Which Shadow 2 model do I want?

[airgunner]

I'm new here and new to CZ pistols. I have bunch of other handguns but no CZ's and I want to change that.

I'm looking for a nice range/target gun. I was originally looking for something SAO and love flat blade triggers so I was focusing on one of the Tactical Sport models but I kind of ruled them out because I don't like that they require different magazines then other 75 based CZs and that those mags are pretty pricey. I also like that the Shadow 2's are production class legal where as the TS's are more of a limited gun option. I've also learned its fairly easy to convert a Shadow 2 to SAO if that's something I want to do later.

So in the Shadow 2 line, I've been looking at the Standard model as well as the Shadow 2 Orange (S2O) and the CZC AccuShadow2 (AS2).

I like the idea of a factory tuned pistol with fitted slide, upgraded trigger and 1911 style barrel bushing so I'll probably go with the AS2 or S2O unless my LGS only has the standard model and that example already has a great trigger and slide fit (and knowing I can always have it tuned more later).

Between the AS2 and the S2O, they seem to be pretty close? Seems to me like the AS2's barrel bushing design might be slightly better then the S2O's but that's probably splitting hairs? There are some other trivial things I prefer about one over the other but in the end, I'm leaning towards the S2O, if for no other reason then I can probably find one locally. My only concern with the S2O is I understand it requires a different front site then all other S2's because of the CZ barrel bushing used on the model?

Can any of you offer any more detail about that?

This kind of concerns me because I'd hate to spend that kind of money only to find I don't like the factory front sight (for whatever reason) but be stuck with it because there are no other options?

Thanks

[George16]

You can always change the color of the fiber optic rod on the front sight.

If I were you, I’ll get the Accushadow 2. It’s an improved version of the shadow 2 and on par if not better than the S2O.

[tdogg]

I'll caveat this with I don't have a CZC Accu model gun.  I don't know what they get to make those firearms from CZ?

The biggest benefit for the orange lineup of CZ pistols is the hand fit slide to frame.  They must have a separate process for pulling those components at the factory where they are not finished and then they final machine the slide rails so they match and fit very tight.  My TSO's are so tight they have to be lined up just right to assemble.  I can hold the gun vertical pointed down and the slide will not slide off the frame.

Does CZC get the same custom treatment for their Accu models?  If so, great!  If not, I'm not sure how they would get the slide to frame fit as tight as on Orange would from the factory?  If they are taking a factory standard gun and adding the accubushing, the frame slide fit can't be as tight as an orange model.

Maybe Stuart or someone from CZC can chime in on how they build those model guns?  Maybe there are way's to tighten up the fit after the factory?

Otherwise I think the rest of the action components are similar/same.

Cheers,
Toby

[Fuzzy Sights]

I would vote for the standard Shadow 2.  I own one and have several thousand rounds through it.  Currently it is at CZ Custom having a TS 40 slide fitted to it.  My standard Shadow 2 is out of the box the nicest DA trigger I have ever had, including customized pistols from CGW and CZ Custom.  It is the only DA/SA that I have not played with other than the set screw on over-travel,  Accuracy is on par with any 9mm target pistol I own, including TS Sport and SIG P-210.  The money you would save will let you customize the gun to your needs.  As far as the "Accuracy Bushing" they are great if you have a pistol that needs one.  Otherwise it looks nice, but really is not needed.  Have had only one CZ that truly needed a bushing and it now shoots great, the other two it is hard to tell the difference when averaging 5 or 10 shot groups.

Just my thoughts.  Good luck on your choice.

JW

[tdogg]

If it were me looking (and who isn't!), I'd look at the Bull Shadow 2 and the AO1 while you investigating new pistols.  Both are on the same level as the models you are inquiring about.  I handled an A01 at nationals a while back and it was really nice.  It was a very nice trigger (both DA/SA).  The Bull shadow is also on my bucket list.

Cheers,
Toby

[Lock-n-load]

So many choices , if you can find one I’d get the accu shadow 2

[JBruns]

I looked at the same guns as the OP back when I got into CZ's late last year. It was important for me to shoot IPSC production with a Shadow 2 based gun, so most of the CZC guns were out. And I could not find a good reason to pay more for an Accushadow anyway. Seems like CZ introduced the production legal Orange variant just to address that market and pretty much stole CZCs thunder on it, IMO.

