CZ question

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

I'm looking at purchasing one of three CZ models. One of them, the CZ 75 D PCR Compact. Can someone please tell me just what PCR means? Thanks!

Oh, and just in case you are wondering about the other two CZ's in consideration, they would be the 2075 Rami BD and the P-01.

 

[Kiln]

Google search returns the words: "Police Czech Republic". Basically it is a CZ designed for law enforcement use. It has an alloy frame (not sure what alloy but most likely aluminum for weight reduction) and different sights than the basic model. That is all I could find besides positive reviews. No personal experience with this model but experience with CZ75B is extremely positive.

Can't go wrong with CZ pistols.

 

[zebco]

I was curious myself about the PCR and what it stands for. One site I found said "Police[of the]Czech Republic" as it was the gun they carried perhaps?

What I can tell you with certainty, owing one myself, is that it is a great 9mm, accurate, fun to shoot, and not real hard to conceal. Go for it.


(edit to say that the above poster beat me to it regarding the meaning of PCR.)

 

[JDGray]

The PCR is cast aluminum, where the P01 is forged. Other than the nose is slim for concealed carry, compared to the P01s railed nose, the guns are the same. Sorry, cant help you on what the letters stand for

 

[Pilot]

The CZ-75D PCR was designed with the Czech police requirements. It was then sold commercially. While the Czech police now carry the very similar P-01 (lightweight alloy frame like the PCR, but has a light rail and different sites), the PCR remains popular due to less mass in the muzzle, which makes carrying a bit easier.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

This is my PCR, purchased in 2007. The grips are factory optional cocobolo wood. I also added rubber-covered, slightly extended magazine floorplates.

Besides the obvious lack of a frame rail, differences from the P-01 include a slightly extended mag release button, a loaded chamber indicator and "non-snagging" profile sights. (The value of the latter feature is somewhat questionable.)

 

[viking499]

The PCR is cast aluminum, where the P01 is forged. Other than the nose is slim for concealed carry, compared to the P01s railed nose, the guns are the same.

yep

The CZ-75D PCR was designed with the Czech police requirements. It was then sold commercially. While the Czech police now carry the very similar P-01 (lightweight alloy frame like the PCR, but has a light rail and different sites), the PCR remains popular due to less mass in the muzzle, which makes carrying a bit easier.

yep

Besides the obvious lack of a frame rail, differences from the P-01 include a slightly extended mag release button, a loaded chamber indicator and "non-snagging" profile sights. (The value of the latter feature is somewhat questionable.)

yep

I don't like the Rami, just my preference. Like the PCR and P01. If you are going to shoot the snot out of it, get a steel frame. For carry and average shooting, either alloy will do. To me the PCR is easier to carry due to a smaller nose. The P01 is wider, which makes it harder for me to conceal. Not as much room in my pants for things other than me.....

I have never used to loaded inicator and changed out the sights for night sights. Love the PCR.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I don't like the Rami, just my preference. Like the PCR and P01. If you are going to shoot the snot out of it, get a steel frame. For carry and average shooting, either alloy will do. To me the PCR is easier to carry due to a smaller nose. The P01 is wider, which makes it harder for me to conceal. Not as much room in my pants for things other than me....

I don't like the RAMI, either. It feels WIDER to me than the PCR when, in fact, it's thinner. Haven't figured that out.

As for getting a steel-framed model: 1) the steel-framed COMPACT is pretty heavy, while the alloy-framed models are noticeably lighter. That makes a difference after a day of carry. 2) There's been no indication, as best I can tell after following these guns for many years, that the alloy-framed guns are any less durable than the steel-framed models.

(I will say that owners SHOULD avoid using a steel guide rod in their alloy guns, as CZ-USA says there is evidence of wear from the guide rod rubbing/pressing on the alloy frame receiver stop. CZ's warranty won't cover this type of damage as CZ has always warned against steel guide rods in the alloy guns. If you try to buy a steel guide rod from them for an alloy-framed compact, they won't sell it to you one. They will sell them for steel-framed Compacts. I got that warning directly from CZ-USA some time back.)

The only reason I haven't gotten a PCR, over the years -- despite having many different CZs -- is that I don't really like most decocker guns. If I ever stumble across a used PCR with a slick trigger, I might find myself crossing over. (I do have a SIG 228, which is a decocker gun -- but action work done by Gray Guns -- and I don't mind that decocker gun.)

.

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Ok, thanks for the help. And Lone, those grips look great on your PCR.

 

[CZF]

The Czech police did carry the PCR for a few years before bumping up the the equally superb P-01s.

They have also played around with P-07 Dutys as well.

 

[larryh1108]

As a PCR owner I say you won't be disappointed if you buy one. Superb gun that is accurate and easy to carry. To me, it's the best value for the buck in the 9mm compact carry category.

 

[Pilot]

If I ever stumble across a used PCR with a slick trigger, I might find myself crossing over. (I do have a SIG 228, which is a decocker gun -- but action work done by Gray Guns -- and I don't mind that decocker gun.)

My PCR replaced my West German, triple serial number P228 as my CCW piece 12 years ago. I found it fit in my P228 holster perfectly, although it seems a little smaller in size overall. (The P228 was actually a bit too snug in the holster specifically designed for it.)

I find the PCR more accurate, easier to carry, and just as reliable as the P228 which has been sitting in the safe pretty much since I bought the PCR. Plus I find the control layout on the PCR more intuitive for me, although I got used to the Sig's pretty quickly.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I suspect you might like my "GRAY GUNS" 228 at least as well as your P-01. It has an unbelievable trigger and action. (I was going to have another SIG worked on by Gray Guns, recently, but they've got a four month waiting list, and I figured I probably spend the needed money before they got to me...)

All that said, the used GG P-228 cost almost TWICE what a used P-01 would cost, even if I later had it tuned by the CZ Custom Shop... So the "value" argument isn't great. It is, however, a very sweet gun.

 

[Pilot]

I've heard great things about Gray Gun's work. Glad you like yours. Sigs are wonderful pistols also. I just find the CZ's fit me better. The Sigs do inspire confidence though.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If I ever stumble across a used PCR with a slick trigger ...

You can't have mine. But the DA pull on mine is short and smooth. I have always had difficulty with the long reach and stroke of the SIG. The SA could use a bit of work, though. It has quite a bit of "creep," during which the hammer actually moves to the rear a little bit before releasing. This is known as "hammer camming," i.e., a very positive sear/hammer engagement. I have never done anything with it, though.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I have always had difficulty with the long reach and stroke of the SIG.

A legitimate concern. Less of a problem with mine, which has had the Gray Guns Reduced Reset Comprehensive Duty Package (RRCDP) work done. Gray Guns describes this as:

...our flagship package for carry or home defense pistols. Our gunsmiths go through the gun and polish every bearing surface to make the trigger pulls (DA & SA) as smooth as possible. The reset is reduced as much as possible for a carry gun. We also pay special attention to the magazine release, decocker, slide lock lever and the action of the slide on the frame to assure your gun leaves here running like a Swiss watch. In essence, we take the additional time needed to go through and make your pistol as perfect as it’s possible to be. This is our top grade defensive pistol package.​

I have an X-Five in .40 that I just cant get comfortable with, and I may -- eventually -- have them do similar work to it (it's SA only.)

The RRCDP work does make a big difference.

You could have similar trigger smoothing work done by the CZ Custom Shop for a lot less money. The guy I bought the SIG from spent an extra $500 upgrading the gun, which included Heine night sights.


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