Shadow 2, the accurized model

CANNONMAN said:

I am really impressed with the Shadow 2. Especially the accurized model with the bushing and a few other tweaks. About $2k, a little less but this gun seems to tower over a lot of custom stuff for $3k to $5k. Is this me with ignorant eyes or is this a really nice gun for the price? What would you choose over this gun? Even if the price goes up with your choice what would be your reason for choosing it?

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It's funny you'd ask this question now, as I just went through this same thing about a week ago. I can share my conclusions, but they are just my opinion, and it's based on limited experience.

Last year I traded my way into a brand new CZ Shadow 2 black and blue. I have put around 1400 rounds through it so far, and I am absolutely in love with that gun. I added some palm swell Lok grips which was really just icing on the cake. It fits my hand extremely well now, and I find I shoot it faster and more accurately than my other service sized guns. This isn't really a surprise as the gun is built for competition, and of course that means fast and flat shooting with good accuracy. I haven't shot it off a rest or anything, because that fine of accuracy isn't really a big concern to me. Fast combat shooting is what I care about. None the less, based on the rounds down the tube so far, it seems capable of more accuracy than my shooting skills will really take advantage of.

The accurized model caught my eye when I was shopping, but when I came across a Shadow in person, and I was able to trade into it and spend no money, I decided to jump on it, and send it to CGW or the CZ Custom shop if I decided it could use tuning. I have had some major setbacks to getting into competition though, so I haven't felt the need to tweak the gun. However, in hind sight, I can say that if I was going to buy new today, that I would likely have gone with an Accu-Shadow, or maybe a Bull Shadow from CZC.

I don't know how they stand up to true custom guns, and I likely never will. I don't ever see myself spending more than about $3000 on a pistol to find out as I have much more important uses for my money, and frankly a gun like that would be a waste on me. I am only shooting maybe 7,000 to 9,000 rounds a year right now. I don't need a custom gun.

So now fast forward to this year. I have been looking at the quantity of guns I own lately, and realizing I didn't care about several of them. So I sold three guns off with the notion of buying an even nicer CZ since I have been so smitten with the Shadow 2. I shoot the Shadow 2 better, so to hell with the common guns I was selling off. I'm a shooter not a collector. After doing a lot of looking at the Accu-Shadows, the Bull Shadows, the Tactical Sport models, it seemed a good idea to go for a Bull Shadow, as parts and magazine interchangeability is always nice. Well, after I thought about it further and did some more research, I realized I wanted something a little different, but still along the same lines. My search brought me to the A01-LD.

https://czcustom.com/czc-a01-pistols.html



This is a picture from a Google search, and not my gun. I am waiting for my gun to ship.

Rather than try to paraphrase, I'll just go ahead and quote the web page.

"Built from scratch at CZ Custom, the A01 is the evolution of the Shadow series as Angus would have done it.

The frame is the star of the show and is hammer-forged, CNC-machined and then blued. Very obvious is its massively heavy dustcover which kills both recoil and muzzle rise.
With a deep beavertail, undercut trigger guard, raised 25 LPI checkering and an internal magwell, it combines classic CZ 75 ergonomics with purpose-driven features ideal for competition.
To ensure that the trigger is up to snuff, both the hammer and the sear are directly pinned in the frame to solidify trigger pull consistency. DA pull weight is from 8-8.5 lbs while SA clocks in at 3-3.5 lbs and a short reset is standard.
The trigger itself is lifted from the CZ 85 Combat.

The slide is CNCed from 4140 bar stock and features front and rear serrations, CZ Custom low-mount rear sight and fiber-optic front.
Icing on the cake is a 4.925” Match-grade bull barrel made from 416 stainless steel.

Built for the higher capacity P-09/P-07/P-10 magazine platform, the A01-LD ships with two 19-round P-09 magazines.
Made in Mesa, AZ, USA.

