MARCH 23, 2023

CZ 75-Series Compact Pistol Comparison

Kansas City, KS – CZ-USA continues to build three compact 75-series pistol models at lower prices, each with a unique feature set tailored to individual shooting needs. All models are double-stack high-capacity 9mms and share a common magazine size.

For nearly five decades, CZ built several pistol models around the esteemed CZ 75 design–a lineage carried forward in these modern compact models. The CZ 75 is renowned for its comfortable grip, smooth factory trigger system, and distinctive slide-in-frame design. The current compact versions of these pistols include the 75 Compact, 75 PCR, and 75 P-01.

They inherit the best features of the CZ 75 design, including its comfortable grip, smooth factory trigger system, and distinctive slide-in-frame design. The main differences between models are their overall weight, whether (or not) they have an accessory rail, and if they use a thumb safety or a decocking lever.

The CZ 75 Compact is a smaller version of the classic double-action CZ 75. It retains the steel frame of its big brother with a shorter barrel and grip, making it more concealable while maintaining most of the weight of the full-sized model for recoil reduction. It utilizes a manual safety and features fixed metal three-dot sights for a sharp sight picture and fast target acquisition. Compared to the CZ 75 B, the trade-off for its smaller size is reduced magazine capacity to 15+1.

CZ 75 PCR is named after the ‘Police Czech Republic’ and is designed for law enforcement and military use. The PCR retains the basic design of the 75 Compact but features a ¼-pound lighter forged alloy frame. CZ beefed up the frame to enhance its strength, giving it a slightly wider profile. A more significant departure from the 75 Compact is the switch to a decocking lever in place of the thumb safety. The PCR adds a snag-free rear sight and a loaded chamber indicator to its features list. A set of forward serrations give the PCR an extra gripping surface to rack rounds into the chamber, which is helpful on the low profile of the CZ 75’s slide-in-frame design.

The CZ 75 P-01 stemmed from the CZ tactical pistol development program. CZ added an accessory rail and a frame dust cover to the P-01, enhancing its performance and reliability. At the same time, they use a forged alloy frame and a decocker system like the PCR. Finally, engineers replaced the snag-free sights with fixed three-dot sights.

When deciding between models, shooters consider several factors. The ability to mount a light or laser to the pistol limits the choice of the P-01. The 75 Compacts’ steel frame adds weight that soaks up recoil and will be very familiar to those who run the full size CZ 75. The PCR is the lightest and least bulky pistol in the compact line and makes an excellent concealed carry pistol.

 

CZ 75 Compact Specifications:

  • SKU: 91190
  • Caliber: 9mm Luger
  • Frame: Steel
  • Trigger Mech: DA/SA
  • Sights: Fixed
  • Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged
  • Barrel Length: 3.75”
  • Height: 5.03”
  • Width: 1.38”
  • Overall Length: 7.24”
  • Weight: 32.8 oz
  • Safety: Manual Safety, Safety Stop on Hammer, Firing Pin Block Safety
  • MSRP: $649.00
 

CZ 75 PCR Specifications:

  • SKU: 91194
  • Caliber: 9mm Luger
  • Frame: Aluminum (7075 T6)
  • Trigger Mech: DA/SA
  • Sights: Snag-Free Fixed 3-Dot
  • Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged
  • Barrel Length: 3.75”
  • Height: 5.03”
  • Width: 1.38”
  • Overall Length: 7.24”
  • Weight: 27.5 oz
  • Safety: Decocking Lever, Safety Stop on Hammer, Firing Pin Block Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator
  • MSRP: $649.00
 

CZ 75 P-01 Specifications:

  • SKU: 91199
  • Caliber: 9mm Luger
  • Frame: Aluminum (7075 T6)
  • Trigger Mech: DA/SA
  • Sights: Fixed
  • Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged
  • Barrel Length: 3.75”
  • Height: 5.03”
  • Width: 1.38”
  • Overall Length: 7.2”
  • Weight: 28.1 oz
  • Safety: Decocking Lever, Safety Stop on Hammer, Firing Pin Block Safety
  • MSRP: $649.00

Since 1997, CZ-USA has offered American shooters and hunters the best firearms the Czech Republic has to offer. CZ-USA will continue to improve, innovate, and add to the CZ-USA line-up of high-quality, affordable handguns, rifles, shotguns, plus custom-quality handguns from Dan Wesson. See how CZ-USA can make your shooting better, easier, and a lot more fun at cz-usa.com/.

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