Shadow for IDPA

S

Stormin30

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
BC down under!!!!!
Hello CGNers
Looking to buy my first piece of restricted steel with the purpose of joining local IDPA. I have a liking for the CZ Shadow SP 01. I have shot this along with several others and found my first love. I have read a lot online about several different ways to lean down the shadow to make weight restrictions for IDPA. What I want to know is if those that use the Shadow can help me save time and $ to build a IDPA Shadow. I don't want to make alterations that will cause the gun to be disqualified and hence waste money. If you have ideas or learning lessons please attach info below.
Thanks
Stormin30
 
Last edited:
Keep Delrin (plastic) recoil spring rod; get Marshall's Walnut grips - you are good for SSP.
Radioshack sells a scale for $15 or so, you can get, and check gun's weight. It should be <=39oz with empty mag.
 
I have just gone through the same thing, but I added adjustable sights to mine whch made it more difficult.

I acutally have two right now as I wait for a friend's RPAL paperwork to pass so I weighed both. I put a set of Marshal maple grips on mine; they are marked as SP01 lightweight I think and are about 0.4 ounces; you can get hem in alder too. I had mine stained balck so they pretty good when installed. I also put a stainless mag guide in it that I ground a bit out of; with my buddy's upper and my modified lower, I reradhed the weight limit bang on with the a heavy platic based mag (mags can vary by 0.1 ounces).

For ME to reach the weight limit, I ahd to have 0.2 ounce mchine from the inside of the dust cover just in front of the trigger guard termintating just behind the slots for the Picatinny rail. It did not take very much and I hit the weight limti fine. Many people do not like adjsutable sights, but it hit quite high for me and the fiver optic pin when shooting outisde is overpowering to me.
 
Gunnar has a Phantom right now, buy that, poly framed will make SSP and ESP for weight class, you still have the quality, fit fell and accuracy of the CZ, and it is IDPA leagal.
 
Having gone though this exercise (and having shot in several Sanctioned IDPA matches where they weigh the pistol) I will share the following bits:

1) The matches that I've shot weigh the pistol in grams, not ounces. They use the rule "39.0 Oz", not "less than 39.5 ounces". 39.1 ounces was not acceptable.

2) Marschall grips are a must

3) Keep the grip-tape to a minimum.

4) There seems to be some fat machining tolerances on the Shadow. I have a plastic guide-rod, Marschall grips, and I've drilled out the plastic on my magazines - and I still have to take out the mag-break to make weight. Some guys seem to be able to do this and keep the mag brake installed.

If you're going to shoot in non-sanctioned IDPA matches, I wouldn't be too concerned about the pistol making weight. If you ARE going to shoot in a sanctioned match, I'd be very certain about the weight before you show up at the compliance stage.
 
Um... why not buy one of the other fine 75 based options that is already light enough to qualify?

I've got a Shadow but wanted a backup and second 9mm. I was casting around not really knowing what to get when I tripped over a deal I couldn't pass up on an old pre "b" 75. For the money I figured I could try it and sell it if I wanted something else. Well, that old 75 shoots so nice that it's not going anyplace but with me to the range and some IDPA matches. There IS a slight difference in recoil from the Shadow but it's not as much as I expected. And it easily makes the weight limit without a lot of mental anguish. So don't be afraid to go with the shorter dust cover option. They really are fine guns in their own right.

In the rules they specifically mention that slides cannot be lightened but say nothing about frames or mags. That surprised me as I would have thought that the prohibition against mods would be more complete than that. It opens up the door to a lot of modification to lighten any gun to reach the weight limit as long as the metal removal is all internal.
 
I have found more variance in the weight of 10 rd mags then the gun itself. In addition to the Marshall grips I had to install the lighter mag brake designed for the 75B and trim it on the sides to make exact weight of 39 oz.

All that said I prefer my 85 Combat for IDPA. For me it balances better than the Shadow, weighs less, and with the Competition Hammer and 13# mainspring has as good or better trigger than the Shadow. I installed a Competition rear fixed sight and FO front on my gun. The CZ 85 Combat has exactly the same trigger group as the Shadow.

