CZ Shadow 2 Compact
BY Herschel Smith
6 months, 3 weeks ago
I like Tim Harmsen and have talked with him before. Occasionally I disagree with him. This is one of those occasions.
Tim focuses on the fact that there isn’t a firing pin block on the CZ Shadow 2 Compact. I’ll let you watch the video for the details of his objections.
However, there are numerous videos where guys beat on the hammer with a mallet and cannot get the gun to fire. See here for an example. There are others like it.
The problem seems to stem from the use of an aftermarket firing pin, so the moral of the story is don’t use an aftermarket firing pin.
Frankly, I don’t think Tim did his research before posting this video.
On April 29, 2024 at 8:17 am, Latigo Morgan said:
I agree with you about the firing pin block.
The Shadow 2 Compact is not a carry option for me, because ultimately, I look at my carry guns as disposable.
Disposable? What could you possibly mean?
What I mean is if you get into a social situation where you have to use your EDC firearm, it will be confiscated and placed in evidence for who knows how long. You may never even get it back, in fact.
So, do I want to lose a thousand-plus semi-custom firearm, or a $500-$600 firearm? Because it will be lost, for all intensive purposes. If it is a really nice firearm, well, those have been “lost” in police evidence lockers, i.e. moved into someone’s personal collection, since police have been confiscating property.
Don’t try to convince me that it is impossible to have a reliable EDC handgun in the $500-$600 range or even less, either.
On April 29, 2024 at 8:36 am, george 1 said:
Tim Harmsen not withstanding that compact CZ Shadow will turn out to be a tremendous seller for CZ. I have a friend who managed to get one and I was allowed to shoot a magazine full through it. It had the best trigger this side of a 1911 that I have ever used. It is also scary accurate.
It was a sample of one but I am a believer.
On April 29, 2024 at 8:45 am, Herschel Smith said:
@george 1,
The CZ Shadow 2 is already the most used pistol in the IPSC/USPSA.
@Latigo,
Shoot whatever you’re comfortable and good with. The choice is yours. I’m just passing this on and explaining that I think Tim’s objection has no basis in fact.
On April 29, 2024 at 12:19 pm, Georgiaboy61 said:
Tim Harmsen isn’t an engineer – which ought to be kept in mind when evaluating his review. He’s very knowledgeable, but like many self-taught people, he sometimes runs up against the limits of his knowledge and expertise. This instance seems to be one of those times, IMHO.
On April 29, 2024 at 12:25 pm, george1 said:
@ Herschel Smith,
It is expensive but I might have to get me one of those.
On April 29, 2024 at 7:41 pm, Jimmy Dean Is The Best said:
Beretta did the subcompact 20+ years ago with the 9000 and it was under $1000 NIB.
Lots of trouble with the .40 cal version due to the massive barrel pressure.
The 9000s is the best of that now discontinued line.
Fun Trivia-Trinity the female hacker in the Matrix had 2 and they will take a 92 magazine with or without adapter.
On April 29, 2024 at 8:57 pm, Faramir said:
Firing pin blocks, half-cock notches, and other safety measures all wear and can fail. On a DA/SA pistol, it doesn’t seem necessary to have a firing pin block, as long as the rest of the system is decently engineered. I have and adore a P-01 Omega; maybe I’ll get one of these at some point as well, just for fun, as I do like the profile of the Shadow 2 grip.
On May 1, 2024 at 9:17 am, MGuns said:
I own a CZ Shadow 2 Compact which is now my daily carry. I have carried many different handguns over the past many years and can say this is the finest handgun I would consider carrying. I own handguns that cost twice as much but I chose this one due to its point ability, great trigger, accuracy and reliability. If I ever have to use this pistol in a self defense encounter I want to bring the best pistol I can afford to the fight. If I loose it due to having to defend myself with it, then I consider it the cost of insurance that I will gladly pay. The pistol is not for everyone. I come from the revolver days and am skilled in double action shooting. Those who are used to double action first shot pistols will find the double action on this pistol great. You do have the option to carry it cocked and locked but the safety is small and would need to be replaced to a larger one if you elect this option. Carry what you shoot well.
On May 14, 2024 at 9:16 am, Dan Patterson said:
Good comments on a not-so-good review.
“…for all intensive purposes.” aside, we should all carry everywhere, practice often, and carry what we can shoot well.