I ended up with the S2O and have been very pleased with it, FWIW.

[airgunner]

Thanks for the replies guys. There doesn't seem to be any real consensus here so I'll take that to mean I'll probably be fine with any of them (which is kind of what I was already thinking)?

I was just making sure that there wasn't one I really should to avoid or one that was clearly better (or at least a better value) then the others for some reason that wasn't obvious to me?

It was important for me to shoot IPSC production with a Shadow 2 based gun, so most of the CZC guns were out. And I could not find a good reason to pay more for an Accushadow anyway. Seems like CZ introduced the production legal Orange variant just to address that market and pretty much stole CZCs thunder on it, IMO.

That was pretty much my thinking as well. At this point the S2O is what I'm leaning towards and what I'm going to hunt for but it may just come down to what I can find in stock at a fair price (especially these days)? I don't like ordering guns because I haven't had great luck with that so I prefer to buy locally. I'm not in any big hurry but if finding an S2O locally proves difficult and I happen to come across an excellent example of a standard S2 at the right price I might just go with that?

Thanks everybody

[George16]

Yes, any of the three will work great for you.

[airgunner]

Well I just got back from a couple of LGS...

The first one had a standard Shadow 2 (blue) and a TSO. The second one also had an S2 Blue and a S2O.

Both S2B's were nice but not as nice as either the TSO or S2O but that's to be expected considering the price difference. The S20 was very impressive but that LGS wanted a what seemed like too much for it ($2149). Gunbroker of all places has multiple dealers selling S2O's for under $2k, one specifically for $1799. Its not all about price and I do prefer to buy local but that's a big difference.

I was VERY impressed with the TSO and may have to think about that one some more? Originally that or the TS2 were the models I was focusing on because I love SAO's but started looking at the S2's because of mags and I like that the S2's are Prod class legal. I don't know why that matters to me seeing how I haven't competed in years and don't know if I ever will again but I still like having that an option.

I just need to think on this one a little more...

[Mtb1083]

Well I have a regular S2 that I have the kadet kit on for a dedicated 22lr pistol. Sold the 9mm slide. I had a TSO and it was  a great pistol but the trigger creep was there and the barrel bushing had slop in it which yeah I could have fixed with CGW but sold it to get a S2O. Best pistol I've ever had in every aspect. That being said I'm halfway paid off on a 2020 czechmate as I always wanted one and always play with one at my LGS. Was able to play with 2 regular ones and a parrot. Will complete my cz pistol addiction lol

[JBruns]

Well I just got back from a couple of LGS...

The first one had a standard Shadow 2 (blue) and a TSO. The second one also had an S2 Blue and a S2O.

Both S2B's were nice but not as nice as either the TSO or S2O but that's to be expected considering the price difference. The S20 was very impressive but that LGS wanted a what seemed like too much for it ($2149). Gunbroker of all places has multiple dealers selling S2O's for under $2k, one specifically for $1799. Its not all about price and I do prefer to buy local but that's a big difference.

Sounds like about the same selection I found locally when I bought my S2O a few months ago. The LGS wanted $2100 for the one they had in stock. I walked in with cash and said if they'd come down to MSRP, I'd buy it. No deal. So I went the GunBroker route for $1749. Found a place with no CC fees, no sales tax for my state and free shipping.

Good luck on your decision.

[Z400acdc]

I bought a Shadow2 SA last week. It has a tight fit with no play in barrel to slide to frame. I love the 3.2 pound trigger! Love backyard range time with this pistol!

[airgunner]

I bought a Shadow2 SA last week. It has a tight fit with no play in barrel to slide to frame. I love the 3.2 pound trigger! Love backyard range time with this pistol!

Heck, I would love to be able to shoot any gun in my own backyard! 

[Mtb1083]

Good luck in which ever model you choose OP, I went last night to put more money down on the czechmate I'm slowly paying off and my TSO I had traded in a few months back finally made it into the used pistols case. Of course I had to hold it again while I was there and bleep it after an hour I bought it back haha. The Czechmate is my last one, I swear! Lol