FTE problems with my Shadow 2

[RNA]

My Shadow 2 is having persistent FTE problems, with and without the factory buffer installed. I got the full S2 upgrade package done by CGW, but am thinking this is a recoil spring problem? It has the factory 13lb recoil spring and I'm thinking about going lighter to get a full stroke for the rounds I'm using. So far, it's FTE'd on LAX 115gr reloads, American Eagle 115gr and 147gr (seems to FTE more with the 147grs, supporting the recoil spring theory). What do you guys think? Anyone with similar problems that fixed it?

[MoRivera]

Is your extractor claw worn or chipped/broken?  Is it moving/pivoting well enough to engage the case's rim?  That part may need cleaning/lubing or replacing.  Also, buildup underneath the claw can lead to not engaging/extracting, so you need to clean under there....kinda' like flossing.  In fact that's what I use to clean the tight slit between the extractor and frame on my guns.

I have a 13# recoil and hammer spring and never had any failures.  Even with soft-shooting rounds.

[six]

This happened to my P-01 after about 150 rounds.  Broke the claw off the extractor.

Take the extractor out and visually inspect it.  If the claw is broken like mine was, call CZ and they'll send you a new one.

[1SOW]

What they said above^^^^^.
Also, if the "next cartridge" has been dragged forward slightly the spent round can't be pulled by the extractor to hit the ejector.
A week mag spring or mag lips openedup can cause this.

Couldn't tell by the pics.

My 75 Shadow recently had a tiny curved chip break off the extractor blade and caused intermittent jams/failures to eject.

[rhart]

Is your extractor claw worn or chipped/broken?  Is it moving/pivoting well enough to engage the case's rim?  That part may need cleaning/lubing or replacing.  Also, buildup underneath the claw can lead to not engaging/extracting, so you need to clean under there....kinda' like flossing.  In fact that's what I use to clean the tight slit between the extractor and frame on my guns.

I have a 13# recoil and hammer spring and never had any failures.  Even with soft-shooting rounds.

Do you use waxed or unwaxed floss?

[MoRivera]

Is your extractor claw worn or chipped/broken?  Is it moving/pivoting well enough to engage the case's rim?  That part may need cleaning/lubing or replacing.  Also, buildup underneath the claw can lead to not engaging/extracting, so you need to clean under there....kinda' like flossing.  In fact that's what I use to clean the tight slit between the extractor and frame on my guns.

I have a 13# recoil and hammer spring and never had any failures.  Even with soft-shooting rounds.

Do you use waxed or unwaxed floss?

Mint.

[MoRivera]

As far as wax or no wax....whatever comes on those plastic picks.

[pdq5oh]

I'm curious. Does this happen more with more rounds in the mag? Looks to me like the extractor can't pull the spent brass over the next round. Could be a mag issue.

[muncie21]

Another vote to check/clean the extractor.

Easy enough to verify if it's a mag issue.  Load a round and drop the mag before you fire.

[str8shooter]

RNA were you able to get this issue resolved and if so how?  I am having the exact same problem with my new Shadow 2 SAO.  The first day at the range I experienced exactly what your pictures depicted using various new factory brass ammo.  I would say out of 100 shots of the various ammo I had at least 10 - 12 failures.  Please let us know if you found a resolution to this problem.  It's really frustrating that a new and expensive handgun such as the Shadow 2 operated very poorly on day 1.

[str8shooter]

Rmach I did not test out all three magazines - only one.  Based upon what I read online the magazine did not make a difference.  Over the years, I have purchased several new brands and calibers of handguns and rifles of which none were as expensive as the CZ Shadow 2 SAO and none of them ever had serious issues like this.  None of these other handguns or rifles ever displayed such a gross failure.  I was really pumped about purchasing the Shadow 2 after all the hype it received online.  It does handle and shoot nicely when it works properly.  I'm very disappointed in the initial quality of what I've received.  It's certainly not the quality someone one would or should expect especially at the price point they sell for.

[RNA]

Hey str8shooter, ultimately, after trying to play around with recoil springs, a new extractor and extractor springs, and after a few trips tp CGW, i ultimately had the pistol completely replaced, and i absolutely couldn't have been happier. Since getting my new Shadow 2, i have had absolutely ZERO problems. Unfortunately it just seems like i got a lemon. There was definitely something wrong with my original S2, but my new one is dead nuts reliable. Instead of chasing fixes, i would recommend seeing about getting it replaced altogether. Good luck, brother!

[gunfrog]

I have the same issue with my Shadow 2. Ran fine with original slide. Replaced with CZ optics ready slide from CGW. Now get a FTE about every 100 rounds. Had 3 in a match last weekend. Shooting a Steel Challenge Match tomorrow and will not be using the Shadow 2 tomorrow. 

The extractor is in good shape, the spring tension is more then my SP01.

[nonamehavei]

Rmach I did not test out all three magazines - only one.  Based upon what I read online the magazine did not make a difference.  Over the years, I have purchased several new brands and calibers of handguns and rifles of which none were as expensive as the CZ Shadow 2 SAO and none of them ever had serious issues like this.  None of these other handguns or rifles ever displayed such a gross failure.  I was really pumped about purchasing the Shadow 2 after all the hype it received online.  It does handle and shoot nicely when it works properly.  I'm very disappointed in the initial quality of what I've received.  It's certainly not the quality someone one would or should expect especially at the price point they sell for.

If it’s new I would just contact CZ customer service, I’m sure they will make it right for you. Might have just gotten a bad one, that happens sometimes even with modern manufacturing.

[timmy75]

I have the same issue with my Shadow 2. Ran fine with original slide. Replaced with CZ optics ready slide from CGW. Now get a FTE about every 100 rounds. Had 3 in a match last weekend. Shooting a Steel Challenge Match tomorrow and will not be using the Shadow 2 tomorrow. 

The extractor is in good shape, the spring tension is more then my SP01.

does your CGW slide has 10X bushing installed?

im not gunsmith but maybe that can be a problem?

CGW or some another aftermarket bushing has tight-fitting barrel. if you rack OEM bushing slide and aftermarket bushing slide with the same recoil spring you can immediately feel the difference.

I have done an "experiment".

there are #1 S2 and #2 S2.
#1 has OEM bushing, #2 has CGW bushing.

Recoil springs are the same, from the same manufacturer, loads are the same also.

I took brand new extractors in booth guns and brand new OEM extractor springs from CZUB.

So, the same and BNIB recoil springs, extractors and extractor springs in both #1 S2 and #2 S2.

RESULTS:
#1 ejects spent cases 2-3 meters, with any given recoil spring (11-13), OEM extractor spring.
#2 ejects spent case 1 meter with any given recoil spring (11-13), OEM extractor spring.

than, I put stronger extractor springs in both guns.

RESULTS:
#1 ejects spent cases 3+ meters, with any given recoil spring (11-13), stronger extractor spring.
#2 ejects spent case 2 meters with any given recoil spring (11-13), stronger extractor spring.


I don't know, maybe I am wrong, I would like to hear what some more experienced members can say about this.