Looking for suggestions for a semiauto 9mm handgun. I am an experienced rifle and shotgun shooter. I’m looking for a range gun for informal target practice and would like to try shooting practical pistol. 25-50 yard accuracy is very important. Looking for something with a good trigger and if possible optic ready. I’ve shot Glocks and do not like it grip angle. I’m aware of the scarcity of firearms at this time and am not in a hurry to buy. Your suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom
Many shooters, myself included, prefer the CZ Shadow 2 for range practice and competition. It doesn't come from the factory with a RDS cut, however CZ Custom (which you can buy from with confidence) has this conversion - the full pistol of which is available for purchase:
The referenced pistol also includes the Accu conversion of the Shadow 2 which includes a barrel bushing, trigger action job and slightly better (depending on whom you ask) firing pin.
Not sure what your price range is but I can't recommend the CZ Shadow 2 enough. I purchased my base CZ S2 for ~ $900, which is good to go out of the box unless you truly desire optics.
Posts: 3402 | Location: Mid-Atlantic | Registered: December 27, 2002
I own or have owned and have certainly shot a firearm or three.
That said and not knowing your budget I am going to say something mid tier like the CZ Shadow 2 (I believe there is an optics ready model now).
Now while not CHEAP the performance to price ratio is very good. My plebeian SP01 will shoot lights out at longer ranges and the Shadows are a whole ‘nother level.
Now that said I was keying in on your desire for 50 yard shooting and knowing that most CZ’s are fairly mechanically accurate and easy to shoot well.
There are a TON of options from around $500 up to will I need a co-signer, but the Shadows are a really nice sweet spot in my opinion.
"Guns are tools. The only weapon ever created was man."
Posts: 8040 | Location: On the water | Registered: July 25, 2002
Rogue, when I saw this, I was going to suggest the 320X5 Legion. I have one and am very pleased with it. It does not come with the optical sight, but does have the heavier frame/grip. I am wondering why you picked one over the other. I ask because I always find your posts and reasoning interesting. Thanks, Ironworker.
Primarily because it's ready to go right out of the box, with optic and suppressor-height sights already, so I think it's a better option for someone just starting out like the OP. It's also cheaper, so if he decides that competition isn't for him, he hasn't sunk as much into it.
Thank you, this is exactly the type of information I was looking for. How does the trigger on a sig 320 compare to the CZ Shadow? I shot a friend’s Shadow and thought the trigger was very good, however, the CZ is more than I want to spend at the present time. Thanks again, Tom
Other possible options to checkout are the HK VP9 and Walther Q5 Match. They both are ready for optics and most report the trigger are excellent. Only the latest HK VP9 are optics ready so if you see one without that is the original model. With the Walther Q5 it looks like you lose the rear sight if optic is mounted if that is a concern.
I have a Sig P320 compact with the Romeo red dot and it is the most accurate handgun I own.... I suspect a full size one would be even more accurate. but since I am not a fan of these striker fired guns... I'll suggest the second most accurate handgun I own... Sig P226.
I've only heard good things about CZs but I would suggest to consider where your money goes but then if I took it to that extreme then I aught to be really suggesting a FHN (Made in Columbia S.C.)
