CZ Shadow 2 Compact Ultimate Guide - Review, Build List, and much more!
2016 was a year of disruption, we elected our first non-career-political, Donald Trump as well as CZ released the CZ Shadow 2. Even as of this writing, the Shadow 2 (S2) remains one of the top choices for competition. Why? It is arguably one of the easiest guns to shoot… it feels great in the hands, trigger is forgiving, and incredible splits can be achieved. As its been around as long as it has, the S2 had a massive and highly supportive aftermarket and as such, you can talk this platform to an even higher level!
Fast forward to 2024, CZ decided to not re-invent the wheel… but chose to roll out a compact version for the enthusiast. They kept all the amazing attributes of the S2 such as the action and general ergonomics. where it differentiates from its big brother is in a shorter barrel and frame (4” vs 4.9”), grip length (15rds mags vs 17rds), as well as having an aluminum frame. The net result, a high performing pistol fit for everyday carry at 27oz.
Seeing as how I have a good amount of time on the platform, I’ll share a variety of information based on my time with my Shadow 2 as my main competition gun and what differentiates the two in the video below. Later on, I will follow this video up with several more including a 1000rd review to see what ownership and reliability is like, a shoot out between the Sig P365 AXG Legion vs the Daniel H9, and finally… taking this gun from Good to Great by upgrading it to competitive spec. In fact, I have already ordered all the parts and have the list below!
My Build List with Links… Good To Great (CCP Below)
Gun - CZ Shadow 2 Compact - See best Prices Below!
Trigger Package
Grips & Other
Spring Setup - Cajun Gun Works
11lb Recoil (BLUE) - Dont forget to get the Uncaptured Guide Rod below
IDPA CCP Build List
*** Please Note the list below are only the items either added or substituted form the Good to Great list above *** SEE THE UPDATE FOR BASEPADS BELOW*** Updated 4.12.25
Magwell - LOK Grips - CZ Shadow 2 Compact - Aluminum Magwell
Requires Profiling (filing down) the sides to meet IDPA Width
This the original setup
Basepads - LOK Grips - CZ Shadow 2 Aluminum +0 Basepads
Requires Significant Trimming the bottom side to fit with Stock 15rd Magazines - I took it down to where the Machining around the plug was flush
This the original setup
Spring Setup - Cajun Gun Works
11lb Recoil (BLUE) - Same as above, but with 2 Coils removed
Mag Brake - Springer Precision CZ 75 Compact Magazine Brake
I added this after I broke the factory one, didn’t mention this in the video.
Updated Basepads - Full bolt-on and no filing/machining required and will work with stock magazines - See Pics below!
Basepads (yes, they come from Italy, but this is where I got them) - Base Pad +0 round for CZ SP01 Shadow / Shadow 2 - Toni System
Springer Magwell - I had a prior update that had the Springer Precision Carry Magwell - for CZ75 Compact/Shadow 2 Compact (pictured below) that was a candidate to fit the CCP box. After an individual made a comment and shared an observation on my Youtube channel, he mentioned that his dimensions were 1.43”… I was able to verify those dimensions with the one pictured and the actual dimensions have to come in at 1.375”. When I originally posted the recommendation, I verified the width with my official IDPA CCP box and it fits… so there may be a subtle margin of error and I would encourage you to be metrically correct. I apologize for any confusion on the matter
Bolt-on Magwell from Springer Precision - No Modification Required & Fits CCP Box
Toni Systems +0 Basepads - Works with factory magazines and fits the CCP Box
If you’d like to see run Matches with this gun… Check out my Instagram account… yes my account is private as I just want to share info on there to my audience and not whomever… so just request and I’ll accept!