G34 vs SP-01 Shadow

[glitchtyzz]

I've narrowed it down to a G34 Gen5 MOS vs a SP-01 Shadow (my budget is around $1200); the G34 is $1100 and the Shadow 1 would cost me $900. I understand that they're both completely different guns (e.g. polymer-striker vs metal-DA/SA). Additionally, I acknowledge there was a thread not too long ago comparing the G17 to the Shadow 1 but I feel a G34 warrants a separate discussion. More importantly, I do have more talking points about why I'm looking for suggestions.

I've done what everyone has suggested and went to the local range to try them out. They did not have the G34 so I had to use the G17. NOTE THAT TRYING OUT BOTH THOSE GUNS WAS ONLY THE SECOND TIME I SHOT HANDGUNS. So, I'll be honest with you guys, I didn't feel like one felt better or worse to shoot (especially since I only shot 30 rounds through each); I just had a ton of fun shooting haha. I can say, however, that I was more accurate with the Shadow 1; so I guess that counts for something? Unfortunately, since I tried the G17, I'm wondering if it would feel or shoot different compared to the 17? Some of you may ask why I'm looking at the G34 instead of the G17, and the reason is 1) because I think it looks cooler and 2) I'm a fan of John Wick and he uses it haha.

Anyways, a few factors that have made my decision difficult are:

1. I want to eventually be able to install optics, so I would have to get the Shadow 1 ($900) milled which would mean it would cost around the same as the G34 at around $1100; so I guess we can skip the price and look straight to the comparing the guns. This is why I am not considering the Shadow 2; an OR Shadow 2 would be $1500 and thus $300 over my budget.

2. I want to one day shoot competition such as IPSC, IDPA, and 3 gun. HOWEVER, that day will probably be 3 or 4 years from now because I'm in law school and I doubt I have time to shoot that much. What time I do have to shoot is used up by trap/skeet. So what time I do have for my handguns will just be range toys for now; but again, its nice to have a gun competition ready so I don't have to buy another one down the road.

3. I've been told by a friend that as a new shooter, learning to shoot polymer-striker would be better at first because the lighter and (comparatively) worse trigger would force me to learn better grip and recoil management, while starting straight with something like the Shadow 1 (being heavier with a better trigger) would mask deficiencies with my form. How true is this? I love my friend, but I'm certain he has his biases because I know he prefers polymer-striker guns

I know its a lot to read and answer, but I'd appreciate any suggestions as to what would be a good route to go. Especially if anyone could clarify the Myth vs Fact for the 3rd talking point. Thanks.

 

[Import]

Jmho...but if you are wanting to go and shoot competition..don’t muddy the waters with different triggers, grips, felt recoil etc..train on the one you’re going to shoot with..good habits last forever...get the shadow..it really is that good..and a trigger job will lighten it down to 2-3#...I prefer 3#..I do not want nd’s whilst training..enjoy the search..

 

[jimbo14]

I've narrowed it down to a G34 Gen5 MOS vs a SP-01 Shadow (my budget is around $1200); the G34 is $1100 and the Shadow 1 would cost me $900.

Consider the used market. You'll save a chunk, and in the case of the Shadow, find one with grips you like. It'll save you $100 because many people prefer aftermarket grip panels compared to the factory rubber ones.

1. I want to eventually be able to install optics, so I would have to get the Shadow 1 ($900) milled which would mean it would cost around the same as the G34 at around $1100; so I guess we can skip the price and look straight to the comparing the guns. This is why I am not considering the Shadow 2; an OR Shadow 2 would be $1500 and thus $300 over my budget.

Milling any gun isn't something to take lightly. This isn't a mod that can be undone like putting back OEM parts. That said, I've milled my Shadow and love it.

2. I want to one day shoot competition such as IPSC, IDPA, and 3 gun. HOWEVER, that day will probably be 3 or 4 years from now because I'm in law school and I doubt I have time to shoot that much. What time I do have to shoot is used up by trap/skeet. So what time I do have for my handguns will just be range toys for now; but again, its nice to have a gun competition ready so I don't have to buy another one down the road.

The Shadow is more forgiving to shoot compared to a Glock. However, both are used in those sports.

3. I've been told by a friend that as a new shooter, learning to shoot polymer-striker would be better at first because the lighter and (comparatively) worse trigger would force me to learn better grip and recoil management, while starting straight with something like the Shadow 1 (being heavier with a better trigger) would mask deficiencies with my form. How true is this? I love my friend, but I'm certain he has his biases because I know he prefers polymer-striker guns

The part of the equation your friend missed is your personality. Do you have the patience to go through the learning curve of a Glock compared to other guns like a Shadow? Here's where it'll show up: you start shooting your Glock and it's progressing "ok". Then you make the mistake of trying my Shadow or one like it You find it's much, much, easier to shoot. Then you go back to your gun and your groups open back up and those feelings start creeping in about switching guns.....