Installed springs:

14lb Hammer Spring installed (Orange)

13lb Recoil Spring "

I like that it's a little higher capacity, is basically built to be an evolution of the Shadow line, and is blued rather than polycoated. I can't wait to get my hands on it, and I look forward to seeing how it stacks up to my Shadow 2.

CZC just listed a few more models now too, including a 40 S&W and 357 Sig version. Those were not listed a few days ago. I don't really care to own that gun in either cartridge, but if they come out with a 38 Super or a 10mm, that might change.

CANNONMAN said:

So, just to let you know about how ignorant I am, who's Angus?

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http://www.angushobdell.com/

CANNONMAN said:

I guess now I'm supposed to go look for the A01-LD but I'd much rather hear from you.

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So don't go looking for one based on my word. I don't even have it in hand yet, and I want to be clear that the Shadow 2 is the one and only CZ handgun I own at the moment. I am in no ways an expert, and I am still a little curious to see if the A01-LD is truly that much better than my Shadow 2.

CANNONMAN said:

And what's the asking price of the A01-LD?

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MSRP is over $2,200, but I found mine for $1900 on Gunbroker.

CANNONMAN said:

I would not doubt that there is a CZ team to help promote the CZ's and wonder what input they had on going to the A01-LD. I guess what I'm getting at is that it seems that the Shadow, then Shadow 2, then Accu Shadow 2 all came about in short order? Or am I just way off here? It's just that when I was drooling over the PPQ Q5 for so long and finally got one it seemed like it was the next week when they came out with the steel version. I would have gladly spent the money on the steel. Now I don't want to make the same mistake with the CZ's. I did not mention the Bull Shadows because that's part of my vast collection of ignorance.

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Well I can't speak to that at all. New gun releases come in waves, and as I noted above, there was just some additions to the A01 line. You should really follow the link above and look at the CZ Custom Shop's website.

I've got a few nice guns, but the Shadow 2 was my first entrance to competition guns, and I find I enjoy that type of shooting. But again, I am not an expert by any means, and have limited experience in this regard. I just decided to try a bit higher end gun that looks like fun.

Love my shadow 2 and miss it badly.

It left for primary machine to have the slide lightened and milled for a trijicon SRO red dot.

Tracking says it arrives tomorrow. They received it Jan 9th so it's been a wait. Pics and shot report due soon but the gun is a dream to shoot

CANNONMAN said:

About $2k, a little less but this gun seems to tower over a lot of custom stuff for $3k to $5k. Is this me with ignorant eyes or is this a really nice gun for the price? What would you choose over this gun? Even if the price goes up with your choice what would be your reason for choosing it?

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I do not own a Shadow2. I do own a TS with some CZC stuff tossed in. It is a hell of a gun that outshoots my guns that cost 5x its price. Its finish leaves a lot to be desired though.

9mmepiphany said:

For about half the price ($900), you could get the SIG P320 Legion. Just as accurate, more controlable, optic ready, and already set up for any of the Action Pistol games. For IDPA SSP, you'd have to remove the magwell; you can keep the magwell for ESP or CO. For USPSA it would work for Production or Carry Optics

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I had a P320 Vtac. Ran it side by side with my shadow 2. Only my opinion and preference but I will say I found the shadow 2 to be more accurate and more controllable. My shadow 2 was purchased for 1170 total otd. Granted mine is not the accurized model but side by side to my (sold it) P320vtac it was well above the sigs ability in my hands at 15 yards and above. At close range it was less noticeable but still the same. The different sights on the legion would have helped I'm sure but there smoothness of the shadow 2 overshadowed the action of the sig.

Again, both guns are great, just offering my opinion

Forgot all about that infused frame. Bet that does help due to a bit heavier. Interesting

CANNONMAN said:

I am really impressed with the Shadow 2. Especially the accurized model...... Is this me with ignorant eyes or is this a really nice gun for the price? What would you choose over this gun? Even if the price goes up with your choice what would be your reason for choosing it?

