Certain companies have a sweet spot when it comes to one of their guns, for CZ that has been the CZ Shadow and Shadow 2. In all their variations, these guns have been the go-to pistols for professional shooters and everyday folks for years. Now, CZ is expanding that line with the addition of the CZ Shadow 2 Carry.

The Evolution of Precision – CZ Shadow 2 Carry
The overwhelming achievements of the CZ Shadow 2 need no introduction. It is the pistol 65% of the top shooters in the IPSC Production and Production Optics divisions use. In fact, many of them dominate these divisions with the CZ Shadow 2 in hand. The nine-time IPSC World Champion and Ambassador for the CZ Shadow 2 family, Eric Grauffel, proves that combining high-level shooting talent with a well-designed gun is a recipe for success!
Sport shooters can choose from several models designed for competing in different shooting disciplines. However, the popularity of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact convinced CZ that the Shadow 2 is not just about winning medals in shooting competitions. Impressed by the CZ Shadow 2’s performance, many customers chose its smaller, lighter version for self-defense. With the release of the CZ Shadow 2 Carry, they now have a choice between a sportier “compact” version or one geared for EDC. The CZ Shadow 2 Carry simply raises the bar for EDC pistols.

Safety as a Priority
The new CZ Shadow 2 Carry features a proven combination of the safe release of a cocked hammer, the so-called de-cocker, the safety notch on the hammer, and an automatic firing pin block. Add the safety feature of a double-action trigger, making everyday carry for self-defense as safe and comfortable as possible.
The CZ Shadow 2 Carry is precisely what you would expect from the combination of a sports model and a self-defense pistol. The double-action trigger mechanism features the typical CZ crispiness and smooth travel in both modes. Despite the shorter length of the grip, the CZ Shadow 2 Carry fits well in the hands of almost everyone. Ergonomically, the CZ Shadow 2 Carry follows in the footsteps of the legendary CZ 75, which, at the time, stunned the world with its revolutionary handle shape and grip comfort. This latest addition to the CZ Shadow family fits every hand like a glove, proving that the original CZ 75 design stays unmatched even after 50 years. The ergonomics of the controls go hand in hand with its comfortable grip. They have refined their placement and design to be easily accessible and holster-friendly.

Innovative Optics-Ready Interface
Having a cut for a red dot sight is now common practice, and it is no different with the CZ Shadow 2 Carry. Unlike a sport pistol, a firearm for self-defense needs to have fixed sights as a backup, in case the red dot sight stops working. CZ milled an Optics-Ready cut, so mounting plates are no longer needed. The red dot sight mounts directly on the firearm’s slide, meaning that the standard fixed sights are retained. The optic also “sits” closer to the barrel axis, allowing aiming to be even more instinctive. Choose from a wide range of red dot sights with the Shield RMSc or Holosun K footprint, and dynamic shooting will be a breeze.
Cold Hammer Forged Barrels with a Lifetime Warranty
All guns in the CZ portfolio come with cold hammer forged barrels. Cutting-edge technology allows them to produce this key element of the firearm with extreme precision. A long service life is also a matter of course. In addition, all barrels on the CZ Shadow 2 Carry pistol come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and loss of precision. There is no need to worry about reduced accuracy of your gun over time; they guarantee it.

A Forged Frame Made of Durable Alloy
To go along with the highest quality materials used for the slide and barrel, the frame is machined from forged EN AW 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. This alloy is also utilized for the frames of their select-fire rifles and for many key components in the aerospace industry. Its use guarantees maximum durability and long service life while minimizing the weight of the firearm. Add advanced ergonomics to the mix and top it up with a luxury feel of the frame, resulting in an unrivaled shooting experience.
CZ was kind enough to send me a new Shadow 2 Carry for some early testing. For this range session, I went all out and tapped into my secret supply of 9mm ammunition. I would run a mix of ball and personal protection ammo to confirm the Shadow 2 Carry’s ability to eat about anything. The three flavors I ran were Hornandy 115 gr FTX Critical Defense, Federal 124 gr Personal Defense Hydra Shok, and Ammo Inc 155 gr ball. At the end of the day, I had no malfunctions or issues. While many will say this is not a big deal, it is. I say that because this EDC gun is a breath away from a highly tuned competition gun. Many of those guns can be ammo-sensitive, with competitors hand-loading their own rounds. The Shadow 2 Carry runs everything without hesitation.

On The Range
My first impressions of the gun were that it was definitely built with solid CZ DNA. It is the actual feel and action of the trigger that stands out. Once the initial slack is out, the gun has a very consistent and smooth pressure wall before it breaks. The grip was also good on the range. Being an EDC gun running 9mm ammunition, the grip is important. CZ has struck a great balance with ergonomics, and I found it comfortable yet solid enough for me to run the gun at pace. I believe this grip, combined with the trigger, allowed me to shoot solid groups at speed.
I did most of my shooting in the 3 to 15-yard range, as that is where this gun is designed to fight. However, I did a bit of a walk back and could easily ring a 10-inch piece of steel at 50 yards. It’s not a real-world application, obviously, but I wanted to see just how good the trigger was, and the ringing steel answered that question. I have spent extensive time on multiple Shadow models, and the Shadow 2 Carry is now one of my favorites.
CZ Shadow 2 Carry
The CZ Shadow 2 Carry has the best of both worlds – pistols for sport and self-defense – thereby providing you with the performance in a safe and practical package. Try CZ’s newest addition to the CZ SHADOW 2 family to see how it holds up in all types of scenarios
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For more information, please visit:https://www.czub.cz/en/firearms-and-products-family/shadow-2
CZ Shadow 2 Carry Specs
Model | CZ Shadow 2 Carry |
Caliber | 9mm |
Capacity | 15+1 |
Weight | 30.4 oz |
Dimensions (L,W,H) | 7.5 × 1.5 × 5.4 |
Barrel Length | 4 |
Sights | Luminescent |
Trigger Pull | SA: 4.7 DA: 11.9 |
Trigger Travel | SA: 0.4±0.04 DA: 0.6±0.04 |
Trigger Reset | 0.2–0.3 |
Frame | Forged aluminum alloy |
Grips | Duralumin |
Safety Features | Decocker, Safety notch on the hammer, Firing pin block |
MSRP | Â $1,449.00 |