CZ75 PCR vs. CZ75 P-01

Many people seem to ask on forums about differences between these two models (both designated as "CZ 75 D Compact" in Europe, which causes further confusion), but answers usually focus on the accessory rail introduced in P-01 model.

Casual observer will see this difference at first glance. After closer examination (s)he will probably notice that P-01 frame is also longer and somehow bulkier, and that they have different trigger shape. 

But there are way more differences than that - slim profile slide release and decocker on P-01, slightly longer barrel on PCR etc. 

I couldn't find detailed comparison anywhere (not to mention detailed photos), so I decided to make it myself. I hope you will find it useful.

Click on pictures for larger resolution photos.

TOP VIEW:

• The P-01 is clearly bulkier from that perspective, which will be explained later;
• PCR has the loaded chamber indicator; 
• P-01 rear sight is mounted with an additional pin.

TRIGGER GUARD AREA:

• Different trigger shape, more curved on P-01 (PCR trigger is also a little wider);
• P-01 has bigger mag release button, so it's easier to reach;
• P-01 frame gets wider above the grips (see green-marked area), which leads to next two visual differences marked on above photo. It also contributes to increased bulk seen on previous photo.
  
  

GRIP AREA:

• PCR grip seems clearly wider (both grip panels are identical), but I didn't feel the difference;
• Slightly different beavertail;
• From factory PCR had plastic grip panels that I've replaced with rubber ones.Despite of better friction of rubber I did like plastic ones better for some reason.

  

BOTTOM:

• Different factory mags. P-01 mags really make the difference in a comfort of the grip. The mags are interchangeable, but only P-01 will fit additional +2 mods - PCR grip is a hair too long for that (though you can probably polish it off that much);
• P-01 has lanyard ring;
• P-01 magazine well is beveled.

MANIPULATORS:

• P-01 decocker and slide release have a slimmer profile, less likely to snag on clothes. SLide release is also a bit longer and easier to reach. Hovewer, I find PCR decocker more comfortable to use.
• Slide release (which is also a disassembly pin) is not interchangeable. I'm not sure about decocker.

SLIDE SERRATIONS:

• P-01 has different style serration on the rear of the slide. It feels sharper and more aggressive. I suppose it could be easier to use when wet or for someone in tactical gloves, but for me (shooting bare-handed) it's way less comfortable. Actually it's one of two features I really dislike in P-01;
• P-01 also has front slide serrations.

HAMMER:

P-01 has different (supposedly improved) hammer.

DISASSEMBLY PIN:

In P-01 disassembly pin is partially hidden, so the risk of pushing it accidentally is minimal. Unfortunately it also means you cannot field strip the P-01 with your bare hands - you need some king of tool to push this pin out, which is kind of PITA. For me PCR was safe enough in this regard - this is the second feature I really dislike in P-01. 

TRIGGER GUARD SERRATIONS:

Different style, resulting in a little different profile of the trigger guard front.

SLIDE:

Notice full-lenght slide rail on P-01. Another differences will be detailed below.

• P-01 has one notch in front part instead of two in PCR. I have no idea what real difference does it make (I'd be grateful for any comments on that) or what is it's function - I guess it has something to do with locking the barrel in correct position;
• A little different style of firing pin safety lock.

No comment on that.

FIRING PIN:

A little different firing pin - in PCR it's beveled and flat, in P-01 it's rounded. Not sure if it makes any difference in reliability. 

REAR SIGHTS:

Very similar, but not identical. Both have yellowish luminescent dots. I believe they're interchangeable.

 

BARREL:

PCR barrel is a tiny bit longer. P-01 barrel has a sticking out piece of metal above feed ramp, which was cut off in PCR - I don't know what possible function could it have (prevent ammo from feeding too high?) or what difference does it make.

 

RECOIL SPRING AND GUIDE ROD:

PCR is equipped by factory with beefy, full metal guide rod and intertwined double wire recoil spring. P-01 has polymer guide rod and flat recoil spring. Even the aftermarket stainless steel guide rods for P-01 are less substantial than factory PCR rod (as seen on second photo).

 

FRAME:

• P-01 frame is bulkier, which makes it a bit heavier but possibly reduces recoil by a tiny bit (though I've never noticed this);
•  One of the main, often overlooked, benefits of the accessory rail is increased durability of this part of the frame. You can notice it could be potential weak spot in PCR construction;
• Full length dust cover makes Kadet conversion kit a little clumsy fit (Kadet is profiled, so there's a free space left around it's front - it still works correctly, though);
• On the photos below you can also notice that upper edges of the P-01 frame have different finish. I'm not sure what non-visual difference could it possibly make. 

INTERNALS:

Most of the internal parts seem to be identical and fully interchangeable, with the exceptions shown on photos below.

Additional notches in P-01, helping to hold springs in proper place.
Different style spring.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I still cannot decide which one I like better. If possible, I'd make a mix as follows: PCR disassembly pin, decocker and slide (with barehand-friendly serrations and loaded chamber indicator) on P-01 frame (but without added thickness on the sides). I'd also put in PCR barrel, guide rod and spring, and P-01 magazines.

This is more individual matter, but I shoot more consistently with PCR. I also like it's trigger pull and working of the slide better.

For concealed carry I'd pick PCR.

For night stand gun I'd pick P-01.

For duty handgun... I can only guess (as I have no such experience at all), but I'd say: PCR for police officer and P-01 for military. I imagine in military the pistol must be able to endure more abuse and P-01 seems to be designed with this in mind. Accessory rail is nice bonus. I guess in law enforcement priorities switch a bit - full metal PCR is sturdy enough, so loaded chamber indicator and simpler maintenance (due to much easier field strip) will come into play.

For BOB I'd take PCR.

For long-time SHTF I'd take P-01.

If it would be my one and only handgun, I'd probably pick PCR.