New PCR Pro-Package Decocker installation Question

[b_rad2cool]

Let me start by saying my PCR is the first and only handgun I’ve ever purchased. Went to a local range with my son and have always rented a Glock or Beritta.  Over the summer I rented a Glock 19. It kept jamming and the range dude kept messing with it to figure out why it was happening. He finally pulled out his personal carry a CZ PCR and loaned it to us. OMG right off the bat my shooting improved 100%. Had to have one! Never ever heard of CZ before then.

Moving forward, I purchased a PCR in August and have not made it to the range to shoot it but right out of the box I have noticed that it is incredibly hard to cock the gun and the decocker lever takes a lot of pressure to push it down for the safety. So out of the box it wasn’t the same gun so it seemed. I have been a little disappointed but not defeated knowing I still needed to break the gun in.

Last night I finally made it to the range and the range dude was working. I found out that he had installed the Pro-Package and did some internal polishing. He didn’t have time for small talk but He recommended dry firing the gun with an O-ring over the firing pin and told me what I needed to buy from CGW.. I feel better about the gun knowing the problem can be corrected but it’s becoming an expensive gun fast.

Here’s the Question:
I’m somewhat mechanically inclined. The only thing I was going to get a gunsmith to do is install the new sights..
Is there any reason not knowing anything about disassembly of a handgun that I should worry about given the excellent videos found on this forum?  Or should I take the gun and have a gunsmith completely disassemble and reassemble for me After I do the polishing? Any pros or cons concerning the dry firing? Really concerned about how much muscle it takes to cock the gun. Sadly I’m pretty sure my wife couldn’t cock the gun out of the box.

Today I ordered the Kit and extra springs, punch etc.  The range dude did point out that he had not decided on sights and his PCR still had factory sights.

[Meechy7648]

My Rami BD was the first gun I'd ever worked on. My challenge was that the seat cash pieces were so bleep tiny and I have huge fingers. I took my time and worked it out over a few nights. A lot of cursing, lessons learned, and pride in doing it myself and it worked perfectly the first time. I'd recommend the videos and your giving it a shot. With the polishing, be very careful and go very slow. Everything doesn't need to be mirror smooth. Once you take off too much metal you can't put it back.

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[jurek]

If you feel comfortable doing  some gunsmith work on your pistol - nothing to worry about. Start with watching videos (YouTube, CGW Tutorials) to know everything about the gun, so during your job you won't miss anything. (especially non Omega action)
Dry Firing Pros / Cons ? Mostly Pros. You make your shooting behavior natural (no surprises during live fire), you learn proper stand, grip, finger discipline. Cons: you wear the gun... but you do it anyway during live fire... it's just a tool, so in my opinion there is no"cons". Just remember to use O-ring, snap-cap or laser cartridge during dry fire (do not let firing pin hit empty space in chamber)
Polishing - be very, very careful... Perhaps  install Pro-Package first then do polishing if needed.

[Tok36]

   In the end only you can decide if you want to do the work your self. Study the available guides, acquire the needed parts and tools, approach the task with patience and do not be in a hurry. Working on a CZ decocker model for the first time can be a challenge but it can also be allot of fun and give you a better understanding of the mechanics of the pistol. It is not for everyone but i sure enjoy it. In the worst case scenario you can still send it in or take in to a gunsmith for assistance if the instillation process goes sideways.

   There are things to be gained from shooting the pistol in stock configuration. Not only will it improve significantly from breaking in (500-1000 rounds) but it can allow for a better appreciation of your future tuning upgrades. Once the tuning is done it is likely that it will require less effort on your part to make the same shots.

   As to the trouble racking the slide. Reducing and hammer and recoil spring weight can make racking the slide easier. Manually cocking the hammer before racking can also ease things up. Pulling the pistol in closer to ones chest and using the leverage from both hands pushing in opposite directions can make things easier as well.

[anonymouscuban]

I agree with Tok. I think you should shoot the gun stock for a bit. At most, replace the hammer spring and recoil spring.

That said, you should be fine doing the full install. I would skip the polishing. The Pro package comes with a polished sear, hammer and trigger. The benefits of polishing the other stuff is going to be marginal. Probably unperceptible to you. And the action will polish itself with use.

Two things to look out for when doing the install.

One, make sure to remove the sear cage retaining pin from right to left. That is, the pin should come out of the left side of the frame with the barrel facing away from you. Put it back in from right to left. Important or you'll widen the right side hole in the frame and the pin will walk out while shooting.

