I just picked up my first CZ pistol- the Shadow 2 Carry. I'm considering replacing the P226 W. German I've been carrying for years. I know, I know. I could have gotten something smaller and lighter, but I've always wanted a CZ and am used to carrying full-sized weapons. I just want to try something new.

Here are some comparison pics:















This thing has some very nice, tight machining. I was pretty surprised how thin the grip is while maintaining the same capacity as the 226- 15+1 with flush fitting magazines. The action is very smooth, and I like that it has a decocker over a safety, since that's what I'm accustomed to carrying.

I put nearly a hundred rounds through it today. I can shoot this thing better than the 226. The low bore axis is noticeable in the recoil impulse and reduced muzzle rise. It also utilizes a half-cocked position (see pics), which I'm starting to like. The decocker drops it into this position, which is how you are supposed to carry it. Unlike regular Shadow 2's, this also has a firing pin block, similar to the 226.

I've ordered a SIG Romeo-X Compact Enclosed with a circle-dot to try on it. I've never carried a red dot sighted pistol before, so I'm going to practice with it quite a bit once it comes in.

One odd thing that kept happening at the range; I was able to sometimes feel it feeding. It was almost like it struggled to get the round into the chamber. The action felt noticeably sluggish when this occurred. I'm HOPING this is just a break-in symptom. It did seem to happen less as the shooting session wore on. I did clean it prior to the session and had it well lubricated with oil.

The only other oddity was that I noticed the inside of the frame isn't finished. All of my SIGs have 100% finished frames, so this struck me as strange.

I would like to delete the decocker on the right side, since I'm a righty and won't use it. A trigger job MAY be coming in the future, but I want to get more practice with it before I decide.

I really like how it balances and fits my hand, though the serrations are fairly aggressive! Overall, I'm pretty happy with my new acquisition!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: flesheatingvirus,

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
The only other oddity was that I noticed the inside of the slide isn't finished. All of my SIGs have 100% finished frames, so this struck me as strange.

It is an oddity & pet peeve about CZs you have to learn to live with in CZ hammer guns. It doesn't affect function, but internally, they look like crap. By contrast, my Sarsilmaz CZ 75 clone guns that cost less than half of comparable CZs have excellent machining & finishing inside & out. They also have steel guide rods where most CZs - outside of the Shadow 2 line - have polymer ones.

Whoops; I meant the inside of the frame. OP has been corrected.

I realize it won't affect the function, plus it's aluminum, so rust isn't an issue. Still, are they really saving that much money by not doing that or could there be another reason...? Maybe rail wear or tolerances?

Very nice!

I'm too heavily invested in my Sigs to switch now, but my son has been delving into the CZ world and I've been really impressed. The Shadow 2 Compact was a swing and a miss, but the "Carry" version has my attention...putting a decocker, firing pin block, and optics cut on it checks all of the boxes that the earlier variant missed. If I was looking to buy a metal-framed CZ right now, that's the one I'd get.

Your pics comparing it to the P226 are interesting. I didn't realize the Shadow was so thick. But it's still smaller and lighter than the Sig, so while it's not exactly a micro-compact at least you're saving a little bit of bulk and weight.

I have the CZ Shadow 2 Compact. It's a tac driver. I don't mind the saftey and you can carry 1/4 cocked so essentially the same as DA on the Carry. Living in NY I was able to purchase with 10 round magazines. I couldn't find a local delaer to sell me the Carry with 10 round mags and CZ doesn't have a SKU for the Carry with 10 round mags.

Congrats on a great shooting pistol. CZ’s tend to multiply. Keep an eye of them

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
I would like to delete the decocker on the right side, since I'm a righty and won't use it.

I look into this and kept getting told it can't be done. If you find better luck, please update here.

quote:

Originally posted by Keystoner:

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
I would like to delete the decocker on the right side, since I'm a righty and won't use it.

I look into this and kept getting told it can't be done. If you find better luck, please update here.

On the ghetto side of things, you can detach the paddle on the right side, only that leaves part of the pin sticking out. Cut it down, paint, and voila. However, it is not clear if this will compromise the integrity of the mechanism...

On the less ghetto side, I’ve seen it may be possible to swap out it out with a left-only version from another model, but I havent verified that yet.

Update: It appears the ghetto method can work: https://www.reddit.com/r/CZFir...ker_delete_s2_carry/

There are also some notes that a P01 decocker will fit.

The bore of the CZ just so low compared to the Sig! Own both and I think the CZ runs circles around it! The carry model is slick!

quote:

Originally posted by iLift45s:
The bore of the CZ just so low compared to the Sig! Own both and I think the CZ runs circles around it! The carry model is slick!

Yes it is. The CZ has what I'd call a mid-bore, similar to a 1911. Other than the P210, Sigs are among the highest bore pistols.

I’d say it depends on the 1911. The ones with trigger guard undercuts and well-blended beavertails definitely allow a noticeably higher grip (much like a CZ 75-series), but the GI-style ones have only a slightly lower bore axis than a SIG P220-series or a Beretta 92-series.

I really like the looks of that pistol. CZs have been giving me the fizz lately. While not exactly a CZ, the Dan Wesson DWX has really tickled my fancy. Dan Wesson is owned by CZ, and the DWX certainly looks like the love child of a CZ, so I’m considering it a CZ anyway. Enjoy your new pistol. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts about it.

Romeo received and mounted! I am pretty impressed with this sight so far. It is super light and yet feels solid. The mount feels very strong, too. On my belt, it feels like a very small package, noticeably smaller than the P226, even with the red dot.

I have 3 reticles to choose from! (dot, circle, circle+dot).

I hope to get it sighted in this weekend.

I’ve wanted to install some tritium sights on my Carry but I hate the “cover the target” sights so prevalent on the market. I ran across a post on Reddit that said Sig P series sights fit so looked i to it a bit. It hit me that maybe the 6/8 sights would work on the Carry also. I wasn’t positive so instead I opted for Meprolight adjustable tritium sights. They do fit well indeed! Now to hit the range and adjust the POA/POI where I like it just as the Sig P series had from the factory. These particular sights sit a bit high maybe for some people but you do you. I’ll try to get a photo posted.

2nd range visit; I put another couple of hundred rounds through it. No malfunctions this time, and I barely felt the feed hesitation a time or two.

I sighted in the Romeo and figured out I need a LOT more practice with a pistol/RDS combo.

A Muddy River holster is on its way, too.