Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact Images
CZ Shadow 2 Compact Features
- Significantly reduced size and weight for concealed carry
- 4-inch cold hammer forged barrel
- Optic-ready slide w/ deep-cut front and rear cocking serrations
- Forged 7075 aluminum alloy frame
- Thin checkered Duralumin grips
- Higher built-in beavertail
- Undercut trigger guard
- High-visibility fiber optic front sight
- Serrated height-adjustable rear sight
- Accessory rail for mounting lights, etc.
- SA/DA trigger w/ butter smooth trigger pull and shortened reset
- Low-profile ambidextrous manual safety
- Swappable magazine release
- (2) 15-round magazines
- Hardy nitride and black Polycoat finish
Want to purchase the CZ Shadow 2 Compact OR (Optic-Ready) pistol right away? Get this best 9mm pistol to carry concealed from any of these trusted retailers:
Shadow 2 Compact Competition Pistol Specifications
Manufacturer | CZ (Česká zbrojovka) |
Model/Series | Shadow 2 Compact |
Model Number | 91252 |
Pistol Size | Compact |
Caliber | 9mm Luger |
Frame Material | 7075 Aluminum |
Frame Finish | Black Polycoat |
Grips | Checkered Duralumin |
Grip Color | Black/Gray |
Accessory Rail | Yes |
Slide Material | Steel |
Slide Finish | Black Nitride |
Barrel Material | Steel |
Barrel Threading | No |
Barrel Description | Cold Hammer-Forged |
Barrel Length | 44 in. | 10.16 cm |
Sights | Red Fiber Optic Front, Serrated Black HAJO Rear |
Trigger Action | DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action) |
Trigger Pull Weight | 3.4 lbs. (SA), 10.3 lbs. (DA) |
Trigger Travel | 3-4 mm (SA), 5 mm (DA) |
Trigger Reset | 3-4 mm |
Safety | Ambidextrous Thumb Safety, Safety Notch on Hammer |
Magazines Included | (2) 15-Round |
Overall Length | 7.5 in. | 19.05 cm |
Overall Width | 1.4 in. | 3.56 cm |
Height | 5.4 in. | 13.72 cm |
Weight (w/ Empty Mag) | 2 lbs. | 32 oz. |
Application | Competition, Self-Defense |
CZ Shadow 2 Compact Description
The latest member in the CZ family of high-performance pistols, the Shadow 2 Compact is innovatively designed with the same instinctive fit as CZ’s full-size flagship sport pistol (the CZ Shadow 2), and specifically engineered for shooters who desire a top tier, highly accurate pistol that can be more easily handled and carried. In fact, for many it is the best 9mm pistol to carry concealed.
Users and fans of the full-size Shadow 2 models – which are very popular choices for competitors in the IPSC Production and Production Optics divisions – will be right at home with the Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact because, though it is reduced in size and even more so in weight, it still retains the same key competition-proven features, and offers the same shooting comfort, handling and accuracy that have helped the Shadow 2 series win the world’s most prestigious championships.
Made using advanced materials like all models in the series, the finely-crafted CZ Shadow 2 Compact which some regard as the best competition pistol comes standard with match-ready features.
The 4-inch barrel which is cold hammer-forged for enhanced precision glides quickly from holsters, while still achieving impressive ballistic performance; the optic-ready slide is contoured, which causes most of the reciprocating mass to be centered at the bore, resulting to less muzzle flip; the weight at the dust cover/rail has been increased to also help keep the muzzle of the Shadow 2 Compact competition pistol down for better accuracy; a set of target sights – fiber optic at the front and serrated, black HAJO at the rear – are factory-installed for easy target engagement right out of the box; and new trigger components give smooth DA and crisp, clean SA while drastically reducing trigger reset.
Also featured is a spacious trigger guard; a low-profile, ambidextrous safety switch and a safety notch on the hammer, both of which make the CZ Shadow 2 Compact the best 9mm pistol to carry concealed with peace of mind; an equally low-profile mag release that is swappable from side-to side, and which boasts an adjustable, extended button with three settings to allow shooters set it in the spot they find most comfortable; as well as an accessory rail forward of the trigger guard to which you can mount lights and other devices for enhanced performance with the Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact.
The undercut trigger guard together with the higher beavertail of this competition pistol ensure that the shooter’s hand stays as close as possible to the bore axis. And, with two (2) 15-round magazines shipped with the pistol by default, plenty of firepower is placed at your disposal.
