Trey83
02-28-2011, 00:03
I already posted this in the General Firearms Forum but I realize their was a CZ forum so I am posting here as well.
Getting a new gun always make me feel like a kid on Christmas morning all over again. Well this time is a little different because not only is it a new gun but it happens to be my new favorite as well. After looking through CZ's lineup and talking with the guys at the CZ custom shop (great guys by the way) I ordered a new CZ SP01 Shadow.
First thing I noticed when I took it out of the box for the first time was how solid it felt. You could shake it all you want but you won't notice even a hint rattling or any other movement, it feels like a solid block of steel. In single action there is a very minimal amount of take up followed by a very crisp break that I would estimate to be right around 4#. There is maybe 1/16 of an inch over travel after the hammer is released. The double action pull still has a little bit of the stacking remaining that you would find on the standard/tactical SP01 but with a manual safety I won't be using it often if at all. The ergonomics of the pistol are amazing.
In my opinion the enhancements made to the Shadow are worth every penny over the other SP01 models. They combine a CZ 75 Champion inspired hammer with the 85 combat slide (eliminates firing pin safety) to achieve the incredible trigger the Shadow has. The extended mag release makes magazine changes a much faster affair while allowing you maintain proper hold throughout the process. The safety comes from the CZ 75 SA which repositions the safety giving for more room for your thumb to rest while the safety is disengaged. The safety is a more pronounced upgrade than I was expecting. It made it more comfortable and allows for a little bit higher hold on the grip. Fitted to the front is a fiber optic sight that is backed by a fixed serrated blade sight. The sights are a great compromise of duty and target sights that give very fast target acquisition. If you are looking for a range dedicated gun you may want to have them replace the rear with an adjustable sight. If, like me, you plan to use it for home defense and range duty the stock sights are wonderful. The mag well is beveled for faster and easier reloads (Can't recall if the other SP01's have this or not) which is a nice feature. And Lastly, the Shadow comes with three 18 round mags that otherwise sell for close to $50 each.
I fired 200 rounds of Winchester white box, Federal premium, and American Eagle ammo without any hiccups. All ammo was of the 115gr full metal jacket variety. I won't comment too much about the reliability because the gun is brand new. CZ however, does have an outstanding reputation for being reliable duty guns and I expect no different in this case.
Here is the first 5 shot group fired with American Eagle ammo fired off hand at 7 yards.
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq301/whitestang04/My%20Guns/0226111618.jpg
Still at 7 yards off hand, I fired 40 rounds of WWB at the torso and 50 rounds of Federal Premium at the head.
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq301/whitestang04/My%20Guns/DSC_1266.jpg
Just a couple of pictures for your viewing pleasure
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq301/whitestang04/My%20Guns/DSC_1279.jpg
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq301/whitestang04/My%20Guns/DSC_1259.jpg
Getting a new gun always make me feel like a kid on Christmas morning all over again. Well this time is a little different because not only is it a new gun but it happens to be my new favorite as well. After looking through CZ's lineup and talking with the guys at the CZ custom shop (great guys by the way) I ordered a new CZ SP01 Shadow.
First thing I noticed when I took it out of the box for the first time was how solid it felt. You could shake it all you want but you won't notice even a hint rattling or any other movement, it feels like a solid block of steel. In single action there is a very minimal amount of take up followed by a very crisp break that I would estimate to be right around 4#. There is maybe 1/16 of an inch over travel after the hammer is released. The double action pull still has a little bit of the stacking remaining that you would find on the standard/tactical SP01 but with a manual safety I won't be using it often if at all. The ergonomics of the pistol are amazing.
In my opinion the enhancements made to the Shadow are worth every penny over the other SP01 models. They combine a CZ 75 Champion inspired hammer with the 85 combat slide (eliminates firing pin safety) to achieve the incredible trigger the Shadow has. The extended mag release makes magazine changes a much faster affair while allowing you maintain proper hold throughout the process. The safety comes from the CZ 75 SA which repositions the safety giving for more room for your thumb to rest while the safety is disengaged. The safety is a more pronounced upgrade than I was expecting. It made it more comfortable and allows for a little bit higher hold on the grip. Fitted to the front is a fiber optic sight that is backed by a fixed serrated blade sight. The sights are a great compromise of duty and target sights that give very fast target acquisition. If you are looking for a range dedicated gun you may want to have them replace the rear with an adjustable sight. If, like me, you plan to use it for home defense and range duty the stock sights are wonderful. The mag well is beveled for faster and easier reloads (Can't recall if the other SP01's have this or not) which is a nice feature. And Lastly, the Shadow comes with three 18 round mags that otherwise sell for close to $50 each.
I fired 200 rounds of Winchester white box, Federal premium, and American Eagle ammo without any hiccups. All ammo was of the 115gr full metal jacket variety. I won't comment too much about the reliability because the gun is brand new. CZ however, does have an outstanding reputation for being reliable duty guns and I expect no different in this case.
Here is the first 5 shot group fired with American Eagle ammo fired off hand at 7 yards.
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq301/whitestang04/My%20Guns/0226111618.jpg
Still at 7 yards off hand, I fired 40 rounds of WWB at the torso and 50 rounds of Federal Premium at the head.
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq301/whitestang04/My%20Guns/DSC_1266.jpg
Just a couple of pictures for your viewing pleasure
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq301/whitestang04/My%20Guns/DSC_1279.jpg
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq301/whitestang04/My%20Guns/DSC_1259.jpg