First Shots: CZ Shadow 2 Compact

A smaller, easier to carry version of the legendary CZ Shadow 2.

by
posted on February 9, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

New from CZ USA is the Shadow 2 Compact, a compact, aluminum framed version of its traditional double action/single action, steel-framed competition pistol. The standard CZ Shadow 2 measures 8.53 inches overall and weighs 46.5 ounces. The new CZ Shadow 2 Compact is smaller and lighter than its larger cousin, creating a faster-handling pistol with all the accuracy for which CZ is known. The new pistol is also slightly thinner, measuring 1.38 inches compared to the 1.41-inch width of the Shadow 2. The 1 mm fiber optic front and serrated rear HAJO sights giving you the same great sight picture of the original Shadow 2. In addition to this, the new Shadow 2 Compact’s slide is optics-ready right from the factory.

The CZ Shadow 2 Compact is built around the same ergonomics and trigger system that CZ pistols are known for. The shape of the pistol grip and the deeply undercut trigger guard are built for ergonomics, and the slide and barrel sit low inside the frame rails to mitigate muzzle rise. The Shadow 2 has a traditional double action/single action trigger without a decocker, meaning the hammer must be lowered manually to be use the double action on the first shot. There is, however, a manual safety for use when carried as a single-action gun.

CZ Shadow 2 Compact Specifications

  • Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
  • Sights: Fiber optic front sight, checkered rear sight
  • Height: 5.4 inches
  • Length: 7.5 inches
  • Width: 1.38 inches
  • Weight: 30 ounces
  • Trigger pull: 3.4 pounds single action, 10.3 pounds double action
  • Trigger travel: .11 inches single action, .19 inches double action
  • Frame: Aluminum alloy
  • Grips: Duralumin
  • Safety Manual safety, safety notch on the hammer

MSRP for the Shadow 2 Compact is $1,299, and to learn more about this new pistol or other products from CZ-USA, visit cz-usa.com.

Latest

Diamondback SDR with XS Sights
Diamondback SDR with XS Sights

First Look: XS Sights for Diamondback SDR and Walther PDP

XS Sights introduces new offerings for the Diamondback revolver and Walther PDP pistol.

First Look: Sons of Liberty Gun Works Special USMC-Finish Rifles

SOLGW offers two new "frogskin" finishes to honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon Compact 9 mm Pistol in a Mission First Tactical Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Springfield Armory Echelon Compact 9 mm pistol carried in a Mission First Tactical Ambi IWB holster with a Burris FastFire E enclosed-emitter red-dot sight.

St. Louis County Police Department Adopts Springfield Armory Echelon Pistol

The St. Louis County (MO) police department, with nearly 1,000 officers, has adopted the Echelon as its duty pistol.

Straight Talk: Fits and Starts

As with clothing and footwear, serious consideration should be given when choosing a handgun for self-defense.

First Look: Volquartsen Firearms Mini Mamba TF-22

This new rimfire handgun is a Davidson's exclusive in partnership with Volquartsen.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.