CZ Shadow 2- USPSA Production Gun

[NETim]

Strangely enough, as I age, the arthritis seems to be worsening in my elbows and hands. :confused: I'm thinking it might be time to shoot less 45 ACP and start shooting the 9mm more. Maybe a lot more.

I've tried to learn to love the Glock but that damn grip angle just doesn't seem to be a good fit in my 1911 addled hands. The CZ's do. I see a lot of them in use too. Must be something about them that works.

I shot a friend's Shadow 2 yesterday (out of the CZ custom shop) that seemed to work nicely for me. I think I could make this work for Production/Limited Minor and our very informal club matches (club matches are wide open, so the 9's rule.)

They don't look too hard to work on for the DIY'er as far replacing springs etc. Just curious about their durability and what spare parts I should have on hand. I'm not a high volume shooter as far as competition goes (2-4K annually at present. The overwhelming majority of my shooting is on the range, running drills and dryfire)

I might just have a case of "gotta have a new gun" but the Shadow is any easy shootin' gun. I like it.

Any issues I should be aware of with the CZ's and my low intensity plan?

[Papalapa]

I'm no CZ expert but if memory serves from reading from others, the trigger return spring is the weak link in the platform. Of course dry fire counts towards the number cycles in the life of said spring as well as live fire. I think the true high volume shooters have two on hand and preferably a third. It seems one is back at the shop frequently. That said I've been eyeing the CZ 75 in most of it's varieties lately. Of course none of what I wrote may be a problem for the Shadow 2's. I'm sure someone will be along soon to school us both. I don't have arthritis in my elbows but it is pretty rampant in my hands. When I shot my buddy's Czs a few weeks ago I found them all pleasant to shoot for what that's worth.

[MSparks909]

Pick up a trigger return spring or two and a spare slide stop. If you manage to break either in less than 15-20K rounds I'd be surprised. As much as I love my Berettas, my lone CZ Shadow 2 is my superhero gun, as that's how I feel when I shoot mine. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing as far as USPSA Production guns go.

[cheby]

I have been using CZs as my Production and carry guns for over 2 years. This summer I have switched to Shadow 2s. As of today, my practice gun - 13K, my match gun - 2500K. Plus daily dry fire. I have not seen any issues at all. Considering that I clean my practice gun at around 3-4k rounds, I am pretty happy. I shot over 60K through my old practice shadow and used to replace the TRS every 3-5K as a preventive measure. (When I cleaned it). They cost $2. This time I am running my practice gun to see if anything breaks. So far - nothing.
I used to shoot Glocks, messed with Tanfos, and other guns. IMO, CZs have absolutely best DA/SA triggers available even without doing anything to them. Durability and reliability are on par or better than any modern pistols these days.

[NETim]

My early research indicated the TRS could be an issue if not changed regularly but that's all I'm aware of. I'm a very casual competition shooter, so it won't get shot much comparatively speaking. Just wanted to get some feedback on CZ's here if possible.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Clusterfrack]

After the 320 was shown to not be drop-safe, I switched to a Shadow 2 (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?27268-Advanced-DA-SA-Technique-for-striker-fired-shooters) for USPSA Production (thanks Cheby). It's been excellent so far, and while I really like the 320, I expect to keep shooting CZ after the safety issues have resolved. I have around 1500 rounds and about 10x that in dryfire. No issues so far. I've only shot one match with this gun, but placed quite well even with the relatively unfamiliar gun. I'm feeling like the Shadow 2 suits me well, and will buy a second gun fairly soon.

BTW, the $10 Shadow 2 OEM trigger return spring (http://benstoegerproshop.com/cz-shadow-2-trigger-return-spring/) appears to be of higher quality than previous models.

[pastaslinger]

The Shadow 2 was supposed to mostly resolve the TRS and slide stop problems but I don't own one (yet) so no direct experience (even if I did it would probably not have the round count to really tell aka 5 digits)

[GJM]

The Shadow 2 is obviously a fine pistol, although if your prime consideration is your elbows and hands, almost any full size nine will be much better. Not sure how much is the recoil and how much is the weight of the pistol, but a Shadow 2 is pretty heavy.

[Kirk]

Regardless of if you the Shadow 2 fixes the TRS issue (they claim it does), I'd still have 3 on hand. When I was training hard for USPSA, I would break them a few times a year.

[GJM]

Regardless of if you the Shadow 2 fixes the TRS issue (they claim it does), I'd still have 3 on hand. When I was training hard for USPSA, I would break them a few times a year.

Running only half joke with my friends -- when shooting a Shadow in Production, since I didn't wrench on them, I had five. One for dry fire, one for practice, one for matches, and two to go back and forth to Matt Mink. That assured I always had two that worked.