I'm not saying it to pump a Shadow, but I've seen that behaviour time and time again at the range. It goes to the core of what motivates you, what you are seeing with the pace of your own personal progress, and how much patience you have to manage this when you know there is an apparent easier way to have tighter groups with an easier to shoot gun. Will the urge to swap guns outpace your patience to learn solid fundamentals on a slightly more difficult gun to shoot? I don't even know if you know that, unless you've been in a similar situation before with another activity.

 

[glitchtyzz]

Consider the used market. You'll save a chunk, and in the case of the Shadow, find one with grips you like. It'll save you $100 because many people prefer aftermarket grip panels compared to the factory rubber ones.


Milling any gun isn't something to take lightly. This isn't a mod that can be undone like putting back OEM parts. That said, I've milled my Shadow and love it.


The Shadow is more forgiving to shoot compared to a Glock. However, both are used in those sports.


The part of the equation your friend missed is your personality. Do you have the patience to go through the learning curve of a Glock compared to other guns like a Shadow? Here's where it'll show up: you start shooting your Glock and it's progressing "ok". Then you make the mistake of trying my Shadow or one like it You find it's much, much, easier to shoot. Then you go back to your gun and your groups open back up and those feelings start creeping in about switching guns.....

I'm not saying it to pump a Shadow, but I've seen that behaviour time and time again at the range. It goes to the core of what motivates you, what you are seeing with the pace of your own personal progress, and how much patience you have to manage this when you know there is an apparent easier way to have tighter groups with an easier to shoot gun. Will the urge to swap guns outpace your patience to learn solid fundamentals on a slightly more difficult gun to shoot? I don't even know if you know that, unless you've been in a similar situation before with another activity.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm pretty confident that I have the patience to go through the learning curve. If shooting a glock is better for learning fundamentals, I'm all down for it. Once I get that down maybe I'll buy higher end competition guns? Then again, I'll never have to know if I'm doing something wrong if I use the gun that masks my deficiencies forever.

 

[jimbo14]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm pretty confident that I have the patience to go through the learning curve. If shooting a glock is better for learning fundamentals, I'm all down for it. Once I get that down maybe I'll buy higher end competition guns? Then again, I'll never have to know if I'm doing something wrong if I use the gun that masks my deficiencies forever.

I've seen people express your initial confidence, then change....

To address the point of a Shadow covering deficiencies "forever" - that isn't the case. Sure, they'll hide them for a while. Any heavy gun with a light trigger will have tighter groups on average, but all you need to do is get real picky with your practice/training. Over 90% of my shooting is with Shadows, yet I can shoot an M&P almost as well, in slow fire. It fits my hand well, and I have decent fundamentals, all from shooting a Shadow.

Same thing when I shoot a police officer's duty gun, or that crappy SD9VE. I shoot those very well too.

So no pigeonholes have to be made here. It's an area that you have some control over depending on your approach.

 

[5.45]

Shadow 2 OR was $1170 back in November. CZs usually go on sale in August and around Black Friday / Boxing Day.
Have a look at the competition rules and divisions you think you are interested in. E.g. Glock 34 is not legal for IPSC Production.

Re: S1 vs S2 - S2 needs nothing out of the box, although many people prefer lighter springs. S1 is okay, i.e. it won't hold you back, but will greatly benefit from a trigger job (race hammer, short reset disconnector, springs, ~$150 in parts).

I'll second jimbo14's advice to consider second hand if you decide to go with S1. Or wait for a good sale on S2OR

 

[jimbo14]

A Shadow 2 won’t work for IDPA, and the OP is in an area where IDPA has matches. Great group of people at those IDPA matches.

 

[texasjohn50]

Note that the Glock 34 is not on the approved IPSC production division list of firearms (barrel is too long). Listen to the guys above, buy once cry once, I’d go with the CZ Shadow. There’s a reason it’s the most popular pistol used in Production division.

 

[glitchtyzz]

Shadow 2 OR was $1170 back in November. CZs usually go on sale in August and around Black Friday / Boxing Day.
Have a look at the competition rules and divisions you think you are interested in. E.g. Glock 34 is not legal for IPSC Production.

Re: S1 vs S2 - S2 needs nothing out of the box, although many people prefer lighter springs. S1 is okay, i.e. it won't hold you back, but will greatly benefit from a trigger job (race hammer, short reset disconnector, springs, ~$150 in parts).

I'll second jimbo14's advice to consider second hand if you decide to go with S1. Or wait for a good sale on S2OR

Oh damn, I just searched it up and you're right, the G34 isn't legal in IPSC Production. I guess that I'd have to be bumped into open or standard division... unless I got a G17 instead

A Shadow 2 won’t work for IDPA, and the OP is in an area where IDPA has matches. Great group of people at those IDPA matches.

