First Look: CZ-USA Shadow 2 Optics-Ready Model

The CZ Shadow 2 is a popular choice for competitive shooters, building on the success of its predecessor, the CZ SP-01 Shadow. The Shadow and Shadow 2 have been a dominant force in USPSA's Production Division for over a decade, and now CZ-USA is coming out with an addition to the Shadow lineup, the CZ Shadow 2 Optics-Ready (OR). This new pistol features a slide cut which accepts a plate system, making it a competition-oriented pistol that is able to accept a wide variety of today's popular handgun optics.

The CZ Shadow 2 family represents the new paradigm in larger-capacity, all-steel pistols for modern sport shooting disciplines such as USPSA and IPSC. Like the standard CZ Shadow 2, the Shadow 2 OR features a finely tuned SA/DA trigger mechanism that provides a superior trigger pull and faster reset than the vast majority of competition pistols on the market today. The slide and frame are hand-fit for superior accuracy, reliability and longevity.

CZ engineers retained the legendary ergonomics and added in prominent checkering on the frontstrap and backstrap to help secure the Shadow 2 OR in a shooter's hand. The swappable magazine release on the pistol has an extended button that can be tuned to a shooter's personal preference with three settings to accommodate hand sizes.

The hardy nitride finish makes the CZ Shadow 2 OR extremely resistant to corrosion, adverse weather and mechanical damage. The frame also receives an additional coat of CZ's proprietary Polycoat finish, developed for CZ's line of law enforcement and military service pistols.

CZ Shadow 2 OR Specifications:
Caliber: 9 mm 
Operation: Semi-Automatic
Frame: Steel
Trigger Mechanism: SA/DA
Grips: Aluminum
Barrel: Cold-hammer forged
Barrel Length: 4.89 inches
Sights: Fiber-optic front, HAJO rear
Magazine Capacity: 19 rounds (10 rounds available)
Overall Length: 8.53 inches
Height: 6.2 inches
Width: 1.34 inches
Weight: 46.5 ounces
Safety: Manual with safety notch
Finish: Nitride

The CZ Shadow 2 OR also includes a cover plate for the optics cutout on the slide, and additional optic plates for a variety of optics are available. MSRP on the pistol is $1,549, and more information is available at cz-usa.com.