Need help in wheighing pros and cons and CZ PCR/Compact D vs. Springfield Armory XD9

[Telesway]

Hello all,

I'm currently in the situation of having to decide over a couple of days which gun to get. I have the permit for my very first handgun sitting next to my laptop and here's what I'm working on:

I've shot a CZ 75B and it felt great in my hand. Pointed naturally and even though it was a rent gun I fired it better than my friend's well-kept Walther P99 (which didn't fit my hand well).

Just yesterday I visited the gun shop that sells the XD's here and tried the XD9 (dry fire, never shot it with actual live ammo). It felt really nice in my hand and seemed to point naturally as well but, as I am a complete gun newbie, I can't tell for sure.

No renting range (well, there's only one) has the XD9 nor the CZ PCR.

The PCR resides half a country away (say, 250 miles or so) and the gun shop guy won't order it unless I agree to buy it as well since he says decocker models don't sell as well: might've ordered a regular CZ Compact and let me then decide which to get, it or the XD9 but not so with the PCR.

So basically all the info I have is that both seem very good guns, probably will be satisfied with thatever I choose BUT:
I have shot the CZ75 B, full size, steel frame. Never even HELD or SEEN the PCR save in pictures. I HAVE held the XD9 but have NOT shot it.

This will probably be my only gun for a long time since I'm on a student budget and it should also be suitable for CCW purposes.

From what I've gathered the size differences are these:
The PCR has a slightly shorter grip but it's also slightly wider/thicker. The XD9 has more bulk in its slide, right?

They weigh about the same, the XD9 can hold a couple more rounds and is considered a full-size pistol.

Those of you who know Glocks: is the XD9 an equivalent of the G17 or the G19?

This gun would ride with me to office work, jogs in the park even during hot summer days, to shops etc. I sweat easily and a few months of the year are very cold here (-25 Celsius or -13 Fahrenheit, sometimes even colder) and when visiting my wife's parents we often go on wilderness walks that can last for several hours in the cold.

It's easier to find holsters and extra mags for the XD9 here, I would have to order the PCR holsters and mags from abroad since the local gunshops don't carry anything CZ on them if it doesn't say "Kadet .22" or "PS-01 Shadow" on it...

Oh, and price is a factor: the XD9 and holster would leave the shop for about $900,00 (I know, steep, but that's CHEAP in this country) whilst the CZ PCR costs $1100,00. Oh, and I would change the grips on the CZ for thinner wood grips because I have small hands. The XD9 felt nice as is in the shop. So the wood grips add an extra $100 to the price, shipped, of course.

I've heard that a few people have had failures with the CZ magazines and have had to change the mag springs. Any similiar problems with the XD)

And please, even just for the heck of it, please say which gun you would choose and why? I know I'm choosing between two great handguns but still, I have to choose just one so I'm in a pinch.

So, CZ PCR/Compact D or Springfield Armory XD9?

Oh, and in here the XD9 goes by its original name, HS9, and spare parts are more readily available for it than for the XD-model although it's the same exact gun, just doesn't say XD on it.

Best regards all,
Chris

 

[DirksterG30]

Chris,

I would definitely get the PCR. For me, the PCR/P-01 have far better ergonomics than the XD (or most other pistols, for that matter). One thing I dislike about most polymer-framed guns is the balance. As the magazine in the gun empties during firing, the gun becomes more top-heavy.

My wife has the PCR, and I have the P-01, the PCR's successor in the Czech Republic. We trust both guns to defend our lives daily, and both have been 100% reliable.

Compared to the CZ-75B, the PCR has a shorter barrel, a decocker instead of a safety, and an aluminum frame. The lighter weight will make the PCR easier to carry, but the recoil will be a little more.

Since you shot the 75B, I'm curious why you chose the PCR rather than the 75 Compact? Is it because the PCR has the aluminum frame?

As for CZ's and springs, I have read of some people having issues with weak springs in CZ's, but there have never been any issues with the 3 CZ's my wife & I own or have owned.

