CZ Shadow 2 - here we go....

[Clobbersaurus]

I’ve been shooting a Gen 5 G17 in IPSC competition for just a bit over two years. In that time I have something close to 17K rounds through Gen 5’s and a Gen 2. I love my Glocks, to the point that last fall I sold every other pistol I owned and decided to commit to only Glocks.

But a thing happened. I joined PSTG and started submitting video’s and getting some really great feedback. I have been working hard and I started really watching the top shooters in IPSC and USPSA. An old question started creeping back in my mind: would an all steel gun be better suited to my sport? I shoot Production and at matches I am surrounded by a sea of steel - I’m alone with my Glock. So I keep thinking; what do these folks know that I don’t? So I decided to settle the question. I started looking at all steel competition guns and settled on a new Shadow 2. I was really thinking of going Tanfo Stock 2, but Shadow 2’s are so common here in Canada that sourcing parts and mags will not be an issue.

Here it is:

56609

The stock trigger pull was nice at 8.75 DA and 2.75lbs SA. I dropped in a 13lb mainspring and it dropped the DA to just over 7lbs. SA remains at 2.75. Take up is very smooth and does not stack, and SA has only a bit of creep and zero over travel thanks to the set screw adjustment. It’s a very acceptable competition trigger for only a spring change. I’m not sure I like the polished smooth trigger face, but we’ll see how that goes.

It is very heavy (46.5 OZ)! 1.3lbs heavier than my Gen 5, which to put it into perspective is like taping more than a can of beer to my Glock.

I disliked the thin and slippery stock grips so I installed a pair of Lok palm swell Bogies. They fit my larger hands nicely and are grippy as hell. I wish they were a little taller, as there is some empty space above the grip before it meets the frame ridge where my support hand palm could use some texture.

I have a very good baseline for core drills with my Glocks so I’ll report back here with my findings. My intention is to really give the Shadow a good test and see what I can do with it. I lubed it up with Lucas Red N’ Tacky, the 2000 round challenge starts now!

[claymore504]

Great choice! Keep us posted on the transition and journey.

[Clusterfrack]

I made a similar transition about 100,000 rounds ago and have never looked back. I still like shooting polymer guns, but prefer the Shadow2 to anything else I've tried. The ergonomics and recoil dynamics are vastly superior to Glocks or Sigs for me.

You can use an 11.5# mainspring (https://cajungunworks.com/product/hs-12000-black-11-5-hammer-spring/) and have no issues firing any type of primer. However, an extended firing pin is required for this to work.

Rami FP Spring (get a few extra ones)
https://czcustom.com/cz-parts-all/fire-control/cz-2075-rami-factory-firing-pin-spring.html

Extended Firing Pin
https://czcustom.com/cz-parts-all/fire-control/cz-85c-ts-shadow-extended-firing-pin.html

Get some slide stops while you are shopping for parts. These need to be replaced every 15k or so.

Floating Trigger Pin (absolutely a must-have for changing the TRS)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/tr-pin-cgws-exclusive-floating-trigger-pin/

Reduced power trigger spring (get a few extra ones, even though these are very durable 100k+ cycles)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/rp-trs-reduced-power-trigger-return-spring/

Punch to remove OEM trigger pin (be CAREFUL! Go super slow so you don’t bugger your frame.)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/sp-forged-steel-starter-punch/

DS Perman extra power thumb safety spring so your safety doesn't come on accidentally.
http://dsperman.com/products/CZSpring/CZSpring.html

Jayson at Lok can make you a full-height, full-texture Bogie grip for your left side panel. I like a thicker left panel and thin right panel.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?27439-CZ-Shadow-2-USPSA-Production-Gun&p=789041&viewfull=1#post789041

Here's a link for disassembly instructions:
http://www.olegnikitin.com/news/complete-disassembly-assembly-of-cz-75-sp-01-shadow

Also, get extra R & L safety detent parts because those little fuckers can get lost.

[Slalom.45]

Clobber,
Fellow PSTG member hear. Switched G34 to Stock II last August. Interested to hear your thoughts as time goes on in your switch.

[Trooper224]

CZs are great guns, you made a good choice. I've owned a couple and to be honest I try to avoid them. The last thing I need is one more system to tempt me.

[rca90gsx]

CZCustom has a Trigger Return Spring that I prefer.
It is a little heavier than the Cajun piece, but supposed to be super reliable and trigger feels better to me.
Just another data point.


I made a similar transition about 100,000 rounds ago and have never looked back. I still like shooting polymer guns, but prefer the Shadow2 to anything else I've tried. The ergonomics and recoil dynamics are vastly superior to Glocks or Sigs for me.

You can use an 11.5# mainspring (https://cajungunworks.com/product/hs-12000-black-11-5-hammer-spring/) and have no issues firing any type of primer. However, an extended firing pin is required for this to work.

Rami FP Spring (get a few extra ones)
https://czcustom.com/cz-parts-all/fire-control/cz-2075-rami-factory-firing-pin-spring.html

Extended Firing Pin
https://czcustom.com/cz-parts-all/fire-control/cz-85c-ts-shadow-extended-firing-pin.html

Get some slide stops while you are shopping for parts. These need to be replaced every 15k or so.

