CZ SP-01 Shadow vs CZ Shadow 2 or another 9mm? Noobie :S

Ice05

Ice05

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Hi Guys,

TL: dr : never shot IPSC before, would like a 9mm - debating between CZ SP-01 Shadow (w trigger job) vs. CZ Shadow 2

I currently only have a .22LR S&W Victory ... I want to buy a few more to get (possibly) involved in IPSC and/or Bullseye.

It seems that there is a strong following for CZ Shadow in the IPSC community as well as Tanfoglio.

I have small/average hands for a female
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and I was told the M&Ps may be too big for my hands. Either way, I think I'm leaning towards the CZ SP-01 Shadow or the CZ Shadow 2... (though I'm open to suggestions too for anything I haven't mentioned)


Ive read a few threads including this one: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1496183-Explain-the-CZ-75-Shadow-Shadow-2-to-me?highlight=shadow

but I am still torn. Right now there are a bunch of sales that has dropped the CZ SP-01 Shadow to 880+ tax which is better than $1349 + tax (saving me almost $520.

I know a complaint on the trigger before and was improved on the 2 vs SP-01 Shadow but I can get that done by my club's gunsmith for about $100... plus sights (etc if Im going production class? ) I could use the $520 on accessories...


I've asked people at the club and Ive gotten mixed reactions. Ive asked the people at the stores and they seem to think that SP-01 is a better deal though I don't know if they're offloading stock? (sorry I'm a bit cynical :S ) Ive fired a CZ 75 (not shadow- didnt like it thought it may not have been maintained as well as its a club gun), fired very briefly an SP-01 but it had right handed grips (I'm a lefty)...even with the weird feel of the grip, it was more accurate than the CZ 75. Haven't fired an Shadow 2 :S

So IS the CZ Shadow 2 really worth that $520 difference? I don't think id "upgrade" to the Shadow 2 if I bought the SP-01 so what I buy would be it for my 9mm (at least till I make waaaay more money :bangHead: ) because I want to also get a revolver...
 
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I would get the shadow 2. The extra weight would help you control the muzzle flip more. It also has a longer sight radius which would help in accuracy. Both shadows you can flip the mag release to the right side if you wish although I'm also a lefty and I'm so used to using my trigger finger for the mag release I haven't changed it in my shadow 2.

My club is in Burlington. If you want you can come out to our ipsc night on Tuesday and try my shadow 2.
 
Their are alot of choices out there; having said that, try to get more trigger time the the sp-o1 shadow with factory grips. It will be all you need for at least a couple years----then you can upgrade.
 
I have a Shadow 2. I have small hands and I preferred the way my old cz85 Combat felt in my hands better. It had many upgrades including fibre optic front sight and Thin aluminum grips from Dlask. The Shadow 2 grip seems larger and although I shoot it well (accurately), for me it's not necessarily 'better'.

The Shadow SP-01 remains a better value in my opinion for small hands based on the shape and size of the grip.


I remain commited to practicing with the Shadow 2 in case it's and issue of 'familiarity'.
 
As a side note, I shoot a Walther PPQ M2 with the smallest factory back grip on it and it fits it my small hands the best. It's also super reliable however, for the purists, it polymer. Lighter, but felt recoil is more significant. Even in 9mm. For me it really only affects follow-up shots (due to target reacquistion) as the recoil on 9mm is light. On a much smaller person results may vary ...
 
I owned the shadow 1 a very good pistol, but i like better the shadow 2 ,, This is the best pistol i have owned in my life, I had about twenty all of kind.
Extremely accurate out of box need nothing run like a charm and the reliability is incomparable.
The quality and the finish is practically the same as a tangfoglio, If you like a full metal frame you will not be disappointed!
 
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I bought a shadow one 2weeks ago as it fit better in my small somewhat non manly hands

try both but unless you want to be one of the best in Canada the shadow one is a bargain at these prices I bought mine for 995 plus tax.
Jeff


yuuup! said:
I have a Shadow 2. I have small hands and I preferred the way my old cz85 Combat felt in my hands better. It had many upgrades including fibre optic front sight and Thin aluminum grips from Dlask. The Shadow 2 grip seems larger and although I shoot it well (accurately), for me it's not necessarily 'better'.

The Shadow SP-01 remains a better value in my opinion for small hands based on the shape and size of the grip.


I remain commited to practicing with the Shadow 2 in case it's and issue of 'familiarity'.
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Well to break it down, if you upgraded the hammer to a competition one on the SP01, it'll run you around $90., aluminum grips about $80.-$100, low profile safety around $75, adjustable rear sight add $115., extended mag release another $80., trigger job about $100. Then on the S2 frame there's more aggressive front/backstrap checkering and the grip profile/relief allows for a slightly higher grip for more recoil control. Add heavier front end to reduce muzzle flip and aggressive slide cuts. S2 is ready to go to work right out of the box... so yeah, I think the Shadow2 was worth the extra $500. :)

That said, if cost is an issue, you will not be disappointed with the Shadow.
 
