The CZ Shadow 2 has long been hailed as the gold standard for DA/SA competition pistols, but does it still hold the crown in today's crowded market? In this hands-on CZ Shadow 2 review, we go beyond the spec sheet to see how this all-steel 9mm performs under pressure.

Below, I break down my experience with the Shadow 2’s legendary trigger, its "racehorse" agility on the range, and how the ergonomics compare to the original CZ 75. Whether you are eyeing your first USPSA match or looking for the ultimate range gun, here is everything you need to know about the performance, reliability, and "bling" factor of the Shadow 2.

Table of Contents

History
My Thoughts
Specifications
Range Time
Pros & Cons
Final Thoughts

VIDEO REVIEW
 

HISTORY

Czechoslovakia – now the Czech Republic – was still behind the Iron Curtain when CZ firearms came out with the famous CZ 75 9mm pistol in 1975. With its swept-back grip and smooth double-action trigger, it became sought by shooters everywhere. 

Later, in 2016, the Czech shooting team competing in the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) requested an improved CZ 75. CZ excelled in its creation of this pistol, the CZ Shadow 2. 
 

MY THOUGHTS

Like a pretty girl, this pistol begs to dance! When I saw Shadow 2, I realized that a lot of work went into the gun’s shape. It naturally melts into my hand. There is improved metal checkering on all four surfaces of the pistol grip and the trigger guard front strap. 
 

Also, I note how low the slide is to the frame. This keeps the bore closely aligned with frame and my point of aim. This latest version also has a longer barrel, lighter slide, and improved slide serrations.

What about those metallic blue grip side panels! It does not hurt to have the prettiest handgun on the competition line. Aside from good looks, the gun has a hefty feel. It weighs nearly 3 pounds empty. This makes it controllable in competition as it tames kick and muzzle flip. 
 

Left-hand shooters need not be concerned – this gun comes with a reversible safety and a spare left-hand slide release. The generous extended beavertail grip protects my hand from “hammer bite.” With competition in mind, CZ includes three high-quality steel magazines. 

I appreciate a good double-action revolver trigger, and the Shadow 2 has a great one. Double action measures a smooth 8.5 pounds on my Lyman trigger gauge. However, the single-action pull is 3 pounds, 12 ounces, with no creep. These numbers do not describe the feeling of a crisp trigger – you must try it for yourself.
 

The sights are micro adjustable rear and bright red fiber-optic front. I find it easy to pick up the front sight and center it while I aim.
 

Related: Best Handguns for Competition Shooting
 

SPECIFICATIONS

RANGE TIME

Here in Area 51 in Arizona, there are always challenging targets to blast. Starting on my paper target, I notice how light the single-action trigger pull is. Its 3.5-pound pull does not accurately describe what it feels like to shoot. I am not a pistolero, but this gun makes me look good! 

Next, I place a few rounds on steel at 15 yards and make the swinger-plate move. Even a headshot is no problem for the CZ. Moving out to 30 yards, the challenge to hit my milk bottle steel target is rewarded with a few “dings.” 
 

Follow-through is made easier by the smooth, reliable trigger and action. Recoil is soft due to the weight of the gun. This is significant – light guns tend to whip more for me, but the Shadow 2 is solid.

Time to engage those 2-liter soda bottles. The one at 30 yards is first. Despite my flinched first shot, the next round opens it up! Drop the magazine, and I am reloaded in seconds. Working from right to left, the CZ hits 2-liter bottles easily, sending them flying. Even the smaller soda cans explode nicely when hit. An occasional flinch causes a miss, reminding me to follow through on trigger squeeze. 
 

One failure to eject took place in the last round of the second magazine, but I feel this was ammo-related. The best practice with the Shadow 2 is to fire high-velocity ammo. The flawless magazine dump of 17 rounds shows the gun to be reliable and solid.
 

Related: New CZ P-10 F Competition-Ready Pistol
 

Pros & Cons

FINAL THOUGHTS

I shoot pistol competitions for fun and relaxation. I feel that the CZ Shadow 2 has great potential to improve my scores. Its weight is an asset during a match, because it will reduce felt kick and improve accuracy. 

The folks at CZ really listened to their IPSC team in designing this Production Division gun. Its slim feel and lowered slide give it a low center of gravity, which aids in natural point-ability. Controls are intuitive; checkering is deep; and the trigger must be felt to be appreciated. The blue-sky grip panels make me look good shooting it. 

Take a CZ Shadow 2 to the dance, and she will not disappoint you!