Author Topic: SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?  (Read 1683 times)

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Offline hodge

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SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« on: August 19, 2019, 03:19:29 PM »
I don't compete, and I don't expect to. I target shoot, and enjoy owning guns. I've wanted an SP-01 for a little while, but I want something more than a base model. I plan to order from CZ Custom, and I haven't decided between the above listed. Any input from those with firsthand experience? I'm not looking for conjecture, but experience. What practical difference is there between the two? Is the Shadow a better value, or the Shadowline?
I have a Shadowline Compact, which I really like. I'm not dead set on owning another Shadowline just for the sake, but if it's a good value, I can lean that way.

Offline Swamp ash

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Re: SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2019, 09:46:11 PM »
I have a CZ75 Shadowline and the trigger is really quite nice and crisp.
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Offline Earl Keese

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Re: SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2019, 10:02:50 PM »
It isn't really an issue of value. They are the same gun, each with unique features such as hammer, grips, safeties. You need to decide which has the features you want.

Offline hodge

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Re: SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2019, 05:45:04 AM »
It isn't really an issue of value. They are the same gun, each with unique features such as hammer, grips, safeties. You need to decide which has the features you want.

Same gun? Is the Shadowline a Shadow, or an SP-01 with similar features? That's been one of my questions.

And, it IS an issue of value. The Shadowline costs more. I'm trying to determine if it's worth it, and why.

Offline Mercs

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SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2019, 06:50:17 AM »
It isn't really an issue of value. They are the same gun, each with unique features such as hammer, grips, safeties. You need to decide which has the features you want.

Same gun? Is the Shadowline a Shadow, or an SP-01 with similar features? That's been one of my questions.

And, it IS an issue of value. The Shadowline costs more. I'm trying to determine if it's worth it, and why.
It isn’t worth more in terms of what you get for the money. It is an SP01 with some upgrades and a slide with no FPB. It has some upgrades like a Shadow. It may sell for more because of some perceived rarity, but the Shadow is the better pistol, imo although not by much


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Offline Earl Keese

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Re: SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2019, 06:52:15 AM »
It isn't really an issue of value. They are the same gun, each with unique features such as hammer, grips, safeties. You need to decide which has the features you want.

Same gun? Is the Shadowline a Shadow, or an SP-01 with similar features? That's been one of my questions.

And, it IS an issue of value. The Shadowline costs more. I'm trying to determine if it's worth it, and why.
They are both Shadows. Same frame, same slide w/o firing pin block. I believe the S.L. is specifically configured to be legal for use in IPSC competition. If you look at the CZC website you can see in the pics that the Shadowline has std thin safeties, std slide stop, aluminum grips, lesser curved trigger, and nickel plated mags(2). Also a different hammer which may offer a smoother trigger pull. If you want those items then there is value over the std Shadow.  If you don't care about those things, or if you plan to buy aftermarket grips for example then maybe the std Shadow is a better choice for you. Maybe you'd prefer the larger safeties and extended slide stop of the Shadow. There aren't nearly as many Shadowlines out there as there are std Shadows so finding someone with the experience you want may be a challenge. I would strongly suggest calling Stuart at CZC and asking him directly.

Offline hodge

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Re: SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« Reply #6 on: August 20, 2019, 12:14:36 PM »
It isn't really an issue of value. They are the same gun, each with unique features such as hammer, grips, safeties. You need to decide which has the features you want.

Same gun? Is the Shadowline a Shadow, or an SP-01 with similar features? That's been one of my questions.

And, it IS an issue of value. The Shadowline costs more. I'm trying to determine if it's worth it, and why.
They are both Shadows. Same frame, same slide w/o firing pin block. I believe the S.L. is specifically configured to be legal for use in IPSC competition. If you look at the CZC website you can see in the pics that the Shadowline has std thin safeties, std slide stop, aluminum grips, lesser curved trigger, and nickel plated mags(2). Also a different hammer which may offer a smoother trigger pull. If you want those items then there is value over the std Shadow.  If you don't care about those things, or if you plan to buy aftermarket grips for example then maybe the std Shadow is a better choice for you. Maybe you'd prefer the larger safeties and extended slide stop of the Shadow. There aren't nearly as many Shadowlines out there as there are std Shadows so finding someone with the experience you want may be a challenge. I would strongly suggest calling Stuart at CZC and asking him directly.

Actually, your post is very helpful, in terms of what I'm digging for. I've noticed very little internet info or videos on the Shadowline. I like the slim aluminum grips, so buying them for a Shadow would put me closer to the price range of the Shadowline. I noticed the different hammer, too. So, if both are comparable as far as Shadow features go, then the Shadowline may be a better value, for my wants and tastes.

Offline johnandersonoutdoors

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Re: SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« Reply #7 on: August 20, 2019, 11:03:51 PM »
As noted above, the two you compared are quite similar, but the differences were outlined too.  As you said, potentially buying the alum grips after the fact might even change your calculus, so you know what you are getting into with each gun.

Not sure if you have considered any custom variant and decided against it, but you might be able to grab a gently used shadow custom, sp01 shadow custom, or sp01 shadow target for the price of the shadowline or less.  That would be the best value in my humble opinion.  Even if you will not compete (I do compete with mine), the amazing trigger is there whether you are target shooting/plinking/anytime.
« Last Edit: August 20, 2019, 11:11:17 PM by johnandersonoutdoors »

Offline hodge

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Re: SP-01 Shadow or SP-01 Shadowline?
« Reply #8 on: August 21, 2019, 06:19:20 AM »
As noted above, the two you compared are quite similar, but the differences were outlined too.  As you said, potentially buying the alum grips after the fact might even change your calculus, so you know what you are getting into with each gun.

Not sure if you have considered any custom variant and decided against it, but you might be able to grab a gently used shadow custom, sp01 shadow custom, or sp01 shadow target for the price of the shadowline or less.  That would be the best value in my humble opinion.  Even if you will not compete (I do compete with mine), the amazing trigger is there whether you are target shooting/plinking/anytime.

I have not considered used, partly because CZ representation in my region isn't strong. I would prefer to handle and inspect a used handgun, so I would depend on finding one locally. My local favorite shop carries a decent selection of CZ's (including a Shadow Orange- that would be at the top of my list, but their price is high), but only 1 used one- a stock Shadow. It's on consignment, and the owner wants $1000. I'm not opposed to used, but my preference would be local buying. I've also kept an eye on Armslist, but nothing reasonable or enticing.
Thank you, all, for the input so far. I'm not looking for someone to make the decision for me, but rather give me first hand experience with the two, so that I can learn and go forward. You folks are helping me in that goal.