CZ Shadow safety...sharp edge

Busta Capp

Busta Capp

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Just got a new to me unfired CZ Shadow. With all the Shadow 2's coming, seems there are some good deals on the original Shadow's :) So far love most about it, but two things really annoy me. First the double action pull is ridiculous, so as I read the 13lb mainspring should address this.

Second more annoying issue is the safety, in particular the leading edge. This thing is sharp and my thumb hits this first before the pad. I am used to 1911 safeties and this one is no where near as nice. Is there a replacement where this leading edge is smoothed out? If not, is it production legal for IPSC to file this edge down? Your input is appreciated.

Last point, for the IPSC guys, with no decocker what is your load and make ready routine? Insert mag, chamber round and drop hammer manually into half #### to get into double action pull, and set safety?

Thanks,

Steve
 
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Busta Capp said:
...the safety, in particular the leading edge. This thing is sharp and my thumb hits this first before the pad...is it production legal for IPSC to file this edge down?
Click to expand...

Presuming you'll want to be in Production, here is an excerpt from the rulebook:

16. Original parts and components offered by the OFM as standard equipment, or as an option, for a specific model handgun on the IPSC approved handgun list are permitted, subject to the following:
16.1 Modifications to them, other than minor detailing (the removal of burrs and/or adjustments unavoidably required in order to fit replacement OFM parts or components), are prohibited. Other prohibited modifications include those which facilitate faster reloading (e.g. flared, enlarged and/or add-on magwells, etc.), changing the original color and/or finish of a handgun, and/or adding stripes, stippling or other embellishments.
16.2 Magazines accessible to a competitor during a COF must not contain more than 15 rounds at the Start Signal. Identifying marks or decals, internal capacity limiters, bumper pads and additional witness holes, which add or remove negligible weight to/from magazines, are permitted.
16.3 Sights may be trimmed, adjusted and/or have colors applied. Sights may also be fitted with fiber optic or similar inserts.

<http://www.ipsc.org/pdf/RulesHandgun.pdf>

Last point, for the IPSC guys, with no decocker what is your load and make ready routine? Insert mag, chamber round and drop hammer manually into half #### to get into double action pull, and set safety?
Click to expand...

15. Handguns with external hammers must be fully decocked (see Rule 8.1.2.5), at the Start Signal. First shot attempted must be double action. Competitors in this Division who, after the issuance of the Start Signal and prior to attempting the first shot, #### the hammer on a handgun which has a loaded chamber, will incur one procedural penalty per occurrence. Note that a procedural penalty will not be assessed in respect of courses of fire where the ready condition requires the competitor to prepare the handgun with an empty chamber. In these cases, the competitor may fire the first shot single action.

<http://www.ipsc.org/pdf/RulesHandgun.pdf>
 
I just bought a new to me Shadow and wondered the same thing. I haven't had it to the range yet but in handling the gun it is obvious the ambi safety is far less easy to manipulate/user friendly than my 1911 (STI Trojan)
 
Just do some minor deburring and likely as not it'll be fine.

Everyone I've seen, myself included, lowers the hammer fully without trying to find the half #### position. The method being to jam the support hand thumb into the gap, pull and hold the trigger and focus on rolling the thumb out of position to produce a smooth "no click" fall of the hammer into position. Practice this a few dozen times and it becomes second nature.

The first few times I used this rolling the thumb method I got lightly pinched right at the end. I learned that making a fist with some pressure in my thumb puffed it out and stopped my skin from getting pinched.
 
Busta Capp said:
Last point, for the IPSC guys, with no decocker what is your load and make ready routine? Insert mag, chamber round and drop hammer manually into half #### to get into double action pull, and set safety?

Thanks,

Steve
Click to expand...

Just to be clear, the hammer must be fully down on the Shadow not at the half #### position for the Shadow. Use the thumb roll method as described. Works safely everytime...all the time.

Take Care

Bob
 
My wife just bought a Shadow and has difficulty with DA for the first rd. Solution: Change categories! She's in it for fun, not glory. Cocked & locked for her.
 
Wendell said:
Presuming you'll want to be in Production, here is an excerpt from the rulebook:

16. Original parts and components offered by the OFM as standard equipment, or as an option, for a specific model handgun on the IPSC approved handgun list are permitted, subject to the following:
16.1 Modifications to them, other than minor detailing (the removal of burrs and/or adjustments unavoidably required in order to fit replacement OFM parts or components), are prohibited. Other prohibited modifications include those which facilitate faster reloading (e.g. flared, enlarged and/or add-on magwells, etc.), changing the original color and/or finish of a handgun, and/or adding stripes, stippling or other embellishments.
16.2 Magazines accessible to a competitor during a COF must not contain more than 15 rounds at the Start Signal. Identifying marks or decals, internal capacity limiters, bumper pads and additional witness holes, which add or remove negligible weight to/from magazines, are permitted.
16.3 Sights may be trimmed, adjusted and/or have colors applied. Sights may also be fitted with fiber optic or similar inserts.

<http://www.ipsc.org/pdf/RulesHandgun.pdf>



15. Handguns with external hammers must be fully decocked (see Rule 8.1.2.5), at the Start Signal. First shot attempted must be double action. Competitors in this Division who, after the issuance of the Start Signal and prior to attempting the first shot, #### the hammer on a handgun which has a loaded chamber, will incur one procedural penalty per occurrence. Note that a procedural penalty will not be assessed in respect of courses of fire where the ready condition requires the competitor to prepare the handgun with an empty chamber. In these cases, the competitor may fire the first shot single action.

<http://www.ipsc.org/pdf/RulesHandgun.pdf>
Click to expand...

So would filing the edge of the safety be considered minor detailing? I would think so. Priced the thin safeties and they are asking $140. If I can just file this edge down I am happy.
 
Busta Capp said:
So would filing the edge of the safety be considered minor detailing? I would think so. Priced the thin safeties and they are asking $140. If I can just file this edge down I am happy.
Click to expand...

If it does not change the outline or distance it protrudes then it's SHOULD be minor detailing. Use a fine file and just don't go nutz. Round the offending corners over so they are a roughly .015 to .02 radius. Or roughly a third of a MM radius if you're more metrified.

The 13 lb spring I installed left me with a 6.5lb pull in DA. But then spring powers for cheap springs are not all that closely controlled. I may have gotten one that wasn't as stiff as it was rated at.
 
BCRider said:
If it does not change the outline or distance it protrudes then it's SHOULD be minor detailing. Use a fine file and just don't go nutz. Round the offending corners over so they are a roughly .015 to .02 radius. Or roughly a third of a MM radius if you're more metrified.

The 13 lb spring I installed left me with a 6.5lb pull in DA. But then spring powers for cheap springs are not all that closely controlled. I may have gotten one that wasn't as stiff as it was rated at.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info on the safety. I just changed out the mainspring, that made a huge difference. I don't have a trigger pull gauge, but the difference is quite noticeable.
 
800 grit sandpaper lightly applied and tested often will do a job on those safeties as well. I used the 800 grit on my Norinco 1911 safety to get the desired results. You really don't have to take off much metal to remove the sharp ridge.

Take Care

Bob
 
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