Yeah, what's nice about the Shadow 1 is AFAIK, its pretty much legal in any type of competition and division.

 

[jimbo14]

If you like the idea of competition, buy a gun that fits IPSC Production. It’s a large and very competitive division locally. Tons of talent to help push you. Standard is much, much smaller. I compete in both. It’s tough shooting 9mm against the .40’s, but I like that challenge.

 

[saskcop]

CZ Shadow, or get the Glock and then wish for the rest of your life that you would have gone with the Shadow.

 

[Hypox!a]

I have a G5 17 and 34 and like them both. The 34 is heavier which in return makes the 17 feel a lot quicker in the hand. I've shot a shadow before, they're nice and you wouldn't regret the purchase either.

 

[TT1900]

Used Shadow with a Kadet kit.

I say this as a Glock guy.

 

[glitchtyzz]

CZ Shadow, or get the Glock and then wish for the rest of your life that you would have gone with the Shadow.

Would I regret just not going the "buy once cry once" route and getting a shadow 2 then?

I have a G5 17 and 34 and like them both. The 34 is heavier which in return makes the 17 feel a lot quicker in the hand. I've shot a shadow before, they're nice and you wouldn't regret the purchase either.

How do you like G34 compared to the G17? Do you prefer one over the other?

 

[Scotty454]

The concept of giving a newbie something that's more difficult to learn on because it will somehow hone their skills faster is RIDICULOUS. This definitely sounds like Glock fanboy wank. Learning on a pistol that is easier to shoot and will not cause you to develop bad habits (Like a flinch, jerking the trigger, etc) will absolutely make you a better shooter. Moving on to something more challenging AFTER you have the basics down will be better long term. What do people typically recommend learning on- a 22LR pistol, or a short barrel double action full power .357 mag revolver? Same concept.

Also, milling the slide on a Shadow 1 will make it ineligible for production division on IPSC. Any slide modifications are a no-go.

 

[glitchtyzz]

Also, milling the slide on a Shadow 1 will make it ineligible for production division on IPSC. Any slide modifications are a no-go.

Yeah, that's why I'm thinking hard about getting an optics-ready pistol (cause i like the idea of having the option) which in my budget would be the glock MOS series... otherwise I guess there is the x5 legion, Q5 match, and shadow 2 OR but those are over my budget

 

[smally21]

Everything you described says get the Shadow. I've had both, and both are solid choices, but the Shadow takes you where you want to go and is far more comfortable to shoot with any volume.
I wouldn't put alot of consideration into optics too early into the game, nor would I be trying to make one gun check too many boxes.

 

[glitchtyzz]

Everything you described says get the Shadow. I've had both, and both are solid choices, but the Shadow takes you where you want to go and is far more comfortable to shoot with any volume.
I wouldn't put alot of consideration into optics too early into the game, nor would I be trying to make one gun check too many boxes.

Why should I not worry about optics early on? Isn't it good to invest long term so I don't have to pay more to get it milled or get another gun?

 

[jimbo14]

Why should I not worry about optics early on? Isn't it good to invest long term so I don't have to pay more to get it milled or get another gun?

The only downside to the S2 is you mentioning IDPA, which would eliminate that option. I prefer the IPSC game vs IDPA, but the people in Chilliwack really make IDPA be awesome. I always recommend people go there to check it out.

 

[Murray 3-D]

My first handgun was a Gen 4 G34 MOS that I bought specifically to shoot 3 gun. I didnt know much about handgun models back then. I liked the look, commonality and reputation of the Glock... so I bought one. Starting out I wasnt much good with it, it took many months of practice before I became mediocre at best. And even then, there were enough pistol "long shots" that had to be made in a typical course of fire that I was still failing to hit. So I put a RMR on it. My shooting accuracy instantly doubled. However I still hadnt trained with it enough to become effective at acquiring the dot in a timely matter.

By this time I was noticing that A LOT of 3 gun shooters were using handguns other then Glocks. So one day when a buddy wanted me to join him shooting at an indoor range, I decided to rent like 6 different handguns. M92s, Sig's, 1911's etc. and the SP01 Shadow was one of them. Right away I noticed that I was a markedly better shot with all of them in comparison to my G34. The Shadow was the one I was best with. So months later I bought one and sold the Glock. I can soundly state that I was just as accurate with my bone stock Shadow as I was with my RMR'ed G34. And on top of that my target acquisition and follow up shots are far faster with the stock Shadow then I was with the G34 as well !

Now Im not saying Glocks suck! there are many that I compete with that kick my a$$ with their Glocks. Im suggesting that you should try as many different models as u can and simply buy the one that u naturally appear to be a better shot with.