Floating Trigger Pin (absolutely a must-have for changing the TRS)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/tr-pin-cgws-exclusive-floating-trigger-pin/

Reduced power trigger spring (get a few extra ones, even though these are very durable 100k+ cycles)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/rp-trs-reduced-power-trigger-return-spring/

Punch to remove OEM trigger pin (be CAREFUL! Go super slow so you don’t bugger your frame.)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/sp-forged-steel-starter-punch/

DS Perman extra power thumb safety spring so your safety doesn't come on accidentally.
http://dsperman.com/products/CZSpring/CZSpring.html

Jayson at Lok can make you a full-height, full-texture Bogie grip for your left side panel. I like a thicker left panel and thin right panel.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?27439-CZ-Shadow-2-USPSA-Production-Gun&p=789041&viewfull=1#post789041

Here's a link for disassembly instructions:
http://www.olegnikitin.com/news/complete-disassembly-assembly-of-cz-75-sp-01-shadow

Also, get extra R & L safety detent parts because those little fuckers can get lost.

[Clobbersaurus]

I made a similar transition about 100,000 rounds ago and have never looked back. I still like shooting polymer guns, but prefer the Shadow2 to anything else I've tried. The ergonomics and recoil dynamics are vastly superior to Glocks or Sigs for me.

You can use an 11.5# mainspring (https://cajungunworks.com/product/hs-12000-black-11-5-hammer-spring/) and have no issues firing any type of primer. However, an extended firing pin is required for this to work.

Rami FP Spring (get a few extra ones)
https://czcustom.com/cz-parts-all/fire-control/cz-2075-rami-factory-firing-pin-spring.html

Extended Firing Pin
https://czcustom.com/cz-parts-all/fire-control/cz-85c-ts-shadow-extended-firing-pin.html

Get some slide stops while you are shopping for parts. These need to be replaced every 15k or so.

Floating Trigger Pin (absolutely a must-have for changing the TRS)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/tr-pin-cgws-exclusive-floating-trigger-pin/

Reduced power trigger spring (get a few extra ones, even though these are very durable 100k+ cycles)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/rp-trs-reduced-power-trigger-return-spring/

Punch to remove OEM trigger pin (be CAREFUL! Go super slow so you don’t bugger your frame.)
https://cajungunworks.com/product/sp-forged-steel-starter-punch/

DS Perman extra power thumb safety spring so your safety doesn't come on accidentally.
http://dsperman.com/products/CZSpring/CZSpring.html

Jayson at Lok can make you a full-height, full-texture Bogie grip for your left side panel. I like a thicker left panel and thin right panel.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?27439-CZ-Shadow-2-USPSA-Production-Gun&p=789041&viewfull=1#post789041

Here's a link for disassembly instructions:
http://www.olegnikitin.com/news/complete-disassembly-assembly-of-cz-75-sp-01-shadow

Also, get extra R & L safety detent parts because those little fuckers can get lost.

Wow, thanks for this! I’ll check them all out. I have to be careful which parts I use as only OEM manufactured parts are supposed to be used in IPSC. Aftermarket springs are okay though. I did order an extra OEM trigger return springs as I heard that the new “red” ones are good to go, and I have a spare slide stop.

[foxj66]

Wow, thanks for this! I’ll check them all out. I have to be careful which parts I use as only OEM manufactured parts are supposed to be used in IPSC. Aftermarket springs are okay though. I did order an extra OEM trigger return springs as I heard that the new “red” ones are good to go, and I have a spare slide stop.

Not any longer rule changed where after market trigger parts are legal, just the weight limit now.

DISCLAIMER I work closely with Cajun and CZUSA

I like the factory Red trigger return spring as the reset gets softer than I like with the others. My usage so far says plan on a year season of regular dry fire (2 hours a week) and 40k ish rounds for the factory TRS. Slide stops seem to last around 25-30k.

Its not needed but nice to have the aftermarket hammers (CGW/CZUB comp/CZC) clean up the trigger. an 11.5 MS with an extended firing pin and reduced weight return spring will light hard primers no problem.

Keep extra slide stops, TRS and extractors for spare parts nothing else ever really breaks. And change the Trigger pin to the Cajun floating makes life easy when its time to replace a TRS

[GJM]

I am set up to compete in CO with Glock and Shadow 2 pistols, and have shot both for a number of years. Love them both. I split the CZ better and draw and transition the Glock better. The Shadow 2 seems much more reliable than the Shadow 1, although nothing is easier to maintain than a Glock.

Will be interested in what you conclude after a month or two with the CZ.

[YVK]

I am set up to compete in CO with Glock and Shadow 2 pistols, and have shot both for a number of years. Love them both.


Always nice to see all-encompassing love, especially when love for one feeds love for another. As in, having tried to stick with the Zee like three times in last two years, you never failed to return to Glocks within a month. Love is a strong thing.


RE Shadow 2: main thing I like about it is that, once you got it, you cannot, absolutely and positively, blame anything on a gun.

RE setup: I've had one extended FP stick inside that little hole, made for a fun day. I replaced it with a standard setup, and I don't even know which one of my three slides it is n. I also don't know what mainspring I have. I think it is 11 lbs. Never a light strike.

[Clobbersaurus]

My first real dry fire with the gun tonight. The extra weight was not noticeable once the gun was fully out of the holster. Index was not terrible and I was getting close to matching my Glock par times on draws.The front sight may be a bit too wide, I will decide if i need a thinner one after my first live fire session. Transitions are a tiny bit off, due to the weight, but I’m sure it will come. Reloads were a little questionable, but I also smoked a couple of really great ones, so I have no worries I’ll get there.

The slide stop is going to be replaced with a flat slide stop. It hits me right in the support hand thumb knuckle. I have two on backorder.
56642

Those Lok grips are crazy grippy, calluses are going to form for sure. I know my grip is solid when I feel mild discomfort in my strong hand finger tips when applying pressure from my support hand.
56641

[GJM]

I took a bit of fine sandpaper to the front edges of my Lok grips, because of what you are describing.