[Bucky]

I lot of love going around for the Shadow 2. Seems like a great gun. I picked one up a couple months back, and I just can't warm up to it. Trying to decide if I'm going to try it in a match, or just get a Tanfo, which feels much better in my hands.

I will say, I've yet to clean it, and after multiple range trips it's worked 100%.

[Wobblie]

I lot of love going around for the Shadow 2. Seems like a great gun. I picked one up a couple months back, and I just can't warm up to it. Trying to decide if I'm going to try it in a match, or just get a Tanfo, which feels much better in my hands.

I will say, I've yet to clean it, and after multiple range trips it's worked 100%.
I owned a CZ 75 for a bit and played with a Shadow, I much prefer my Tanfoglio .38 Super. It just fits better.

[MSparks909]

The *only* thing I don't like about my Shadow 2 is the dogleg hump on the back of the grip. I wish CZ would have rounded that angle a little bit more. I don't notice it too much when firing but I do really notice it when dry firing and when drawing.

[Kirk]

I lot of love going around for the Shadow 2. Seems like a great gun. I picked one up a couple months back, and I just can't warm up to it. Trying to decide if I'm going to try it in a match, or just get a Tanfo, which feels much better in my hands.

I will say, I've yet to clean it, and after multiple range trips it's worked 100%.

I recently purchased 2 Stock II Extreme's and it was the best decision I've made. Both run like a top, SUPER accurate, and huge magwell for production. My CZs were great, but were somewhat ammo sensitive (they preferred a longer OAL - could have just been the guns). The Tanfos feed everything.

[Kirk]

Running only half joke with my friends -- when shooting a Shadow in Production, since I didn't wrench on them, I had five. One for dry fire, one for practice, one for matches, and two to go back and forth to Matt Mink. That assured I always had two that worked.

LOL!!! That is THE BEST way to run custom CZs. It's like having a high end foreign car, you will spend the price of the gun throughout the years on maintenance.

[Clusterfrack]

The *only* thing I don't like about my Shadow 2 is the dogleg hump on the back of the grip. I wish CZ would have rounded that angle a little bit more. I don't notice it too much when firing but I do really notice it when dry firing and when drawing.

Man, I love that hump. I feel like it helps me wedge the web of my hand up into the beavertail. But, I love the Glock grip angle too...

[1986s4]

I have been using CZs as my Production and carry guns for over 2 years. This summer I have switched to Shadow 2s. As of today, my practice gun - 13K, my match gun - 2500K. Plus daily dry fire. I have not seen any issues at all. Considering that I clean my practice gun at around 3-4k rounds, I am pretty happy. I shot over 60K through my old practice shadow and used to replace the TRS every 3-5K as a preventive measure. (When I cleaned it). They cost $2. This time I am running my practice gun to see if anything breaks. So far - nothing.
I used to shoot Glocks, messed with Tanfos, and other guns. IMO, CZs have absolutely best DA/SA triggers available even without doing anything to them. Durability and reliability are on par or better than any modern pistols these days.

Shooters like Cheby can and will wear out/break any pistol. Any pistol that gets a good review from a high volume shooter is probably a good bet. CZs are gaining popularity in competition circles. I have a '91 CZ 75 I bought used that I've put at least 15000 round through. It was converted to SAO by Angus Hobdell in 2005 I think. I have a spare slide stop but never needed it, I've worn out a sear and many springs plus a few mag bodies. It rattles now and seems a little less accurate than it used to be but just keeps working.

[cheby]

1. Weight - It is a desirable feature. The gun shoots flat and the followup shots are easier. This is one of the reasons why some people went with Stock 2 in the past when Shadow 2 was not available - Stock 2 is heavier than Shadow. The target transitions are a little more difficult with a heavier gun but it can be addressed with focused practice.
2. Hump - awesome. It helps to get the grip consistently. CZ uses the same grip on their Limited and Open guns (Tactical Sport Orange and Czechmate)
3. Reliability. I would personally trust CZ over any striker fired pistols including Glocks. There are two parts in CZ that need to be replaced regularly - a TRS and Slide stop due to the way the gun works. It takes 5 min to replace the TRS and it costs nothing. Looks like the quality of the parts in Shadow 2 is way better . One thing that I would ditch as soon as possible is CZ's original magazines though. They do not last. The good thing, Mecgar mags are around $22 and they are bulletproof. Shadow 2s come with the Mecgar mags now.
4. Ammo sensitivity. All factory ammo I tried in my CZs worked just fine. Some reloads need to be shorter depending on the bullet profile because the rifling starts right at the end of the CZ chamber unlike Glocks, for example. As I know Clusterfrack is loading his RN bullets to the same OAL as before though.
5. Trigger. A few people around me bought Stock 2s in the past. By now ALL of them either sold them or are in process of selling. I am yet to see a Stock 2 with as good trigger as CZs even with all the aftermarket parts available now. I am not saying the worked Stock 2 triggers are bad. They are just different. It also takes more to get them running reliably. Ask YVK about that. The best thing about Shadow 2 - you do not need to do anything to it. Just replace the main spring along with FP (Just in case) and you are good to go.
6. Sights and safety- totally awesome. The gun comes with adjustable rear sights. Also it includes two sets of safety - the thin and large ones so you can switch between DA/SA and SA Only if you want to shoot a steel or 3gun match with the same gun.