This firearm is built around a light and strong forged 7075 aluminum frame which is coated – like the rest of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact pistol – with a hardy nitride finish that is very resistant to corrosion, as well as an additional layer of CZ’s black Polycoat finish.
Thin gray duralumin grips with aggressive checkering to match the fine front and backstrap checkering of the pistol itself, and to ensure a secure grip, round out the package.
Read the “…Additional Information” section further below for even more information regarding the CZ Shadow 2 Compact OR.
Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact for Sale
Ready to purchase one of the best best CZ handguns for everyday carry? You can do so at an affordable cost. As of time of writing, the CZ Shadow 2 Compact OR price ranges between $1250 and $1500.
Get the handgun today from any of the following reliable dealers:
Remember that if it is currently not in stock at any of the preferred dealer website(s), you can either choose to backorder the CZ Shadow 2 Compact, or opt in to be notified when it is back in stock.
Also, be sure to check out the “Variants” section further below for more versions of the firearm to consider.
Note: While on the product page, look out for any shipping restrictions or NFA rules which may apply before you purchase the CZ Shadow 2 Compact OR pistol.
CZ Shadow 2 Compact Additional Information
Size & Weight
The overall dimensions of the Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact are: 7.5 (L) × 1.4 (W) × 5.4 (H) inches. Thanks to its aluminum frame material, precious ounces are shaved off the overall weight, bringing it down to just 2 lbs. These compact dimensions and light weight ensure comfortable all day, concealed or open carry, and, together with the low profile controls, are obviously the reason why the firearm currently ranks as the best CZ for concealed carry.
Slide
As an optic-ready weapon, the Shadow 2 Compact competition pistol comes with its slide pre-cut for an optic plate system to allow the mounting of a red dot sight. In other words, the rear of the slide is equipped with an extremely low and robust mounting interface which lets you attach a red dot with ease. In fact, its mounting interface is identical to what is found on the CZ Shadow 2 OR (full size) model and is compatible with the same mounting plates.
Bear in mind that the CZ Shadow 2 Compact Optics-Ready is ideal for USPSA Carry Optics, just as the standard Shadow 2 has become the gun of choice for many USPSA Production Division competitors.
The slide of this best 9mm pistol to carry concealed also features deep-cut front and rear cocking serrations which make it easy and intuitive to rack it from various positions.
Trigger
Like the one on the full-size Shadow 2, the Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact curved trigger offers a butter-smooth pull, with a pull weight of 3.4 pounds in single action and 10.3 pounds in double action. It also features a shortened reset, and this allows for quick as well as accurate follow-up shots.
Trigger Guard
The trigger guard featured on this firearm is designed to be large enough so that the shooter can comfortably manipulate the CZ Shadow 2 Compact OR trigger even while wearing thick gloves. If you intend to be placing the index finger of your support hand there as part of your two hand grip technique, you’ll also appreciate the fact that the front of this trigger guard is flat and serrated.
Sights
If you’d rather use the standard sights that come with the firearm, you’ll like the high-visibility fiber optic front sight which allows you to aim and hit targets with the CZ Shadow 2 Compact in all lighting conditions. Also impressive is the serrated notch-style rear sight which is mounted to the optic cover plate, and which is designed to be click adjustable for elevation, and drift adjustable for windage in order to deliver more precision.
Safety Notch on Hammer
If you’re unfamiliar with it, this safety feature is in form of a relief cut made in the tumbler at the base of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact OR hammer, and which allows the sear to catch and hold the hammer a short distance from the firing pin or cartridge primer (in a “half-cocked” position).
On pulling the trigger, the hammer is released and is then able to make contact with the pin and strike the cartridge.
Applications
Chambered in 9mm and a winning combination of innovative design, user-friendly ergonomics, accuracy as well as reliable performance, the CZ Shadow 2 Compact is suitable for a wide range of applications, the most obvious of which is competition and self-defense.
Box Contents
Included in the CZ-branded, hard-sided foam-padded case that this competition pistol ships in are:
- A user manual
- A warranty registration card
- A cable lock
- A nylon-bristled cleaning brush
- A cleaning patch rod
- A set of three Torx wrenches for adjusting the sights or removing the optic plate cover
- Two (2) fifteen (15) round magazines
These CZ Shadow 2 Compact OR box contents are pictured below:
![CZ Shadow 2 Compact Box Contents](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/czS2c-box-contents.webp)
Download this instruction manual and watch the official product video if you’d like to learn more about the firearm.