[MGW]

Subscribed. I’ve kicked this around several times but the tactical Timmy side of me won’t let me do it.

[GJM]

Always nice to see all-encompassing love, especially when love for one feeds love for another. As in, having tried to stick with the Zee like three times in last two years, you never failed to return to Glocks within a month. Love is a strong thing.


RE Shadow 2: main thing I like about it is that, once you got it, you cannot, absolutely and positively, blame anything on a gun.

RE setup: I've had one extended FP stick inside that little hole, made for a fun day. I replaced it with a standard setup, and I don't even know which one of my three slides it is n. I also don't know what mainspring I have. I think it is 11 lbs. Never a light strike.


This is my last five years of shooting Carry Optics — all roads travel through “Glock.”

56657

[Jim Watson]

You done good.
All I know is what I read on the internet but it seems the trend is to heavy guns. Hundreds of dollars extra for iron butts on 2011s.

[cheby]

My first real dry fire with the gun tonight. The extra weight was not noticeable once the gun was fully out of the holster. Index was not terrible and I was getting close to matching my Glock par times on draws.The front sight may be a bit too wide, I will decide if i need a thinner one after my first live fire session. Transitions are a tiny bit off, due to the weight, but I’m sure it will come. Reloads were a little questionable, but I also smoked a couple of really great ones, so I have no worries I’ll get there.

The slide stop is going to be replaced with a flat slide stop. It hits me right in the support hand thumb knuckle. I have two on backorder.
56642


You grip this gun as a glock, that is why you are having an issue with the slide stop. I had this issue 5 years ago when I moved out of glocks to Shadow as well. I advise against the flat slide stop because you are going to have a problem reaching it while slide lock reloading. Fix your grip instead. (Assuming you are still shooting production with this gun).... Glocks are so different from pretty much everything else. Recently I entertained an idea of shooting CO with a pimped up G34 MOS inspired by Stoeger. I spent two days practicing with it and I absolutely hated it at the end.
I think it is either Glocks or pretty much everything else. Not both.

[Clusterfrack]

I agree with cheby about the slide stop, but I have no problem going back and forth between CZs and Glocks. I find them more similar than they are to a Sig or 2011.

[cheby]

I agree with cheby about the slide stop, but I have no problem going back and forth between CZs and Glocks. I find them more similar than they are to a Sig or 2011.

Interesting. I have no problem switching between 2011 and X5 legion or Shadow 2 (Still looking for the right grips though). I did work for a few months to modify my grip when I started shooting 2011. The new (To me) grip works fine for everything now.
(BTW, the key to get used to 2011 for me was to find the right magwell)

[Clobbersaurus]

You grip this gun as a glock, that is why you are having an issue with the slide stop. I had this issue 5 years ago when I moved out of glocks to Shadow as well. I advise against the flat slide stop because you are going to have a problem reaching it while slide lock reloading. Fix your grip instead. (Assuming you are still shooting production with this gun).... Glocks are so different from pretty much everything else. Recently I entertained an idea of shooting CO with a pimped up G34 MOS inspired by Stoeger. I spent two days practicing with it and I absolutely hated it at the end.
I think it is either Glocks or pretty much everything else. Not both.

Have you seen my freakishly long thumb in the pic above? I won’t have any problems hitting the slide release. LOL!

[GJM]

Have you seen my freakishly long thumb in the pic above? I won’t have any problems hitting the slide release. LOL!

You and our President have something in common.

[Clusterfrack]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200702/3ab279c9332ea616de37ce773846b294.jpg

[cheby]

Have you seen my freakishly long thumb in the pic above? I won’t have any problems hitting the slide release. LOL!
I guess that's true, lol
Another problem that you might get into with such a high grip is pressing the mag release button with your support hand. That was a problem for me switching to 2011 mostly but it is also applicable for CZ as well.

[Clobbersaurus]

I guess that's true, lol
Another problem that you might get into with such a high grip is pressing the mag release button with your support hand. That was a problem for me switching to 2011 mostly but it is also applicable for CZ as well.

Here’s a pic of my thumb after dry fire tonight. So, yeah, it’s going to be an issue.:p

56704

Also, pics of my grip and my strong hand thumb. No problems reaching anything! And no issues hitting the mag release.:cool:
56705
56706

This is why I always cringe when we see threads about how to grip a pistol properly. Grip is such a personal thing that has so much to do with the physical make up of your hands and your grip strength. What works for one person may not work for another. The commonality between individuals should only be: adequate support hand grip and strong hand tension (or more precisely, lack thereof). Everything else is largely individual. This all needs to be worked out methodically in practice to get it right. And, it should be said that it has to be consistently worked on and refined based on continued feedback at the range.

[cheby]

Well said. Agree 100%

[Clobbersaurus]

I put 300 rounds through the Shadow 2 today.

I had two malfunctions, both failures to feed.
56766

I traced it to a bad mag. It’s CZ branded and new. I popped it apart and it was filled with a weird brown oil and was gritty as hell. I cleaned it out and it worked fine afterwards. I’m missing Glock mags already.:rolleyes:
56767

The gun’s POI was about 6 inches high for a drive the dot hold at 25 yards. I cranked the sight all the way down and was able to shoot a 93-1X the second mag out of the gun.
56772

Draws were slow, in the 1.25 range at 7 yards. My best Bill drill was 2.05 with a close C, so lots of work to do there, especially on index. But I’m sure it will come with dry fire.

The gun shoots fairly flat. Recoil impulse is interesting and with the 10lb recoil spring I find the gun returns really nicely and does not nose dive.

https://youtu.be/kMP5s538MHg

Doubles target at 5 yards, .17-.20 Splits. If I’m not paying attention shots tend to go high, but rarely did they go low. EDIT: There is about 60 rounds on that target.
56770

I was able to get a fairly solid grip on the gun. I couldn’t split it as hard as the Glock, but I think that is more of a timing thing that will come with more rounds in doubles.

