Which CZ Compact to Buy?

[salsa]

So I've had my full size CZ75 BD 9mm for about 6 weeks and, except for the sights (which are not the best for my almost 60 year old eyes), love pretty much everything about it - especially the very little recoil.  I'm very interested in getting a compact CZ.  I like the decocker on my full size one and would like to stay with basically the same gun except smaller.  Problem is that according to the CZ website, the steel compact CZ does not come with a decocker - only the alloy ones do.  So I'm trying to decide (a) whether the alloy will have significantly more recoil than the steel (I've shot a friends alloy compact Glock and have had more than enough after 50 rds - I'll usually shoot 150 to 200 with my full size CZ); (b) if so whether I should consider the non-decocker compact steel model; and (c) if not, whether I should go for the CZP-01 or the CZ 75 D PCR - both alloy models with decockers.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

[Towns]

It would sure be nice to try one first, but...............

I have the steel CZ 75 BD and an aluminum alloy P-01.  And I really can't tell a huge difference.  The P-01 handles very well.  Recoil is nice. 

[Birds Away]

I can only tell you my personal experience.  I started with the all steel compact.  I decided I wanted to try one of the lighter ones for carry.  I bought a PCR and put all of the Cajun Gun Works goodies into it.  I ended up selling it at a slight loss.  The shooting experience was completely different to the point that I just didn't enjoy shooting it.  Now, call me crazy because I own and love an alloy frame RAMI and a polymer frame Phantom.  For some reason I just did not enjoy the PCR.  That usually doesn't happen with CZs and I.

[Hurryin Hoosier]

All I can tell you is that it would be hard for me to imagine a pistol which shoots as well and fits my hand as comfortably as my CZ 75 Compact. (The only thing which comes close is my vz.82!)

[gdawgs56]

Also, aren't all Glocks polymer? The alloy framed CZ P01/PCR will have significantly less felt recoil than the glocks.


-Jason

[Firemanjones]

I have a 75 BD, PCR & P-01. I like shooting them all but the full size is my target gun and zeros in better. The compacts are in my carry rotation along with the RAMI & P-07.  The 75 BD is fully Cajunized (springs, hammer, firing pin short reset and 85C trigger)while the compacts are only partial (springs, firing pin, hammer).  Oh the PCR has an 85C trigger also. I have never shot the all steel compact, but like you, I want the decocker.
The sights are about the same on all three, small. I'm 59 and wear glasses, so I see the sights without any problem. The only differences between the PCR & P-01 are the rail and the sight radius is a bit longer on the P-01. When it comes to the compacts, I like the look of the PCR better but I guess they shoot the same to me.

[Sancho]

It would sure be nice to try one first, but...............

I have the steel CZ 75 BD and an aluminum alloy P-01.  And I really can't tell a huge difference.  The P-01 handles very well.  Recoil is nice.

Agree.  And that is a good point too.
I carry a PCR but target/practice with the 75B.

Sancho

[Pynckone]

My full size CZ is an SP-01. I love the compact form factor and have all three: P-01, 75D, and 75C.  Get the 75D/PCR and you will be happy.

My brother has a 75BD and a 75D.  He says he shoots the compact a bit better.

I am 70 and he is a youngster at 61.

[salsa]

Thank you all for your replies.  I'd love to try them both out (75 D/PCR and SP-01), but the range I go to doesn't carry CZ.  I'll check with some other ranges.  Also, I haven't found any PCRs for sale, only SP-01s (Davidson's and one LGS) - so that may limit my choice.  Wish I liked Glocks or wanted to spend the money on a Sig - plenty of those around.

[GRB5111]

I have a CZ 75B, P-09, and a P-01 and had them all out to the range yesterday. Comparing the full-sized 75B and P-09 to the P-01 in terms of recoil goes as follows:
1) 75B is very controllable (will be similar to your 75BD) and once you shoot it long enough, you don't think about the recoil
2) P-09 recoil is almost nothing. This pistol is the least among all my handguns in terms of felt recoil.
3) P-01 recoil is very easily managed, and I can rapid fire and get it back on target quickly. The difference in terms of recoil between the P-01 and 75B is very minor.

If you're relatively new to CZs or to shooting in general, you'll notice after you have a good number of range sessions under your belt, that you'll become much better at managing recoil to the point where you won't even be aware of it. You might be better off determining other features of a CZ compact you favor and not let recoil be one of the factors in your final decision. As you shoot and become one with a pistol, recoil becomes one of those things you manage subconsciously and no longer think about, unless you're shooting a Casull .454 or a S&W .460!

[salsa]

So after finding out that getting a 75 D PCR in CA would be very difficult (unless I find a used one) - I was able to find a P-01 and decided to buy it.  Pick it up in 10 days.  Looking forward to getting it to the range.  Again, thanks for the replies and advice.

[viking499]

So after finding out that getting a 75 D PCR in CA would be very difficult (unless I find a used one) - I was able to find a P-01 and decided to buy it.  Pick it up in 10 days.  Looking forward to getting it to the range.  Again, thanks for the replies and advice.

Why so difficult to get the PCR in CA?

[redlion]

So after finding out that getting a 75 D PCR in CA would be very difficult (unless I find a used one) - I was able to find a P-01 and decided to buy it.  Pick it up in 10 days.  Looking forward to getting it to the range.  Again, thanks for the replies and advice.

Why so difficult to get the PCR in CA?

CA follows a state mandated roster of handguns legal for sale to the civilian market. PCR is not on that list and a lot more other guns.

[viking499]

Ok.  I thought the PCR was already on the list. 

Was it ever?  If so, when removed?

[redlion]

The list constantly change. One day you see it, one day you don't.  When was it listed? No idea