
Same on this 75D, very stiff in DA, gritty in SA.
Fixable, but definitely far from ideal outa the box.
Denis

Walt,
Answer back this morning.

Condensing- Theoretically might be damage caused in that pocket, but they haven't seen it, swapped "a ton of them over the years" in alloy pistols with no failures or damage to discourage steel rod use, CZ Custom has done a bunch in alloy frames & has no issues with the steel rods.
Denis

And, just got off the phone myself with CZ Custom who says they're not seeing any problems with steel rods in alloy pistols.
I specifically discussed the 75D.

CAN it happen? Yes, if tolerances stack in the wrong direction.
But....

Further, in response to the warranty issue, CZ-USA says they'd cover damage caused by a steel rod if it affected function, but not merely cosmetics (scuff on the frame, etc.).

Good to know -- and sorry to learn I was given bad info in the past.

I won't mention the potential problem to others, in the future -- but will restate this new info when the topic comes up.

DPris said:

Walt,
Answer back this morning.

Condensing- Theoretically might be damage caused in that pocket, but they haven't seen it, swapped "a ton of them over the years" in alloy pistols with no failures or damage to discourage steel rod use, CZ Custom has done a bunch in alloy frames & has no issues with the steel rods.
Denis

And, just got off the phone myself with CZ Custom who says they're not seeing any problems with steel rods in alloy pistols.
I specifically discussed the 75D.

CAN it happen? Yes, if tolerances stack in the wrong direction.
But....

Click to expand...

That's great to hear. Thanks for asking them!!

Walt,
Happy to help. I occasionally post info that was based on what I was told at various times & get corrected by posters with more up-to-date scoop.
Things do change on occasion.
Glad you brought it up, it caused me to nail the issue down whereas I would have blindly written the piece up assuming there was no issue.
Now I can informedly write it up that way.

Bread,
You're welcome.
Denis

I don't mind the plastic/polymer rod in my PCR. Has never caused an issue.

I'm just allergic to plastic guide rods.
An old acquaintance who used to be the head gunsmith at an aftermarket Glock business I won't name saw all sorts of chewed up, bent, busted, and shaved guide rods come in with pistols sent for work.
I saw one break at work one night during an inspection when a fellow officer was re-assembling his.

Not knocking or singling out Glocks, I just dislike plastic guide rods. In any gun, in any brand.
Denis

I have been slighly contemplating a 75 compact for carry, getting the aluminum grips from CZCustom, . . . but it still may be too wide. But you can't argue with how well they feel in the hand. I would be fine with either one, actually. Or a PCR.