KMR W-02 UMBRA review (with pictures) vs. Shadow 2

[timmy75]

I'm sorry, but unfortunately all the images that were in the first post have been deleted from the hosting site abload.de.

Pistol is in 9x19 caliber.

It is also available with optics ready cut, but I have decided to buy one without, because lower mounted sights and side adjustable rear sight (OR comes w/o side adjustable rear).OR model is only €20 more. The same  5" model is available (L-02 SPECTRA). I went for 4,5" because I like the balance better and feel faster in transitions.

-Frame is CNC machined forged stainless steel, not MIM casting.
-Barrel length is 4,5", fluted, polished, heavy with 11 degree crown.
-It has a BRS – barrel stabilization system in the slide in place of CZ barrel bushing. That is a small brass ring you can remove after removing the barrel.
-Trigger is serrated with an overtravel screw. Overtravel screw is longer than CZ's.
-Reset is shorter than in Shadow 2, disconnector is somehow like in S2 Orange but not the same. DA is much like S2, but SA is better with a shorter pre travel and shorter reset  with ~ 1,3 kg pull.
-Hammer is a wide competition hammer, better than stock S2, probably the same or better than one in S2 Orange.
-Pistol comes with 3 magazines, uses the same magazines as the CZ 75 series. Grip panels are almost the same as S2, same material and feel, but not interchangeable with S2 or anything from CZ as I know.
-Magazine release button is smaller than one in S2, also 3-position adjustable.
-Safety is wide, extended on the left side and slim on the right side.
-Front sight is 3 mm wide, with 1mm red fiber optic. Front sight is secured with a vertical screw (like S2 Orange), not horizontal cross pin like stock S2. Rear sight is the same as S2 but side adjustable.
-Factory finish is black cerakote on slide and frame (not polycoat).
-Comes with a pistol case, 3 magazines, 2 main springs, 3 recoil springs, 2 stickers, oil, loctite, cleaning kit, 5 recoil buffers and paperwork.

Prices where I live:
Shadow 2 €1.295
Shadow 2 OR €1.553
Shadow 2 Orange €2.300
KMR W-02 UMBRA €1.920
KMR L-02 SPECTRA (5") €1.987

My findings:

-slide and frame fit is perfect, far from CZ, more like Phoenix or SIG high end models

-internals are the same as S2 but with tighter fit (especially sear cage and safety)

-extractor is heavy duty, in theory with a larger lever than  CZ's, should be better.

-assembly is a bit more complicated because you have to wiggle a bit when installing the barrel and recoil spring. Recoil spring and guide rod are held by a plastic insert in the slide.

-there isn't a magazine guide in the grip area, it is machined in a frame around the lower part where the main spring sits.

-barrel is heavier than the S2 and the slide is lighter. There are many cuts for weight reduction in the slide.

-barrel locking is better than CZ. I don't know what it is called but it locks via square chamber shape (w/o locking lugs) and slide. When locked, the barrel fit is much tighter than S2.

-my reloads for S2 with 130 PF, went down just to 128 PF (4,9" vs 4,5" barrel).

-it is not front heavy like the S2, balance is somewhere in the middle of the pistol.

-in rapid fire when I make a mistake, S2 always goes down and left, Umbra goes up, but I'm still getting used to it.

-grip area is a tiny bit wider than S2, and undercut seems a bit larger.

-breech face and the rest of the slide is easier to clean (larger flat surfaces).

-pistol case is too large, can't fit in a range bag...but you can use smaller pistol bag, not a big deal

-holsters for S2 do not fit, slide stop fits, aftermarket trigger pins should fit. Be careful with internals, the trigger bar, disconnector, left safety... looks a hair different than S2 but maybe they fit, still haven't tried yet.

-safety is stiffer than S2, looks like a longer spring is used.

-when shooting with S2, wide safety interferes with my grip. With Umbra wide safety is not a problem. Still don't know why.

-recoil control seems better, I still don't know how and why, but my subjective feeling is that the slide when going forward is slower and with less hit than S2. When racking a slide, it seems you have to wait to go completely locked.

-slide has square shape, not triangle like S2. Seems easier to grab for racking.

Long story short and my conclusion: CZ can learn from this small company and make their products better.