I can draw the 85Combat slightly faster than the Shadow, transition from target to target faster and feel the 85 Combat is a better choice than the Shadow for IDPA. The Shadow was designed for IPSC Production where it dominates World events. Lighter guns have dominated IDPA lately. Guns like the Glock 34 and M&P seem to be the winning combinations these days - did I mention the sponsored top shooters are flailing away with the poly guns. That may have something to do with them dominating top events such as the US NAtionals.:D

The exterior of the frame may not be modified see page 20 of the rule book. Internal workl on the frame such as what Cory did is allowed as is lightening mags.

Take Care

Bob
 
Thx

Well thanks for the help.
I have ordered the Marschall Grips in maple and they do look like nice cnc work. Inspiring. Now I have to say that the CZ 85 is mt 2nd trailing choice of steel and will probably be my second purchase. I have heard of CZ 75 ejector issues that have been remidied with the 85.
Again Thanks for the help.

I feel that when in a crunch you will revert to instincts. ;) For this reason I have chosen a Hammer gun over hammerless. Steel over plastic.

The next crucial decision :rolleyes: to make is to go with a decocker model or the standard safety on all of my handguns.

What is ideal for IDPA. Any help from CGN's would be greatly appreciated. I have used the decocker and it seams slick. Is there a disadvantage to this system?

AGAIN THANKS
Sincerely,
Stormin30 :D
 
Stormin30 said:
Well thanks for the help.
I have ordered the Marschall Grips in maple and they do look like nice cnc work. Inspiring. Now I have to say that the CZ 85 is mt 2nd trailing choice of steel and will probably be my second purchase. I have heard of CZ 75 ejector issues that have been remidied with the 85.
Again Thanks for the help.

I feel that when in a crunch you will revert to instincts. ;) For this reason I have chosen a Hammer gun over hammerless. Steel over plastic.

The next crucial decision :rolleyes: to make is to go with a decocker model or the standard safety on all of my handguns.

What is ideal for IDPA. Any help from CGN's would be greatly appreciated. I have used the decocker and it seams slick. Is there a disadvantage to this system?

AGAIN THANKS
Sincerely,
Stormin30 :D
Click to expand...

There is no disadvantage and if you got a trigger job done on a decocker model ther may be a perceived advantage in that the DA pull might be slightly shorter and you don't have to flick off a safety. In practical terms I doubt it would have much advantage. Until you regularly shoot at the Master level either the Shadow or 85 Combat will be more gun than the shooter. - No offense - but all my guns would do better in a better shooters hands and have. It all falls to personal preference. If you get the Shadow down to eactly 39 oz or less you will have all the gun you will ever need to shoot IDPA. Enjoy the sport and be happy at what ever level you manage to obtain. All you are shooting for is a 12 cent certificate and bragging rights for a day. Just try to be the best you can be, after that nothing else matters.

Take Care

Bob
 
Yes I know this will be all anyone needs for IDPA. I have a slowly growing hiden ball of money that I want to buy a good gun. I may only get this opportunity once with 3 kids in school and dance and sports. So I have put in a bit of planning and feel that if I get one :rolleyes: chance I better be sure to be happy with my purchase. :dancingbanana:

I also know the gun doesn't make the shooter, but this gun will never hold me back. I love the .12 cent paper thing. I also feel that IDPA is a platform that provides a challenge, friendships around tim's coffee, and a place to support and volunteer at the local range.

All in all a great reason to join and better then the .12cent paper.
Thanks for the tips!
Stormin30
 
Stormin30 said:
I love the .12 cent paper thing. I also feel that IDPA is a platform that provides a challenge, friendships around tim's coffee, and a place to support and volunteer at the local range.

All in all a great reason to join and better then the .12cent paper.
Thanks for the tips!
Stormin30
Click to expand...

