The video opens with the Classic Firearms crew introducing the CZ Shadow 2 Carry, a new variant in the Shadow 2 lineup. Brandon is brought in as the in-house Shadow 2 user, having put an estimated 7,000–8,000 rounds through his own pistol without issues. The hosts note that CZ sent the Shadow 2 Carry for this collaboration, while their original Shadow 2 was purchased independently. They reference a previous “top five guns better than 2011” video where the Shadow 2 ranked first, underscoring how often CZ pistols come up in viewer comments. The focus here is on seeing whether this new Carry model can bring competition-style performance into a more concealable format.
The discussion moves into the Shadow 2 Carry’s core specifications. It uses a 4-inch cold hammer forged barrel and comes with night sights in a pointed, triangular style typical of CZ pistols. The slide retains the familiar Shadow 2 profile and includes an anti-glare treatment along the top. The pistol is optics ready, cut for Holosun K or Shield RMSc footprint micro red dots. Unlike traditional Shadow 2 models that use an external manual safety, the Carry version employs a decocker. Pressing it deliberately drops the hammer to a safer position, and the pistol also incorporates an internal automatic firing pin block. The gun runs in DA/SA, with an approximate 4.7 lb single-action pull and roughly 11.9–12 lb double-action pull.
The hosts compare the Shadow 2 Carry to the Shadow 2 Compact and full-size models, focusing on materials and weight. While the compact and standard Shadow 2 pistols use steel frames and are notably heavy, the Carry model uses a 7075-T6 aluminum frame to reduce weight while maintaining durability. With an empty magazine inserted, the pistol weighs about 30 ounces. For context, they mention a Glock 17 at roughly 25 ounces and a heavily accessorized steel Shadow 2 closer to 50 ounces. Magazine capacity is 15 rounds. The side panels and grips feel familiar and “very CZ,” though not fully interchangeable with the full-size due to differences in the backstrap shape. The team positions this model as more suitable for concealed carry than the compact steel version while still retaining a competition-inspired feel.
They emphasize that the Shadow 2 Carry is being fired for the first time on camera, straight out of the box with no prior rounds. Initial shooting is done in single-action mode at a target around 35 yards away. The shooter reports making every shot on that target during the first string, describing the pistol as impressive for a brand-new gun. They also test compatibility with an older CZ Shadow magazine, confirming it runs, though the slide does not lock back because the follower is set up for competition use. Viewers are asked to watch the ejection pattern, which is described as very consistent, with brass ejecting in a straight, sewing-machine-like line. Early reliability and function appear solid in this brief initial session.
As more rounds are fired, the shooters focus on recoil, trigger feel, and overall ergonomics. Coming from the heavier steel Shadow 2, one shooter initially expects more movement but notes that recoil is surprisingly soft for a lighter aluminum-framed pistol. The gun feels larger in the hand than its dimensions suggest, maintaining a full-size Shadow 2 grip feel rather than the cramped sensation often associated with smaller carry pistols. The single-action trigger on the Carry is perceived as slightly heavier than on other Shadow 2 variants, though still very manageable. The pistol is described as comfortable and easy to control, with no need to significantly retrain grip or handling techniques when transitioning from a full-size Shadow 2.
To better gauge performance, the shooters run the Shadow 2 Carry back-to-back with a full-size steel Shadow 2. One notes how light the Carry’s slide and recoil spring feel when racking it. Despite the substantial weight difference between the aluminum Carry model and the heavy steel gun, the perceived recoil impulse is described as nearly identical. The Carry feels like shooting a full-size Shadow 2, with no obvious loss in control or stability. This leads them to conclude that CZ managed to shrink the platform for carry without sacrificing the shooting characteristics that make the Shadow 2 popular. The consistent ejection pattern and overall balance reinforce the impression that the Carry maintains a competition-style shooting experience in a more compact, lighter package.
In closing, the team reiterates how impressed they are with the Shadow 2 Carry after only a few magazines each. They highlight its 30-ounce unloaded weight as reasonable for actual concealed carry while still offering a full-size grip and controllable recoil. They plan more extensive testing, suggesting at least a 1,000-round review and possibly a 5,000-round endurance test, based on their confidence in CZ reliability. Viewers are invited to comment on what other carry-oriented pistols the Shadow 2 Carry should be compared against, including hammer-fired steel or aluminum guns and even polymer models, with examples like the P9 Nocturn, SIG P226, and Smith & Wesson metal carry pistols mentioned. The expectation is that the pistol will continue to smooth out and improve as it breaks in with more rounds.
Loading...