So far so good. More to come.

[Trigger]

I put a piece of skate board tape on the left side of the frame, in front of the slide stop, for my thumb to rest on/press down on. Sorta like a gas pedal on an open gun. What I discovered is that a bit of down pressure on the tape causes the knuckle of my left hand to arch away from the frame under grip, and my left thumb knuckle does not hit the slide stop and abrade my knuckle like yours. Helps me point my left (support) thumb at the target, lock my left wrist, and get a better grip. YMMV.

[GJM]

Two of my Shadow 2 pistols had malfunctions as they came from the factory, and required a trip back to CZ USA. Same with one of my three Optics Ready Shadow 2 slides. I was told by Cajun, who fixed the OR slide, that there was a run of bad extractors at CZ. If problems continue, you may need to change the extractor.

[Clobbersaurus]

Two of my Shadow 2 pistols had malfunctions as they came from the factory, and required a trip back to CZ USA. Same with one of my three Optics Ready Shadow 2 slides. I was told by Cajun, who fixed the OR slide, that there was a run of bad extractors at CZ. If problems continue, you may need to change the extractor.

Thanks for the heads up. I’m pretty confident that it is the mag, but I will watch it closely.

[Leroy]

I used the CZ 85 slide stop on the Shadow 1 as I had issues like you with the original.

The MecGar 17 rd. anti-friction were 100% for me. Only downside to them was it is common for rounds to become dislodged when the mags were dropped with rounds still in them. I don't think I ever used a CZ branded mag in either of my Shadows. Nobody ever had anything good to say about CZ branded mags.

[1911Nut]

I used the CZ 85 slide stop on the Shadow 1 as I had issues like you with the original.

The MecGar 17 rd. anti-friction were 100% for me. Only downside to them was it is common for rounds to become dislodged when the mags were dropped with rounds still in them. I don't think I ever used a CZ branded mag in either of my Shadows. Nobody ever had anything good to say about CZ branded mags.

I own and regularly use fourteen (14) of the CZ branded 18-round magazines. They have been used hard since 2016 in IDPA and steel competition and rotated among two CZ75 SP-01 Shadow pistols and one CZ75 SP-01 non-Shadow pistol.

When I acquired them, I purchased and installed new +10 springs in each of them from Greg Cote. I've never experienced any issues with any of them. None.

[Clusterfrack]

The mags that shipped with my 3 S2’s are identical to the 17 round Mec-Gars. I’ve had zero issues with any CZ/Mec-Gar mags. One set of 8 has 70,000 rounds through them.

[pew_pew]

I shoot all Glocks. Dabbled with a Tanfo Stock II for a bit. My dealer has both the S2 Orange and the A01LD. I want to get one to play with but I’m torn.

[Simong]

Since I'M restricted to 10-RD mags, the dealer online who I bought the gun from send it to me with 3 Mec-gar 10-Rd mags, I don't recall any problem with the mags.

My Shadow-2 really don't like Federal 115-GR Brass,(and 115-Gr in general) and get jammed while shooting this round with FTE and stovepipes.

Simong.

[Bucky]

Since I'M restricted to 10-RD mags, the dealer online who I bought the gun from send it to me with 3 Mec-gar 10-Rd mags, I don't recall any problem with the mags.
.

I run the MecGar 10 round mags for production and “Carry optics 10”. They run without issue.

I shoot some matches in NJ, which is why I got the 10 rounders. Originally I was going to get 15s, since that was the limit at the time. I knew they were one Democrat governor away from a 10 round ban, and unfortunately I was right.

[Dismas316]

Congrats on your S2. I did the same last year when moved from my glock 34 to the S2 in CO’s. Personally there is was a noticeable difference in shooting and I much preferred the shadow over the glock. I did have some a few malfunctions with the shadow and it was very finicky with ammo. (I was shooting factory and not reloading then) I had CZ custom do their magic on the trigger and mount with their plate system for CO’s, also had the Lok bogies, really liked the set up. My gun weighted 43.5 oz. I hope it works great for you.

I’ve moved to Open at the beginning of this year and haven’t looked back. Wish I would have done that sooner, lol.

[captain92]

Thanks for this thread OP. I am thinking of dipping into CZs myself....TON of great info here!

[Clusterfrack]

My Shadow-2 really don't like Federal 115-GR Brass,(and 115-Gr in general) and get jammed while shooting this round with FTE and stovepipes.

I suggest avoiding 115 gr. 9mm for your Shadow2 (and in general). If you have no other option, try experimenting with recoil springs.

Speaking of recoil springs: this year, I switched to heavier CZC springs (13# and 14#) and am really happy with the results. This is a very personal thing, but it's worth playing with.

Cartridge length (too long) is the most common cause of malfunctions in CZs. The lands are very close to the chamber mouth, and you need to run much shorter loads than will fit in a Glock. My 124gr round nose Bluebullets load has COL = 1.11". Some factory loads won't work, although in my experience that's rare.

As well, it's important to keep the chamber mouth clean. If a ring of lead gets deposited, it's possible to have an out-of-battery detonation because of the extended firing pin. Ask me how I know.

[cheby]

I have shot over 200K through various CZs for the last 5 years. Mostly my reloads but also a broad variety of factory ammo. While it is true that the OAL is one of the possible issues with these guns, I have never experienced any problems with any factory
ammo. From what I know YVK shoots 115gr factory ammo with no issues either.