Shadow 2 Compact Competition Pistol Reviews
As is to be expected, many who have bought and used the Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact think highly of it. Here are just a few reviews to show why its regarded not just as the best competition pistol, but also as the best 9mm pistol to carry concealed.
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/s2c-rev.png)
“Great fit in hands, excellent size, and accuracy.Great fiber optic sights.Smooth trigger with minimal reset in SA. 500 malfunction free rounds so far.Only complaint is the small safety.Would highly recommend!”
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/s2c-rev2.png)
“The only gun since my Springfield Loaded Marine Operator that i can shoot 3 out of 5 thru the same hole.Amazing trigger, the weight and low bore axis completely erases the recoil.Amazing tool for the hardest jobs!I was going to purchase a full size but I fell in love with the compact, its now my carry gun.I am now CZ 4 Life!”
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/s2c-rev3.png)
“Beautiful awesome and accurate.Been competing for some time now to get one of these.Suddenly there it was and on Brownells website for hundreds less than all those price gouging gun sellers.First time buyer at Brownells but will be purchasing more.Thanks so much Brownells for creating fair pricing and not gouging the customers.”
Remember that this best 9mm pistol to carry concealed can be purchased from the authorized retailers below:
CZ Shadow 2 Compact Variants
As of time of writing, the Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact which is new for 2023 has no compact variants; but of course there are full-size versions of the handgun which are offered in a variety of colors, as shown below:
CZ Shadow 2 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol (91245)
CZ Shadow 2 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol (91255)
CZ Shadow 2 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol (91249)
These 3 models above all come with a 4.9-inch barrel and a magazine that holds 17 rounds.
CZ 75 Shadow 2 9mm Optic Ready Semi-Automatic Pistol (91251)
This model also comes with a 4.9-inch barrel, but features a 19-round magazine and is optic-ready.
Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact Accessories
This competition pistol can be upgraded with a variety of accessories. Below are just a few of such CZ Shadow 2 Compact OR accessories to consider:
Holosun HS407C-X2 1x 2 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight
Affordable yet feature-rich, this open-reflex red dot weapon sight for handguns is designed to improve your accuracy and target acquisition speed during any shooting application. Its red Super LED illumination and multilayer coatings enhance image brightness and clarity in any environment, and will guide your aim right on target, whether at the range or in personal defense scenarios.
![Holosun Sight for CZ Shadow 2 Compact](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/hol-407c.webp)
Innovative features of this CZ Shadow 2 Compact accessory include Solar Failsafe that powers the unit if your batteries die, and Shake Awake motion technology that only activates your device when it senses the slightest motion.
TRYBE Defense Universal Single Port 9mm Compensator
This universal compensator dramatically reduces muzzle rise and sensed recoil, thereby making lightning-fast target re-acquisition possible. Compatible with almost any grain of ammunition, this accessory compatible with the Pistol CZ Shadow 2 Compact requires zero modification to your 9mm firearm, and maintains a minimal profile to aid against printing for concealed carriers.
![Trybe Compensator for Shadow 2 Compact](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/trybe-port.webp)
Designed to greatly improve your accuracy in the field, the Trybe Defense compensator will not come loose while you operate your firearm or while holstering or unholstering, and its ultra-sleek profile will fit beautifully on any brand of 9mm firearm you choose to optimize. It also won’t add much to the CZ Shadow 2 Compact weight as compact and full-sized models only weigh between 0.70 oz. to 1.00 oz.
Rounded Gear CZ Shadow 2 Compact IWB KYDEX Holster
Crafted and formed over the manufacturer’s proprietary, precision aluminum molds, this inside-the-waistband holster is claw compatible to minimize printing, and features an adjustable cant (-5 to +20 degrees); adjustable posi-click retention; an undercut trigger guard for ease of draw; a full-length sweat guard with rear sight shield; a fiber-reinforced stealth belt clip to conceal the fact you’re carrying, and an all-black oxide steel hardware with Threadlock.
The CZ Shadow 2 Compact IWB holster also features an over-cut open-face to accommodate threaded barrels, and is also able to accommodate suppressor-height sights.
CZ Shadow 2 Compact OWB KYDEX Paddle Holster
This high-quality Rounded Gear holster comes with the same features as the one above; the only difference is that it is designed for outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry.
Remember you can view more information about, and purchase any of these CZ Shadow 2 Compact accessories by clicking on the corresponding link.