CGW 97B or Shadow 2

[clw42]

Okay, so I'm having a bit of a dilemma, I can either get the Shadow 2 or a CGW 97B.  I already have a Shadow Target 2, so it should be a no brainer, but something about the Shadow 2 is sucking me in.  I'm not sure if it's the hype or the ergonomics or what, but I'm coveting one big time.  Currently my only .45 is a Stainless Sig P220 with a dovetail mounted FF3.  It's a great gun, but now that I've got a CZ, I want more!!!  What do you guys think?

I know this is the 97 section so I expect some bias and maybe that should be a sign in itself.

Thanks!

[Meechy7648]

Well, as someone who has had many Sigs (except the .45 acp range), I understand wanting more CZ's after getting one.  CZ's fit my paws better and make me look like I'm a better shooter than I am.     How does the 97B fit in your hand?  It's a different beast, very wide (fore and aft).  I have an SP-01 Shadow and a 97B.  I honestly don't like one better than the other - they both pretty much get equal time on range day.  I'm looking forward to them both breaking in; we're not there yet.  The Shadow 2 is a beautiful gun and I'm sure it shoots up to its early reputation.  The 97B, I could shoot all day.  Obviously, the Shadow is easier to shoot, but for its caliber the 97B makes child's play out of my ammo; it's very smooth and has little noticeable recoil. 

So, I've helped you not at all.  I would say see if the 97B fits your hand; that would make your decision easier if it doesn't. 

[clw42]

Well, as someone who has had many Sigs (except the .45 acp range), I understand wanting more CZ's after getting one.  CZ's fit my paws better and make me look like I'm a better shooter than I am.     How does the 97B fit in your hand?  It's a different beast, very wide (fore and aft).  I have an SP-01 Shadow and a 97B.  I honestly don't like one better than the other - they both pretty much get equal time on range day.  I'm looking forward to them both breaking in; we're not there yet.  The Shadow 2 is a beautiful gun and I'm sure it shoots up to its early reputation.  The 97B, I could shoot all day.  Obviously, the Shadow is easier to shoot, but for its caliber the 97B makes child's play out of my ammo; it's very smooth and has little noticeable recoil. 

So, I've helped you not at all.  I would say see if the 97B fits your hand; that would make your decision easier if it doesn't.

That's helpful.  I'll have to see if I can get my hands on one.  Not many in my area though, so I might be SOL.  That being said, I don't have a problem with Berettas, Sigs with Hogue Grips or the CZ TSO so I would guess I'd be okay with the 97B.

[Meechy7648]

Say you would eventually get them both... which one is different enough from what currently you have to hold your interest (the strongest) until you get the other?

Sent from my Mate 9.  Sorry if I missed any misspellings.

[clw42]

Say you would eventually get them both... which one is different enough from what currently you have to hold your interest (the strongest) until you get the other?

Sent from my Mate 9.  Sorry if I missed any misspellings.

Good point.  I tend to shoot more 9mm than 45ACP.  So I just ordered the Shadow 2 from CZC today.  Now the clock starts ticking on the 97.  I'm thinking less than a month.  Depends on availability and whether or not I feel like spending the dough.

[Meechy7648]

Congrats!!  Post pics when you get it home.   

[clw42]

Congrats!!  Post pics when you get it home.   

Definitely

[clw42]

Well, I ended up with Both.  Took some time because the lead time from CGW was about 10 weeks.  Oh, and I added a PCR for good measure.

[Earl Keese]

I would call that the ideal resolution to the problem.

[longgonedaddy]

Hahahaha...you didn't just get a 97B...it looks like you went for the full meal deal 97BE!   

Nice score on three great pistols.  Now, you just need a third hand to shoot them all at the same time!   

[tact]

Very nice indeed!  There isn't a day goes by that I regret selling my 97B.

[clw42]

Since shooting my buddie's TSO, I've become a total fanboy.  I just love the looks, the weight and the ergos of CZ pistols.

[Meechy7648]

CONGRATS!  I figured you'd end up with both but didn't imagine it'd be this soon!   

So now, which is your favorite child?  (I won't tell...)

[Morbid1X]

Not to nit pick because I'm jealous but I find it wierd that they didn't install a floating trigger pin when the trigger job was done on that pcr,  am I missing something? is that the oem pin?

[clw42]

Not to nit pick because I'm jealous but I find it wierd that they didn't install a floating trigger pin when the trigger job was done on that pcr,  am I missing something? is that the oem pin?

Honestly, the Shadow 2 is probably my favorite shooter.  I reworked the action myself, added a CZC race hammer and short reset disco, reduced power recoil and main springs and polished everything that needed polishing.  It's easily the smoothest DA trigger I've ever used...better than a lot of revolvers, and follow up shots are lightning quick.

The other two have a lot more pre-travel in the trigger after the reset.  I think that's due to the decocker but I'm not 100% sure about that.  It could be something else.