EDIT: I forgot, KMR is company in Uhersky Brod, Czech Republic as CZ. They make all Orange models for CZ and some other parts.
EDIT: Umbra means shadow in latin.

[jwc007]

Very very interesting!   

[sil7z]

Got to shoot a KMR L-02 ORCA, which is the IPSC Standard division model with a very light straight SAO trigger, magwell and gas pedal. Felt very much like the TS2 Deep Bronze. Slide to frame fit and racking smoothness was just slightly better but it's local price is considerably lower than the TS2 DB.

L-02 ORCA ~2700€
TS2 DB ~3100€

[timmy75]

where are you from?
if you are close to Slovenia you can get it for ~2000€ (cash)

[timmy75]

Review in German gun magazine:



Google translate:

The CZ 75 with its solid all-steel construction and ergonomically successful overall design is heading towards its fiftieth birthday. In addition to the original manufacturer, there are currently a number of producers such as Arma Zeka, CZ Custom, Norinco, Phoenix or Tanfoglio who produce this classic in a more or less modified form. The illustrious group is now being expanded by another newcomer in the form of KMR Precision Arms. KMR Precision Arms is part of Kummer Tech a.s. Company, behind which is Jaroslav Rezek, who worked for ?eská Zbrojovka (CZ) for more than 15 years. The 17 employees in his company in Hrad?ovice produce, among other things, trigger parts, grip panels, mini red dot sight mounting plates and the chassis for the CZ TSR sniper rifle as well as many other small parts for CZ weapons. But the close connection with CZ goes a whole step further. This is how the renowned custom pistols such as the CZ 75 TS Czechmate, CZ 75 Shadow 2 Orange and TS Orange were created in small series. This means that enough experience has been gained with the CZ-75 technology, which forms the basis for the new KMR pistols. The company was reinforced by a few other former CZ employees who now want to contribute their ideas to this weapon system. Currently, the modern machine park can produce a maximum of 2,000 to 3,000 guns per year. Since they also want to serve the huge US market from next year, they are planning to expand production until 2025, which will then result in production capacities of up to 10,000 pistols per year. Back to the present: The KMR range currently consists of half a dozen models with lengths from 4.5"/114 mm to 6"/152 mm. Our test starts with the Spectra with a length of 5"/127 mm and the identical, only slightly shorter Umbra with a length of 4.5"/114 mm in the dominant caliber 9 mm Luger. They are both intended for the IPSC Production (Optics) Division. For the IPSC standard class, the Orca is available with a pure single-action trigger in 9 mm Luger or .40 S&W. The brand new Enic, an IPSC open pistol with a three-chamber compensator in 9 mm Luger, was shown at the IWA. There is also an almost identical version in .22 L.R as a training weapon. But there is also something to offer for static shooters. The Cuda comes with a 6?/152 mm barrel and a correspondingly long sight line as well as a three-position sight. This will be a guest in one of the next editions – we promise!

The technology with a cocking trigger system in combination with a manual safety, internal slide guides in the frame or a modified Browning system with a tilting barrel and closed control cam evokes clear associations with the ingenious bestseller CZ 75. But the similarities end with the choice of materials and manufacturing technology. In the pistols from KMR Precision Arms, the main components, the frame and slide, as well as the lock and some small parts, are machined from the full steel block using CNC machines. In addition to decorative millings, the slide of both Umbra and Spectra pistol models also has the typical interface for mounting a mini red dot sight. Installation is carried out using different adapter plates, which are available for the Shield RMSx, C-More RTS, Trijicon SRO/RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Noblex/Docter/Meosight or Vortex Viper/Venom. Of course, this also applies to other red dot sights that have the identical footprint of the previously mentioned models. If you are not sure about this, we recommend the Optics Trade homepage: www.optics-trade. eu/blog/footprints-onred-dot-sights. The company has taken the trouble to list a variety of red dot sights and their mounting interfaces along with dimensioned drawings. Both the Spectra and the more compact Umbra are already listed on the IPSC Production Division list of approved pistols. In this profession, a visor that can only be adjusted in height, like our duo, is usually sufficient. The narrow front sight with the red light rod for quick target acquisition goes well with this. Since the cover plate of the shutter cutout also accommodates the rear sight, it can be easily changed if necessary. This means that a full micrometer sight or the three-position rear sight, which is predestined for different distances or holding points, can be retrofitted for an additional charge. If you disassemble the pistols, you will discover the so-called “Barrel Ring System” (BRS) in the muzzle area. It is a hemispherical (spherical) ring made of brass that guides the barrel in its upward and downward movement. In contrast to a rigid barrel guide bushing, a smaller tolerance field is achieved here, which, at least in theory, promises more precision. Since it is designed as a wearing part, it can be easily replaced by the user if it ever becomes worn out. Because it is well known that every chain is only as strong as its weakest link, other parameters such as the barrel fit must of course also be correct. And in this respect the KMR pistols have no weaknesses. The grip and closure are fitted together by hand and this could also be felt, or to put it better, not felt. After a few centimeters of pushing the slide onto the handle, there was no longer any noticeable play. The long, continuous slide guide on the inside of the handle was adopted from the CZ 75 design. The approximately 16 millimeter thick barrel with the closed control cam typical of the CZ was fluted lengthways on its outer surfaces. It has a conventional field-tension profile inside that was introduced electrochemically (ECR; Electro Chemical Rifling).


