CZ PCR, all information welcome

[NG VI]

I have finally gotten a bid in on a PCR over at Auction Arms, I love my CZ 97B, but it is a different animal. Anyone who has or has shot a PCR before, please sound off about them. I want objective, subjective, and biased information. Not picky. What bullet weight/styles did they like? How does the recoil compare to other guns (specifically the USP 40, Sigma 9VE, Glock 27, and 97B)? What alterations have you all done to yours? Who uses the SS guiderods? should I buy an increased power spring, since it will be my carry pistol and will see a decent amount of +P?


Thanks,

NG VI

 

[lanternlad1]

I had the P-01, which is the same gun, with a light rail. Recoil is fine, gun is very accurate. DOES NOT LIKE ALUM. AMMO. Had no problems with any other type of ammo. The P-01 (and by extension, the PCR) is rated for 30,000 +p+ rounds with included guide rod and spring.

 

[JRG]

The only alterations I've done to date are SS guide rod and polished barrel, both done as eye candy....I have about 300 rounds through mine without a single malfunction of any type. For the range I have been using WWB from Wal-Mart and for carry SD Winchester 147GR JHP.
The trigger is improving with each series of range trips, I'm 'thinking' about trying the DIY trigger job, it is posted with pictures on the CZ-USA forum site.
My next purchase is the RAMI...

 

[Seven High]

I presently own a PCR. It does not like Remington UMC rounds. I get numerous failure to feed problems. I believe that it is the fault of the ammunition as the PCR feeds other brands without problem. The trigger is very curvy. It has a tendency to irritate my trigger finger after firing in excess of 50 rounds. The trigger can be changed out for a straighter trigger for additional cost by CZ USA.

 

[JRG]

I agree with Seven High regarding the trigger, also the serrated trigger is for me, both good and bad, it irritates my finger a little but a couple of times I've been shooting when my hands are either wet or sweaty and the serrations seemed to keep my finger from sliding around on the trigger......

 

[FEG]

What bullet weight/styles did they like?

124 gr loadings are the most accurate in 9mm CZs. It may or may not like 147 gr loads, depending on the ogive of the bullet. CZ chambers conform exactly to CIP specifications, so there is no extra room near the leade for the larger 147 gr loads to "cheat" into.

How does the recoil compare to other guns (specifically the USP 40, Sigma 9VE, Glock 27, and 97B)?

It's a 9mm. Recoil is very slight. It is a heavier pistol than the polymer models you name, and the PCR shoots a lot "smoother." If you like your 97B, recoil will be a non-issue.

What alterations have you all done to yours?

In general, I do not advise going hog wild on modifications at first. I have owned a grand total of about a dozen modern CZ pistols over the years, and I currently own six (excluding Dan Wesson). The most I have ever done to one was change the sights AND the grips. The PCR comes with WAY better sights than the average CZ 9mm, so that's a non issue.

The problem with modifying CZs is that usually people are trying to make an equipment fix on something that doesn't need it, or a factory model already had the desired features. For example, the vast majority of people who feel the need to hot-rod a 75B would have been better served by an 85 Combat from square one. Also, you will not see any return on your money should you sell the pistol. (It's hard to sell a used pistol when the brand new ones are still around $500.)

Who uses the SS guiderods?

Not me. You gain nothing by doing so in this model, and the issue delrin guide rod is much easier on the barrel shank, according to CZ-USA's chief gunsmith.

Should I buy an increased power spring, since it will be my carry pistol and will see a decent amount of +P?

You might pick one up to try, but I doubt it will be absolutely necessary. The OEM springs in a PCR or P-01 are quite strong, unlike the OEM springs on the 75 Compact. Go figure...

I would have several PCRs if they came with a manual safety like a 75/85 series pistol. That is the only real downside of the PCR. In terms of the overall features and price, I like the PCR better than the P-01. The 75 Compact has the manual safety, but it is almost as large and heavy as a full-sized 75B.

 

[everallm]

It's a CZ......what more do you need to know.....

Reliable AND addictive

If you like/love your 97 but want to try a move to the 9mm, I would heartily recommend trying out SP-01.

 

[kokapelli]

I have a PCR and a 75B. The PCR and the 75B have both been flawless with every kind of ammo I have used.

There is a significant increase in felt recoil in the PCR, compared to the 75B that I believe is caused by the alloy frame.

I prefer the 75B, but if the PCR were lost or stolen, I'd replace it. It's a fine pistol.

 

[kokapelli]

Double post!

 

[axeman_g]

PO1 owner here... I sold it because I am a lefty and the left side decocker was hard to activate. Carrying DA was not a problem for me. I never should have sold it. Mine loved S&B 115gr rounds... never had a problem with the gun. It was one of the best IDPA guns I ever used. very fast to swing, point and shoot. I will one day soon get another. Leave it stock... it needs nothing... maybe a set of grips from Omega Grips.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've written numerous posts in praise of mine.

