Stunning! CZ’s Shadow 2 Target — SHOT Show 2025

in Levi Sim, SHOT Show 2025

CZ’s Shadow 2 pistol is a renowned ISPCA-style competition gun. Now, that platform is adapted for target competition shooting in the CZ Shadow 2 Target, and it comes in both 5- and 6-inch barrels (the 6-inch model shown here).

But it’s not just longer — it includes a few significant updates to the Shadow 2 platform. (read more about the Shadow 2 here)

The CZ Shadow 2 Target laying on a white table facing to the left with its left side visible.
With a 6″ barrel, the CZ’s new Shadow 2 Target is the largest Shadow 2 to date.

Flatface Trigger Shoe with FULL Adjustment

User-adjustable triggers aren’t new, and users can adjust this trigger’s pull weight and travel. Simply remove the slide and use an Allen wrench.

Close up view of the left side of the gun's trigger guard showing the red trigger.
This new trigger on the CZ Shadow 2 Target is adjustable for pull, travel, and position.

However, what is new is that you can position this trigger shoe in 5 different detents, adjusting the trigger’s position at rest in the trigger guard.

The set screw embedded on the trigger’s face secures the shoe in detents on that iddy biddy pic rail at the shoe’s top. This bespoke fitment for finger length is a first for CZ’s Shadow 2 series.

Have you seen that kind of adjustment on another gun?

Barrel and Slide

The CZ Shadow 2 Target pistol includes a bull barrel, a change from the other Shadow 2 models. It comes as a 5-inch barrel or a 6-inch barrel.

Additionally, rather than a Picatinny rail under the barrel, there are now two mounting holes for barrel weights to adjust muzzle flip.

Close up view of the front of the gun showing the end of the barrel and the side of the slide. The dovetail sight is visible too.
The front sights on the CZ Shadow 2 Target are changeable, and the bull barrel is intended for precision shooting.

Although the rear sights are fully adjustable, as True pointed out in the above video, it lacks the option for optics plates. There are two front sights included, one thick and one thin. The thicker blackout version comes installed on the slide.

Close up of the rear sight from the back of the gun.
The rear sight on the CZ Shadow 2 Target is fully adjustable for windage and elevation.

This slide itself has a completely new profile. Typically, Shadow 2 slides have been shaped like a trapezoid with two tapered faces and a flat top.

The new target slide is almost trigonal with continuously steep sides and a flat top. This profile looks like it uses less material than the former design and probably reduces mass and recoil impulse.

Close up of the front of the slide showing serrations and the triangular shape.
The slide on the CZ Shadow 2 Target is a new shape and may have less mass per inch.

Ambidextrous Frame

The frame is all steel with a deeper undercut trigger guard, a second undercut for the support hand, and checkering on the front. Also, its grips are G10, not the aluminum grips on former models, and they will be tackier when your palms are sweaty.

Furthermore, the front and rear checkering is also much lower resolution for a more aggressive texture.

Close up view of the controls on the left side of the frame.
The controls are slimmer than the Shadow 2 Orange while the grips are more aggressive.

Compared to the Shadow 2, the control buttons and levers are all less aggressively textured and more streamlined. While mag release may be positioned on either side, safety levers are on both sides and are wide enough for a comfortable thumb rest.

Close up view of the safety lever on the right side of the gun.
The CZ Shadow 2 Target has wide safety levers on both sides.

Is this Target Competition Pistol a Winner?

From the reactions I heard at the booth, folks are impressed with this gun. It feels terrific in the hand, and it looks pretty good. I’d love to take it hunting.

The CZ Shadow 2 Target pistol’s MSRP is about $2,500 and it’ll be available in Quarter 2 of 2025. Will you be buying one this year?

CZ Shadow 2 Target Specs (6″ Barrel)

  • Caliber: 9x19mm
  • Magazine Capacity: 17
  • Weight 45.33 oz
  • Dimensions: 9.76 x 1.77 x 6.18 inches
  • Barrel Length: 6 inches (5″ available)
  • Sights: Black front, fully adjustable rear
  • Trigger Pull: 1.125 to 4.45 lbs.
  • Trigger Travel/Reset: 0.12 to 0.16 inches
  • Frame: Steel
  • Grips: G10

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About the author: Levi Sim Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work and he’d love to connect on Instagram: @outdoorslevi

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  • JEB405 January 28, 2025, 3:11 pm

    It’s 2024, ANY type of handgun without optic cut? Really? Not exciting.

  • Peter Barker January 25, 2025, 4:27 pm

    Great to see CZ continue to develop the Shadow 2. Features I would like to see are the optics mount offered on the optic ready shadow 2 and a 5.25″ barrel and slide that fits in the IPSC box offering maximum sight radius while still fitting into the IPSC box for production or standard categories.

  • Beobear January 24, 2025, 10:55 am

    I thought it was strange that the CZ rep said the gun was designed for bullseye competition. I haven’t seen or heard of anyone shooting bullseye in over 20 years. One with an optics plate and pic rails would be nice, depending on price of course.

    • KRM January 24, 2025, 7:26 pm

      My club has a weekly bullseye match and if you look, there are bullseye matches all across the country frequently as well as a high number of entries at Camp Perry. I am surprised they call it a bullseye gun and have no way to mount optics and it being in 9mm. Having a trigger you can adjust similar to Pardini, Anschutz, FWB etc is a nice option.

      • Beobear January 24, 2025, 8:21 pm

        Good to hear they exist somewhere, now if bowling pin shoots would come back. They faded out before my time and they look fun.

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