[FIREARM REVIEW] CZ-75D PCR Compact 9mm

The PCR in CZ-75D PCR stands for “Police Czech Republic” because it was designed to suit the needs of Czech police officers.  And it certainly appears to have been designed well for that purpose.  With a barrel length of 3.8″ – it’s significantly shorter than the full-size CZ-75B.  And with a standard magazine capacity of 14+1 rounds of 9mm, it definitely holds enough rounds to be a stand-up and fight type of concealed carry firearm.

One of the big features I dug about this pistol is it’s rubber grips, which help keep it positioned well in the pommel of the hand.  The CZ-75D PCR is SA/DA with a decocker – ideal for re-holstering and seamless transition between shots.

Chambered in 9x19mm Luger, it’s large enough to correctly compensate for recoil while compact enough to be an everyday carry.

CZ-75D PCR Bonuses And Drawbacks

The biggest drawback on this pistol, that I’ve seen, has to be it’s cumbersome shape for inside the waistband holster storage.  As an everyday carry option, I’ve commonly used it in an Alien Gear Clock Tuck 3.0.  That holster has had the greatest success in keeping the pistol flush and streamlined in the 3 o’clock position.

The CZ-75D PCR is not a pistol I would commonly store in the appendix carry (2 o’clock) position or the standard 4 o’clock.  It’s very firmly a 3 o’clock pistol.  This means that without a jacket covering it, it’s going to be easy to spot for a seasoned eye.  Heck, maybe even not a seasoned eye.  Now, if you’re a larger or taller person, this pistol will probably work great with your frame.  I’m shorter and stockier, so I can reasonably situate it so it blends decent enough – but I’m definitely more self-conscious when I’m carrying this than, say, my Walther PPS.

The reason why I like the CZ-75D PCR is it’s functionality.  I completely trust this pistol to repeatedly put rounds on target.  I’ve fired it extensively at this point and have developed a greater trust for its function than I have for the M&P Shield .40 S&W.

Also, if you’re unfamiliar with the CZ series, disassembly can take some getting used to.  I wrote an article awhile back detailing my experiences with disassembling my CZ-75D PCR.  Some CZ-75 variants are easier to disassemble than others.  Personally, the slide stop does not come out with a simple push of a finger once the upper receiver is aligned with the bottom receiver “tick mark”.  Sounds confusing?  It can be.  Mine is too stiff for a finger push so I have to apply pressure with a piece of plastic or other soft surface to get it out for operator-level maintenance.  Apparently, this is common to some models.  It’s not prohibitive in any way – at least in any way I’ve found thus far.  So disassembly can take some getting used to.

CZ-75D PCR Pistol – 9mm

MSRP: $599

For the price point, it’s certainly a concealed carry pistol which holds all the characteristics of a cold-weather everyday carry.  Reliable, robust, and built to last with an all-steel frame, it’s heavier than polymer archetypes like the Glock 19 but definitely a great competitor to the Beretta 92f.

Rated out of 5 possible points – 3 being industry standard.

• Concealability: 3.6
• Recoil: 4.9
• Reliability: 4.9
• Magazine Capacity: 4.9 (Standard)
• Breakdown: 2.8
• Price: 4.9
• Overall: 4.5/5.0 (A-)

While pistols generally come and go with changing tastes, I firmly believe the CZ-75D PCR will remain in my arsenal for many years to come.  It’s proven itself to be a reliable, well-balanced SA/DA pistol suitable enough for my concealed carry habits.