Request for help deciding between CGW SA, SP-01 and Shadow 2

[NoCompromise]

I'm returning to the hobby after many years away. After researching the options, I'm set on getting a full size CZ for the range. An additional factor to consider is that my girlfriend will be shooting it as well. I took her shooting years ago and she enjoyed 9mm very much. That said, minimizing recoil and fitting smaller hands are priorities.

After looking at various pre-owned options, I'm considering the following and would appreciate any advice:

1. SP-01 for 550

2. CZ 75 SA with CGW Defensive Package for 850

3. Shadow 2 for 2100

I was pretty set on the Shadow 2 based on all of the glowing reviews, but CA prices probably aren't worth it. Thanks for any input!

[BarkingAnt]

Hope this doesn't amount to a stupid question but does a shadow 2 cost 2100 in California? I live in Alabama and saw one today in local gun shop for around 1300.

[Tok36]

Hope this doesn't amount to a stupid question but does a shadow 2 cost 2100 in California? I live in Alabama and saw one today in local gun shop for around 1300.

Here is a link to a thread with a previous post that explains some of the details of current CA firearms laws and why some pistols are more expensive.  (Post #3, #21)

Why aren't the P-7, P-9, & P-10 sold in CA?

https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=106116.0

[1steelshooter]

As an ex California resident I feel for the OP. I have a couple of SP-01 Shadows and while they are very nice guns I wouldn’t pay $2100 for a Shadow 2. The CGW gun is probably very nice. You could improve the SP-01 a lot by making it single action, remove the firing pin block and install a competition hammer. Those options are a lot cheaper than $2100.



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[Old-Duckman]

Welcome to the forum and welcome back into the fold of firearms appreciation and enjoyment.

From your list and prices, I would opt for the SP-01. As I have stated here before, my SP-01 Tactical is the least favorite CZ handgun that I own but it is still a nice firearm. It seems a bargain compared to the others you list and it sounds like you will be using it for fun and not competition.

I have a Shadow 2 that I bought “used” (it had not been fired, the previous owner bought 2 of them for some reason and sold the other one...hate to tell you (OK, I guess I don’t) for $900.00...came with a set of Lok grips too.)

Anyway I think the Shadow might be a poor choice if your girlfriend is unfamiliar with shooting. The trigger is very light from the factory. I have probably only shot several hundred rounds through mine but have had several times when I unintentionally fired a second round, simply because the trigger pull is so light. No safety issue as it was, of course, still pointed down range, but I could see where that could be a frightening experience for someone new to shooting.

Good luck and enjoy your re-found hobby.

Your screen name is a bit confusing to me, NoCompromise, seems living in Kalifornia is a compromise...compromising freedom for whatever. I don’t mean to rip on you, I just found that a bit incongruous.

Be safe, have fun!!

[SoCal]

Buy all of them 

You can't take it with you!

[retteryer]

I would consider factory Shadow,while more expensive then regular SP01,but not as expensive as Shadow 2,better sights than stock,better trigger and no firing pin,$880 at CZcustom.

[Oldbear]

The price for the shadow is insane-I saw a new one yesterday for $1147 (Black/Blue).   I’d suggest the SP-01 and then upgrade parts if it isn’t accurate enough for you.  A full “tune up” would still but you in for 1/2 the cost of the Shadow.   Unless you are a serious shooter the SP-01 out of the box will likely shoot tighter than you can hold😏.

[rkwhyte2]

If it were me I'd buy the SP-01 it is the only one reasonably priced and like others have said you can add CGW parts if need be. The 75 SA with the defensive package is way over priced and the Shadow 2 is just plain wack. One question I do have is the SP-01 the safety model or the tactical with the decocker?

[Luvdog]

I’m with most of the others.  Get the SP01 and a kit from CGW.




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[NoCompromise]

Thanks everyone for all of the input!

I am from CA originally. But what's kept me here was being stationed here while in the military and then subsequent family issues. My user name is a forum name I chose a long time ago. I was making a major life choice and wanted to reaffirm that I wanted to go after what I truly wanted regardless of risk.

Although I might consider competing in the future, the gun will be primarily for the range and home defense.

It sounds like the SP-01 is the clear choice. Any thoughts on getting a pre-owned SP-01 for 550 vs a new one for 650 (pre-BF sale)? What CGW kit would be the most recommended? Better to do it myself rather than order a gun with kit installed directly from CGW (with the long wait)?

Thanks again!

[Tok36]

   As i see it, unless there is significant external damage or wear a used SP-01 is free break in. These pistols get better as they break in so used can be an asset. I well broken in pistol is a good starting point for tuning. DIY CZ75 variant gunsmithing can be allot of fun. I suggest reading some of the available CZ75 Variant safety model guides to help establish what you are in for.

Guides to aid in perspective.

CZ Tuning 101 with Professor Atlas
https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/191773-cz-tuning-101-with-professor-atlas/

Smoothing the Action
https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=42537.0

[retteryer]

The price for the shadow is insane-I saw a new one yesterday for $1147 (Black/Blue).   I’d suggest the SP-01 and then upgrade parts if it isn’t accurate enough for you.  A full “tune up” would still but you in for 1/2 the cost of the Shadow.   Unless you are a serious shooter the SP-01 out of the box will likely shoot tighter than you can hold😏.

I was talking about factory Shadow Gen 1,which is $880 at CZCustom,not Shadow 2

[rkwhyte2]

Thanks everyone for all of the input!

I am from CA originally. But what's kept me here was being stationed here while in the military and then subsequent family issues. My user name is a forum name I chose a long time ago. I was making a major life choice and wanted to reaffirm that I wanted to go after what I truly wanted regardless of risk.

Although I might consider competing in the future, the gun will be primarily for the range and home defense.

It sounds like the SP-01 is the clear choice. Any thoughts on getting a pre-owned SP-01 for 550 vs a new one for 650 (pre-BF sale)? What CGW kit would be the most recommended? Better to do it myself rather than order a gun with kit installed directly from CGW (with the long wait)?

Thanks again!

Not all but most of my CZ's have the Pro Package installed. I count myself lucky to have a true artist doing the work. We call him the Wizard and he truly is one.

[NoCompromise]

Thanks everyone for the advice - SP-01 waiting period ends next Saturday. I got a CGW Pro Package and a set of Lok Grips for it. Looking forward to shooting it and eventually upgrading it!