Lastly, Chris, what country do you live in? What are the laws there regarding ownership & use of guns?

 

[Canuc Shooter]

I have a CZ75b and a XD9. it's always a toss up as to which one I use at the range. My solution is to shoot em both.

 

[Rushifell]

I do not have any experience with the PCR, however I have fired XD9SC models many times and I find that the recoil is quite light, capacity is quite acceptable, and I personally have great experience with it with regards to accuracy. If I had not gone with an XD .45 (which I did) I would have gone with the XD9SC.
I also own a Glock 19 and a S&W M&P360 .357mag revolver, I really like the XD9SC, but I got my G19 used for $325. I have yet to even see a used XD9SC. The XD would be a good choice IMO, but not having fired the other I cannot really say take it over that one for X reason. However you did state that finding accessories etc was easier for the XD in your area, which might help sway the decision..

 

[Lucky Strike]

well i can't really give you an opinions on the CZ since I've never shot one but I do own an XD SC9 that I use for CCW.

It was my first gun and it's great....no complaints.

That $300 difference could buy a lot of ammo for practicing

 

[bikerdoc]

wrote a post about this in jan - was torn between spring field m&p and glock 26 - went to the gun show and held a CZ 75 Compact fell in love carried it ever since about 900 rounds no problems - just my .02 handle some more guns

 

[Rayden]

I don't own the PCR but I do own a P-01 and the XD-9 sub compact. I shoot the XD better and am more accurate with it than my other pistols.

As for reliability, I feel like they both won't let me down at all. If you can get the XD sub compact instead of the service model, I would probably go with the XD.

 

[DougDubya]

The PCR, with its decocker, means it has a MUCH longer trigger pull. If you can handle it, then the PCR is for you, 'cuz CZ compact grips are these gorgeous little hourglass shapes that just tuck into a hand.

If you can't reach the trigger in DA mode, then the XD-9 is a very serviceable, reliable, and almost as comfortable as a CZ. It literally is a Browning Hi-Power grip frame with a grip safety lever. It all depends on your trigger finger.

 

[Telesway]

I decided to get the XD since my current monetary situation is a bit tight and the gun felt very nice in my hand and since both guns probably do what I need them to do (work reliably with atleast decent accuracy) I'll go for the one I've actually held in my hand and it's cheaper to boot (I get a new holster, an extra mag and 200 rounds of ammo and it's still cheaper than just the PCR alone).

If, however, I ever decide I need another gun, I'll have time to save money for it since here it's a royal PITA to get your first gun permit but after establishing your position as a shooter the other permits come easy.

So thanks for the input everyone, I'll post a review of sorts (more like first impressions, probably) when I have managed to fire atleast a couple of hundred rounds.

 

[Elvishead]

I shoot the CZ75 way better than XD9's

 

[Pilot]

the gun shop guy won't order it unless I agree to buy it as well since he says decocker models don't sell as well: might've ordered a regular CZ Compact and let me then decide which to get, it or the XD9 but not so with the PCR.

The decocker versions like the PCR and P-01 are among CZ's best sellers. Gun shop guys aren't always the ones to believe nor trust.

The CZ-75D PCR is one of my favorite 9MM pistols and my daily carry. Its light, slim for a double stack, reliable and accurate. It also fits my hand very well.

 

[Telesway]

The decocker versions like the PCR and P-01 are among CZ's best sellers. Gun shop guys aren't always the ones to believe nor trust.

You know that, I know that, and the Lord knows that but that's just in the wide world. Over here it's basically Glocks or race gun-ish CZ's (SP-01, Shadow) and 1911 (STI's etc). Everything else has to be specially ordered and the local gunshops are so small they don't really order "speciality guns" unless you agree to buy it. Suffice to say, the XD 9 Service model is the most compact gun I've seen in any local gunshop save for one 3" Kimber (full size grip though) which cost thrice as much. So when a gunshop guy says he won't order one without me having to pay for it I have to take his word because it's his call. Oh well, luckily it's not a compromise since both guns are good enough that it's up to me as a shooter to provide good results with it.