The two locking combs on the top of the barrel, which are also typical of the CZ 75 design and which engage in corresponding counter bearings of the breech for a positive connection, were, however, replaced by a cartridge chamber block with a locking slot, which is located in the ejection window of the breech according to the Browning-Petter-SIG principle locked. The pre-cocked single-action trigger broke crystal clear at around 1,150 grams. But for the first shot in the IPSC Production (Optic) class, you also need a smooth double-action trigger. With 3,400 grams and rolling characteristics, this has been implemented perfectly. In addition, the reset distance was a pleasingly low 1.5 millimeters. The limitation of the trigger travel after triggering (trigger stop) can be adjusted from the outside in the trigger tongue. Straight out of the box, the trigger should leave little to be desired, even for demanding shooters. The Czech duo gets its uniform black from a Cerakote coating. The Spectra is also available in 45 Auto caliber with a magazine capacity of 10 cartridges. However, with a total weight of around 1,350 grams, it exceeds the weight limit for the BDS standard disciplines. The Umbra is only available in 9x19. Incidentally, it is also offered with a handle made of high-strength aluminum, which brings the total weight with the extended 5"/127 mm threaded barrel to around 980 grams. The aluminum grip scales with diamond cut are thin and ensure that the double-row grip with a width of 29 mm should be easy to grip even for shooters with small hands. Each hard-shell case contains two reserve magazines with a capacity of 18 cartridges, replacement closing springs and buffer elements for the spring guide rod. By the way, the cartridge containers of the CZ 75 Shadow II can also be used without any problems.

First the Spectra should show what it can do. Since the shape and dimensions of the handle are apparently identical to those of the CZ 75 SP01 Shadow, the blue Ransom rest adapters for this model also fit here. There were 10 loads to choose from, from the fast 95-grain target load to the extremely heavy subsonic load with 158 grains. First place had to be shared by three loads in the form of the 95 grain Magtech JSP, the 115 grain XTP Hornady American Gunner and the 124 grain Norma Safeguard with 40 mm. Second place went to 46 mm, probably the cheapest cartridge in the test, the Frankonia house brand Top Shot with the conventional 124 grain FMJ Ogive bullet. The counterpart from GECO at 47 mm only performed worse in theory. The average of all loads was 51 mm. If you like to put it another way, 60% of the loads were in the range of up to 50 mm. Now the shorter KMR Precision Arms Umbra went into the clamping device of the shooting machine to be checked for shooting performance using the same loads. With 27 mm, produced with our handload with 5.8 grains Vihtavuori 3N37 and 115 grains H&N High Speed KSHP bullet, it was even able to beat the longer version in terms of top results. This was followed by the Norma 124 Grains Safeguard with 34 mm and the GECO 124 Grains Hexagon with 46 mm. At least 4 out of 10 loads were in the range of up to 50 mm. As always, all other results can be found in the clear table or diagrams with MIP and factor. Finally, some dynamic bill and dot drills should follow for the overall assessment of shooting behavior and precision. There's no question that the longer Spectra shoots slightly better than the compact Umbra due to its greater front-heaviness and higher overall weight. The low trigger weight in DA/SA mode with clean characteristics and the short reset help to place good hits in a short time. The Umbra has a problem with the short Magtech 95 grs during the running-in phase. JSP. But that was the only malfunction that occurred after around 500 rounds.
The KMR pistols passed their first appearance with flying colors. Good workmanship, solid shooting performance and very good trigger qualities make the pistol competitive right out of the box. The best for last, because the price for these fine custom pistols is absolutely right. The Spectra goes for 2,850 euros, the more compact Umbra for 2,750 euros. Our purchase recommendation is clearly the Spectra, because it offers more front-heavyness, more pleasant shooting behavior and a longer sight line for just one more green glow. An absolutely fair price for what is on offer! Text: Tino Schmidt/Stefan Perey Photos: Dieter Licht.