[MSparks909]

I'm getting a sub-8# DA with a 13# hammer spring. It is actually the lightest DA pull of any gun I have in my safe, and that's with zero polishing or anything. I considered going to a 11.5# hammer spring and an extended firing pin but for now I'm just gonna run the 13#. Sights track super flat and the recoil with ~130-132Pf loads is a joke. I've got ~1K rounds through mine. Don't shoot it a ton but it's going to be my primary competition gun when I resume shooting competitions this fall.

[cheby]

I'm getting a sub-8# DA with a 13# hammer spring. It is actually the lightest DA pull of any gun I have in my safe, and that's with zero polishing or anything. I considered going to a 11.5# hammer spring and an extended firing pin but for now I'm just gonna run the 13#. Sights track super flat and the recoil with ~130-132Pf loads is a joke. I've got ~1K rounds through mine. Don't shoot it a ton but it's going to be my primary competition gun when I resume shooting competitions this fall.

With 13# spring you do not need an extended FP at all. With 11# you may need it. I actually did not try it without the extended FP. Maybe it works just fine. Both my Shadow 2s work with any primers I tried. Some people who are running two guns would use 13# for practice and 11# (Or even 8.5#) for matches. With 8.5# you need to stick to Federal primers. I used to do that with my old Shadows. Now I just run 11#main springs in both guns and they work fine.

[Bucky]

3. Reliability. I would personally trust CZ over any striker fired pistols including Glocks. There are two parts in CZ that need to be replaced regularly - a TRS and Slide stop due to the way the gun works. It takes 5 min to replace the TRS and it costs nothing. Looks like the quality of the parts in Shadow 2 is way better . One thing that I would ditch as soon as possible is CZ's original magazines though. They do not last. The good thing, Mecgar mags are around $22 and they are bullet proof. Shadow 2s come with the Mecgar mags now.


I'm going to have to agree to disagree on this one. I'm not a Glock fan-boy by any stretch of the imagination, but all things being equal, this has not been my experience. Granted, I haven't seen a ton of rounds through the Shadow 2, but CZs in general don't show the reliability and longevity that Glocks do. However, needing a little more TLC and parts replacement on competition gun is not necessarily a negative if it gets you any sort of advantage, which I couldn't disagree with.

Of course in terms of competition, there is one thing I've come to learn with regards to competition pistols and their reliability. Suppose you were to ask me between two guns at a match I frequent, which would be more reliable. My first question would not be WHAT kind of guns, but WHO is shooting and maintaining them. Hence why I underlined "all things being equal" above. YMMV :)

[cheby]

My first question would not be WHAT kind of guns, but WHO is shooting and maintaining them. YMMV :)

That is a valid point:)

[YVK]

Trying to decide if I'm going to try it in a match, or just get a Tanfo, which feels much better in my hands.

I will say, I've yet to clean it, and after multiple range trips it's worked 100%.

I prefer Tanfo's ergos over the Shadow (never tried 2 but I am told that there is no revolutionary change between 1 and 2 in grip size and feel departments) but...
I have two Stock 2s, have been sticking with them, and they have been an exercise in anger management. They have had feeding issues, ejection issues, light strikes on factory Federal ammo issues, trigger bar/ disco / sear engagement issues, shit like I've never seen before issues. When they run, they are like addictive like crack but when they don't.. I am easily double the initial price on gunsmiths' work and eventually one is seemingly running OK. OK like in two last major matches I had only one stoppage. Another is in Houston area now and if it gets lost in floods, I won't cry. I have seen plenty of CZs going down in various ways but they don't seem to have nearly the same rate of problems like my Tanfos have had, and usually the fixes are self evident. The Tanfo, Joe Wilson tells me he can't fit his disco because he tried several sear cages and all are too loose in the frame....
One month before the Nationals I am not going to change but after that I am going to give it a long thought. If both eventually run, I'll keep shooting them, but I also am looking forward to fingering Cheby's Shadow 2.

