Anyone using the Shadow 2 for home defense?

[besteff]

Just purchased my first CZ this past weekend, the urban grey Shadow 2. I was only looking for a new home defense gun and was interested in checking out CZs options. At first, I was wanting the new P10c, but since this wasn't for carry, I became more interested in a full size, hammer-fired 9mm. I visited a local shop with a good selection of CZs and finally decided on the Shadow 2.

Here was part of my thinking: before I visited the shop I was heavily leaning towards ordering a CGW's SP-01 with the Pro Package. This would have cost me $1038 plus about $40 shipping plus about $40 transfer at my FFL. Total would be about $1118. The Shadow 2 was $1100 (brand new) plus sales tax of 7% for a total of $1177. So for a $59 difference, I figured the Shadow 2 was the best decision since there's no telling how easy it will be in the future to pick one up at that price, whereas I can most likely always find an SP-01 and have the work done to it (if necessary).

Anyway. I realize lots of folks make the claim "the Shadow 2 is for competition". Did anyone else pick one up not for competition, but for home defense or even carry? If so, did you find the need for any further modifications for such purposes? (I have no plans to carry this - strictly home defense/bedside gun) I wasn't sure about the sight arrangement, having only the fiber optic front and black rear. Might it be better to go with front and rear night sights?

[Scarlett Pistol]

My bedside pistol is a Cz 75 Compact 99021 that I’ve modified to be like a Shadow 2. Including removing the firing pin block system. I have a red dot site and light on it. I wouldn’t hesitate to put a Shadow 2 into that role if I bought one (which I want to do).

Everyone has their preferences and I would imagine most use their Shadow 2’s for competition. But your logic makes sense to me and I’ve done something similar.

[Smitty79]

My bedside pistol is a Cz 75 Compact 99021 that I’ve modified to be like a Shadow 2. Including removing the firing pin block system. I have a red dot site and light on it. I wouldn’t hesitate to put a Shadow 2 into that role if I bought one (which I want to do).

Everyone has their preferences and I would imagine most use their Shadow 2’s for competition. But your logic makes sense to me and I’ve done something similar.

I regularly read stuff by Mas Ayoob, one of the better known firearms trainers and self defense expert witnesses, and he would state that you are opening yourself up to huge problems if you ever have to defend yourself with a gun with any safety system disabled.  You are opening yourself up to lawsuits and overzealous prosecutors.   Yes, I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.   But don't make it easy for them

I shoot a CZC Shadow for competition.   When I do annual maintenance, I use CGW parts.   It has a wonderful trigger.   But I have an M&P on my hip and on my night stand (I shoot this in IDPA all stock but sights) and a P10C ORS on order to see if it is a better way to go for self defense.   A 75 compact would be wonderful for self defense.   Get some education on the legal impact of modification before relying on it.   Reading Mas Ayoob and Andrew Branca is a good place to start

[Earl Keese]

I don't see a problem using a Shadow 2 for home defense. With a light I don't think the f/o front sight would be a problem. I keep a P-07 w/mag extensions for HD, but only because my wife prefers it. Otherwise I'd prefer a steel frame hammer fired pistol for that purpose. Not to derail the thread, but Mas Ayoob has been making that claim for years w/o citing a single case for precedent.

[beanz2]

I keep a stock SP-01 at bedside at my place in CA just because that is all I can afford to sit languishing in some police department’s evidence locker for months.  The PD always confiscates weapons used for self defense, no matter how straightforward the case may be. 

In my home in NV, I keep a Sig Rattler with a can because the SD is a lot more people friendly and humans aren’t the only creatures that break in.

[GeneticallySwiss]

Would it work?  Sure. Are there better, less expensive options purpose made by CZ?  Absolutely.


GS

[Scarlett Pistol]

My bedside pistol is a Cz 75 Compact 99021 that I’ve modified to be like a Shadow 2. Including removing the firing pin block system. I have a red dot site and light on it. I wouldn’t hesitate to put a Shadow 2 into that role if I bought one (which I want to do).

Everyone has their preferences and I would imagine most use their Shadow 2’s for competition. But your logic makes sense to me and I’ve done something similar.

I regularly read stuff by Mas Ayoob, one of the better known firearms trainers and self defense expert witnesses, and he would state that you are opening yourself up to huge problems if you ever have to defend yourself with a gun with any safety system disabled.  You are opening yourself up to lawsuits and overzealous prosecutors.   Yes, I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.   But don't make it easy for them

I shoot a CZC Shadow for competition.   When I do annual maintenance, I use CGW parts.   It has a wonderful trigger.   But I have an M&P on my hip and on my night stand (I shoot this in IDPA all stock but sights) and a P10C ORS on order to see if it is a better way to go for self defense.   A 75 compact would be wonderful for self defense.   Get some education on the legal impact of modification before relying on it.   Reading Mas Ayoob and Andrew Branca is a good place to start

Thanks for looking out for me.

[besteff]

Well, I didn't really need an excuse to acquire another CZ, but I have to happily agree that a 75 or SP-01 will make a better bedside/HD gun. 

However, keep in mind that my original intent was to find a less expensive option (P10c) but once I discovered how nice the steel CZs are, that became more desirable to me. I ended up with the Shadow due to the circumstances described.

[sleepyhead]

I think many people make the claim "that XXX is for competition" mainly because they are referring to the fact that you can get something perhaps cheaper for home defense, and that XXX that you are looking at has some bells and whistles that are suited towards competition but might not give you much benefit in home defense.

That being said in my opinion anything that helps you shoot accurately and fast, well that can't hurt right? Use what you have.

[Chuck James]

When trying to defend loved ones.....belt fed is better, a sharp stick would be worse.

So I guess you are right about in the middle.
 
Good choice!!! 

I picked up a SP01 tactical for the same reason/purpose.

[kmanick]

I do , I swap out my milled CO slide and put the production one back on with a light.
I shoot this thing super accurately ....why wouldn't I use it LOL!

[DWARREN]

As long as you are comfortable with using it that way then there should be no problem. Have fun and be safe.

[EDCzechnology]

I have been told that I am crazy but I carry my diy cajunized S2 everyday hammer down safety off, appendix carry in a JM custom kydex holster and either a thick leather belt or a Brown Coat tactical riggers belt. I have no problems with concealment I started out with a P09 AIWB, then the Phantom, then the Tactical and now the S2. I have no issue with the weight utilizing the proper supporting equipment either. In the end its your choice, do what makes you happy.   

[scroadkill]

Did anyone else pick one up not for competition, but for home defense or even carry? If so, did you find the need for any further modifications for such purposes? (I have no plans to carry this - strictly home defense/bedside gun) I wasn't sure about the sight arrangement, having only the fiber optic front and black rear. Might it be better to go with front and rear night sights?

s2 for home defense.. sure why not .. holds lots of  bullets - making practice fun. personally I like a few more layers when thinking of home defense.. driveway sensors, cameras, motion lights, German shepherds inside and out, and loaded handguns distributed around the house..  shot guns and long guns staged for escalation and fall back plans. 

[IDescribe]

The biggest issue I see with the S2 for home defense is the fiber optic front sight.