Shadow 2 vs SP-01 Tactical

[Wil_Bones]

I have questions… I’m new to CZ, but experienced with firearms.

I’m considering a Shadow 2, or a SP-01 Tactical.

I don’t shoot competitively, but I might in the future. I need a pistol that can be used for HD or CCW if needed, rather than a dedicated range gun.

I prefer DA/SA over SAO. Also, I want it to be drop-safe.

I think this all leads to the SP-01 Tactical over the Shadow2.

Is the Shadow2 drop safe?

How does DA/SA work without a decocker?  Are you supposed to chamber a round, then lower the hammer with your thumb, while pulling the trigger?

If I bought a SP-01 Tactical, and had it worked on by Cajun Gunworks, would the trigger be comparable to the Shadow2?

Or, is it possible to have a decocker fitted to the Shadow2?

Any and all comments welcome. I’m trying to learn about CZ pistols.

Thanks!

[Born2vette]

I can’t speak to the Shadow having only shot one once but to quote Birds Away (RIP) buy the SP-01 and we will make it better than a Shadow!

I do not believe the Shadow 2 has a FPB so likely not drop safe (that’s what gives it such a sweet SAO trigger pull) which makes it in my mind a range/competition pistol only.  I have a SP-01 Tactical and have not done any work on it except shoot it as it is my nightstand pistol.  The trigger was nice out of the box but has gotten better with use. Still not as nice as my PCR which is fully cajunized with a pro pack, old style trigger and full internal polish.

Hope this helps, YMMV.

Edit: With a standard SA/DA CZ (e.g. sp-01, 75B, etc) to decock you need to let the hammer down with the trigger pulled. I always use 2 fingers to grasp the hammer, make sure I am pointing in a safe direction and release the trigger about halfway which leaves the hammer in “half-cocked” position. I prefer to carry hammer down thus I carry my PCR most often but also carefully decock my Rami at times.

[Wideload]

Not aware of anyone that would convert S2 to a decocker esp since it has no firing pin block. It is also quite heavy at 46 plus ounces, unloaded.

SP01 Tactical is still a heavy gun at 38 plus ounces but you might find that acceptable for carry, if you are accustomed to carrying full sized steel frame 1911s
with a good belt and holster.  The trigger can be improved but it will not be as clean as what you can get with a tuned S2  ( keep in mind that S2 has a sear plus sear spring in the searcage.  SP01 Tac has 3 sets of levers - sear, decocker, fpb lifter with 3 springs - in its sear cage plus the actual fpb plug and spring)

If your immediate needs are personal defense, S2 may not be the best choice for you.  If you decide to seriously take up competitive shooting, you can get a S2 and keep the SP01 as the backup.

[Grendel]

Welcome.

Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with all the sticky posts in the 'New Members' section and the other forums, together with the Help Topics in the 'Important Information' or 'FAQ' sub-section.

[tdogg]

I have questions… I’m new to CZ, but experienced with firearms.

I’m considering a Shadow 2, or a SP-01 Tactical.

I don’t shoot competitively, but I might in the future. I need a pistol that can be used for HD or CCW if needed, rather than a dedicated range gun.

I prefer DA/SA over SAO. Also, I want it to be drop-safe.

I think this all leads to the SP-01 Tactical over the Shadow2.

Is the Shadow2 drop safe?

How does DA/SA work without a decocker?  Are you supposed to chamber a round, then lower the hammer with your thumb, while pulling the trigger?

If I bought a SP-01 Tactical, and had it worked on by Cajun Gunworks, would the trigger be comparable to the Shadow2?

Or, is it possible to have a decocker fitted to the Shadow2?

Any and all comments welcome. I’m trying to learn about CZ pistols.

Thanks!

If those are your only two options, I'd pick the SP01 Tactical for your needs.  If I was going to carry it, I'd opt for something smaller/lighter personally.  The PCR or P01 would be a better czoice for carry, the same action and performance can be achieved with with either similar to the Tactical.

I have both and the Tactical will have a longer reset due to the firing pin block but it can have a very nice trigger break and feel.  The Tactical is completely competitive as is in both production or Carry optics if you have it milled for a dot.  I wish CZ would make a Shadow 2 decocker for competition.

To properly decock a Shadow 2, you can either pinch the hammer and lower it or use your weak hand thumb and let the hammer drop on it and roll it out from under the hammer.  I personally use the pinch method.

Cheers,
Toby

[Alcoy]

Different take here.  Get the P-01, it’s good for HD and carry.  You can shoot it when you start shooting competition.  When you get serious with competition, you can get the Shadow 2.

I was on the same boat, got the SP-01 Tactical (still have it) but it’s a beast to carry for me.  Never got into the competition scene.  Got a P01 milled for optics now for carry.

My two cents.

[Wobbly]

Different take here.  Get the P-01, it’s good for HD and carry.  You can shoot it when you start shooting competition. 

Second !

The P01 has the same control layout as the SP01 Tac. Start with the P01, then if that's not enough for your competitive spirit, then get an SP01.

I always appreciated the decocker on the firing line much more than the very slight reduction in trigger pull of the SP01 safety model.

[SoCal]

FYI the problem with CZ S2 not being drop safe center around modified guns with extended firing pins and reduced power firing pin return springs.