Today we’ll be reviewing the CZ Shadow 2. This handgun has become a favorite of USPSA top competitors over the past few years. And that’s because it’s a fast and accurate pistol with top precision. Show
It’s most famously being used by Maria Gushchina (of Russia) who is a 3-time world champion in IPSC and USPSA, and she’s just one of many. Let’s explore why. CZ Shadow 2Get The Latest Deals Now! A heavier extension of the CZ Shadow platform suited for USPSA competition. Have an opinion on this product? Click to leave your review CZ Shadow 2 Specs
CZ Shadow 2 BackgroundThe fact that there’s a number two in the name of this gun means there was an original that came first. Common sense has served me well. In this case, the CZ SP-01 is that gun. It was originally designed to meet the needs of military police and civilian law enforcement officers. Because of its accuracy and reliability, it was quickly adopted by various foreign security forces as well. On the heals of that firearm’s success, CZ decided to customize a new shadow, and market it to the competition crowd. The CZ Shadow 2 was born, and quickly matured into a thing of beauty! The model I’m reviewing here is my personal Shadow 2, and not the new optics ready version. I sent my slide off to CH Precision Weapons to have the slide cut and the red dot installed. Besides being dang sexy, I have found this pistol to be smooth and accurate with a very manageable recoil impulse. It’s the first CZ pistol in my collection, but from my understanding, this company has a long history of creating solid, reliable firearms. CZ Shadow 2 Features1 High BeavertailAllows the user’s hand to ride higher on the pistol. You want your hand as close to the bore axis as possibl to make the gun more controllable–and typically you feel less recoil. 2 Increased WeightThis is a heavy pistol weighing in at nearly three pounds. It has a steel frame of course, but much of the weight can be found centered and also forward near the rail. This helps control muzzle flip considerably. 3 Smooth TriggerThe double action pull weighs in at 8.5lbs, while the single action pull is approximately 3.5 pounds with a very short take-up. The trigger is crisp and has a nice feel. 4 Ambidextrous Magazine ReleaseThe button location can be changed to accommodate lefties, and larger aftermarket buttons are available. Models and Variations of the CZ Shadow 2There are quite a few different variations of the CZ Shadow 2 apart from thre Black and Blue that I’m reviewing in this article. Here are 3 other variations you may want to consider. CZ Shadow 2 OrangeCheck Price CZ Shadow 2 Optics ReadyCheck Price CZ Shadow 2 SAOCheck Price CZ Shadow 2 – Our TakeWhen reviewing the CZ Shadow 2 Black and Blue, I took four major areas into consideration: reliability, ergonomics, accuracy, and value. ReliabilityWhen reviewing the CZ Shadow 2 Black and Blue, I took four major areas into consideration: reliability, ergonomics, accuracy, and value. At the time of writing this article, I have owned my Shadow 2 for about a year. I have put a mere 300 rounds through the gun, but during that time, experienced zero malfunctions using 115gr 9mm plinking rounds. This is not a gun I would choose to carry concealed, so it didn’t need to pass my initial torture test. (see my article on the HK VP9) I was initially concerned that adding the weight of the red dot would mess with the overall lock time of the pistol. Remember, this is the standard Shadow 2, not the optics ready version. That being said, I have not noticed any issues or malfunctions that lead me to believe this added weight is a problem. ErgonomicsWith the high beavertail and the undercut trigger guard, the pistol just naturally points well. In addition to that, it has interchangeable grips. There are a lot of aftermarket options available, and I chose a set of “thin bogies” from LOK Grips. The stippling is more pronounced (sharp), and they have less palm swell than other options. As you can see from the photo, I went with a nice black and blue color, to stick with the overall creative intention of the firearm. Another thing to note here is the position and size of the magazine release button. It can be switched to either side of the pistol as stated above, but it’s the size and placement of the button that I really like. I’m a big believer in gross motor movements when stress levels begin to rise. For some reason, as soon as a shooter hears a shot timer go off, their stress levels climb. It’s very difficult, without lots of training, to operate small buttons when you’re moving fast and your heart rate rises. Back to the large mag button – this is a great feature on a competition pistol, and aids the shooter in more efficient mag changes. AccuracyA picture is worth 1000 words right? Here are several groups I shot with the Shadow 2 from seven, fifteen, and twenty five yards. These slow-fire shots were all taken standing and unsupported. Review the evidence and make your own case as to the accuracy potential of this factory stock pistol. ValueMSRP $1359.00. I know what you’re thinking and you’re probably not wrong. I would like to point out that the word value doesn’t only pertain to the number of dollars a thing costs. For the IPSC or USPSA competitor, who takes their game seriously, the cost of this pistol might seem like a small price to pay for moving up in the standings on a regular basis. The ability to customize a pistol with aftermarket grips, buttons, sights, etc. has some level of value. You will pay a touch more on the front end for those features, but that smile on your face after a day at the range doesn’t have a price tag. Closing ThoughtsI’m going to break my form here and just gush for a minute. I’m kinda geeking