In my experience, the #1 reason for any feeding issues (If any) is the extractor. Keep it clean. #2 issue is magazines. Mecgar magazines especially while loaded to Production (10rds) capacity with the original springs and followers are bullet proof though. The factory, older CZ magazines are not really durable, because the thin aluminum tubes. I used to try to re-tune their lips but eventually just got rid of them completely. The recent CZ production magazines for Tactical Sport are good and last for a long time though in my experience.

[YVK]

I have shot over 200K through various CZs for the last 5 years. Mostly my reloads but also a broad variety of factory ammo. While it is true that the OAL is one of the possible issues with these guns, I have never experienced any problems with any factory
ammo. From what I know @YVK (https://pistol-forum.com/member.php?u=39) shoots 115gr factory ammo with no issues either.


I am probably at 30K, trying to be conservative, through my two Dos-Shadows. Pre-'rona two 115 gr loads were my go to ammo. 115 gr Federal American Eagle chronos at 130-133 from both of mine and is/was my match ammo. 115 fr TMJ Speer Lawman was my indoors practice ammo. The bulk of those 30K were those two loads.

[GJM]

All factory ammo through my Shadow 2 pistols — PMC and American Eagle 115.

[foxj66]

The mags that shipped with my 3 S2’s are identical to the 17 round Mec-Gars. I’ve had zero issues with any CZ/Mec-Gar mags. One set of 8 has 70,000 rounds through them.

These are the exact same mags as the factory mags minus the CZ logo. They work great and are far cheaper that OEM

[Bucky]

The mags that shipped with my 3 S2’s are identical to the 17 round Mec-Gars. I’ve had zero issues with any CZ/Mec-Gar mags. One set of 8 has 70,000 rounds through them.

Mine were not identical. The S2 mags looked universal 9mm and .40, with markings / witness holes on either side, each representing one of the two calibers. I haven't mic'd them, but visually with rounds inserted, it appears the factory multi caliber mags may be a bit loose, as more of the 9mm cartridge appears to be showing in the factory. That's my recollection anyway. I'm in the middle of packing and all the factory mags are packed (I think). I only use MecGar for competing.

[foxj66]

Mine were not identical. The S2 mags looked universal 9mm and .40, with markings / witness holes on either side, each representing one of the two calibers. I haven't mic'd them, but visually with rounds inserted, it appears the factory multi caliber mags may be a bit loose, as more of the 9mm cartridge appears to be showing in the factory. That's my recollection anyway. I'm in the middle of packing and all the factory mags are packed (I think). I only use MecGar for competing.

From all the samples I have looked at the 17 round mags are sometimes not multi marked with 40 but are the same tube as the 40 cal 12 round mags. I dont think mecGar has made anything different in the last few years. I know I have a couple sets of Multi marked nickel mags and a couple that arent marked multi. We get them both ways from the factory so it varies a little when I go get a new set.

[cheby]

I have seen shadow 2s that came with CZ magazines, not mecgar (Around 2018). Different tubes and mag pads. Old style from Shadow 1

[Clusterfrack]

I have seen shadow 2s that came with CZ magazines, not mecgar (Around 2018). Different tubes and mag pads. Old style from Shadow 1

Ugh. That sucks.

[foxj66]

I have seen shadow 2s that came with CZ magazines, not mecgar (Around 2018). Different tubes and mag pads. Old style from Shadow 1

I have yet to see one come in the country that way, are you sure they were the mecgar with the plus 2 pads? We have had some come that way as thats how they sell in most of the world but the US is special and gets the 17 round mags instead of 19.

[cheby]

I have yet to see one come in the country that way, are you sure they were the mecgar with the plus 2 pads? We have had some come that way as thats how they sell in most of the world but the US is special and gets the 17 round mags instead of 19.

I have owned and worked on over a dozen of various Shadow 1s and shadow 2s. I have over 50 cz mags right now. So yes, I'm sure.

[foxj66]

I have owned and worked on over a dozen of various Shadow 1s and shadow 2s. I have over 50 cz mags right now. So yes, I'm sure.

Wonder if someone swapped them at the DIS/Dealer. I have handled a lot of shadows when they first arrive hear at CZ and I havent ever seen one arrive with the old 18 round mags, but it is the factory so its always possible.

[cheby]

Wonder if someone swapped them at the DIS/Dealer. I have handled a lot of shadows when they first arrive hear at CZ and I havent ever seen one arrive with the old 18 round mags, but it is the factory so its always possible.
I am thinking now that the gun that came with cz magazines was probably from CZ Custom unless I am misremembering. I actually sold those mags . They are more expensive than 17rd mecgars for some odd reasons. So no complaints.

[Clobbersaurus]

Best dry fire practice with the Shadow 2 yet. It’s starting to feel a bit more normal and more subconscious.

Transitions are definitely different than with the Glock. I’m not going to say slower, as my standard par times were attainable, but I really have to muscle the gun around to get it to do what I want. It settles into targets better than the Glock, if that makes sense. Sight wobble is less pronounced.

I have modified my support hand grip a little to improve draw speed. With a Glock I can grip easily around the underside of the trigger with my support hand index finger. This is a slower process for the Shadow, so I’ve abandoned it for a more conventional grip and it has helped me get closer to my normal par times.

More work ahead!

[GJM]

Have you shot a match with it yet?

[Clobbersaurus]

Have you shot a match with it yet?

Nope, three weeks from now. I shot a match a week and a bit ago with my Glock. I wanted to have a full month on the gun before I shot it at a match.

[Clobbersaurus]

DA trigger pull has dropped to just under 6.75lbs now through use. No change in SA, still at 2.75lbs. I'm honestly very impressed with the trigger with just a spring change. I see no reason to mess with it further.

