If you’ve been around the shooting scene for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard nothing but good things about the CZ Shadow 2 platform. It’s a standout in the competitive shooting world, known for its top-tier performance, superb ergonomics, and rock-solid reliability. Few handguns even come close. Whether dominating in competitions or just tearing it up at the gun range, this pistol is widely regarded as a near-perfect, match-grade firearm. It’s no surprise that the concealed carry crowd has been eager for this level of performance in a more compact, EDC design.
Enter the CZ Shadow 2 Carry. Building on the success of the Shadow 2 Compact, the Carry version isn’t just another scaled-down model. It’s purpose-built to stand on its own as an exceptional EDC pistol, delivering all the precision and quality the platform is famous for, now in an even more carry-friendly package.
Getting to Know the CZ S2 Platform
The original CZ Shadow 2 emerged as a descendant of the CZ 75 SP-01 and quickly dominated the competitive circuit. Known for its classic CZ ergonomics, all-steel frame, long barrel, ultra-smooth trigger, low bore axis, and long sight radius, this pistol delivers incredible accuracy. These features earned it a strong reputation among action shooters, including nine-time IPSC World Champion Eric Grauffel, who famously used the Shadow 2.
Shadow 2 Compact: Sizing Down for Versatility
The release of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact in 2023 answered the call for a smaller, more carry-friendly version of the Shadow 2. Built with a forged 7075 aluminum frame instead of steel, a 4-inch barrel, and a lighter overall weight of 30 ounces (empty mag), it was fine-tuned for EDC while staying true to the Shadow’s legendary performance. These updates made it a top pick for shooters looking for a handgun that could seamlessly handle both range time and EDC.
The new Shadow 2 Carry takes this evolution further with its no-compromise approach.
Introducing the CZ Shadow 2 Carry
Taking a closer look at the Shadow 2 Carry brings to mind the Ship of Theseus paradox – if you replace some parts of the original platform with others, can it still be called the true Shadow 2? To us, yes, it can, because the pistol’s identity isn’t just about its components.
Of course, the Shadow 2 Carry has its own character. It isn’t simply a compact replica of the original (If it were, it’d feel more like a reskinned version of the Compact.) However, at the same time, it does have the soul of the original Shadow 2.
Shadow 2 Carry vs Shadow 2 Compact
Now let’s break down how the Carry and Compact models stack up. Both come with a 4-inch cold hammer-forged match-grade barrel and a 7075 T6 grade aluminum alloy frame. Both weigh in at around 30 ounces unloaded and feature 15+1 capacity double-stack magazines, but the Carry offers flush-fit magazines making it easier to conceal. Don’t worry, though; the Carry is still compatible with Compact mags.
Ergonomics remain a standout feature of the Shadow 2 series. The Duralumin grip panels, carried over from other Shadow models, provide excellent texturing for a solid grip. These panels are also interchangeable with the Compact’s grips. CZ didn’t stop there; they made subtle tweaks to the dimensions and smoothed out the controls, making for a faster, smoother draw and more intuitive handling. The rear-swept beavertail and skeletonized hammer were carried over, preserving the sleek, competition-inspired look the Shadow 2 family is known for.
Compared to the Compact, the Shadow 2 Carry has been refined with smoother edges on the rear sight and rounded back straps, which creates a more comfortable profile that won’t dig into your side during carry.
Moving to the slide, while it shares some design DNA with the competition-grade Shadow 2, the Carry introduces a few key updates. First, there’s the anti-glare treatment on the slide’s top, which improves visibility in bright light. Second, there’s the optic mounting system. Both the Compact and Carry are optic-ready, but the Carry takes a simpler, more practical approach. Instead of relying on an adapter or plate system, the Carry has been milled to directly accept RMSc footprint optics, like the Holosun 507K. The rear sight is co-witnessed.
Now, the biggest difference between the two models is the safety. Sporting the manual safety, the Compact leaned too heavily into its competition roots. The Carry replaces it with a firing pin block and an ambidextrous decocker for extra safety and usability for both left- and right-handed users.
While some might worry about how the FPB impacts trigger performance, the trigger still offers signature butter-smooth single-action (4 lbs) and double-action (11 lbs) pulls, with a satisfying and predictable break. The practical benefits of this for CC are undeniable though, especially for those who prefer to carry in a decocker mode (as opposed to carrying “cocked and locked”). On the flip side, the decocker does slightly increase the pistol’s width.
Performance and Shooting Experience
The Shadow 2 Carry inherits the superb shooting characteristics of its predecessors. Despite its lighter aluminum frame, the low bore axis and internal slide rails ensure minimal muzzle flip and recoil, making rapid and accurate follow-up shots effortless. Shooters accustomed to the older Shadow 2 may notice a slight difference in trigger feel due to the firing pin block, but in practical use, the impact is negligible for all but the most discerning users.
During tests, the Shadow 2 Carry proved incredibly reliable, cycling everything from lightweight 65-grain frangible rounds to +P and +P+ hollow points without a hitch. The gun maintained a consistently clean ejection pattern, which speaks volumes about the gun’s engineering.
At self-defense distances, the Shadow 2 Carry consistently delivered exceptional performance. Whether shooting rapid-fire groups at close range or taking more deliberate shots at longer distances, it’s a precision tool.
Also, the pistol feels substantial in the hand without being cumbersome. Many compact firearms sacrifice comfort for size, but the Shadow 2 Carry retains the feel of a full-size grip while being smaller and lighter.
Pros
- Outstanding ergonomics carried over from Shadow lineage
- Optics-ready slide with co-witnessing
- Reliable performance and accuracy
- Cold hammer-forged barrel with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavier than polymer pistols
- Optics cut limited to RMSc/Holosun K footprint
- High-profile slide controls may not suit all users
Overall, the CZ Shadow 2 Carry is an exciting evolution in the Shadow series, as it occupies a sweet spot between high-performance sport pistols and practical carry guns. It won’t beat lighter polymer guns on price or portability, but compared to its price-tier competition, it offers incredible value and will suit everyone willing to trade ounces for the benefits of a metal-frame pistol.