 

[Gary G23]

I have to disagree with the notion that the PCR will have the same lifespan as the P-01. The P-01 uses a forged alloy frame. The PCR uses a cast alloy frame. It is inaccurate to say the PCR is the same gun as the P-01 without a light rail.

 

[NG VI]

I have to disagree with the notion that the PCR will have the same lifespan as the P-01. The P-01 uses a forged alloy frame. The PCR uses a cast alloy frame. It is inaccurate to say the PCR is the same gun as the P-01 without a light rail.

So there's a significant difference between the two? Maybe this is just cause to get a P-01 or SP-01 in the fall or winter. How big a deal is this? It will not deter me from buying the PCR, I love the shape of it, but it might help me decide on my next CZ. They really are addictive aren't they?

In terms of the overall features and price, I like the PCR better than the P-01. The 75 Compact has the manual safety, but it is almost as large and heavy as a full-sized 75B.

Compare and contrast, other than the hideous light rail?

Also the Compact specs on the CZ-USA website make it look like the 75 Compact is actually a hair smaller than the PCR in some aspects, including height.

Thanks for the input, I can't wait to get mine. My Sigma recoils far less than my G27, so if the PCR recoils even less than that than I think it will help me become a better shooter.

 

[lanternlad1]

To be on the safe side, I'd go for the P-01. The PCR is the official weapon of the Czech police, the P-01 is the official weapon of NATO.

 

[armoredman]

There's been a PCR in this house once or twice...





Yes, the PCRs are not the same one. They are very reliable accurate handguns, and I had zero troubles out of mine or the wifes. Mine loved 115gr Remington JHP over 8.8grains of AA#7, factory ammo was never good enough. But with good defensive ammo, all my CZ compacts over the years would very reliably strike the point of aim.
I had to sell my PCR some time ago, which I will always regret. Here is one target shot by that PCR that I kept a picture of. No new ones, camera is unavailable.



The light rail really is no hindrance whatsoever on the PO1, as it goes well into a CCW holster, as shown here..



Get one, get the other as a backup. Good solid guns, best bang for the buck I can think of, or, as this poster says....

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

It does have a few minor shortcomings. The biggest is that the SA trigger pull is pretty rough and "creepy." The protruding lip on the front of the flat metal magazine floorplates bit and dug into my little finger, and I replaced them with rubber-covered ones from CZ Custom. It has exhibited ammo sensitivity, with two failures to eject using Blazer aluminum and one with brass, but nothing else. These failures were difficult to clear, as well. The slide design makes it a little difficult to get a good grasp on sometimes. Now to the "pros."

I don't know of a slimmer (grip size and trigger reach) hammer-fired DA/SA pistol. It can be slimmed down even more with CZ's wooden grips, a set of which I've added to mine (also obtained from CZ Custom). The decocker system allows the trigger stroke to start from the hammer at approximately one-third-cock; the DA pull is short and smooth. As long as you're right-handed, the decocking lever operation is very slick, with the lever placed so you don't have to shift your grip. It has given me nearly "one-hole" accuracy, the SA pull notwithstanding. It is light in weight and easy to carry, but the recoil is no worse (or better) than any other 9mm pistol of its size. If you can't find a holster, a leather one made for the SIG P228/229 works well.

 

[Pilot]

I own over 25 semi-auto pistols from many fine makers like HK, Sig, Beretta, Browning, Springfield, Ruger, Mauser, and CZ. What do I carry daily and take to the range every time? A CZ-75D PCR. For me,its the best balance of accuracy, capacity, concealability, reliability and aesthetics.

 

[FEG]

So there's a significant difference between the two?

Not really. The P-01 is basically an "improved" PCR. The metallurgy isn't that different. In theory, there is a big difference. In practice, I don't think it will ever show up. The lowest round count that I have ever heard of or seen for a CZ frame failure was approximately 50K +P rounds fired.

Compare and contrast, other than the hideous light rail?

Also the Compact specs on the CZ-USA website make it look like the 75 Compact is actually a hair smaller than the PCR in some aspects, including height.

The Novak sights account for the height difference, and they are the most important feature on a PCR (to my mind). This model was crazy popular about 8-10 years ago when getting Novak sights installed on a CZ was a major undertaking.

The 75 Compact is a good pistol, but I constantly compared it to a full-sized model, not the other compacts. It is just heavy enough that I felt like I didn't gain a big advantage over a full sized 75. The Compact isn't that much heavier than a PCR on paper, but it is a significant difference in daily carry.

 

[boogalou]

My PCR is my primary carry gun with some Hakan Pek grips and a 18# recoil spring. AFAIR, it has been 100% reliable. I'm not as accurate with it as a CZ75, but that's probably due to it's smaller dimensions, and the longer sight radius of the full-size CZ's. I'm not a big fan of the de-cocker function or the curved trigger, but it's a very comfortable gun to carry around all day.