out over this pistol right now. Obviously I bought one. Obviously I customized it with new grips. It’s more than that though, this pistol is just a joy to shoot. I have “work” guns, like my Glock 19, and EDC guns like my Sig P365, but this CZ Shadow 2 is just a “fun-gun.” I literally leave the range with a smile on my face thinking, why don’t I shoot this gun more often? The Shadow 2 has got me thinking about getting back into the competition scene. Why? Because it builds confidence. I have an easier time hitting targets faster with this gun than I do with any other pistol I own. That speaks volumes to me. It’s also dang sexy and feels great in the hand. I generally leave this gun sitting out on display just so I can play with it. I can’t resist turning that red dot on and practicing my draw stroke and presentation onto target…light fixture, corner of the window, rabbit in the yard, hole in the drywall. I absolutely did not accidentally shoot my wall! Kidding aside, I think you would love it as much as I do, so buy with confidence. CZ Shadow 2 Pros and Cons
Report CardReliabilityI have experienced exactly zero malfunctions or issues of any kind so far. Currently 300 rounds down the barrel. A+AccuracyFor my purposes and expectations, the CZ performs well here. A more experienced pro might shoot it better and/or handloads might result in tighter groups, but it’s very good. AErgonomicsThe factory grips are fine, but a touch on the slippery side. Aftermarket grips are a considerable improvement, but can make the grip slightly larger than desired. AValueA person’s budget is personal choice, but overall, I think this pistol should cost a little less than it does. A-CZ Shadow 2Check Latest Price Our GradeA Reviewed by Joel Wise Reader’s GradeB+ Based on 21 Reviews Your GradeDo You Own This Gun? Leave A Review Success Your Grade Has Been Submit Review Leave A Comment Review More Guns We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you. CZ Shadow 2 Starter PackIf you’re serious about picking up one of these bad boys, there are a few extra things you’ll probably want to pick up–if you don’t have them of course.
CZ Shadow 2 Gun Deals
Let’s face it, there are much cheaper options than the CZ Shadow 2. However, quality like this is difficult to find. And even harder at a decent price. But that’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. Here are some of the best deals you’ll find when searching for your new CZ Shadow 2. Upgrades and Accessories for the CZ Shadow 2This gun is pretty close to perfect, but there are a few things that you should think about getting to customize your Shadow 2 and take it to the next level–such as a sweet red dot and some aftermarket grips. Best Accessories For The CZ Shadow 2AccessoryDetailsCheck PriceMobile Bottom Line Trijicon SRO 1 MOA
CZ Shadow Thin Bogies
Best Ammo for Your CZ Shadow 2Now, we recommend that that for every firearm you own to procure two different types of ammo–one for training and one for working. In the case of the CZ Shadow, you’ll want some ball ammo to go plinking with and some match ammunition to really make the most out of your purchase. MarketplaceCost Per RoundNatchez Shooter’s Supply$0.24Brownells$0.23Palmetto State Armory$0.34 MarketplaceCost Per RoundBrownells$0.74 – $0.95Natchez Shooter’s Supply$0.73 Other Competition Pistols of its Class to Check OutThe CZ Shadow 2 is a really solid choice for competition. But if you’re not sold on CZs, there are other options out there. And one of our absolute favorites has to be from Sig. #1 Sig Sauer P320 X-Five LegionSig Sauer P320 X-Five LegionSold at Brownells, Guns.com, Euro Optic Check Latest Price
Our GradeA+ Reviewed by Joel Wise Reader’s GradeA Based on 36 Reviews Your GradeDo You Own This Gun? Leave A Review Success Your Grade Has Been Submit Review leave a comment Review More Guns We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you. The Sig P320 X-5 Legion is one of our most favorite guns to pass through our hands here at Gun University. So much so, in fact, that it became Ryan Cleckner’s very own competition pistol. Get More Details How to Care for Your CZ Shadow 2If you plan on making a heavy investment into a match pistol, you should at least learn how to care for it. And that starts with knowing just how to field strip and reassemble it. Fortunately, we’ve found this awesome video from Silvercore that elegantly shows you how to take down your Shadow 2. Important Links and Manuals for Your CZ Shadow 2Looking for some more information on the CZ Shadow 2? Check out the links below for the manufacturer’s website, operator’s manual, and other neat content. What is the trigger pull on a CZ ts2?Trigger pull is a low 730 grams with minimal creep before break, but this should go unnoticed, especially in dynamic disciplines. Of course, the trigger is equipped with an adjustable trigger stop. The reset travel of around 1.7 millimeters is short and easily manageable.
What is the difference between CZ Shadow 2 blue and orange?The CZ Shadow 2 Orange differs from the Blue because it features a barrel bushing to help increase accuracy. The Orange also has a hand-fitted slide and frame, and a factory-tuned trigger with a shorter reset than the CZ Shadow 2 Blue…
Is the CZ Shadow 2 single action or double action?The CZ Shadow 2 is based on the venerated DA/SA(Double Action Single Action) CZ75 design. The 2nd most copied handgun design in the world behind the American Browning-designed 1911.
How much does a CZ Shadow 2 weight?At 46.5 ounces, the Shadow 2 is 10 ounces heavier than the original CZ 75 and more than five ounces heavier than the SP-01. Most of that extra weight is in the dust cover.
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