[taadski]

I have absolutely no bone in this argument. But I've personally witnessed a litany of problems with CZs over the past several years. But in defense of the brand itself, every single one of them has had extensive "custom work" done. And not from only one vendor in particular, but from each of the "big three" CZ smiths. On one particular occasion, I witnessed two different pistols develop hammer follow mid-match and go down. These were both on my squad at the same area match.

On the other hand, I've owned a couple stock 75s that ran like tops. One with a round count upwards of 10K with ZERO problems. A close friend of mine; a competitive shooter and CZ dealer has 30K through a CZ 75 compact (his carry pistol) and about the same volume through a stock 75 Shadow, his match pistol, without so much as a bobble. In my mind, the writing is kinda on the wall.

Here's to hoping the factory tuned Shadow IIs are more comparable to their other STOCK guns. In contrast to the heavily whittled "customs" so common these days.

[Clusterfrack]

LALALALA. I can't hear you...

I don't have patience for guns that don't work. That's one of the reasons I shoot Production.

[taadski]

LALALALA. I can't hear you...

I don't have patience for guns that don't work. That's one of the reasons I shoot Production.

LOL. I feel exactly the same way.

My post was in no way meant as a jinx, btw. I kinda want a Shadow 2 myself.

YVK Speaking of factory race guns, I've heard some really good things about the Tanfo Extremes that would jive with my "custom gunsmithing" hypothesis. BTW. :P

[cheby]

LALALALA. I can't hear you...

I don't have patience for guns that don't work. That's one of the reasons I shoot Production.

No worries here. Just remember, if your shadow 2 develops any issues , I will help you to get rid of it. I would give you a glock 34 for it. You know I could give you two g34s. The second one has 50k through it but we all know that for about $7 you can replace f$cking everything in it. :) good deal. I got you covered.

[GJM]

Something I am really enjoying about the Walther PPQ Q5, is you can take them out of the box, bolt on an optic or change to a Dawson fiber optic .100 x .180 front sight, add some mag extensions, and you are done. Between my wife and I, we have five, have been shooting them since late spring, and I haven't even cleaned one, no less done any PM. They can be bought new in the $700's on GB, and I think they are one of the best values going for a great shooting pistol.

YVK doesn't like them because "they look funny," and he prefers to have guns with lots of drama, that you have to do things to, besides just shoot them.

[Bucky]

LALALALA. I can't hear you...

I don't have patience for guns that don't work. That's one of the reasons I shoot Production.

Ironically, from some of the issues I'm reading here about the Tanfos, I should stick with Limited for the same reasons.

[rob_s]

I had a Shadow Custom from the CZ custom shop and switched to the CZ from Glock due to the same recoil/arm issues. I loved it. I only sold it because it didn't make sense to have $2k worth of gun and accessories sitting around if I wasn't shooting it that much.

If I ever get back to regularly shooting matches, I'll definitely be going to the Shadow 2. In the meantime I'm eyeballing a glock 34 mos if they make it in a gen 5. Glock 34 because it's way less expensive froma n infrequent match shooter perspective, and MOS because it makes sense to me to hedge against possibly adding an optic in the next few years and not having to buy a new gun/slide.

[s0nspark]

Here's to hoping the factory tuned Shadow IIs are more comparable to their other STOCK guns. In contrast to the heavily whittled "customs" so common these days.

This, though, is the undoing of many a gun... too many are compromised from a reliability (and safety) standpoint in an effort to tune them.

Don't get me wrong - the first thing I typically do with my CZs after function testing them is to install CGW parts... BUT I don't polish anything.

[cheby]

we have five, have been shooting them since late spring, and I haven't even cleaned one, no less done any PM.

To each his own, but I prefer cleaning my guns instead of just buying a new one:)
All kidding aside, PPQ Q5 is a great gun.... But it is ugly...oops, JK:)

[Clusterfrack]

This has me thinking that instead of buying a CGW-tuned Shadow 2 as my second gun, I'll get another stock Shadow 2 and just do the same mods. Frankly I'm happy with the trigger as it is (11.5# mainspring).

[Clusterfrack]

Just ordered a second Shadow 2...

With Cheby's help I now have the CGW reduced power trigger return spring installed. I like it.

[Clusterfrack]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170914/ccb83e5d4919914fdc37f9b76061f002.jpg

[GardoneVT]

If you live in America,cross off Tanfoglio as a serious option.

They make nice guns,but EAA is the American supplier: not of parts and suppprt but BS and mythology. While I never had an issue with my steel & Elite pistols , dealing with EAA made it clear I was on my own if those guns ever failed in a substantial way.

Foreign markets get access to Tanfoglios extensive online store. Since we Americans don't,it's basically a grey market gun. CZs will do the same job and you can actually call the home office when helps needed.