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For $2100 I'd seriously consider BUL Armory's SAS II. It brings a lot to the table. http://bularmory.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=83&product_id=65
Last year I would have said an STI Edge $2000...but STI International is basically defunct now and the Edge and DVC lines were killed off.
I own both the Shadow II and the Sig X5 Legion and they're fine off-the-shelf guns. Is the AccuShadow II worth the extra change? Not to me.

Otto said:

For $2100 I'd seriously consider BUL Armory's SAS II. It brings a lot to the table. http://bularmory.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=83&product_id=65
Last year I would have said an STI Edge $2000...but STI International is basically defunct now and the Edge and DVC lines were killed off.
I own both the Shadow II and the Sig X5 Legion and they're fine off-the-shelf guns. Is the AccuShadow II worth the extra change? Not to me.

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What’s the price of the Bul Sas? I tried running down one distributor and ran into a dead end.

2100

Otto said:

but STI International is basically defunct now and the Edge and DVC lines were killed off.

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Defunct????? Pretty sure they are just heading in a new direction. I assume LEO/MIL contracts are paying more than us gamers did. (?)
Course the bright side: I can now call my Omni RARE if I decide to sell it. as they quickly changed the name to DVC-P and now Staccato XC. (I think? I cannot keep up!!!)

I see that USPSA is up to 59 oz for Carry Optics.
We went some years with light handy guns, it looks like the pendulum is swinging to heavy steady guns with potbellied dust covers, tungsten doped plastic, shift from plastic to steel, iron handles for 2011s, etc.

Jim Watson said:

I see that USPSA is up to 59 oz for Carry Optics.
We went some years with light handy guns, it looks like the pendulum is swinging to heavy steady guns.

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That happened about 5-6 years ago is USPSA production division. Ben Stoeger owning that division with Berettas and then Tanfoglio Stock II's had a big, big influence.

When they started up Carry Optics, they set the weight limit low. There are rumors that Smith & Wesson and Glock whined to some of the USPSA leadership that their guns were getting pushed out of competitive use/relevance by the Tanfoglios and CZ's. They set the weight limit at a point where polymer guns were the easiest way to "make weight." People just started having the slides milled on their heavy guns instead. USPSA's board just decided to quit making people do that.

For shooters with great grip strength and fantastic recoil control, the heavier guns are a tradeoff in terms of stability versus speed of handling. For about 90+% of shooters, there's little question that they need all the recoil-damping they can get, so the heavier guns are superior.

Back today. Reassembled and mildly wiped down.
Will get more hands on this weekend. So far great work as a first impression. Let me put some downrange and report back

CANNONMAN said:

Oh yeah, Hey EriefOg, why lighten the slide?

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Gun games have weight requirements. Plus less weight in the slide and more in the frame equals less muzzle rise.

9mmepiphany said:

For about half the price ($900), you could get the SIG P320 Legion. Just as accurate, more controlable, optic ready, and already set up for any of the Action Pistol games. For IDPA SSP, you'd have to remove the magwell; you can keep the magwell for ESP or CO. For USPSA it would work for Production or Carry Optics

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Not half the price, you can get shadow 2's for 1100-1250 it has a better trigger and better recoil management than any p320. in canada the x5 legion is 1300$

Jordan Louie said:

Not half the price, you can get shadow 2's for 1100-1250 it has a better trigger and better recoil management than any p320. in canada the x5 legion is 1300$

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I bought one recently and it is the best handgun I have every had in my hand!

I just can't seem to keep enough 9mm on hand now!

CANNONMAN said:

I guess now I'm supposed to go look for the A01-LD but I'd much rather hear from you.

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I picked up my A01-LD on Friday, and thought I'd check back in and give you my initial, and very basic impressions. This is only obersations of the feel of the gun as I haven't shot it yet, and I have only broken it down to lube it.


For a very basic comparison, here is the Shadow 2 with a set of Lok Grips.

View media item 2615View media item 2616
When you look at the listing on this gun on CZC's website, it says it is an evolution of the shadow line, and by that they mean the Shadow 1. This is a good thing or a bad thing depending on your liking of the SP-01 Shadow.

The fit and finish on the A01 is very nice and is blued rather than Polycoated like the Shadow 2. It's far far better looking IMO than the Shadow 2 finish. But that only matters if it matters to YOU. People shooting competition expect their guns to be run hard and get beat up, so I'd think the finish on the A01 would be a small detail.

The A01 has more of a shelf on the safety than the Shadow 2 and I do find it just wide enough to rest my thumb on it with dry fire. Live fire might change my mind about that, and since I've decided if I ever do compete it will not be with this gun, it will be with my Shadow 2, I may go ahead and add the extended safety from CZC. I believe the Shadow2's minimal safety is designed as it is to accommodate rules of competition it was designed for. I'll let the competitors address that.

the slide serrations on the two guns are a little different but I find them equally effective.

Note that the trigger guards are a little different also.

The slide stops are different, and the Shadow has a rail, where the A01 does not. Though CZC just announced an A01 model with a rail if you care.

The A01 has a bushingless bull barrel, where the Shadow 2 has the standard bushing from CZ. Part of the accurizing of the Shadow 2 from CZC comes with a different barrel bushing. The lack of a bushing on the A01 does mean that you need a tiny tool that's included to capture the guide rod in a compressed condition to remove the recoil spring assembly and barrel from the gun. Some people won't like that, but I didn't find it terribly hard to handle.

The hammer is different on the two guns and I find the Shadow 2's hammer easier to manipulate due to the sharp edges.

The Magazines for the Shadow 2 hold 17 rounds. The A01 uses SP-09 magazines and they hold 19 rounds.

The Shadow 2 required me to put palm swell grips on it to accommodate my hand size. I wear XL gloves, and I also found the aluminum grip panels on the Shadow 2 too slippery, but quite handsome. The grips on the A01 on the other hand are much more grippy and while I need to reserve judgement until I've shot it, I don't anticipate changing out the grips. They feel great in my hands.

The magazine releases are different, and the Shadow 2's is definitely easier to reach. Though the A01's isn't bad.

The A01 is quite heavy, and is 5.5 oz heavier than the Shadow 2. That could be a benefit in some ways and a hinderance in others.

The A01-LD has one MAJOR flub as far as I'm concerned. While the front sight is very functional fiber optic, and is easy to pick up, the rear sight is not adjustable for height like on the Shadow 2. I did not notice this in the listing for the A01-LD. It can only be drifted for windage, and has no height adjustment. I can't for the life of me figure out why they would put a non adjustable sight on this gun. I don't know if it's some rule of competition with some guns, but it seems totally strange. I mean a person can certainly just learn where to hold, but I would have preferred it if this gun had come with the same sights as on the Shadow 2.

The trigger is another point of contention for me. My particular A01's trigger is really only marginally better than my stock Shadow 2 while dry firing, if at all. But I also have to acknowledge that I haven't shot it yet, and it might lighten up a bit. It's very smooth, but there is some pretravel and a bit of overtravel, and the break seems slightly less crisp than on my Shadow 2. Maybe I just got a really great example of a Shadow 2 trigger, but based on the reviews and videos I've watched, I guess I expected a little more. I mean don't get me wrong, but I thought it'd be a little crisper.

I'm going to leave it at that for now until I've spent more time with the gun and shot it some. It's impossible to come to any meaningful conclusions on dry fire alone, and really I didn't buy the A01-LD because I was looking to upgrade. I just wanted to have a little bit nicer example of a design I know I like. I will say, it's a dang nice gun by my limited experiential eye, but I don't think I'd compete with it. I suspect I'm going to have a really good time with it and it'll stay in my lineup.

I may still pick up a TSO at some point.