A proper Shadow 2 you can carry? Shadow 2 Carry Review

Published on July 20, 2025
Duration: 15:42

This review of the CZ Shadow 2 Carry highlights its improvements over the Shadow 2 Compact, focusing on its suitability for concealed carry with features like a firing pin block and decocker. The reviewer compares it to the PO9C Nocturn, Sig Sauer P229 Legion, and Staccato C2, discussing accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, and trigger feel. While praising its shootability and accuracy, the review notes the high cost and some trigger characteristics as potential drawbacks.

Quick Summary

The CZ Shadow 2 Carry improves upon the Shadow 2 Compact by incorporating crucial concealed carry features like a firing pin block and a safe decocking mechanism. Despite an initial reliability hiccup, it proved 100% reliable thereafter. However, its high price point and less functional stock grips are notable drawbacks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Shadow 2 Compact vs. Carry
  2. 00:39Comparison Pistols: PO9C, P229 Legion, Staccato C2
  3. 01:09Initial Impressions & Purchase
  4. 01:31Mounting Optic & Range Trip 1
  5. 01:57First Reliability Issue
  6. 02:13Accuracy Testing
  7. 02:36Decocker Ergonomics
  8. 03:09Comparison to PO9C Nocturn
  9. 03:33Grip & Hand Feel
  10. 04:04Trigger Comparison
  11. 04:39Trigger Hook Issue
  12. 04:56Comparison to P226 Legion
  13. 05:13Ammunition Reliability Testing
  14. 05:43Misses High & Right Analysis
  15. 06:01Shadow 2 Carry Trigger Pull Details
  16. 06:26DA/SA Trigger Comparisons
  17. 06:44Trigger Reset Discussion
  18. 07:06Ergonomics & Potential to Unseat P229
  19. 07:15Range Conditions & Comparison Setup
  20. 07:2425 Yard Steel Drill
  21. 08:0215 Yard Drill
  22. 08:1315 Yard Results & Staccato Speed
  23. 08:20Shadow 2 vs. Staccato Shootout
  24. 08:34Ordering a Holster & Carrying
  25. 08:48Addressing Shadow 2 Compact vs. Carry Updates
  26. 09:08Slide Stop Improvement
  27. 09:36Slide Serrations & Thickness
  28. 10:04Front Sight Dovetail
  29. 10:20Front & Back Strap Traction
  30. 10:29Key Carry Features: Firing Pin Block, Optic Cut
  31. 10:35Comparison to P1: Shooting & Trigger
  32. 10:54P1 Owners: Upgrade Decision
  33. 11:11Negatives: Cost Analysis
  34. 11:55Barrel & Guide Rod Premium
  35. 12:06Optic Sight Cut Premium
  36. 12:14Aluminum Grips & Alternatives
  37. 12:34Total Premium Calculation
  38. 13:06Shadow 2 Carry vs. P229 Legion In-Hand Feel
  39. 13:28Night Sights Comparison
  40. 13:43Price Point & Sight Expectations
  41. 13:54Negative: Hooked Trigger Revisited
  42. 14:0475BD Platform Drawbacks: Dry Fire Immunity
  43. 14:16Service Life of Springs
  44. 14:25Negative: Aluminum Grips Functionality
  45. 14:57Overall Positives: Shootability & Accuracy
  46. 15:11CZ Accuracy & Soft Shooting
  47. 15:22Conclusion: Shadow 2 Carry is Awesome
  48. 15:31Future Content & Clickbait Video

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key improvements of the CZ Shadow 2 Carry over the Shadow 2 Compact?

The Shadow 2 Carry includes essential carry features missing in the Compact, such as a firing pin block, backup iron sights, and a safe decocking mechanism, making it a more practical choice for concealed carry.

How does the CZ Shadow 2 Carry perform in terms of reliability?

After an initial fail-to-feed within the first 50 rounds, the Shadow 2 Carry proved to be 100% reliable in subsequent testing with various ammunition types, including Federal Cintec PCC loads.

What are the main drawbacks of the CZ Shadow 2 Carry?

The primary negatives are its high cost, with prices around $1300-$1500, and the stock aluminum grips, which are often considered less functional. The trigger's double-action pull is also noted as having some inconsistencies.

How does the CZ Shadow 2 Carry compare to the Sig Sauer P229 Legion?

While the Shadow 2 Carry shoots well, the P229 Legion feels more premium with better grips, a superior trigger in both DA and SA modes, a shorter reset, and factory tritium night sights, making it a more refined option out of the box.

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