[Bucky]

As I stated earlier, I picked one up but have been luke warm on it. I was going to sell it, or try trading for a Tanfo. I think I need to run a few matches with it first to give it another try. Now that the "season" is over, now would be a good time to experiment. :)

[YVK]

If you live in America,cross off Tanfoglio as a serious option.

They make nice guns,but EAA is the American supplier: not of parts and suppprt but BS and mythology. While I never had an issue with my steel & Elite pistols , dealing with EAA made it clear I was on my own if those guns ever failed in a substantial way.


That no serious option is a very prevalent and dominant USPSA gun these days.
For the use discussed in this thread EAA suckage is irrelevant. Tanfos used for the Production get gutted pretty much when they get unboxed. Cause 12-14 lbs stacking DA pulls and stuff. People whittle on them themselves or send them to Bodkin or Henning or PD. Nobody sends them to EAA after the insides were made unrecognizable and chamber was reamed. BTW, Tanfo and Grauffel online store are easily available to us and I bought parts from there, as I bought them from many US vendors.

That said...


As I stated earlier, I picked one up but have been luke warm on it. I was going to sell it, or try trading for a Tanfo. I think I need to run a few matches with it first to give it another try. Now that the "season" is over, now would be a good time to experiment. :)

I think that Tanfos are ergonomically superior but making mine run well was PITA. Seems like Shadows are less finicky.

[NETim]

Still haven't completed the OODA loop on this potential purchase.

Nitride coating clearly better than polycoat? Or meh?

Ordering a "Cajunized" S2 from CGW worth the extra $$$? I'm far from the worlds greatest shooter and nowhwere a serious competitor, so I'm not sure the CGW tweaks would be a boon or bust in my case. I'm a fair wrench and can install springs and such on my own. Not sure what the $500 of Cajun goodies and tweaking would get me.

[Clusterfrack]

NETim
The whole gun is nitrided anyway, so it doesn't seem to matter. I didn't want to add potentially unreliable fire control parts. I'm happy with my build so far.

[Trajan]

After the 320 was shown to not be drop-safe, I switched to a Shadow 2 (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?27268-Advanced-DA-SA-Technique-for-striker-fired-shooters) for USPSA Production (thanks Cheby). It's been excellent so far, and while I really like the 320, I expect to keep shooting CZ after the safety issues have resolved. I have around 1500 rounds and about 10x that in dryfire. No issues so far. I've only shot one match with this gun, but placed quite well even with the relatively unfamiliar gun. I'm feeling like the Shadow 2 suits me well, and will buy a second gun fairly soon.

BTW, the $10 Shadow 2 OEM trigger return spring (http://benstoegerproshop.com/cz-shadow-2-trigger-return-spring/) appears to be of higher quality than previous models.

Is the Shadow 2 drop safe? IIRC it doesn't have a drop safety.

[Clusterfrack]

Is the Shadow 2 drop safe? IIRC it doesn't have a drop safety.

It has the standard half cock notch to catch the hammer if it drops.

[NETim]

NETim
The whole gun is nitrided anyway, so it doesn't seem to matter. I didn't want to add potentially unreliable fire control parts. I'm happy with my build so far.

Sorry if I missed something earlier. What, if anything, have you done to the gun?

Thanks!

[Clusterfrack]

11.5# Hammer spring

11# Recoil spring

Reduced power firing pin spring

CZ Custom Extended firing pin

CGW Reduced power trigger return spring

CGW floating trigger pin

Lok Thin Bogies grips

Springer baseplates

[GardoneVT]

That no serious option is a very prevalent and dominant USPSA gun these days.
For the use discussed in this thread EAA suckage is irrelevant. Tanfos used for the Production get gutted pretty much when they get unboxed. Cause 12-14 lbs stacking DA pulls and stuff. People whittle on them themselves or send them to Bodkin or Henning or PD. Nobody sends them to EAA after the insides were made unrecognizable and chamber was reamed. BTW, Tanfo and Grauffel online store are easily available to us and I bought parts from there, as I bought them from many US vendors.
.

Sure,if you have a small frame Witness. Got a large frame and a US address? You can call EAA, or just proceed directly to screwing off .

[YVK]

Just about everything that has been recently imported and is so popular in games, that being Stock 2, 3, Extremes etc, are all large frame guns, with an abundance of sources for OEM and aftermarket parts.

