I'm interested in getting started in IPSC with some folks at my range. They kindly let me try some of theirs, and I loved the Shadow. In looking around today, I found two that I liked. A 75B and a SP-01 ShadowLine. The 75B was a great deal, $300 less than the ShadowLine. I love me a good deal, but I want this gun to be it for a while. Both were comfortable and fit my hand well. Looking at the CZ site left me with more questions than answers. What is your opinion?
Choosing a CZ
- Thread starter Amanda902
- Start date
A good deal is great, but in the end you'll be spending a lot more money on ammo than the gun. The Shadow Line is a better gun than the standard 75B as it doesn't have the firing pin block, and has had a good deal of the common performance enhancements that many shooters do or get done to their standard guns(competition hammer, adjustable trigger, etc.), making it a sort of factory custom gun. I would suggest going for the Shadow Line. It's more expensive, but you get what you pay for.
Just got back from the range as well, shooting my SP-01 shadowline. Awesome gun. My buddy has a 75 Shadowline (not the SP-01) and its just as nice but you do notice the difference in weight up front (I prefer the heavier SP-01 but my buddy prefers his lighter). My other friend has a 75 Shadow and its very nice (again, not SP-01).
IMO, they are all a step up from whatever else is out there. If you start with a lower end model now, you can always spend $$ where you feel its necessary later on to make it better. Or, you can buy the Shadowline now and not spend $$ later.
FWIW, the differences are not easy to understand and I was in the same position you are about 2 months ago. After alot of research and alot of help from members here this is what I figured out.
The SP-01 denotes the frame style with the front lower rail and more material on the front of the slide. You can buy a base SP-01, an SP-01 shadow or an SP-01 shadowline. They are all the same basic guy but as you move up in models (and price) you get more factory installed upgrades. There is also an SP-01 Tactical model which has a decocker instead of a safety.
Then you have your regular 75 models. They have no lower rail on the front of the frame and more material removed from the front of the slide. They are also available in Base, Shadow and Shadowline versions, each of which have very similar if not the same upgrades as their SP-01 counterparts.
What, exactly, each model has for upgrades I cant say exactly and its hard to figure out from online descriptions. I do know my Shadowline with a decent trigger job, 13lb recoil spring and 11lb hammer spring is a better shooting gun than my buddies Shadowline with no trigger job or spring swaps.
IMO, they are all a step up from whatever else is out there. If you start with a lower end model now, you can always spend $$ where you feel its necessary later on to make it better. Or, you can buy the Shadowline now and not spend $$ later.
FWIW, the differences are not easy to understand and I was in the same position you are about 2 months ago. After alot of research and alot of help from members here this is what I figured out.
The SP-01 denotes the frame style with the front lower rail and more material on the front of the slide. You can buy a base SP-01, an SP-01 shadow or an SP-01 shadowline. They are all the same basic guy but as you move up in models (and price) you get more factory installed upgrades. There is also an SP-01 Tactical model which has a decocker instead of a safety.
Then you have your regular 75 models. They have no lower rail on the front of the frame and more material removed from the front of the slide. They are also available in Base, Shadow and Shadowline versions, each of which have very similar if not the same upgrades as their SP-01 counterparts.
What, exactly, each model has for upgrades I cant say exactly and its hard to figure out from online descriptions. I do know my Shadowline with a decent trigger job, 13lb recoil spring and 11lb hammer spring is a better shooting gun than my buddies Shadowline with no trigger job or spring swaps.
Thank you everyone. I appreciate the help. I have ordered the ShadowLine! Let the mail lady stalking begin! 
Pavementsurfer, thank you for the details!! Any trouble getting a holster that fit? A holster and additional mags is next on the shopping list. I think I read in an older thread Tanfoglio mags were better. Might have to go searching for that one again.
Pavementsurfer, thank you for the details!! Any trouble getting a holster that fit? A holster and additional mags is next on the shopping list. I think I read in an older thread Tanfoglio mags were better. Might have to go searching for that one again.
machinerydoctor
Regular
- Location
- Fraser Valley BC
Thank you everyone. I appreciate the help. I have ordered the ShadowLine! Let the mail lady stalking begin!
Pavementsurfer, thank you for the details!! Any trouble getting a holster that fit? A holster and additional mags is next on the shopping list. I think I read in an older thread Tanfoglio mags were better. Might have to go searching for that one again.
Wolverine sells a Fobus brand model RU97 holster that is a perfect fit for the SP01 Shadow.
Thank you everyone. I appreciate the help. I have ordered the ShadowLine! Let the mail lady stalking begin!
Pavementsurfer, thank you for the details!! Any trouble getting a holster that fit? A holster and additional mags is next on the shopping list. I think I read in an older thread Tanfoglio mags were better. Might have to go searching for that one again.
If you can find the Tanfoglio GET them! You will feel the difference in finish and the price is the same as CZ. They are also easier to clean. You should have at 5 - 6 mags for IPSC. Also Bladetech makes a decent holster.
- Location
- West Quebec
Great gun love mine.. never changed springs must have gotten one with a lighter trigger etc..
- Location
- West Quebec
When I need a pick me up.. I just shoot my Shadow and all is well Get it you won't be sorry