[Simong]

DA trigger pull has dropped to just under 6.75lbs now through use. No change in SA, still at 2.75lbs. I'm honestly very impressed with the trigger with just a spring change. I see no reason to mess with it further.

Very nice, I'm sure you are happy with this type of performance with just a spring change.

My Shadow went to Cajun in LA, Slide cut for RMR, Barrel Bushing Full trigger job 5.5 LB DA very smoothhhhh, SA average 2.50 very minimal & clean takeup very short reset as well.

I'm happy.

Simong.

[Clobbersaurus]

I put another 300 rounds through the Shadow yesterday. No issues this time, all 124g Blazer Brass.

Total rounds through the gun: 600
Malfunctions: 2

I was feeling more connected to the gun this time. Splits are starting to come down and I got down into .14 and .15’s on some drills. Draws are still at least a .10th slower in live fire.

It’s not as forgiving as I had hoped with a mediocre grip, but free rides are rare. When I grip it properly, it is starting to show some promise. A few 7 yard movement drills had me feeling pretty confident with the gun as long as I did my part.

Much work to do!

[Clobbersaurus]

I put another 300 rounds through the Shadow yesterday; 150 rounds 124g AE and 150 rounds of 124g Blazer Brass.

No further malfunctions.

Total rounds through the gun: 900
Malfunctions: 2

I’m still faster with my Glock. Best Bill drill yesterday was 2.26 clean. I was comfortably under 2 seconds with my Gen 5. I’m not unsurprised with this, as I have years more time on Glocks. I’ll continue to train on it for several months and see what happens.

The rest of the time yesterday was spent on doubles and barricade entry and exit drills.

Waldo, our resident range Llama, was not impressed, not at all, and gave me a healthy dose of side eye to go with my bowl of suckage.
57662

[Clobbersaurus]

I attended my first match with my Shadow 2 last Sunday. It did not go well.

221 rounds 124g AE through gun.

Total rounds through the gun 1,121.
Malfunctions 2

I had a bunch of errors associated core gun handling and more specifically, with shooting too many rounds on B-Zone steel/mini poppers and hitting slide lock. With my Glock, slide lock reloads were a strength, and I could time the slide to drop with the insertion of the mag. I can't do this with the Shadow 2 and ended up dropping the slide prematurely. It messed be up three times during the match. Subsequent pracitce shows a very high success with auto-forwarding on the Shadow 2 so I may train this exclusively and see if I can get that to 100%. Regular reloads were bad too.

Accuracy was also not where I wanted it. I believe hand tension crept in due to my errors and also lack of match exposure with the Shadow. It will get better.

I can't wait to get rid of the CZ mags! On the first stage a CZ mag momentarily hung up the slide making me think I had a malfunction. It dropped when I pulled the gun in, saving me another malfunction, but cost me time. I have more Mec-Gar mags on the way. The CZ mags are barely even useful for practice.

Video below, you can hear my frustration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkkjqwlS_YI

[GJM]

After years of messing around with Glock and CZ pistols, I have come to the conclusion that the CZ is an especially good pistol for someone that has not learned trigger control with the Glock. For someone who has, there is no special advantage and it comes down to which pistol gels with your style better.

[Clobbersaurus]

After years of messing around with Glock and CZ pistols, I have come to the conclusion that the CZ is an especially good pistol for someone that has not learned trigger control with the Glock. For someone who has, there is no special advantage and it comes down to which pistol gels with your style better.

I don't disagree with this. Though, I have not come to the conclusion that The CZ is not for me yet. It's not a fair comparison for me to drop it just yet, after a couple of years exclusively shooting Glocks. I'm quite confident I would have shot better with my Glocks at this match, so the myth of CZ being an instant upgrade is all but shattered. I think there are benefits to both pistols. It remains to be seen which platforms benefits I find more attractive. Only time with the gun will teach me what is more important.

[GJM]

I don't disagree with this. Though, I have not come to the conclusion that The CZ is not for me yet. It's not a fair comparison for me to drop it just yet, after a couple of years exclusively shooting Glocks. I'm quite confident I would have shot better with my Glocks at this match, so the myth of CZ being an instant upgrade is all but shattered. I think there are benefits to both pistols. It remains to be seen which platforms benefits I find more attractive. Only time with the gun will teach me what is more important.

Agreed. For me, a Glock draws and transitions better, where the CZ splits better. I like the metal MecGar CZ mags over Glock, except that the Glock mags can be dropped in the dirt, shook, and they are generally fine. Maintenance is simpler with the Glock, and I carry one. I like the Lok grips on the CZ. The CZ is prettier.

[Artemas2]

I don't disagree with this. Though, I have not come to the conclusion that The CZ is not for me yet. It's not a fair comparison for me to drop it just yet, after a couple of years exclusively shooting Glocks. I'm quite confident I would have shot better with my Glocks at this match, so the myth of CZ being an instant upgrade is all but shattered. I think there are benefits to both pistols. It remains to be seen which platforms benefits I find more attractive. Only time with the gun will teach me what is more important.

I am in a similar moat, picked up a S2 coming from a g34 last January and other than a brief IDPA interlude the S2 has been the sole gun I have shot. Not going to lie, early on I lost several dry fire mags over the berm after rage quitting a practice session:o

I am just now seeing myself get closer to where I was with the Glock in the overall standings. But when I have an off stage it has seldom been recoverable.
I think the CZ does certain things better than the glock in specific situations, but the glock is much more a jack of all trades.
For me the S2 just feels much more...substantial, and I really like that about it.