[Leroy]

EAA has improved customer service slightly. There have been many Stock 2 sent out with improperly fitted barrels and some shooters have had success sending the top end in and getting a new slide and barrel. If your lucky enough to get a Stock 2 with a poorly fitted barrel (it's usually the peanut cut where the slide stop/release pin is) that gun will never run correctly (I have one, it is the practice dryfire gun). The Tanfos are sweet shooting guns you just have to buy 3 of them, drop a bunch of parts in them, and hope you get 2 that are reliable because there is a high chance that a Tanfo won't run compared to a CZ. As YVK said, almost all of the EAA Tanfos are large frame in the US and there is probably equal aftermarket support for the large frame Tanfo as compared to CZ. You can get parts from EAA, Ben Stoeger, Wolf, Grauffel, and Patriot Defense.

I don't know what a Shadow 2 is running cost wise, but a Stock 2/3 with all the trigger upgrades will put you around $1200-$1300. With a Bolo interrupter the Stock 2 trigger is as good as my Shadow triggers. The Stock 2 also can have the trigger replaced with an Extreme trigger with less curve that extends trigger reach and break point out 1/8" combined with the stock wood grips makes for probably the best setup I have shot if you have big hands and long fingers which is something that CZ can't do. I held a Shadow 2 and the frame still felt smaller than the Tanfo.

[Leroy]

Double post

[Clusterfrack]

. I held a Shadow 2 and the frame still felt smaller than the Tanfo.

Yup. That's a big reason why I like the Shadow 2.

[Bucky]

I held a Shadow 2 and the frame still felt smaller than the Tanfo.

And yet the trigger reach feels longer on the Shadow 2.

[Clusterfrack]

And yet the trigger reach feels longer on the Shadow 2.

In DA, the CZ does have a long pull. That bugged me until I realized that I can live with it. As long as the ergos are good in SA, I'm happy.

[Bucky]

In DA, the CZ does have a long pull. That bugged me until I realized that I can live with it. As long as the ergos are good in SA, I'm happy.

True. The proof is in the pudding, whatever the heck that means. I realize the only way to know is to try it, so I finally ordered a holster for mine. Had a holster gift certificate which made it easier. :). I'll grab 3 more mags during the week and I should be good to go.

[Leroy]

And yet the trigger reach feels longer on the Shadow 2.

In DA it may be with stock triggers, with an Extreme trigger shoe it may be equal or the opposite. I don't really care about trigger reach, no pistol I have held is to far of a reach, my personal issue is guns where the trigger face to beavertail distance gets too short and my finger looks like a "U" after the stroke.

[Leroy]

Sorry for thread drift on Tanfo stuff, the CZ is a good gun, shot a pair for a year. Replace TRS and slide release on routine basis and it should treat you well. The Mec-Gar mags are solid.

[MGW]

My two cents. It would be completely feasible to buy a Shadow 2 and shoot it as is right out of the box. It is easily the best put together production gun I have ever owned.

Fit and finish was amazing, best DA/SA stock trigger I've ever felt. Extremely accurate on top of all that. It's an extremely easy pistol to shoot accurately fast.

If anyone was on the fence about getting a Shadow 2 or Stock 2 I would but the Shadow 2. Put 10k rounds through it stock and then worry about trigger parts. The only possible change lever stock that would make a huge improvement it is a recoil spring. I'm not saying trigger parts won't help it they're just not have to have improvements for most people.

[kmanick]

A friend of mine showed up at the range last night with one of these with the blue grips and let me shoot a couple of mags with it.
Crap now I have to figure how to explain another $1300 to the mrs. LOL!

[45dotACP]

Saw one at the LGS. Damn it is a nice pistol.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[Clusterfrack]

My current grip setup:
Custom Lok Bogie on the left side (taller, textured on the rear side)
Slim Bogie on the right side.

30434

30435

[cheby]

In DA, the CZ does have a long pull. That bugged me until I realized that I can live with it. As long as the ergos are good in SA, I'm happy.

You can buy this: https://cajungunworks.com/product/75850-shadow-2-reach-reduction-kit/

I have not installed it on my guns yet just because I do not have any time for it right now but I have handled a few guns with this kit installed. The reach reduction is very substantial - huge improvement. It is USPSA production legal now as well. I do not have large hands but I grown to really like large grips. The long pull on DA has prevented me to go with the larger grips than I use now. I will install this kit after the Nationals though and most likely will change the grip size accordingly.... if I keep shooting Production which is not my priority this year.

[Clusterfrack]

Quick update. I now have 24,000 rounds on one of my Shadow 2s. Since this one is not my match gun, I haven't been doing the recommended parts replacements.

The slide stop is original, and still doesn't show deep grooving. What's the secret? I think it is my use of Lucas Marine Grease (http://a.co/d/6tEepFV).

Also, the extractor is still working fine and doesn't look very worn, which is a bit of a surprise to me.

I replaced the CGW trigger return spring after 20k in live fire and probably 10x that in dry. (It didn't break).

The CGW firing pin is visibly worn at the tip.