Two, be very careful when you take apart the seat. It has a tiny spring. The lifter arm spring. It will fly out and disappear into the ether. Much like socks in a dryer. Also be careful when putting the sear back together. Again, the spring gets lost easy. And it's easy to break. Always good idea to order a few replacements to have on hand for when you lose or break one. Trust me on this.

Good luck and take your time. If you run I to questions, post them here. Always someone ready to help.

 

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[ah3]

I agree with Tok. I think you should shoot the gun stock for a bit. At most, replace the hammer spring and recoil spring.

That said, you should be fine doing the full install. I would skip the polishing. The Pro package comes with a polished sear, hammer and trigger. The benefits of polishing the other stuff is going to be marginal. Probably unperceptible to you. And the action will polish itself with use.

Two things to look out for when doing the install.

One, make sure to remove the sear cage retaining pin from right to left. That is, the pin should come out of the left side of the frame with the barrel facing away from you. Put it back in from right to left. Important or you'll widen the right side hole in the frame and the pin will walk out while shooting.

Two, be very careful when you take apart the seat. It has a tiny spring. The lifter arm spring. It will fly out and disappear into the ether. Much like socks in a dryer. Also be careful when putting the sear back together. Again, the spring gets lost easy. And it's easy to break. Always good idea to order a few replacements to have on hand for when you lose or break one. Trust me on this.

Good luck and take your time. If you run I to questions, post them here. Always someone ready to help.

 

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Regarding polishing and it being a new pistol, I agree with your comments except one part.  The area of the hammer strut that rides inside the hammer spring could very likely need some work.  Picked up a PCR somewhat recently and the hammer strut was extremely rough and bumpy.  You could really feel it through the trigger pull.

[jurek]

Regarding polishing and it being a new pistol, I agree with your comments except one part.  The area of the hammer strut that rides inside the hammer spring could very likely need some work.  Picked up a PCR somewhat recently and the hammer strut was extremely rough and bumpy.  You could really feel it through the trigger pull.

Polishing hammer strut's part which rides inside the spring will not harm the gun. If you just polish (do not remove material) it definitely helps. And it's one of the easiest jobs you can do to improve gun's functionality.

[CZShooterP01]

1. Shoot 1,000 rounds or more to loosen things up.

2. Strongly suggest replacing the hammer spring with a lighter one and the firing pin with the extended one from CGW. These are easy DIY fixes for cheap.

3. Shoot another 1,000 rounds

4. If you're going to get in to the sear cage and start replacing parts with CGW or CZC drop-ins, invest in the right punches and other tools. YouTube, whiskey, and patience are your friends. Decocker sear assemblies are a bear! I've done more than a few and I still get in to trouble at times.

5. Wheeler makes a sight pusher that's pretty inexpensive. It's saved me tons of money and time for sight replacements over the last couple of years.

6. Enjoy your CZ addiction.

[jurek]

YouTube, whiskey, and patience are your friends.

 
I love "whiskey" friend option  I will probably use this liquid to fight Ballistoil scent. 

[Gunnerdad80]

1. Shoot 1,000 rounds or more to loosen things up.

2. Strongly suggest replacing the hammer spring with a lighter one and the firing pin with the extended one from CGW. These are easy DIY fixes for cheap.

3. Shoot another 1,000 rounds

4. If you're going to get in to the sear cage and start replacing parts with CGW or CZC drop-ins, invest in the right punches and other tools. YouTube, whiskey, and patience are your friends. Decocker sear assemblies are a bear! I've done more than a few and I still get in to trouble at times.

5. Wheeler makes a sight pusher that's pretty inexpensive. It's saved me tons of money and time for sight replacements over the last couple of years.

6. Enjoy your CZ addiction.

I’m mechanically inclined too but had never really messed with guns until the last year or so. Site removal and installation/fitting is pretty strait forward. I also have a Wheeler brand tool. DO NOT go too cheap on a site tool though, you will damage things. I’m a whiskey guy too, just don’t drink too much and tool on guns at the same time. 

[TNman]

CZ pistols can be difficult break down completely because of how many of the parts connect with each other. I am not anything near the gunsmith level, but have upgraded several CZ pistols.

I then learned it was easy to install small things like triggers, springs, etc. I also learned if you are installing a pro package in a PCR or RAMI that it's best to send it to CGW. But that's just me.

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