Czech Republic-based Česká zbrojovka—more affectionately known simple as CZ to American enthusiasts—introduced its semi-automatic 9 mm chambered CZ 75 in 1975. It proved to be one of the company’s most popular designs. On Oct. 12, 2007, the company manufactured number one million of the innovative design and the handgun continues to sell well across the globe.
It’s also expanded into an entire family of the reliable guns, from compacts, to models with decockers, single actions and more. Today it’s hard to find a model that doesn’t fit virtually any mission or duty. The CZ 75 D PCR Compact has proven to be one of the most popular.
The PCR label stands for “Police Czech Republic,” the law enforcement agency for which the pistol was originally designed. The letter “D” in the official name reflects the fact it is equipped with a de-cocker instead of a manual safety.
It’s nearly identical in size to the original CZ 75 Compact, but weighs nearly 4 ozs. less, thanks to the weight shavings of its forged aluminum frame. Rubberized grip panels ensure positive purchase with gloves or sweaty palms, the pistol features a loaded-chamber indicator and wears the company’s proprietary matte-black Polycoat finish. The gun has a no-nonsense look befitting its self-defense role.
CZ-USA, which is based in Kansas City, Mo., offers two versions of the CZ 75 PCR Compact here in the states—a standard and low-capacity model. The former’s magazine holds 15 cartridges, while the latter comes in at 10 for more restrictive regions of the country. Both are double-stack magazine designs.
Barrels on both versions are cold hammer forged and measure 3.75" in length. Both double- and single-action options have an overall length of 7.24" and wear snag-free, fixed three-dot sights. Height, regardless of model, comes in at 5.03" and width is 1.38". They each tip the scales at 27.5 ozs., empty.
CZ 75 D PCR Compacts have a safety stop on the hammer, firing pin block safety and are a solid choice for concealed carry. The lanyard loop is about the only thing that hints it’s really designed to lighten the load for law enforcement officers working a beat.
Both models have an MSRP of $695.