I'm on my 3rd CZC 11# recoil spring (https://czcustom.com/cz-75-85-sp01-spring-recoil-full-11-lb-x-1.html). I logged 9k on one and 16k on the other.

[Trigger]

Quick update. I now have 24,000 rounds on one of my Shadow 2s. Since this one is not my match gun, I haven't been doing the recommended parts replacements.

The slide stop is original, and still doesn't show deep grooving. What's the secret? I think it is my use of Lucas Marine Grease (http://a.co/d/6tEepFV).

Also, the extractor is still working fine and doesn't look very worn, which is a bit of a surprise to me.

I replaced the CGW trigger return spring after 20k in live fire and probably 10x that in dry. (It didn't break).

The CGW firing pin is visibly worn at the tip.

I'm on my 3rd CZC 11# recoil spring (https://czcustom.com/cz-75-85-sp01-spring-recoil-full-11-lb-x-1.html). I logged 9k on one and 16k on the other.

Tough to beat the 24,000 round challenge.

This pistol is on my want list. You are not making it easier.

[ralph]

Just looked at a Shadow2 yesterday...I was filling out the paperwork on a new CZ P01, when the guy behind the counter casually mentions that they have a Shadow 2 that just came in, in the used counter..I put the pen down and took a look..there it was in very nice shape, very reasonably priced, If I remember correctly, $950...If anyone's interested, the name of the shop is Ohio Armament, phone # 330-878-4017..I don't think it'll stay there long..

[Clusterfrack]

Holy crap, this is the fugliest pimp gun I've seen in long time. It would be pretty funny to bring this to a match.

https://i.imgur.com/LyzOzXX.jpg

[farscott]

My taste is so lacking that I like it. It clashes in a harmonious manner.

[Clusterfrack]

My taste is so lacking that I like it. It clashes in a harmonious manner.

It looks like something El Chapo would have on his wall.

[foxj66]

It looks like something El Chapo would have on his wall.

They look pretty nice in person but stupid rare. I think something like 80 of them were made for the entire world and only a handful of them are in the US.

[farscott]

Quick update. I now have 24,000 rounds on one of my Shadow 2s. Since this one is not my match gun, I haven't been doing the recommended parts replacements.

The slide stop is original, and still doesn't show deep grooving. What's the secret? I think it is my use of Lucas Marine Grease (http://a.co/d/6tEepFV).

Also, the extractor is still working fine and doesn't look very worn, which is a bit of a surprise to me.

I replaced the CGW trigger return spring after 20k in live fire and probably 10x that in dry. (It didn't break).

The CGW firing pin is visibly worn at the tip.

I'm on my 3rd CZC 11# recoil spring (https://czcustom.com/cz-75-85-sp01-spring-recoil-full-11-lb-x-1.html). I logged 9k on one and 16k on the other.

Do you have more than 24,000 rounds on the pistol? There is 9,000 on one recoil spring and 16,000 on the other. Plus the third recoil spring that is currently inn the pistol. That is a minimum of 25,000 rounds. In any event, impressive performance.

[Clusterfrack]

Do you have more than 24,000 rounds on the pistol? There is 9,000 on one recoil spring and 16,000 on the other. Plus the third recoil spring that is currently inn the pistol. That is a minimum of 25,000 rounds. In any event, impressive performance.

I know, right? Nearly to 50k on that gun, plus a lot more dryfire.

[Clusterfrack]

CGW 10x barrel bushing installed. Old bushing has a bit of wear :D

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210729/021339e5ac233f096aad70e6ab9d7378.jpg

[Clusterfrack]

Shadow2 with new CGW 10x barrel bushing
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210730/e58d1847533cf0b3f080b52d1c56770e.jpg

Shadow2 with OEM barrel bushing
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210730/8fe09d50c35d2493fa77a56b4e15eda6.jpg

[JCN]

75004

I just replaced a hammer spring after probably 25k+ rounds.

Very interested the marine grease as I break slide stop pins fairly regularly with just conventional oil.

[Artemas2]

Do you guys run the buffer on the guide rod? I have seen posts on Enos about some who do and don't. Those ones who do use a buffer don't seem to report broken slide stop pins nearly as often. Not a conclusion of any kind, but I am curiouse if the buffer may be helping extend the life of the pin.

My S2 is at 10k now and so far the pin looks good as does the orginal buffer.

[Clusterfrack]

I use the thick buffer, and a 13# CGW recoil spring. Buffers last 20k or more with ~133PF loads.

[YVK]

I use buffers. Prefer thick but I am almost out of them. Mine don't last more than a couple of thousand. My slide stops break about every 10-13K rounds.

[JCN]

I use the thick buffer, and a 13# CGW recoil spring. Buffers last 20k or more with ~133PF loads.


