In the world of handguns, the CZ 75 is one of the older models that’s been around the block a time or two. There are a number of companies out there who make copies and clones of the original 75 style. CZ has built countless variations of the CZ75 as well as created some high-end competition firearms off the 75 workhorse bones. The newest variant of this evolution is the CZ Shadow 2 Orange. This handgun has a number of changes compared to the CZ75s of the past. Let’s take a closer look at the new CZ Shadow 2 Orange pistol.

Specs

There are a number of different aspects of the Shadow 2 Orange that truly set it apart from other Shadow 2 models. The biggest deviation from tradition is the inclusion of a brand new barrel bushing system. The new Shadow 2 Orange has a 1911-style barrel bushing to improve the slide-to-barrel fit up. This addition makes the firearm more accurate than it would be without the barrel bushing. There are other small upgrades that you may not see right off the bat but comparing to a standard Shadow 2 will immediately show there are some differences that aren’t clear right on the surface. One of these additions is having the slide and frame hand fit instead of doing it by machine. There’s a level of precision that makes the slide feel like it’s riding on glass.

Upgrades and price

CZ also takes the time to factory tune the trigger with a shorter reset trigger than most models creating a very smooth shooting firearm. The Shadow 2 Orange also comes with a larger adjustable magazine release and low-profile aluminum grips in a bright orange to signify the model. The Orange will also come with 3 magazines sporting the same orange color as the grips on magazine baseplates. This gun was mainly designed for individuals to compete in the USPS shooting division.

The new barrel bushing that’s unique to the Shadow 2 Orange

Sights on the CZ Shadow 2 Orange are simple but easy to track with a red fiber optic front sight and blacked-out adjustable rear sight. The Shadow 2 Orange weighs in at just over 46oz making it a hefty flat shooting range pistol chambered in 9mm. Each magazine sent with the Orange will have a 17 round capacity with higher capacity magazines available for it. MSRP on the CZ Shadow 2 Orange is $2,250 and is available currently.

The attention to detail on the grips and finish is very impressive compared to standard factory guns.

• Product Name: CZ Shadow 2 Orange
• SKU: 91249
• MSRP: $2,249.00
• Chambering: 9mm Luger
• Magazine Capacity: 17+1
• Frame: Steel
• Trigger Mech: SA/DA
• Sights: Fiber Optic front, HAJO rear
• Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged
• Barrel Length: 4.89 in
• Weight: 46.5 oz
• Overall Length: 8.53 in
• Safety: Ambidextrous Manual Safety

Range Time

So far I’ve had this particular gun for roughly three months. During those three months, I have put right around 1,200 rounds with no issues or hiccups from the gun. Whenever I take this gun out, I try to start out with one of my other regular handguns and then switch over to the Shadow 2 just to experience the change of quality and feel how good the trigger is compared to other models I have. They did a really nice job and compared to something like a standard Shadow 2, it just feels like a more polished example of a standard Shadow 2. The slide and frame feel like they are highly polished making the slide glide every time you fire it. The DA/SA trigger has no decocker but if you want to attempt to drop the hammer slowly to use the double-action trigger, it’s more than possible.

Accuracy

Since it’s good to go in single-action, that’s typically how I fired the gun and it’s truly a light single action with a defined wall before breaking right around 3lbs. The reset on this guy is much shorter than other CZ pistols and I’ve found myself shooting faster at targets because of this. Accuracy out of this pistol is going to be better than most of your typical shooters including me. I shot a number of targets at 15 yards where the shots all grouped inside of the X. After measuring all the shots, my best group had roughly a 1.5″ spread which was about the limit of my skills. I’m by no means a bullseye shooter but I am 100% confident this Shadow 2 Orange can exceed my accuracy which isn’t the case with more firearms.

The all-blacked-out rear sights with the red front fiber optic sight.

It’s most certainly a polished example of what a handgun can be when a company sits down and really puts love into a firearm.  it doesn’t feel like a standard factory gun which makes it feel special when you take it out to shoot. The case for the Shadow 2 Orange comes with a number of different springs to tune the handgun for your specific ammo which is a nice small touch to me. I won’t be messing with the springs but it’s nice to have the option to do so.

The Results of All These Changes

I know the majority of you will say it’s overkill for a regular range gun, but if you’re someone who loves to shoot, this Shadow 2 Orange is a great example of what a handgun can be when a company really puts effort into making the best possible version of a handgun they sell. The barrel bushing appears to be working since I can’t typically shoot such a small group with my regular handguns at 15 yards along with the trigger.

Combine that with the upgraded coatings on the gun and aluminum grips, and you have a firearm that feels like it has a personality. I look at most guns as tools, but this Shadow 2 Orange starts to feel a little different in my mind. It’s expensive, no doubt, but that makes it a firearm you don’t see every day and when you start firing it at the range, it really becomes something special.

Overall Thoughts

So what are my thoughts after 3 months of ownership with the Shadow 2 Orange? I think it’s a crazy departure from normal handguns on the market. It’s a DA/SA competition firearm with bright orange grips that scream look at me. It’s not exactly my style but once you start shooting it, the Shadow 2 Orange starts to make a lot of sense. Is it perfect in my eyes? The short answer for me is absolutely not. I’m not really a fan of the colored grips and the magazine release is obnoxiously big but everything works together and makes you feel special.

If something is perfect, most times it doesn’t have personality and I think the imperfections with the grip color and the crazy big magazine release gives this gun a bit of flair and personality you don’t get from many. It may be insanely expensive and a bit quirky but there’s no denying it’s special and accomplishes exactly what it set out to achieve, and for that, I love this gun. Let me know what you guys think of the CZ Shadow 2 in the comments below. Is it an over-the-top crazy handgun that drives people away or does that make it special? Let me know down below, I can’t wait for the comments on this one. If you have questions about firearms, don’t hesitate to shoot me a message on my Instagram page @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there.