New For 2023: CZ Shadow 2 Compact

by
posted on October 7, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Cz Shadow 2 Compact New For 2
Images courtesy of CZ-USA.

CZ-USA introduced an affordable, yet competition-ready CZ-75 type pistol, with its Shadow 2 line-up. Designed for “production” classes of action-shooting competitions, the company expanded its Shadow 2 offerings over the years, to include everything from optics-ready to single-action-only models. For 2023, CZ-USA is introducing the Shadow 2 Compact, what the company calls a “smaller, lighter, optics-ready DA/SA competition pistol”. 

Left side of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact pistol.The Shadow 2 Compact is a smaller and lighter version of the full-size, steel-frame CZ Shadow 2 pistol.

The Shadow 2 Compact has many of the features of the Shadow 2 upgrades to the CZ-75. This includes an extended frame dust cover that has an M1913 Picatinny rail machined into it, a higher beavertail, undercut trigger guard and checkered front and back straps. The manual safety lever is bilateral, and the magazine release can be placed on either the right or left side. The trigger is lightened with a shorter reset. Grips are machined out of aluminum. Sights are a front post with fiber-optic insert combined with a click-adjustable for elevation and drift-adjustable for windage rear that uses a serrated notched blade. The Shadow 2 Compact uses the same optics mounting plate system as the full-size Shadow 2.  

Top view of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact pistol.The Shadow 2 Compact uses the same optics plate mounting system as the full-size Shadow 2.

While the original Shadow 2 had a longer slide and barrel than a standard CZ-75, the Shadow 2 Compact goes in the opposite direction. The cold hammer-forged barrel is shortened by 0.89” to 4.00”. The overall height shrinks from 6.18” to 5.40”. Capacity is 15 rounds. At 30.69 ozs., the forged 7075 aluminum frame Compact model weighs a full pound less than the the full-size, steel-frame Shadow 2.  

The CZ Shadow 2 Compact has an MSRP of $1,299. For more information, visit cz-usa.com.

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.