With that attitude you will really enjoy IDPA. Give Ken a hand and he will be very grateful I am sure. You can never have enough volunteers. Ah the 12 cent certificate, well you have to remember you also get bragging rights for five minutes as well.:D

Take Care

Bob
 
Personally, I'd recommend regular manual safety over decocker for any competitive shooting for just one reason - grip! You cannot rest your thumb on decocker lever while shooting. And if you shoot 1911s, you naturally rest your thumb same way on safety.
Decocker style gun would be my choice for a carry gun thou.
 
In Closing of thread!!! Thx

Thanks
I guess I should finish this thread. I have rec'd my Shadow and love it. The Marchall grips are blond maple. I bench rested the Shadow and fired 6 rounds off and could not see the placement from 15yards away. I then dropped to the bottom right of target to see if I was on paper. Yep. I found the first 6 rounds in the 1.5" black center of target and one on the bottom right.
Thanks for the holster Ceezer!
Now off off to the reloading bench.

Once again thanks for the help CGNers.

Sincerely,
Stormin30
 
COREY said:
I also put a stainless mag guide in it that I ground a bit out of; with my buddy's upper and my modified lower, I reradhed the weight limit bang on with the a heavy platic based mag (mags can vary by 0.1 ounces).

For ME to reach the weight limit, I had to have 0.2 ounce machine from the inside of the dust cover just in front of the trigger guard termintating just behind the slots for the Picatinny rail. It did not take very much and I hit the weight limti fine. Many people do not like adjsutable sights, but it hit quite high for me and the fiver optic pin when shooting outisde is overpowering to me.
Click to expand...

Your stainless guide rod takes you out of IDPA. Your gun must make all conditions for SSP Division due to the FLDC. Guide rods other than made from the same material as factory are not allowed in SSP Division. Install the original and you are legal.

Take Care

Bob
 
Has there ever been an IDPA Match, where they stripped all SSP guns down to find if there were rogue parts, and if so, who was the Judge......they would have to be one knowledgeable SOB, to know every factory part for every SSP gun out there....does such a monster exist?

I do hate to take this off the reservation, but I have to ask, does such a procedure exist in IPSC, and if so, who is the "All Knowing One"?
 
7.62mm said:
Has there ever been an IDPA Match, where they stripped all SSP guns down to find if there were rogue parts, and if so, who was the Judge......they would have to be one knowledgeable SOB, to know every factory part for every SSP gun out there....does such a monster exist?

I do hate to take this off the reservation, but I have to ask, does such a procedure exist in IPSC, and if so, who is the "All Knowing One"?
Click to expand...
It happens in IPSC as well.
Watched a guy who was shooting his 1st real match get bumped to open for having the plastic plug in the handle of his Glock. His gun came that way and didn't know any better.
 
dinsdale said:
It happens in IPSC as well.
Watched a guy who was shooting his 1st real match get bumped to open for having the plastic plug in the handle of his Glock. His gun came that way and didn't know any better.
Click to expand...

Well, that is pretty easy to spot, but there are guide rods, trigger parts etc., that one one have to be very, very knowledgeable to spot a Non-OEM part! Some you wouldn't even be able to tell the difference!
 
7.62mm said:
Has there ever been an IDPA Match, where they stripped all SSP guns down to find if there were rogue parts, and if so, who was the Judge......they would have to be one knowledgeable SOB, to know every factory part for every SSP gun out there....does such a monster exist?

QUOTE]
Yes, to answer your first question.

What is important is the participant would know. Most shooters are more interested in playing by the rules then spending time trying to avoid them.

If you are saying, "Everyone has an opportunity to ignore the rules", the answer of course is yes. Most of our shooters can't be bothered and are more interested in playing the game by the rules.

Take Care

Bob
Click to expand...
 
tiratore said:
I just checked, without the empty mag, already with the slim aluminum grips, 38.4 oz and with the mag, 41.0 ... arrrggghhh.
Click to expand...

Yes the Aluminum grips won't get you there. The Dennis Marshal grips onl;y weigh .4oz and will get you down to just over 39oz. Replacing the mag brake should take you down to 39oz even. Some factory 10 rd mags weigh slightly more than others. I have five factory mags and three get me to 39oz while two leave me at 39.1 oz. I use them in my CZ 85 Combat.

Take Care

Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom