Cz shadow vs 9mm 1911

[Jordan Louie]

So I have a cz SP01 Shadow(900$ CAD)mainly as a range toy and i’ve been really happy with It overall. The trigger on it is longer than I would like though and Im wondering how a 1000$ ish 1911 in 9mm might compare against it.

The ones i have been looking at were the Bul Armory 1911 gov’t(1060$ CAD) and the SA Range officer($1100 CAD) would those guns shoot dramatically better than my Shadow as a range toy or competition like limited(10 round mag restriction in Canada) possibly?

 

[anothernewb]

A friend has a 75B that's been worked over, and I have an STI 1911 in 9mm. I wouldn't say either is appreciably better in accuracy at 50 feet- with handloads. having never shot a factory load through either of them - I can comment on what that might be.

However, I prefer the 1911 trigger to the single action. but not that his 75 is bad at all. it is very smooth and nice. but the trigger geometry is simply different. however - 1911's are what I'm used to so there's that.

overall. unless you have a mechanical issue with yours - and assuming you are a competent shooter. I think any differences would be fairly small. I would not expect a dramatic difference.

 

[foxmoor]

I have both and prefer the 9mm 1911 (mine is an older STI Trojan). All my CZs have had Cajun Gun Works trigger jobs, so they’re exceptionally pleasant to shoot, but there is something about a SA 1911 trigger that is special, at least to me. Good luck in your search.

 

[JTQ]

So I have a cz SP01 Shadow(900$ CAD)mainly as a range toy and i’ve been really happy with It overall. The trigger on it is longer than I would like ...

No doubt there will be several members who will post to the contrary, but the CZ 75 family of pistols are not very small hand friendly. The 1911 is generally better for those with smaller hands. If that's your biggest issue with the SP01, the 1911 will probably improve your experience.

though and Im wondering how a 1000$ ish 1911 in 9mm might compare against it.

The ones i have been looking at were the Bul Armory 1911 gov’t(1060$ CAD) and the SA Range officer($1100 CAD) would those guns shoot dramatically better than my Shadow as a range toy or competition like limited(10 round mag restriction in Canada) possibly?

I'm a 1911 guy, but in the unknown gun vs unknown gun, I typically wouldn't pick a 1911 reliability-wise over an SP01. The 1911 is designed around the .45 Auto round which is fatter and longer than the 9mm. Some modifications go into making a 1911 function with 9mm and they don't always work. Finding 10 round mags (9 round is the original) that work is not always easy either.

You may want to read through this blog from the late Todd Green on his experiences with a Springfield Warren Tactical 9mm 1911. He ended up with Wilson Combat ETM mags, but went through a few other's before getting there. I don't follow 9mm 1911's that much, but do follow Wilson Combat somewhat, and I think their ETM's have changed, for the better, since that article was written.

https://pistol-training.com/archives/category/range-reports/springfield-1911-9mm

 

[Mauser lover]

What's your purpose? Limited-10 in USPSA or IPSC?

Just look at what everyone else uses. I've got a CZ-85 that I've changed the trigger, sear, removed the firing pin block, etc. The trigger is just as good (if not a little better) than my Tanfoglio Gold. My Tanfoglio has a Hennings trigger and hammer upgrade, which is better than the stock trigger from the original firearm.

These triggers are just as light as most smiths are going to want to make a 1911 trigger. However, the best single-action only trigger on the CZ (and copies) is always going to be a (very slightly, to be sure) longer trigger pull than the best 1911 trigger. It's just the way the guns were designed.

So... why do I put up with it? I like the higher grip afforded by the slide being inside the frame. If you want that high grip, you are stuck with CZ or copies.

If you really, really want the best trigger that can be made, you really do need to start with a 1911 or 2011 (same trigger geometry).

So, what is my suggestion? Depends on what you want. If you want to try to actually be seriously competitive at Limited-10, you should probably go for a major power factor load: .40 S&W, 10mm or .45 ACP. There are double-stack 1911s out there, and there are 2011s out there that have a separate grip and frame. Pick your poison.

My choice was to go with a CZ and change the trigger. I like that gun just ever-so-slightly better than my Tanfoglio, but you might check that one out too. The CZ is a small frame, the Tanfoglio is a large frame. Your CZ will make a great base to upgrade from. I believe yours is DA/SA? If so, I'd ditch the DA and make it SA only before I switched guns, and I certainly wouldn't bother upgrading to the guns you mentioned unless you try them and just fall in love with one of them. You can also set your CZ up for 9mm Major and shoot in Unlimited, or I think you can convert it to .40 S&W as well. Maybe. You'll have to check on that.

Check out the Brian Enos forum for competitive tips. They are all about competition. THR is a better forum though

 

[Mauser lover]

No doubt there will be several members who will post to the contrary, but the CZ 75 family of pistols are not very small hand friendly. The 1911 is generally better for those with smaller hands. If that's your biggest issue with the SP01, the 1911 will probably improve your experience.

On the contrary! I'll fully support that claim, as long as we put in the caveat that we're talking about the DA pull or to a much lesser extent the stock single action trigger. If you put in a different adjustable SA only trigger, the trigger reach is no longer all that much different. It is still a little longer with the CZ though, just not much anymore.

 

[JTQ]

On the contrary! I'll fully support that claim, as long as we put in the caveat that we're talking about the DA pull or to a much lesser extent the stock single action trigger. If you put in a different adjustable SA only trigger, the trigger reach is no longer all that much different. It is still a little longer with the CZ though, just not much anymore.

The thumb safety pivot point on the CZ is about the same location as the front leading edge of a Colt teardrop thumb safety. You can fix the CZ trigger, and you can get a better thumb safety than that little cut in half jelly bean of a CZ75B thumb safety, but it's still a reach to that lever.

However, if you've made the switch to the single action trigger, now you only have to really rotate your hand to the thumb safety side and not have to deal with rotating one way to reach the trigger and then the other way to get to the thumb safety.

 

[jhb]

I own both your talking about. I highly prefer a 1911 to most guns except in 9mm. I just prefer other platforms for 9mm. to me the 1911 really shines in .38super and .45acp. I do like the sa emp in 9mm though.

if you're after trigger and cheaper ammo for range work mainly, yeah guess 9mm 1911 is for you.

 

[railroader]

I have a couple of sp-01 shadows and a couple of 9mm 1911s. I prefer the shadows. I have done some work on the shadows and the triggers are really good. So Jordon you mentioned that the trigger is longer than you like. Is the gun stock? With a short reset disconnector you can remove most of the pre travel in the single action pull. You can also lower the double action pull weight with an extended firing pin and an 11lb. hammer spring. My guns have about a 6lb. double action pull with about a 3lb. single action. They shoot great.

 

[WVsig]

I love my Shadow 2 which went to CGW for custom work. This is the result.

SA avg of 5 pulls.





That said it does not out shoot this in my hands. A 1911 is simply just a different animal. Since you are shooting limited 10 I would choose 1911.

 

[Mauser lover]

The thumb safety pivot point on the CZ is about the same location as the front leading edge of a Colt teardrop thumb safety. You can fix the CZ trigger, and you can get a better thumb safety than that little cut in half jelly bean of a CZ75B thumb safety, but it's still a reach to that lever.

However, if you've made the switch to the single action trigger, now you only have to really rotate your hand to the thumb safety side and not have to deal with rotating one way to reach the trigger and then the other way to get to the thumb safety.

Ah, yes. I forgot the safety. It would stink with smaller hands.

 

[JR24]

The thumb safety pivot point on the CZ is about the same location as the front leading edge of a Colt teardrop thumb safety. You can fix the CZ trigger, and you can get a better thumb safety than that little cut in half jelly bean of a CZ75B thumb safety, but it's still a reach to that lever.

However, if you've made the switch to the single action trigger, now you only have to really rotate your hand to the thumb safety side and not have to deal with rotating one way to reach the trigger and then the other way to get to the thumb safety.

Ah, yes. I forgot the safety. It would stink with smaller hands.

I don't have small hands (XL glove) yet just can't adjust to the CZ safety location. It is always a reach even with a number of different options I've tried (I think I've tried all the extended/lowered options on the market over the years) and just cannot get it to be an instinctive part of my grip like the 1911 or Sig SAO.

For SAO, 1911 100% of the time for me.

CZ? I like the decocker only option, nothing wrong with that, just a different option in my book.

 

[JDR]

I have a CZ 75B that has had trigger and sights work done to it. I also have an STI Trojan 9mm 1911. These are both great guns, and the STI is a little more accurate, but the CZ is accurate enough. Both are keepers.

OP, I’d rather have your SP01 Shadow over those 9mm 1911’s you cited. And STI doesn’t make my Trojan anymore, but a DW Pointman 9 1911 is IMHO, every bit as good, possibly a little better than the STI. And the new CZ Shadow 2 OR (Optics Ready) is just a cool new gun. The potential of having an easy RMR conversion on a Shadow 2 is the best firearms news I’ve heard in a while. The comp shooters are going to jump at this one. CZ and DW are both at the top of their game these days.

 

[Mauser lover]

CZ and DW are both at the top of their game these days.

See the Dan Wesson DWX. It's a CZish 1911. Or maybe it's actually a 1911ish CZ. I guess the most important part of a firearm is how it contains the pressure, so it would be primarily a CZ, because it doesn't have a link. Or maybe it doesn't matter because it still is a tilting breech, and both methods (link or no link) were Browning things.

Anyway, my regret is that they put a 1911 slide on it, not a CZ slide! I won't be buying one, because I want that high grip afforded by the inside-out CZ slide. But, it's got a 1911 trigger, and the safety is in the right place. Just not enough room on the side of the frame. Should be a really nice gun though.

We haven't heard from the OP though, Are you okay with the CZ safety?

 

[Dudedog]

I have one of these and am really happy with it.
A 1911 in 9mm is a joy to shoot.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/43760/springfield+armory+pi9134lp+1911+loaded+target+9+1+9mm+5"+package

https://www.springfield-armory.com/...ed-target-9mm-handgun-stainless-ca-compliant/

50k + rounds on my first one.
I liked it so much I bought a spare just in case
(no telling what mat be on CAs list down the road, so got the spare while the getting was good)

 

[Ks5shooter]

9mm

 

[Jordan Louie]

See the Dan Wesson DWX. It's a CZish 1911. Or maybe it's actually a 1911ish CZ. I guess the most important part of a firearm is how it contains the pressure, so it would be primarily a CZ, because it doesn't have a link. Or maybe it doesn't matter because it still is a tilting breech, and both methods (link or no link) were Browning things.

Anyway, my regret is that they put a 1911 slide on it, not a CZ slide! I won't be buying one, because I want that high grip afforded by the inside-out CZ slide. But, it's got a 1911 trigger, and the safety is in the right place. Just not enough room on the side of the frame. Should be a really nice gun though.

We haven't heard from the OP though, Are you okay with the CZ safety?

Thanks for replies guys, so yes the CZ safety works fine for me. the biggest problem I have is the creep and long take-up in the trigger pull. I have heard that this can be solved with a short reset disconector but its out of stock everywhere in Canada. I found the cajun t3 one near me actually would that be compatible with the sp01 shadow?

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I like these for 9mm.

CZ Shadow 2

• Zaydok Allen
• Jul 14, 2019

CZC A01-LD

• Zaydok Allen
• Mar 15, 2020

 

[railroader]

I think the T3 disconnector will need fitting. The T5 is pretty much a drop in. I have the T5 in one shadow and it got rid of almost all the pretravel.

 

[czhen]

It is a hard choice, 1911's triggers are great and slim pistols.
The CZ's are a tad better on ergos for mid size hands. When you talk about triggers CZ's need to touch the high coins to be great. Long pre travel and reset, to correct those issues command shell more bills.
I have 1911 loaded 9mm SA from factory with 3# trigger that shy my cz's sometimes even my CZSA

 

[sevt_chevelle]

Kinda hard to suggest a gun that doesn't even exist yet...DWX
Am a CZ fanboy, Id prefer a Shadow 2 converted to SAO over a 1911.
You could easily remove the disco and install the SAO trigger and see how you like it if you wanted a SA gun like a 1911.

 

[JR24]

Kinda hard to suggest a gun that doesn't even exist yet...DWX
Am a CZ fanboy, Id prefer a Shadow 2 converted to SAO over a 1911.
You could easily remove the disco and install the SAO trigger and see how you like it if you wanted a SA gun like a 1911.

The DWXs greatest strength, assuming it ever hits the streets, is a proper safety location that works for my hands. CZ's, as a SAO, greatest weakness is it's safety location/function for me. Just doesn't work for my hand shape/size/several times broken and dislocated thumb.

 

[Steve S.]

I have both and I have larger hands; my CZ’s seem to fill my hand evenly/ comfortably thru the entire circumference. My 1911’s feel like more of an oval shape that has a small, thin void on the sides - like something is missing.
As far as shooting grip comfort, it is CZ by far. Trigger pull/ travel is longer but one learns the handgun of choice; if I stick to one or the other, I shoot fine - if I jump between both models, then my accuracy deteriorates.
As stated, they are different animals - stick with the design you like and practice.

 

[Zerodefect]

See the Dan Wesson DWX. It's a CZish 1911. Or maybe it's actually a 1911ish CZ. I guess the most important part of a firearm is how it contains the pressure, so it would be primarily a CZ, because it doesn't have a link. Or maybe it doesn't matter because it still is a tilting breech, and both methods (link or no link) were Browning things.

Anyway, my regret is that they put a 1911 slide on it, not a CZ slide! I won't be buying one, because I want that high grip afforded by the inside-out CZ slide. But, it's got a 1911 trigger, and the safety is in the right place. Just not enough room on the side of the frame. Should be a really nice gun though.

We haven't heard from the OP though, Are you okay with the CZ safety?

The DWX has the same bore axis over hand height as the CZ TSO and Shadow. Yes the slide comes down lower, but you should be able to use your high grip perfectly.

Using a 1911-ish slide made the pistol friendly to people also considering 2011's. And some people claim that CZ's are hard to rack because half the slide is hidden in the frame. But that's nonsense, technique failure.

I'm going to try a DWX fullsize .40 to see if it scores higher than a Glock 35 with a Dawson Ice mag well.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Are P210s available in Canada?
I'd vote for a 1911.
Moon