My Shadow 2 Conspiracy Theory

[Stojanovich]

For the life of me, I'll never understand CZ's reasoning behind the Shadow 2. Few have ever had any serious complaints about the SP-01 based Shadow.  That pistol had been dominating (and still dominates) competitive shooting for several years so, why the need for a Shadow 2?

OK, I think that CZ did it just to take a bite out of EAA/Tanfoglio's marketshare. Tanfoglio built their entire company on ripping-off CZ's designs since the late 1970s and CZ was like, OK let's build a gun that's leaps and bounds better than a Stock 3 and call it...a Shadow 2.  When CZ was behind the Iron Curtain during the 1970s and 80's their designs weren't protected by copyright in the West. That's why we see so many CZ clones on the market. Tanfoglio certainly wasn't the only company who made decent copies of CZ's but, it had always been their bread and butter and I swear, I think the Shadow 2 was some 'payback' from CZ.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Shadow 2's.  To me, they represent what CZ is capable of mass producing: one of the best production pistols I have ever owned bar none but, sometimes, I look at them and chuckle about the striking resemblance they have to a Stock 3.     

[coolbox]

Maybe CZ realized that some of the copiers actually did make enhancements/improvements over the original design.

I was discussing with CZ Custom over a custom pistol build, based on one of the shadows... They made a point that length and moving mass of shadow 2 slide made it probably the best bet for any rapid paced shooting. Quicker follow up shots and all. CZ advertised the same....and returned the favor to the copiers. With interest.

[Croal_Darksoul]

My CZ conspiracy theory asks why a company capable of building such nice pistols only offers a 5 year warranty while most all other firearms manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. What?s ev n worse is the company that is always accused of ripping off CZ (EAA) offers a lifetime warranty as well. Explain that conspiracy theorist.

[Raining_Brass]

There's no denying they took some cues form Tanfoglio in regards to the grip.

Doesn't  make anything a conspiracy.
CZ is just smart and filled a void where they were losing potential customers. It's just smart business and it's what literally everyone in the industry does. If you're losing business to your competition over a product or design you don't offer, you're going to fill that void.

[recoilguy]

My CZ conspiracy theory asks why a company capable of building such nice pistols only offers a 5 year warranty while most all other firearms manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. What?s ev n worse is the company that is always accused of ripping off CZ (EAA) offers a lifetime warranty as well. Explain that conspiracy theorist.

Because that's all they need to offer.
Would they sell more guns if it was a lifetime warranty......I doubt it they can't keep what they make now in stock.
When you copy someone or are the new guy and have nothing at all different to offer, you offer a better warranty.
No conspiracy just how business is done.

RCG