PCR for CCW - Chime In Please

[TX Expat]

Ok, I'll give you a brief synopsis, then ask for thoughts...

I currently carry an XD subcompact .40 as my main and only CCW weapon. I've been carrying this same setup for a couple of years now. The more mental and physical training I'm exposing myself to has me reconsidering pretty much everything I'm doing, so I'm evaluating the PCR as my new CCW pistol.

In order, here are the things I'm considering a negative on my current setup:

1. Caliber (.40)
2. Capacity (9+1)
2. External safeties
3. Weight (26 oz. with empty mag)

What I'm looking for is any and all feedback from you guys that are out there carrying the PCR as your EDC weapon. Anything, good or bad. What you like, don't like; all that stuff.

I love shooting my 75 BD, so from that standpoint, looking at another CZ seems like a no-brainer, but while I'm all for buying guns, I don't want to invest in one of these and then have one of those "really wish I would have thought about that first" type of moments.

The only other pistol I'm currently considering is a G19, and if I didn't have some concerns about reloads and kBs, I probably wouldn't look any further. I'm certainly no Glock fanboy, but I accept that other than this one issue, it's pretty close to 'perfect' for a self defense weapon. However do I reload and I shoot a lot; most of my shooting is focused on my carry weapon, so I have some concern that the unsupported barrel on the Glock will end up costing me a firearm (and a pair of pants!).

If you happen to have both, please feel free to compare away, but any insight into carrying the PCR will be a great help to me!

[AZ_CZ]

Carry what you shoot the best is my advice. That's why I carry a PCR. I have a G23 (the 19 in 40SW) and they are great guns, but for me the PCR is the better gun. The biggest problem with a PCR - too fun to shoot = high ammo cost. So get a Kadet too. Getting a good holster use to be a problem but not any more; there are plenty of great holsters to be found. Can't think of any other downsides to it.

[Pynckone]

Double ditto AZ_CZ, except I have a P-01 and PCR.

I shoot the PCR better at all distances so that is my carry gun.  Kadet kit rides mostly on P-01 frame these days.

[larryflew]

Only reason I would not carry my PCR is the fact that the other guns in my carry rotation are safety guns, not decockers.  Other than that the PCR would be perfect.

[gdkenoyer]

... I have a P-01 and PCR.

I shoot the PCR better at all distances so that is my carry gun. ...

Interesting - most seem to feel that the P-01 and the PCR are basically the same gun but for the front rail.  tho I have seem the opinion that the lack of the rail makes the PCR the better CCW (easier to holster).

Do you have any explanation for why the PCR shoots better (for you)?

[TX Expat]

Only reason I would not carry my PCR is the fact that the other guns in my carry rotation are safety guns, not decockers.  Other than that the PCR would be perfect.

Well that particular issue is one of the reasons I'm considering the PCR. I don't want any safeties to deal with. Heck, I'm moving away from the XD platform simply because the grip safety is more mechanical safety than I want. I'm not saying one is right or wrong for anyone else but myself, though.

[drummerboy]

I have a PRO-TEK1. I think it is the perfect EDC.

[joemonday]

I carry a PCR and I love it.  Nothing else even interests me as an alternative.  I also have a 75 BD Police that I really like.  Both are equally accurate, fun to shoot and reliable. I sold all of my other pistols.   Now looking at rifles.

[Ross7]

My PCR has been my usual EDC for several years now. I specifically wanted a decocker for a carry gun, and I didn't need a rail. The PCR feels like it gives me big gun 9mm performance while carrying comfortably and without the felt recoil of a lighter weight 9mm.

I understand Larry's reasoning in not wanting to have differing "manual of arms" in his carry guns, it makes good sense. My other sometimes carry guns operate similar to the PCR.

[Pynckone]

@gdkenoyer

It may be the sights that makes me consistently shoot better with the PCR, but they are so similar I doubt it.  Have no other thing to guess at but from the day I had both, the PCR grouped better!  Go figure??

[kyredneck]

Hands down the BEST EDC I have ever owned!! I think I shoot the gun well because it seems the gun just fits your hand so perfect, my friends that handle my PCR also say how natural the gun feels and points. I was carrying Glocks until I felt a PCR,,,, end of story,,, all Glocks are sold. I was never a 9mm fan until the PCR,, but there are soooo many ammo choices now it's not a problem for me to choose,, Federal HST 147gr. non +P,,, AWESOME SD stuff and my gun loves it $30 bx. of 50 !!! WOW !! Not what I've been use to since paying $50 box of 50. The only changes I made too mine were the grips because the factory rubber ones are WAAAAY to sticky for EDC and the magazine base-plates,, changed them out to Beretta hard-rubber plates so my pinky will have a rest. Now the gun is PERFECT!!   

[TX Expat]

Will basically any holster for a 75b compact fit the PCR?

[Sancho]

Carry what you shoot the best is my advice. That's why I carry a PCR. I have a G23 (the 19 in 40SW) and they are great guns, but for me the PCR is the better gun. The biggest problem with a PCR - too fun to shoot = high ammo cost. So get a Kadet too. Getting a good holster use to be a problem but not any more; there are plenty of great holsters to be found. Can't think of any other downsides to it.

I agree too.

I rotate the PCR with a P-07 though.
I carried the PCR only until I found a nice holster for the P-07.
Maybe I just like decockers?

Sancho

[ThunderOne]

I am also wondering about holsters.  The list in the sticky is not all that comprehensive..

[jack76590]

Nice to carry a gun you like to shoot. Sort of guarantees you will be good with your carry gun. And that is big plus with me  - I like to shoot the PCR. Do wish the single action trigger would be a bit less creepy, however. But it seem to be working in or maybe I am also getting used to the creep.

But the grips are great for me and it seems that is true for a larger portion of shooters than almost any other pistol out there. I did put on the thin Aluminum CZ custom grips, but not bad for me with factory grips.

Meprolight sights are not very expensive, easy to install and provide good traditional sight picture. And stock sights are good as well.

I especially like position of controls on PCR. Like slide release lever in same position as is case with 1911. Never could get used to Sig controls, just seem reverse for me and alway hitting Sig decocker, when wanted to release slide.

I don't like PCR lanyard ring as it interferes with insertion of mag, but a dremel and 10 minutes takes care of that problem.

Mecgar mags which I think are factory mags are reliable, available and cheap. I like to have lots of mags.

My favorite holster is the Kramer #3 IWB and it is available for PCR. Conceals as well as a compact glock (G19).

And the gun has never jammed in over 2K rounds and is more accurate than I am. And it balances and points well for me. Also shoot well one handed, which is not true of other pistols for me at least.

What is not to like.