[sil7z]

where are you from?
if you are close to Slovenia you can get it for ~2000€ (cash)

I’m in Estonia. It’s a small gun market and thus prices are high. Even a S2O is ~2600€ - the KMRs were supposed to be a cheaper alternative to the S2O but actually are more expensive here.

EDIT: I can now offer a comparison between a S2O and a L-02 SPECTRA. This particular S2O's slide to frame fit seemed to be too tight as there was no buttery smoothness and it kind of bound up when racking. L-02 SPECTRA on the other hand was exactly like the L-02 ORCA model from yesterday - smooth like glass. OP mentioned the S2's being more front-heavy and the KMR having a better balance - I tend to agree.  If I had to choose one there and then, it would be the KMR.

[sil7z]

Shooting and handling aforementioned KMR models left such an impression, I bought a KMR L-02 SPECTRA for myself. Initially for IPSC Production but later will switch to Production Optics. The more weight at the muzzle didn't bother me. OR sights are exactly like the S2 sights.

Everything timmy75 said is correct. Already put close to 500 rounds through it and it shoots like a dream. Of course there is some getting used to. Some points:

-Reset is shorter than in Shadow 2, disconnector is somehow like in S2 Orange but not the same. DA is much like S2, but SA is better with a shorter pre travel and shorter reset  with ~ 1,3 kg pull.

SA is indeed very-very nice, dare I say it's perfect! Only very minimal 1-2mm pre-travel and no overtravel. With the factory springs, the DA can be lighter. Improved that with the Eemann springs kit.

-Pistol comes with 3 magazines, uses the same magazines as the CZ 75 series. Grip panels are almost the same as S2, same material and feel, but not interchangeable with S2 or anything from CZ as I know.
-Magazine release button is smaller than one in S2, also 3-position adjustable.

Listed as 16-round matte black Mec-Gar magazines with a thin basepad. In reality, these are the usual 17-round Mec-Gar CZ mags - even the witness hole at is there at the 17th round. Aluminum grip panels are grippy and not as harsh on the skin as S2 blue grip panels. Heavily serrated front and backstraps initially were very harsh on the skin but the body adapted.
Smaller mag release button is a benefit as it won't interfere with weak-hand shooting.

-Factory finish is black cerakote on slide and frame (not polycoat).

Black cerakote actually seems a whole lot nicer than the polycoat. But I have doubts it's more durable as there are already some tiny dings on it. I haven't dropped it on a hard surface and use a locking open race holster for it.

Prices where I live:
Shadow 2 €1.295
Shadow 2 OR €1.553
Shadow 2 Orange €2.300
KMR W-02 UMBRA €1.920
KMR L-02 SPECTRA (5") €1.987

My local prices (not list prices, but with easily obtainable discounts for locals):
Shadow 2 €1750
Shadow 2 OR €1850
Shadow 2 Orange €2600
KMR W-02 UMBRA (4,5") €2360
KMR L-02 SPECTRA (5") €2650

Only real downside right now is that there is almost no aftermarket. There are a few options of grip panels available but nowhere as wide of a choice as for CZs.

[timmy75]

Forgot to mention in OP, there is L-02 Spectra available in .45 ACP.

[sil7z]

I've put over 600 rounds through my KMR over two weeks, a few range visits and four IPSC Level 1/2 competitions and the gun's been running great. Some fellow shooters have bought themselves KMR pistols, some equipped with those few factory accessories available - one of them had the KMR factory aluminum palmswell grips and coming from CZ rubber palmswells...oh man, I have to get them. Those fit the hand way better than the factory flat sided aluminum grips. They're 110-120€ so a somewhat more expensive than similar CZ75 aluminum grips.

