CZ-USA introduced a couple of significant upgrades at the NRA Annual Meeting. First up is the Orange edition of the Shadow 2 pistol, bringing it up to competition standards. There’s also the New Scorpion EVO3 S1 upgraded with Magpul furniture.
CZ Shadow 2 Orange
CZ reports that more than half of competition shooters worldwide use CZ 75’s in some form, and the Shadow 2 Orange is a perfect evolution of the CZ 75 for competition. It’s a got a better hand fit — and those orange grips feel really good in the hand — and the steel barrel and guide rod are polished to a high shine to for a tight lock up and precise fit.
It’s got a fiber optic front sight with blacked-out elevation and drift adjustable rear sights. The barrel is 4.89″ long, guaranteeing it will meet competition standards by a full millimeter. It ships with 3 magazines with metal baseplates.
But the best thing about the Shadow 2 Orange is the trigger. It comes from the factory with a terrific trigger with a very short reset and a crisp break. The double action pull is between 7 and 8 lbs, while the single action pull is about 3lbs. It’s the kind of trigger you’d expect to pay to upgrade to, so they’ve saved you the trouble.
The Shadow 2 Orange’s MSRP is $1999 and it’s available now.
From the moment I first saw the catalogue of CZs and a booth full of them at a shot show, I fell in love with the manufacturer. I very much appreciate the aesthetics of a product, so the German or Austrian guns never appealed to me. German cars are a dime a dozen where I live and I never liked their aesthetics. But when I see a Rolls Royce, Aston Martin or Bentley, those cars immediately draw my attention! If I can have quality and beauty in the entire package, well then that’s a huge advantage. The Eastern European guns tend to have a nicer look compared to other guns. I also like Smith and Wesson’s aesthetics. I only have a lowly SA XD-40 9102 (full size) for home defense, and it was my first gun which I’ve had for several years. I’ve only added a light and a free red laser (that I got for purchasing a more expensive green one for my compact pistol) but haven’t done any upgrades to it. I have done several upgrades to my Shield .40, which was supposed to be my EDC for conceal carry. I shot all kinds of pistols at a shot show, including several Glocks in various calibers but none impressed me. My XD shot a lot better for me than any of those guns, and that’s why I still have it. In fact, the recoil and muzzle flip are hardly noticeable, despite it being chambered in .40 cal. But if I could trade in my pistols for CZs, I’d do it ASAP. The CZ like the one pictured above is like the Aston Martin, Rolls Royce and Bentley of guns. At this point it’s overkill for me. The only other gun that appeals to me aesthetically is the Beretta Centurion.
I do not fully grok the motive of those who post here just to say that they have no use for this product, since they are not in competition or they cannot afford one. CZ makes tools for various shooting styles and disciplines. The better the tool, the more costly it will be. For the occasional plinker, a low end pistol will do just fine. Just realize that that is all you are: an occasional plinker. Go and have fun. Why the need to whine about tools you don’t need? If you conceal carry and like the compact polymer toys, good for you. Why does anyone here need to know that though? Perhaps jealousy is what motivates you? Well, put away your pocket change every day, and eventually you’ll be able to get your dream plaything.
Those of us interested in quality tools for a particular function, come here to discuss the pros and cons of the different models available. We share opinions on which tool will serve best for the task at hand. There are forums intended for those like you. Spend quality time there to learn how you can best manipulate the inexpensive tools you already have…
I have a CZ 75 SP-01 that cost about $600.00 I have a army friend who is a Gun Smith he put the $400 package from Cajun Gun Works they only make parts for CZ‘s new hammer new trigger new springs fiber optic front sight flat back Rear sight 2&1/2Pound trigger pool with the Aluminum Grips,So I’ve got $1000 in it and it shoots like a CZ shadow $16-$1700 best gun I’ve got it’s totally bad ass
It’s a beautiful pistol, but I have no interest in competition shooting. I only view firearms as tools for personal defense. I just want a gun that is easy to carry and conceal and that will work efficiently and reliably when I need it. I can buy any number of pistols that meet those requirements for a lot less than $2000. If CZ wanted to come out with a $800 Shadow 2 Orange with a 3 inch barrel and synthetic frame, I’d be a lot more interested.
The rear sight is not really wind adjustable. You’ll need a vice and a hammer or a sight puller to do so. Beats my why CZ did not mount a fully adjustble (i.e. with screwdriver etc) sight on a USD2,000 gun.
Did they really need to engrave “Orange” on the grip?
An upgrade that is pictured but not mentioned is the addition of a barrel bushing and a guide rod/recoil spring plug. My 2018 Shadow 2 has neither.
Just another expensive firearm on the market. It costs way too much for a lot of working class dogs like my friends and myself. I have a CZ 75 compact and it shoots so nicely. I have only had a couple of malfunctions (ammo related) in the last 4 years since, I purchased it. I bought it used and have entered some Action Shooting International competitions and won with it. I believe in the CZ products line; however, when it comes to hese prices, I am not a believer. Great article. I appreciate your work.
Not very familiar with CZ firearms and models. That being said, I read the short article 3 times and cannot find mention of the caliber of this pistol. And 2 grand ????? No way for me…..
9mm . If u enlarge the pic it says it on the slide .