Česká Zbrojovka expands its successful pistol family with the 9mm CZ Shadow 2 Compact

© Česká Zbrojovka

The trigger guard of the Shadow 2 Compact is just as generously sized as that of its big sister the Shadow 2. 

With the new CZ Shadow 2 Compact, Czech gun manufacturer Česká Zbrojovka announces "a new benchmark in pure performance for the compact pistol category". We have taken a first look at the new compact pistol for you, which the manufacturer has designed primarily as a defensive gun and with concealed carry in mind.

The new CZ Shadow 2 Compact is the newest member of the legendary CZ Shadow family from Česká Zbrojovka. When designing the CZ Shadow 2 Compact, CZ designers emphasized the same instinctive fit as the CZ Shadow 2, CZ's full-size flagship sport pistol. The compact pistol was designed specifically for users looking for a highly accurate pistol that is easy to operate and comfortable to carry concealed. As with all pistols in the CZ Shadow 2 line, the Compact variant is manufactured on modern machines from high-quality materials and features match-grade components.

The CZ Shadow 2 Compact has the key competition-proven features, accuracy, ergonomics and controls that have made the full-size variant of the series so popular and successful with top international shooters. The quality of the Shadow 2 is confirmed by the numerous world championship titles won with this pistol in the IPSC Production and Production Optics Division.

CZ Shadow 2 Compact, based on the competition-proven features of the Shadow 2

© Česká Zbrojovka

Like its full-size counterpart, the CZ Shadow 2 Compact features an ambidextrous thumb safety and a magazine release that can be swapped from left to right. 

The new CZ Shadow 2 Compact brings it to a length of 191 mm, is 38-mm wide and has a height of 138 mm. CZ uses forged 7075 aluminum for the frame. This saves valuable weight, so the compact pistol weighs only about 850 grams. The compact 9mm Luger  pistol has a 4-inch barrel, is quick to draw from the holster, and still achieves impressive ballistic performance.

Its magazine holds 15 rounds. Like its big sister, the CZ Shadow 2 Compact is said to have a butter-smooth trigger and a shortened reset for quick and accurate follow-up shots. Trigger weight, according to the manufacturer, is about 1.5 kg in single-action mode and about 4.7 kg in double-action mode (SA: 3.4 lb; DA: 10.3 lb). All of this makes it the perfect choice for everyday carry as well as concealed carry, according to the manufacturer.

Video: the new CZ Shadow 2 Compact on the range

In this official manufacturer's video, you can get a first impression of how the new CZ Shadow 2 Compact performs on the range.

CZ Shadow 2 Compact: Optics Ready and with red dot interface

The slide of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact features front and rear deep serrations, allowing you to easily and intuitively cock the pistol from various positions. At the rear of the slide top is an extremely low and robust OR interface for mounting a mini red dot sight. This interface is the same as the CZ Shadow 2 OR model and also has the same footprint, so it is compatible with the same mounting plates. For shooters who prefer to shoot with open sights, the CZ Shadow 2 Compact is equipped with a red fiber optic front sight and a dovetailed rear sight that is adjustable in height and laterally driftable.

© Česká Zbrojovka

The new CZ Shadow 2 Compact uses the same OR footprint as its big sister. 

Thanks to the flat manual thumb safety, which can be operated from both sides, and the  reduced-height magazine release button that can be swapped from side-to-side, the new pistol is equally suitable for right- and left-handed users. 

The CZ Shadow 2 Compact also shares other features with the full-size variant from this line, such as the spacious trigger guard, the grip checkering and the accessory rail on the dust cover.

© Česká Zbrojovka

Deep cut, easy-to-grip cocking serrations at the front and rear of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact's slide flanks are designed to ensure safe operation from every conceivable position.

CZ Shadow 2 Compact specs and price

For more information on the new CZ Shadow 2 Compact pistol please visit the manufacturer's product website.