USPSA Carry Optic Setup - My CZ Shadow 2 and more!

2023 is a big year for both IDPA and USPSA both coming out with either new rule sets and/or divisions… This had my inner child in me screaming to try out new equipment. Last year (2022), IDPA added a new rule allowing 5” Bul Barrels in the game for ESP/CO. One company decided to step up to such a fun occasion, that was Masterpiece Arms DS9 with an IDPA Compliant 1911 Double Stack (yeah, I know a mouthful to say). So, I signed up for two and waited patiently to receive them.

Being a “gear” guy, I always wanted to to try a CZ Shadow 2 for Carry Optics. Luckily, I was able to source one locally that was configured to my preference. This had all the fixings including a direct milled slide fitted with a 2.5 MOA Trijicon SRO. To top it off, it had the Cajun Gun Works Pro-Package (“Cajunized”) already installed making for an incredible first impression with a 2lb SA pull and 7lb DA. This was the ideal setup if I wanted one and so I was ready to try it out… and yes I had never shot this gun or one in this configuration making it a total mystery for me!

To keep it short, I couldn’t believe how quickly I was able to shoot the gun at the limits. I then decided to try it out in a local match. Immediately I was impressed with how well I was able to drive the gun harder and faster than my Walther Q5 SF. At this point, I had said I wanted to go further and commit to this platform as I had a high level of confidence and the performance to support it. However, There is something to be said about having a gun that makes you feel confident, in knowing what items fail and how to trouble shoot them… not items I wanted for the remainder of 2022 so I committed to finishing the year out with my trusty Walther.

Check out the video to watch me dive into why I choose this platform as well as the shooting experience. But as promised in the video, I wanted to leave you resources about all the items I mention in the video, below the video are all the parts and where you can purchase them:

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!

New to Competition, My Gear, Gun Reviews, ModificationsPaul Bolton