cz shadow 2
CZ Semi-Automatic Reviews

Gun Reviews by Women – CZ Shadow 2 – Vanessa

CZ Shadow 2 Gun Review

By Vanessa

 

CZ Shadow 2 Specifications

Gun Manufacturer: CZ

Model: Shadow 2 (Black & Blue)

Caliber: 9mm

Barrel Length: 4.89 in

Ammunition Capacity: 17 + 1

Price: $1350

 

CZ Shadow 2 Usage and Features

Primary Use

Competition

Are you right or left handed?

Left Handed

What features does this gun have that appealed to you?

Although I’m right-handed in every other way, I choose to shoot left-handed as I find this addresses my cross dominance best. While it’s not a true ambi gun, the magazine release can be placed on either side and is height adjustable for easy operation. With ambidextrous safety and almost 47 ounce weight, it’s a winner.

Tell us about shooting this gun.

The Shadow 2 is my primary range gun. The point of aim is natural for me, it’s a good fit for my medium sized hands, and the weight and balance mean it comes back on target quickly. The trigger is lovely out of the box, with the single-action pull just heavy enough to provide a little tactile feedback. The double-action pull is heavier and required some extra practice to place that first shot just where I wanted it to go. Unlike some of my other guns that have trigger safeties, this trigger didn’t leave my trigger finger raw and sore.

How would you describe the recoil, is it manageable?

Recoil management is one of the best things about this gun. It comes back on target quickly and doesn’t feel barky or snappy the way some of my other guns do.

How does it fit your hand, are the controls of this gun easy to use? (Safeties, slide pull, magazine release, trigger pull, etc.)

I immediately replaced the stock aluminum grips with mild aggressive G10 grips. They feel a little grippier to me, but don’t increase the volume of the gun. After handling some other CZs recently I think I could put on some slightly thicker grips and maybe improve my grip some.

As a lefty, I immediately swapped the safety and mag release to the left-handed side of the gun. The flat stock safety I found impossible to activate with my left thumb, so I got an extended safety that works like a dream. The slide is a bit heavier, but manageable. The slide release cannot be moved. However, I have learned to operate it with my trigger finger or to use my support hand to slingshot the slide. When I have to lock back the slide without a magazine inserted, I switch to right-handed operation.

Do you like the sights on this gun?

The sights are easy to find but do require regular care. The fiber in the front sight does dark when it is dirty or too old. I wipe it between cleanings and replace two or three times a year.

How reliable is it?

The gun itself is reliable. It’s not a Glock, so it does need to be cleaned and oiled now and then to ensure that it feeds well.

Any problems with any type of ammunition?

It likes factory round nose. My ammo guy had to do some trial and error to figure out the ideal dimensions for the wadcutter bullets I like to use, but he’s got it dialed in.

Was it easy to take down and clean?

Takedown is, honestly, awkward. It requires that the slide be pulled part way back and at the same time the slide release be pressed out. Those with reduced hand strength or small hands may benefit from a helper.

Is there anything you dislike about shooting this gun?

Well, at some point I run out of ammunition and I have to stop. Also, if you put enough rounds through it in a short period of time it gets too hot to hold and I have to stop.

For someone considering this gun, what would you tell them?

This is a fantastic gun for developing and improving fundamentals, for target shooting, and for those ready for something designed for competition, but not ready to drop $4k on a race gun. It’ll let you focus on the skills instead of fighting with the gun. If the point of aim and ergonomics feel good, take one out for a spin.

Would you recommend this gun? If no, do you have a preferred gun?

I would highly recommend this gun for skill development, target shooting and the lower levels of competitive shooting.

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3 thoughts on “Gun Reviews by Women – CZ Shadow 2 – Vanessa

  1. Dolores says:

    I own and love this gun. Easy recoil. Easy to aim with the red sights. not ideal for conceal carry unfortunately.

    1. Debbie Johnson says:

      How is the grip I compete USPSA and my glocks are just too big. I loose my grip and hard to reach mag release.

  2. Rose says:

    I own this gun and I love it. Own 2 more CZs, too.

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