I use buffers. Prefer thick but I am almost out of them. Mine don't last more than a couple of thousand. My slide stops break about every 10-13K rounds.

I use buffers too and haven’t worn through a single one yet.

I break pins every 10-15k rounds but I use an 11 pound recoil spring and don’t change them at all so that I’m sure contributes to the punishment on the pin.

I take the broken pins as trade off for easier racking on unloaded starts with a soft RSA.

[1911Nut]

I have a few CZ's. I shoot them in local steel matches and IDPA matches. Also use them as EDC.

CZ Custom Shadowline Compact: EDC and an occasional IDPA match in SSP or CCP divisions.

Cajun Gun Works CZ RAMI (safety model) with a Holosun 507KX2 red dot optic: EDC when I am not carrying the above mentioned Shadowline.

Cajun Gun Works CZ 75 SP-01 non-Shadow converted to SAO with Trijicon SRO red dot optic: IDPA CO division.

CZ Custom CZ Shadow 1 converted to SAO with Trijicon SRO red dot optic: IDPA CO division.

CZ Custom Shadow 1: IDPA SSP and ESP divisions. Production and Limited Minor in local steel matches.

CZ Custom Shadow 1 Tactical II: IDPA SSP and ESP divisions.

Cajun Gun Works CZ 97B converted to SAO: IDPA CDP division.

CZ Custom Shadow 2 converted to SAO: Used one on the way to my FFL as of this evening. Picked it up in a trade. Don't know what I am going to do with it yet. Here's a photo:

75030

So far I have broken one trigger return spring on the CZ Custom Shadow 1

I had the barrel reamed on three of the above pistols to alleviate occasional FTF issues and that has proven to have solved the issue.

In my experience, all of the CZ pistols are sensitive to COAL of the ammunition.

I have a mix of CZ 18-round magazines and MecGar 17-round magazines. I have added Wolff "+10" springs to all the CZ magazines. No mag-related issues.

The Shadow 2 in transit will have several MecGar 10-round magazines. No experience with the reduced capacity mags, so will have to see how they work before i determine their end use.

There was (is) no master plan to have a couple of CZ's on hand while one or two were being repaired as mentioned by George M., but I certainly have an adequate supply of pistols to cover such events should they occur,

I like them.

[Artemas2]

The 10 round mecgars should be good to go. I have 15 of them with henning pro base pads in general useageage. They only issues I had was with a stuck follower after I neglected to clean them after a being stepped on in the mud. These are the round floor plate peg mags, I have not tried the newer mags with the square floor plate peg.

[JCN]

Clusterfrack
YVK

Did you know that the barrel bushing is only held in place by the front pin (for those carry optics shooters that remove their front sights)….

75116

That would explain my recent zeroing issue… :D

Time to order some CGW ones!

[Clusterfrack]

Clusterfrack
YVK

Did you know that the barrel bushing is only held in place by the front pin (for those carry optics shooters that remove their front sights)….

75116

That would explain my recent zeroing issue… :D

Time to order some CGW ones!

Lol!

Order new front sight pin also.

Edit: degrease parts really well.

[YVK]

Yes, I knew that. I keep my pins in although there was a time when I didn't and bushings stayed put. My front sights fly off all the time.

[Bucky]

Did you know that the barrel bushing is only held in place by the front pin (for those carry optics shooters that remove their front sights)….



I did nit know that. I’m going to assume that since Cajun did my slide mill, optic install, including the removal of my front sight, that it’s been dealt with accordingly…?

[JCN]

I did nit know that. I’m going to assume that since Cajun did my slide mill, optic install, including the removal of my front sight, that it’s been dealt with accordingly…?

Yes, they will have replaced the front sight pin, even without a front sight installed.

[Clusterfrack]

If anyone hasn't seen Oleg's excellent CZ disassembly instructions:
http://www.olegnikitin.com/news/complete-disassembly-assembly-of-cz-75-sp-01-shadow

[Clusterfrack]

I just installed my 3rd CGW 10x barrel bushing. https://cajungunworks.com/product/barrel-bushing-for-sp-01-10x/

Here are updated instructions that make this super easy.

* Remove bushing retaining pin
* Use 1/4” 7/16” or 11mm socket with a long extension backwards to pound out OEM bushing.
* Degrease slide & bushing
* CGW bushing in freezer for 15min
* Heat slide with a heat gun
* When ready, do the following quickly before the bushing warms up:
* Lubricate bushing channel with rubbing alcohol
* Line up roll pin groove carefully and gently push bushing in as far as you can by hand
* Pound the slide against soft wood to seat bushing fully.
* After the bushing is installed, use a new roll pin

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210829/06b8b4dfdfc8e60276d599c392abedc2.jpg