Jaywalker said:
It sounds to me as if the P-01 had to be changed in order to meet a 2,000 mean rounds between failure. That's a pretty low bar, IMO, and the fact it couldn't meet it originally does mean something. So, unless the P-01 changes flowed through to the PCR and other models, it implies the other models can't/won't go 2,000 MRBF. That's a pretty high price to pay for a pistol that just feels good in your hand, I think, when other makes can meet that test.
Seems to me that you've jumped to a conclusion about MRBF being the driving force behind production changes. I've seen nothing to support THAT conclusion. Alloy-framed CZs are not known for frame failures, and the steel models have a long history of police use in the Middle East and South Africa, and military use in Israel. As noted below, internally, they're almost identical.
CZ's first PCRs, developed and put into use BEFORE being sold for export, were developed for the Police of the Czech Republic; those early, first guns apparently had some frame failures, and CZ immediately improved the design.
When CZ developed the P-01, they used Czech State-police dictated standards for the design and subsequent testing; they apparently ended up with a very hardy weapon -- one that later gained the NATO certification. There was, as best I can tell, no strenuous testing required for NATO approval. (I've not heard or read of any NATO testing required for any weapon used by NATO member nations.)
Recent changes to the P-01 include, it appears, some enhanced production methods which allow greater consistency in parts sizing, making fitting or hand work less necessary during manufacture or later repair. That's a nice enhancement that would be appropriate for guns that might have to be worked on by armorers in the field, as can be the case in military applications.
The newest PCRs now have a forged frame, like the P-01; that was NOT the case in the past.
Since most CZs (except those with the Omega trigger system) share most key internal parts, it would only make sense for CZ to use the same "new" production lines to create parts for the PCR, too. I don't know that IS the case, but it's not nearly as big a leap to a conclusion as yours, above.
I don't think anyone in this chain of messages has claimed that PCRs are NATO-approved weapons. I don't know where THAT "red-herring" came from. As for reasons to buy a PCR? The PCR is slightly slimmer up front than the P-01, and a bit lighter (slightly less metal in the frame, since there's no accessory rail) -- both meaningful issues if you carry your weapon concealed. Some feel the PCR has better (Novak-style) sights.
That said, I don't like decocker guns, so I've never been interested. The new version (P-02?) with a SAFETY and an alloy frame is more to my liking. I'm curous about the P-07 and P-09 models, too -- I've only SEEN pictures of them.
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