The CZ Shadow 2 pistol series ranks among the world’s best competition handguns. With that proven track record, a Shadow 2 pistol designed for everyday carry seems like a no-brainer. So, CZ did what any right-thinking gunmaker would do and made that a reality with the Shadow 2 Carry, a shorter, lighter pistol combining competition ergonomics and performance with concealed carry features.
CZ recently provided a Shadow 2 Carry for testing, and I’ve been running it for a couple of months. I don’t get to keep it, though I wish I did. Let’s begin with the gun’s specifications.
CZ Shadow 2 Carry Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 15+1
- Single Action/Double Action
- Hammer Fired
- Barrel Length: 4 inches
- Overall Length: 7.5 inches
- Height: 5.4 inches
- Width: 1.5 inches
- Weight: 30.7 ounces (unloaded)
- Optic Ready (Shield RMSc Footprint)
- Cold Hammer Forged Steel Barrel
- Forged Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Duralumin Alloy Grips
CZ Shadow 2 Carry Features
The iconic CZ 75 pistol’s legacy looms large over the current CZ handgun lineup, and the Shadow 2 Carry is no exception. The SA/DA design is obvious, but so is the tapered, low-profile slide whose rails ride inside the frame. Front and rear slide serrations provide a firm grip. The luminescent front and rear sights are visible in low light, and both are windage-adjustable.
CZ also takes the Shadow 2 Carry’s ambidextrous decocker from the current CZ 75 lineup. It’s the only Shadow 2 pistol featuring a decocker. I think a decocker is an absolute must on a modern SA/DA carry gun, and CZ does this one very well. It allows the shooter to safely decock the pistol while also providing a nice half-cock function that presets the trigger for a shorter, crisper initial pull.
The trigger itself offers a long, fairly smooth DA pull that breaks at just under 12 lbs. The SA is a nice 4.7 lbs. I learned to stage the DA pull with a little practice and got to where I could predict the break, though it’s not especially clean. The SA still has some take-up, though the wall is easily discernible.
The half-cock function provides the best condition in which to carry this gun. It features a firm wall against which to stage the trigger, whereupon it breaks at 8.1 lbs. as you pull through. The hammer can be set at half-cock either manually or via the decocker, as necessary.
The low-profile hammer is textured for a firm grip and easily operated. The generous beavertail protects the shooting hand. The grip is very comfortable, with a slight palm swell and positive, but not sandpapery, stippling all around. The three-slot accessory rail allows a light or laser if you want.
Range Performance
The CZ Shadow 2 Carry is a real pleasure to shoot. The aluminum alloy frame makes the gun a little heavier than its polymer counterparts, but the weight also helps mitigate recoil, which was quite nice. I carried it around the house and, while noticeable at first, the weight wasn’t unpleasant. I would carry this gun were it mine.
The grip fits my hand just about perfectly and is among the most comfortable that I’ve run. Like other CZ pistols, the low-profile slide requires practice. Gripping it like a Glock doesn’t work because you’ll be tugging on the frame. The lower bore axis is nice, but I found myself using the optic to help me rack the slide.
The SA/DA trigger requires practice since it’s more involved than a standard SA only (SAO) striker-fired pistol. The extra practice and resulting skill are worth it, in my opinion.
I like SA/DA triggers because, once mastered, they give me options. I can stage them much easier than an SAO trigger, allowing me to hold off or even decide not to send a round if the situation suddenly changes. Good trigger discipline is a must in any situation, but I like what SA/DA gives me. They do, however, require more practice to master. Keep that in mind.
The Shadow 2 Carry was very accurate in testing. I only shot it off the bench to zero the optic, but it did very well there. I was able to drill one ragged hole in the target at 10 yards once I was dialed in. The other 300 or so rounds were fired in drills. Once we mastered the trigger, my two co-testers and I rarely missed. Our friends at Ammo-to-Go provided a case of 115-grain FMJ Blazer Brass, for which we kindly thank them.
Final Thoughts
This is a very nice gun. It’s among the nicest test pistols I’ve ever run. The operation is smooth, and the gun is very reliable. We didn’t have a single stoppage.
The controls are positive and work as they should. The direct optic mount allows the shooter to use the iron sights if desired or necessary. Plus, not needing a mounting plate is always a good thing.
Disassembly isn’t as easy as a Glock, but it’s alright and quickly learned. The only part I didn’t like was needing to tap out the disassembly pin using a magazine. That said, it beats field stripping a 1911.
CZ’s MSRP is $1,599, and I found retail prices around $1,260. I understand that gun prices are high these days. And this gun comes from a prominent line of competition pistols, which are not known for their affordability.
That aside, I do love this gun. It’s smooth, accurate, and reliable. It seems very solid and well-made, which didn’t surprise me. The action requires a learning commitment to handle properly and well, but that’s easily done if you want to do it. This is a quality handgun that I’m certain you would enjoy, and more importantly, bet your life on if things go sideways.