I hope that before this season is over I can find something that is tangibly better or at the least equal for me, worse case scenario I enjoyed some quality time with learning the DA/SA.

[Clobbersaurus]

I am in a similar moat, picked up a S2 coming from a g34 last January and other than a brief IDPA interlude the S2 has been the sole gun I have shot. Not going to lie, early on I lost several dry fire mags over the berm after rage quitting a practice session:o

I am just now seeing myself get closer to where I was with the Glock in the overall standings. But when I have an off stage it has seldom been recoverable.
I think the CZ does certain things better than the glock in specific situations, but the glock is much more a jack of all trades.
For me the S2 just feels much more...substantial, and I really like that about it.

I hope that before this season is over I can find something that is tangibly better or at the least equal for me, worse case scenario I enjoyed some quality time with learning the DA/SA.

I’m going to reserve final judgement until after this season is over, but your post mirrors much of my experience.

[cheby]

I switched to cz in 2015 after shooting a glock for a while. A buddy of mine, a very strong shooter, told me that it took 6 months to get used to it. He was also a glock guy before and was still issued one at work. I was skeptical about the 6 months but he was right. I think it's actually about glock because I feel it is so different from pretty much everything else. I feel I could switch between sig, 2011, cz and so on much easier than between glock and everything else. Perhaps it is the grip angle, not sure about it.

[Bucky]

After years of messing around with Glock and CZ pistols, I have come to the conclusion that the CZ is an especially good pistol for someone that has not learned trigger control with the Glock. For someone who has, there is no special advantage and it comes down to which pistol gels with your style better.

The triggers are certainly a big part of it, however I see another advantage - the weight / recoil control. It probably benefits some more than others. Someone who has big gorilla mitts might not benefit at all. However, someone with a weaker grip due to smaller hands / arthritis / doesn’t eat their Wheaties, the recoil damping of the added weight is a noticeable advantage IMO.

[rca90gsx]

Which baseoads are you running on the CZ mags (are they the 18round mags?)?




I attended my first match with my Shadow 2 last Sunday. It did not go well.

221 rounds 124g AE through gun.

Total rounds through the gun 1,121.
Malfunctions 2

I had a bunch of errors associated core gun handling and more specifically, with shooting too many rounds on B-Zone steel/mini poppers and hitting slide lock. With my Glock, slide lock reloads were a strength, and I could time the slide to drop with the insertion of the mag. I can't do this with the Shadow 2 and ended up dropping the slide prematurely. It messed be up three times during the match. Subsequent pracitce shows a very high success with auto-forwarding on the Shadow 2 so I may train this exclusively and see if I can get that to 100%. Regular reloads were bad too.

Accuracy was also not where I wanted it. I believe hand tension crept in due to my errors and also lack of match exposure with the Shadow. It will get better.

I can't wait to get rid of the CZ mags! On the first stage a CZ mag momentarily hung up the slide making me think I had a malfunction. It dropped when I pulled the gun in, saving me another malfunction, but cost me time. I have more Mec-Gar mags on the way. The CZ mags are barely even useful for practice.

Video below, you can hear my frustration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkkjqwlS_YI

[Clobbersaurus]

Which baseoads are you running on the CZ mags (are they the 18round mags?)?

They are the standard crappy CZ 10 rounders. Basically only useful as a paperweight.

58301

[rca90gsx]

Seating mags firmly at slidelock comes with two potential issues on Cz's a lot of basepads will allow the mags to over insert. The largest problem are the mags springs, going to a +5 or I prefer the +10% spring will resolve a lot of those issues. If you never go to slidelock, you probably won't realize the issues. I have only done IDPA, so ran into both issues quickly. Hope this helps.




They are the standard crappy CZ 10 rounders. Basically only useful as a paperweight.

58301

[Clusterfrack]

As cheby said, it takes a long time to switch guns--especially from a polymer striker gun to a heavy TDA like a S2 or Tanfo. Cut yourself some slack, and enjoy the process. Almost everyone I know who has switched guns has had a significant jump in performance--after a frustrating dip. Getting used to new ergos and controls takes time. But the difference in weight was the biggest change for me. This took a long time to get used to, but I strongly prefer it now.

Have you discussed your transition with Ben or Hwansik on PSTG?

Slidelock reloads: I've never been a fan of "autoforwarding" because it encourages slamming the mag in, which can cause overinsertion malfunctions in some guns, may make it more difficult to return the gun to target, and is not needed on a standard mag change. I'd recommend practicing a slide lock reload using the slide stop until you can make it work.

Myth of an "instant upgrade" by switching to a Shadow2? I've never heard that myth before. More like a long hard slog toward incremental improvement...

Good luck dude--keep working and you'll be happy you made the switch.




I attended my first match with my Shadow 2 last Sunday. It did not go well.

221 rounds 124g AE through gun.

Total rounds through the gun 1,121.
Malfunctions 2

I had a bunch of errors associated core gun handling and more specifically, with shooting too many rounds on B-Zone steel/mini poppers and hitting slide lock. With my Glock, slide lock reloads were a strength, and I could time the slide to drop with the insertion of the mag. I can't do this with the Shadow 2 and ended up dropping the slide prematurely. It messed be up three times during the match. Subsequent pracitce shows a very high success with auto-forwarding on the Shadow 2 so I may train this exclusively and see if I can get that to 100%. Regular reloads were bad too.

Accuracy was also not where I wanted it. I believe hand tension crept in due to my errors and also lack of match exposure with the Shadow. It will get better.

I can't wait to get rid of the CZ mags! On the first stage a CZ mag momentarily hung up the slide making me think I had a malfunction. It dropped when I pulled the gun in, saving me another malfunction, but cost me time. I have more Mec-Gar mags on the way. The CZ mags are barely even useful for practice.



