From the moment I have heard about Shadow 2, I had a question. How is it comparing to Stock 2 Xtreme? I would say both are the hottest guns out there right now, but no side by side comparison or review is available (at least I could not find one). I already have a few Stock 2's so I figured I might as well get Shadow 2 and let you see the difference and more importantly make your mind up without someone telling you what is better or worse. Since I have both, and I have no bias towards "my" gun, I will make factual comments and nothing more.
Since I want to compare firearms only, I will leave cases, manuals and "unboxing" experience in general out of this.
If you want to know something a bit more in detail, please let me know. I will make my best attempt to answer your questions.
Let us start with some facts; you can not see on these pictures.
1. Stock 2 Xtreme is way more expensive (almost double the cost).
2. Stock 2 Xtreme is 1.15 kg while Shadow 2 is 1.33 kg
3. Stock 2 Xtreme has polygonal rifling.
4. Trigger reset and feel in DA is virtually identical.
5. Trigger reset SA is nearly identical. However, trigger break in SA on Shadow 2 is mushy when compared to Stock 2 Xtreme. On Stock 2 Extreme it just breaks, on Shadow 2 you have some travel after takeup, then it breaks.
Stock 2 Extreme in the pictures has 15000 rounds through it, Shadow 2 has 0 (except factory test fire)
Side by side the guns look very similar; the obvious difference is the accessory rail on Shadow 2. the subtle difference is the length and shape of the beavertail, mag release, size of the safety levers and shape of the rear sight.
Upon a closer look, you can see that the slide is slightly longer on Shadow 2 and extends further back, not forward. Sight radius is also longer.
However, Stock 2 Xtreme is a bit longer overall (marginally). You can also see the huge difference in the size of the safety levers. Shadow 2 comes with bigger safety, but it is still way smaller than Stock 2 Xtreme
Stock 2 Xtreme has much larger mag well with a bigger bevel on the ID
Frame checkering is almost identical except the trigger guard.
Barrel size difference is quite noticeable here, also note the presence of the barrel bushing on Shadow 2.
The underside of the slide, I was happy to see that firing pin safety is not present on Shadow 2.
Here is field stripped slide. Note the difference in a guide rod size.
Close up of the barrel bushing.
The frame is thicker on Shadow 2. Trigger return spring and the mechanism is the same.
Plunger vs spring setup for the trigger bar lift.
Magazines are better with Tanfoglio, same with base pads. The once that come from a factory for Shadow 2 are going to break on the concrete floor after a few mag dumps. My Tanfoglio mags are still 100%.
Shadow 2 came with the small amount of damage to the finish right from the factory.
Fit and finish:
Fit for both guns is about the same. Finish, however, is way better on Tanfoglio it has a much more durable finish. The one in the pictures has 15000 rounds through it, and about same amount of dry fire (this includes draw and holster). My second Tanfoglio shows same amount of wear. Out of two Shadow 2, one came in with a damaged finish from the factory, the second one is mint, that tells me that quality control is not quite there.
Range report will be next. I have no reason to believe that Shadow 2 will be a slouch in that area.
Since I want to compare firearms only, I will leave cases, manuals and "unboxing" experience in general out of this.
If you want to know something a bit more in detail, please let me know. I will make my best attempt to answer your questions.
Let us start with some facts; you can not see on these pictures.
1. Stock 2 Xtreme is way more expensive (almost double the cost).
2. Stock 2 Xtreme is 1.15 kg while Shadow 2 is 1.33 kg
3. Stock 2 Xtreme has polygonal rifling.
4. Trigger reset and feel in DA is virtually identical.
5. Trigger reset SA is nearly identical. However, trigger break in SA on Shadow 2 is mushy when compared to Stock 2 Xtreme. On Stock 2 Extreme it just breaks, on Shadow 2 you have some travel after takeup, then it breaks.
Stock 2 Extreme in the pictures has 15000 rounds through it, Shadow 2 has 0 (except factory test fire)
Side by side the guns look very similar; the obvious difference is the accessory rail on Shadow 2. the subtle difference is the length and shape of the beavertail, mag release, size of the safety levers and shape of the rear sight.
Upon a closer look, you can see that the slide is slightly longer on Shadow 2 and extends further back, not forward. Sight radius is also longer.
However, Stock 2 Xtreme is a bit longer overall (marginally). You can also see the huge difference in the size of the safety levers. Shadow 2 comes with bigger safety, but it is still way smaller than Stock 2 Xtreme
Stock 2 Xtreme has much larger mag well with a bigger bevel on the ID
Frame checkering is almost identical except the trigger guard.
Barrel size difference is quite noticeable here, also note the presence of the barrel bushing on Shadow 2.
The underside of the slide, I was happy to see that firing pin safety is not present on Shadow 2.
Here is field stripped slide. Note the difference in a guide rod size.
Close up of the barrel bushing.
The frame is thicker on Shadow 2. Trigger return spring and the mechanism is the same.
Plunger vs spring setup for the trigger bar lift.
Magazines are better with Tanfoglio, same with base pads. The once that come from a factory for Shadow 2 are going to break on the concrete floor after a few mag dumps. My Tanfoglio mags are still 100%.
Shadow 2 came with the small amount of damage to the finish right from the factory.
Fit and finish:
Fit for both guns is about the same. Finish, however, is way better on Tanfoglio it has a much more durable finish. The one in the pictures has 15000 rounds through it, and about same amount of dry fire (this includes draw and holster). My second Tanfoglio shows same amount of wear. Out of two Shadow 2, one came in with a damaged finish from the factory, the second one is mint, that tells me that quality control is not quite there.
Range report will be next. I have no reason to believe that Shadow 2 will be a slouch in that area.
