Top 10 Upgrades: CZ Shadow 2

First things first… 

The CZ Shadow 2 is a PHENOMINCAL platform right out of the box no question. The CZ-75 has more history than most platforms outside the 1911, and that history comes with merit. But at the end of the day we all love customization and personalization, right? Not to mention an already incredibly performing firearm performing EVEN BETTER isn’t something I see many people having an issue with thankfully! 

Here I give you my top 10 upgrades for the Shadow 2 after years of teaching and competing with them religiously. (Note* I run my primary Shadow 2 possibly heavier than as as heavy as anyone else on the circuit at nearly 60oz– I highly recommend considering aluminum or G10 options unless that increased weight is your goal; I have 1 with weight, and one all aluminum in the high 40oz low 50oz range).

1.        LokGrips Palm Swell Grip Panels

-              Hollowed LokJaw BRASS Palm Swell Shorts (to fit magwell); the most aggressive texture Lok offers. https://lokgrips.com/grips/cz-palm-swell-lok-jaws-brass/

2.        LokGrips Mag-well

-              Grid Lok Mag-well (Brass) https://lokgrips.com/cz-gun-grips/cz-shadow-2/specialty/cz-shadow-2-magwell-gridlok-brass/

3.        LokGrips Mag Release Button

-              Brass Short Button - https://lokgrips.com/gun-grips/cz/cz-shadow-2/accessories/mag-release-button/

Easiest things you can do to enhance your overall shooting experience right off the bat with a Shadow 2. CODE: TEX10 - https://lokgrips.com

-              Customized Enhanced Ergonomics and Grip Structure.

-              Ability to balance out a nose heavy gun.

-              Mag-well for effortless reloads.

-              Mag release for a never miss and never slip contour.

4.        Extended Safety – Extended left, right, or ambidextrous safeties (CZ Custom, CGW)

https://cajungunworks.com/product/50012-safety-set-shadow-2-extended-left-side/

https://czcustom.com/cz-parts-all/safeties/shadow-2-safety-ext-left-and-right.html

-              Replacement of the bodyless stock safety.

-              Allow for an ergonomic ledge for grip aid and enhanced ergonomics.

-              Repeatable Index Point (repeatable safety drop when in SAO).

5.        Internals - CGW Reach Reduction Kit 

-              Permanently re positions trigger rearward 5mm when the hammer is fully lowered, which in turn creates an ultra-short reset. Uses the old CZ85C dual adjustment trigger (Don’t forget the floating trigger pin!).

-              https://cajungunworks.com/product/75850-shadow-2-reach-reduction-kit/

6.        (Past the RRK) CGW Pro Package (Includes Reach Reduction Kit) – Overall Top to bottom internals – 5-6lb DA / 2- 3lb SA 

https://cajungunworks.com/product/shadow-2-upgrade-kit-with-reach-reduction/

https://cajungunworks.com/product/shadow-2-upgrade-kit-with-reach-reduction/

-              RRK 

-              Floating Trigger Pin

-              Reduced Power Trigger Return Spring

-              Hammer Pins

-              Hammer (11.5#) Recoil (13#) Springs

-              Disconnector

-              Extended Firing Pin + Spring

-              Sear Spacer

-              Race Hammer W/ Adjustable Sear

Only thing from this kit, I do NOT use is the physical trigger itself + my spring weights being tuned to my personal ammunition. I chose to go with an Armory Craft with a flatter face while keeping its original curve per my personal preferences. https://www.armorycraft.com/product-page/cz-sao-trigger-target

7.        Magazines - Basedpads +5/6 (LokGrips) – Allowing for max capacity fitting USPSA Mag gauge at 141.25mm for 23+1 Capacity when paired with…

https://lokgrips.com/accessories/cz-shadow-2-sp-01-mec-gar-17rd-magazine-extension-aluminum-140mm/

8.        Magazines - MAX CAP Springs/Followers – (Rune Tactical) More time shooting, less time reloading! 

-              Basepads: Increase capacity, no more exploding plastic base pads, durable and drop safe on concrete and any other hard terrain, and FITS LokGrips Mag-wells for a seamless seat.

-              Springs/Followers https://runetactical.com CZ Shadow 2/DWX (Are the same).

9.        CNCPros STEEL Optic Plates – Never worry about a broken plate every again!

-              Aluminum plates are huge red flags to me as I’ve seen and experienced optics flying past my face as a Range Officer and a Shooter. 40k rounds on this plate and not a single hiccup. When it was checked last at 32k it was still torqued and unbothered!

https://thecncpros.com/products-1/ols/products/cz-shadow-trijicon-rmr

10.  Gas Pedal or Extended Takedown Lever – For limitless recoil control and repeatable off hand indexing.

-              (My Choice) NitroFin – Shooting Sports Innovations https://shootingsportsinnovations.com/nitro-fin-tanfoglio-and-cz-slide-lock-thumb-rest/

-              *Slide-Stop Thumbrest - EmannTech https://www.dot40.net/product/slide-stop-with-thumb-rest-for-cz-shadow-2-black/

-              *TEVO CZ Thumblock - https://tevosports.com/products/tevo-cz-thumblock

Upgrades marked with an (*) are products I do not currently use but have and still recommend.