I switched to cz in 2015 after shooting a glock for a while. A buddy of mine, a very strong shooter, told me that it took 6 months to get used to it. He was also a glock guy before and was still issued one at work. I was skeptical about the 6 months but he was right. I think it's actually about glock because I feel it is so different from pretty much everything else. I feel I could switch between sig, 2011, cz and so on much easier than between glock and everything else. Perhaps it is the grip angle, not sure about it.

[Clobbersaurus]

As cheby

Have you discussed your transition with Ben or Hwansik on PSTG?

Myth of an "instant upgrade" by switching to a Shadow2? I've never heard that myth before. More like a long hard slog toward incremental improvement...



I had some video review from Ben that mirrors much of what you wrote.

Regarding the Shadow being an instant upgrade, I’ve had top level shooters in my country repeatedly ask me when I was going to switch to a real gun, saying “you’ll shoot it way better”. My guess is they never really tried to learn to shoot a Glock.

[Clobbersaurus]

I put 300 rounds of 124g AE through the S2 today.

The new Mec-Gar mags worked perfectly.

Total rounds through the gun: 1,421
Malfunctions: 2

Things went decently today.

Shot a 93-1X at 25 yards, first 10 rounds out of the gun.
58370
58371

I then shot MXAD at 7 and 15 yards. I had a 2.62 clean run, which is my personal best on this drill. I had a bunch more clean runs in the 1.7’s. The gun tracks really well under recoil, and this drill is simply amazing for working out core fundamentals.

Rest of the time was doubles and go-stop.

5 yard doubles target; .16-.19 splits, 60 rounds.
58372

[Clobbersaurus]

Video from last weekend, MXAD drill with the Shadow 2 - targets at 7 and 15 yards.

https://youtu.be/9-s5nySV59s

[Clobbersaurus]

I put 350 rounds of 124g AE through the S2 yesterday.

The gun ran perfectly.

Total rounds through the gun: 1,771
Malfunctions: 2

I had some specific speed goals today and really pushed splits hard in doubles. .15 splits are now getting relatively easy with the gun. I ran some ridiculously fast splits at 15-25 yards just to see what was possible. If I do my job, I think 15-25 yard targets are where this gun will help me shave some time.

I spent 200 rounds on MXAD and it continues to teach me things. I moved the near target to 5 yards, instead of 7, and I thought that would make reaching my 2.5 goal a little easier. Turns out I was wrong. I initially had a bunch of trouble with the 15 yard target, I would push shots high-right or low-left.

I caught on to what I was doing and then started to focus on visualization, focusing on specific points on each target rather than the front sight, and relaxing my firing hand. I was rewarded with clean runs in the 2.7 and 2.6 range. Eventually, I had two solid runs, a 2.46 and a 2.55 near the end of the session. I did get into the 2.3’s with less than optimal hits, but 2.3 clean runs are the next goal!

Splits on the 2.46 were: 1.09, .19, .16, .18, .17, .18, .27, .22


https://youtu.be/RllnpF9qJa4

[GJM]

Ben demonstrated that drill in our recent class. I was just discussing it with YVK the other day, and I think both of us are a little unclear as to what the exact point is?

[Clobbersaurus]

Ben demonstrated that drill in our recent class. I was just discussing it with YVK the other day, and I think both of us are a little unclear as to what the exact point is?

PM inbound.

[Clobbersaurus]

I put 300 rounds of 124g AE through the S2 on Sunday.

The gun ran perfectly.

Total rounds through the gun: 2,071
Malfunctions: 2

So the gun clicked over 2,000 rounds with no further problems. I wish I had never used the CZ mags. The gun came with three Mec-Gar mags and I have no doubt if I had stayed with them it would have ran through the 2000 round challenge with no problems at all. In fact, the gun is running so well, and the Lucas Red N‘ Tacky #2 is still where it needs to be, I see no reason to clean it. I think I’ll try to get 4K out of the gun without cleaning and see what happens.

Pro-Grip has turned the grips white, and it’s kinda dirty, but nothing outrageous.

59009

[Clobbersaurus]

I put 300 rounds of 124g AE through the S2 on Sunday.

I had one round that would not ignite after multiple attempts. Obviously a bad primer.
59288

Total rounds through the gun: 2,371
Malfunctions: 3

I was able to shoot a 95-2X at 25 yards with my first 10 rounds out of the gun. The rest of the time I spent on doubles, MXAD and go stop.

59287

My custom Lok Palm Swell Bogies also came in. I asked for them to be “tall on top” to give me more bite on my support hand higher up on the grip. They did an excellent job and customer service and communication was top notch.
59289

[Clobbersaurus]

Tracking rounds:

I had a club match a couple weeks ago. Put another 199 rounds through the Shadow. No issues.

Total rounds through the gun: 2,570
Malfunctions: 3

Still haven’t cleaned it.

I took fist in production and 3rd overall at 98% of the top two open guys. Still can’t catch them, but I am hoping to next match.:cool: I have noticed that I can split the Shadow a bit faster than my Glock on partials and distant targets in a match setting. We have a lot of those at my Club matches, so the difference is starting to become more noticeable.

[Clobbersaurus]

Tracking rounds:

I haven’t shot this gun in three months, but just before my shooting hiatus, I put another 537 rounds through the gun during a match and a practice session. I had one failure to extract when shooting weak hand during the practice session. I got my support hand thumb too high on the slide serrations and it impeded the slide movement. My fault entirely.

65493

Total rounds through the gun: 3,107
Stoppages: 4

I still have not cleaned it. ;)