The CZ Shadow 2 Compact (S2C) goes hard. It’s arguably my favorite and probably the most capable compact handgun I’ve spent time behind. Granted, having spent nearly a year shooting the snot out of its bigger brother, the Shadow 2, undoubtedly influences that opinion significantly.
It’s a little less than half a year to get the round count on the S2C to 500 rounds. The main reason for this is that it took a good while before one of my trusted custom holster makers to support the platform. Without a holster, there was no using the S2C in classes or at matches. In turn, that meant putting rounds downrange was a slow process. The holster I went with was a custom IWB 3 holster from JM Custom Kydex. Now that the holster is handled, the S2C is seeing some action at local IDPA matches and I’ve also started carrying it on occassion.
While waiting for holster support, I couldn’t help myself from tinkering with the S2C.
The very first thing I did was slap a Trijicon RMR on it. That seemed like the right call since my intention was to conceal carry the S2C at some point. Whether or not it would unseat the VP9 as the everyday carry was unclear and continues to be, but that seemed like the correct and primary use case for it even though I have been hesitant about that given the more advanced manual of arms. Given that the RMR continues to be my number one pick for defensive carry pistol mountable optics, it was the logical choice.
The very next thing I did was place an order for a pro-package from Cajun Gun Works as I wanted to reduce the trigger reach on the gun and I’ve been absolutely enamored by the kit on the full size Shadow 2. I also figured this would be a fun project for me to attempt myself rather than sending it off to Cajun Gun Works to do. To be honest, I almost sent it in after I struggled with fitting the disconnector myself and getting the gun functioning correctly and reliably. However while waiting in line to send it in, I was able to get the disconnector fitted and the gun working right. I still think I may send it at some point to Cajun Gun Works to work their magic on it, but it’s not a priority right now as it’s functioning reliably now and I’m happy with how it feels. I will also point out that I opted to install the heavier of the two hammer springs included in the pro-package which is recommended for reliable ignition of primers commonly used in factory ammunition.
While working through the CGW pro-package installation, I replaced the grips a number of times (all from LokGrips). I’m simply not a fan of the stock grips. They aren’t bad, but they just weren’t as aggressively textured as I like. It took me several attempts to land on the right grips. My first attempt was a set of Palm Swell Bogies which I didn’t care for. The texture was good, but the width and shape just didn’t work for me. The next set I tried were some Thin Bogies. These were much better for me. The texture was just as good and the shape was far better. Still, the grips weren’t perfect and they left something wanting. What I thought I wanted was a set of thin aluminum GridLok grips, but they weren’t (and, as of writing, still aren’t) available. At the same time I got the Thin Bogies, I also picked up a standard size mag release from LokGrips which was a welcome improvement over the stock mag release. Eventually, the aluminum Palm Swell GridLok grips became available and I decided to give them a try given how much I’ve enjoyed the brass ones on the full size S2. I’m glad I did because they are by far the best set of grips I’ve put on the S2C. I also got the matching aluminum mag release which I’m on the fence about as it kind of pokes my side uncomfortably when I conceal carry the S2C.
With a configuration and holster I was more than happy with, I started putting in some work with the Shadow 2 Compact. The one mistake I made was not following my optic mounting procedure which resulted in the RMR coming loose. This was a blessing in disguise, I think, as it provided me the opportunity to swap out the RMR for an SRO. Using the SRO for defensive carry goes against my better judgment. However, a lot of folks have been using the SRO for defensive carry for a good while now. While the durability and concealability of the RMR are unquestioningly better, the SRO is a better performing optic. It’s a tradeoff. Increased failure risk for better performance. It gives me a little heartburn. However, so does the S2C’s more advanced manual of arms. That said, I’m very impressed by how well this configuration performs in my hands. As such, I’m going to go with it. I suspect the heartburn will pass. I just hope it doesn’t bite me in the rear end.
Another thing I should point out that some of y’all have undoubtedly noticed is that I don’t currently have backup iron sights set up on the S2C. Having backup iron sights on a carry pistol is a good practice that I strongly encourage and not having them on the S2C is yet another thing that I am doing that goes against my better judgment. This is something that will be rectified as soon as I receive a CHPWS optic plate I have on order that has a backup rear iron sight built in which has proved to be difficult to source.
With all that said, the Shadow 2 Compact is impressive. I’m getting very comfortable with it. As of writing, I’ve started carrying it on occasion. It’s seeing plenty of range time at IDPA matches, where I routinely compete with my everyday carry gun and set up. It’s also starting to see class time. The VP9 is on standby as a back up at matches and classes. After I address the backup sights, I expect this to become the new status quo for me. Of course, updates will follow. I have a strong inkling that the updates will be positive, but only time will tell.
All that said, I’m still hesitant in recommending this pistol as a defensive carry option to anyone other than accomplished pistoleros due to the advanced manual of arms. Manually decocking the hammer requires a lot of care and attention to do safely. I suspect that most folks who have their hearts set on a DA/SA CZ for defensive carry would be better served by going with a CZ 75 variant that comes equipped with a decocker.