I never owned an SP01 but I have shot a few. I am loving my Shadow2. It is the most accurate pistol with the least recoil I have ever owned or shot. I think it is worth the extra $$ for the aggressive grips ,checkering, weight, length and the smooth trigger. I have extra large hands, though and I find the grip a little small. I have ordered mag extensions as I am struggling to find a place to anchor my pinky finger.
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I have both and prefer the Shadow 2. That said with the regular Shadow on sale for $850 it's a great value and I don't really think it needs any upgrades other than grips to suit the owner and a couple of $6 springs (13lb Hammer & 11lb Recoil) and you are good to go, I shot mine in IPSC for two years in this configuration and can't imagine I would have needed anything else anytime soon. I am also in the process of helping setup a co-worker with very short fingers for IPSC and he preferred the original Shadow with thin grips to the Shadow 2.
 
I would say that you should get more trigger time on both the Shadows before making a decision. A CZ may not be the right pistol for you. With pistols, personal fit is more important than what the entire CGN community thinks.

The Shadow 2 is a very nice gun and to my small hands the grip feels almost the same as a Shadow 1. If money is not an issue get the Shadow 2 - there are lots of marginal improvements - but for value, especially given where you are in the shooting sports, a Shadow 1 and more ammo will likely help you to improve more than a snazzier gun.
 
Short fingers. Original shadow. Original poster take note. Jeff

Chilidip said:
I have both and prefer the Shadow 2. That said with the regular Shadow on sale for $850 it's a great value and I don't really think it needs any upgrades other than grips to suit the owner and a couple of $6 springs (13lb Hammer & 11lb Recoil) and you are good to go, I shot mine in IPSC for two years in this configuration and can't imagine I would have needed anything else anytime soon. I am also in the process of helping setup a co-worker with very short fingers for IPSC and he preferred the original Shadow with thin grips to the Shadow 2.
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I have short fingers and preferred the shadow 2 since the back strap is cut more aggressively making the grip smaller
 
Really there is nothing wrong with a Shadow on sale. Remember even a sale price might be negotiated lower. Of course if you are the type that must have the latest, just get a Shadow 2.
 
Ive fired a CZ 75 (not shadow- didnt like it thought it may not have been maintained as well as its a club gun), fired very briefly an SP-01 but it had right handed grips (I'm a lefty)...even with the weird feel of the grip, it was more accurate than the CZ 75. Haven't fired an Shadow 2 :S
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Doesn't seem like you want a Shadow for the right reasons; yes everyone is raving all about them, but if you didn't like the CZ75 and the SP-01 same grip as the Shadow its not the right gun for you. As for Shadow 2 idk why a 9mm needs to weigh as much as a brick, also CZ75/Shadow1 feels smaller and better IMO. The protruding high profile grip serrations on the gun make it feel like an HK USP to me.

Cant tell how big your hands from that pic, but if you want small 9mm I'd suggest CZ P07 or the M&P with a small back strap.
 
I do not have the largest hands for a tall guy and am just getting into pistol shooting. I held many and the IWI Jericho and CZ.....any CZ...felt the best and liked the trigger on them.
I Bought the Shadow as I couldn't justify the price on the Shadow 2 when they were offering Shadow for $870.00. I figure I can learn on this...saved the money and bought a reloader.
Just my opinion but I thought saving the money due to Shadow 2 coming out and getting a reloader was more important than getting brand new shadow 2. Love the feel of the Shadow SP-01 and can now save money on ammo....If needed I can buy Shadow 2 or upgrade later. The Shadow SP-01 is a hell of a quality gun to start with and if you can get under $900....sweet deal.
 
Go try a Grand Power X-Calibur if you can. It comes with 4-backstraps, so you can set it up for smaller hands. It's lighter at 28oz than my Shadow at 41oz, and yet it has lower felt recoil because of the rotating barrel lockup design. My 14 year old daughter was shooting it just fine, while she felt my Shadow was too heavy and recoil was a bit too much.

 
Suggest you shoot both Shadow and Shadow 2 side by side and then make the call. IMHO think either one will take you a long way in IPSC Production. Have both and shoot well with each. If you're shooting out of Target Sports in Gormley PM me if you're interested in shooting each before you buy.

PS. You're gonna luv IPSC!
 
To the OP, check to make sure you can comfortably and properly reach the trigger for the double action trigger pull with a proper and consistent grip. Pointing this out because you said you are intending to shoot in production division.
 
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