When it was introduced some 8 years ago, the CZ Shadow 2 was immediately accepted. Those who compete, collect, carry for duty, and almost every other gun-lover in the marketplace loved it. And why not? The Shadow 2 is excellence incarnate in just about every measurable way. If there was one category in which this fine pistol was found wanting, it was that of the self-defense market – specifically concealed carry. Let’s face it, the Shadow 2 at just about 47 ounces is a heavy handgun. That is one of the specs that draws competitors to it. But it's not so great for sliding into the waistband for a day out.
Enter the new CZ Shadow 2 Compact. For starters, it is way lighter than its full-sized sibling – tipping the scale at only 30 ounces. This is accomplished by whacking a full inch off the barrel and overall length of the gun – from a 4 ¾” barrel to 3 ¾”, and by making the frame from aluminum alloy instead of carbon steel.
In virtually every other way, the Shadow 2 Compact is identical to its big brother. Of course, that doesn’t mean much to you if you are not familiar with the original Shadow 2. Not to worry, that’s what this review is for! Let’s dive in.