Ran mainly with Magtech 124gr loads, also some STV Scorpio and S&B. Tried some ARES ECO 150gr, which are painted bullets loaded with a seemingly minimal powder charge to make minimum Power Factor. Those had trouble feeding with the slide not returning fully into battery. Those ran just fine through my S1 which has a lighter slide. I have put the Eemann 12lb recoil spring and 8lb main spring in the KMR.

[timmy75]

2000 rounds report:

Pros:
- Pistol is flawless, not even one jam.
- Double action got even better (smoother) at ~1500 rounds.

Cons:
- CZ's polycoat seems to be better than KMR's cerakote.
- A couple holsters are available at the moment in only 2 or 3 shops.
- Palm swell grip options are limited to factory grips only, which are expensive (€130) and hard to get.
- Different grip panel size for 5" and 4,5" models, making things complicated. Recoil spring, recoil spring guide and housing, main spring strut, trigger bar and firing pin are different in 4,5" and 5" models.
- Still unavailable (unobtainable) flat safety and flat slide stop.
- Still unavailable floating trigger pin. Major PITA when TRS breaks.
- Newer versions of Spectra and Umbra are equipped with springs to stabilize the sear cage like Tactical Sport. Older versions are not
- Customer service seems to be somehow lacking behind pistol build quality, IMO.

[Gunnerdad80]

Great post. Thanks. First time in a long time I read someone’s entire post.

[sevt_chevelle]

I really wish these were available in the USA

[timmy75]

I really wish these were available in the USA

"Since they also want to serve the huge US market from next year, they are planning to expand production until 2025, which will then result in production capacities of up to 10,000 pistols per year."

Interesting size and shape difference in CZ Shadow 2 and KMR ejectors

[sil7z]

2000 rounds report:

Pros:
- Pistol is flawless, not even one jam.
- Double action got even better (smoother) at ~1500 rounds.

Cons:
- CZ's polycoat seems to be better than KMR's cerakote.
- A couple holsters are available at the moment in only 2 or 3 shops.
- Palm swell grip options are limited to factory grips only, which are expensive (€130) and hard to get.
- Different grip panel size for 5" and 4,5" models, making things complicated. Recoil spring, recoil spring guide and housing, main spring strut, trigger bar and firing pin are different in 4,5" and 5" models.
- Still unavailable (unobtainable) flat safety and flat slide stop.
- Still unavailable floating trigger pin. Major PITA when TRS breaks.
- Newer versions of Spectra and Umbra are equipped with springs to stabilize the sear cage like Tactical Sport. Older versions are not
- Customer service seems to be somehow lacking behind pistol build quality, IMO.

I've put 1600 rounds through mine and I 100% agree with every point You made. I will add...

- I've had no malfunctions other than light strikes with factory 11-pound main springs with a couple of batches of STV Scorpio ammo.
- Indeed the Cerakote is not as tough as CZ's Polycoat.
- I use Double Alpha Flex holster. I've seen Double Alpha Alpha-X being used but I don't know with which insert.
- I bought the expensive factory palm swell grips - worth every penny. It provided me with the CZ Shadow 1 rubber palmswell grip style I has longing for, and with a grippy golfball pattern which isn't too hard on the hands.
- You can use the CZ floating trigger pin. I have done so and it works fine.

If anyone wants to install a lighter firing pin return spring, KMR is built with such tight tolerances that removing the firing pin end cap requires a hammer and a brass punch, whereas in CZ's it can be removed easily. I had mine taken out by a gunsmith but I reinstalled the plug myself - the firing pin wouldn't pop out of the plug until the plug was 100% seated. The tolerances are THAT tight. Took a bit of hammering.

[timmy75]

My factory mainspring is 14 lbs, confirmed by the factory (W-02 Umbra). STV ammo is a low-end product here; I tried two boxes, and experienced FTFs and FTEs in various pistols. About 30% can't pass the plunk test in the ammo gauge.

I use a Ghost Hydra holster made for KMR. It's a good product, but I have some middle finger scars when fast drawing. The top part of the holster is somehow sharp.

I bought factory palm swells as well. They're expensive, but they make the pistol even better. I'm also looking for the Shadow 1 feeling and balance. I prefer it over the boat anchor front (Shadow 2).

Thank you for the trigger pin info.