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bac1023

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Figured I’d do a quick comparison of the triggers and overall impressions of these two enhanced versions of the already outstanding CZ Shadow 2. Both the Accushadow 2 and the Shadow 2 Orange have an accurizing bushing at the muzzle to further enhance the Shadow 2’s already very impressive accuracy. Both have trigger jobs. The Shadow 2 Orange has some hand fitting for the slide and frame.

The Accushadow 2 is a Shadow 2 that is modified at CZ Custom, whereas the Orange is a factory pistol. From what I understand, KMR in the Czech Republic does the hand fitting on the Orange pistols, but they are factory pistols nonetheless.

Both triggers are improved over the standard Shadow 2, but they aren’t the same. The Accushadow’s trigger is about a pound lighter for the DA pull and a half pound lighter for the SA pull. While its hard to get consistent DA pulls with the gauge, the average DA pull with the Accushadow was 6.5-7lbs. The Orange was consistently over 7 lbs. The Accushadow 2’s SA pull averaged about 3lbs, while the Orange was a good half pound more at 3.5-3.75 pounds.

With those measurements, the Accushadow seems to have the advantage. However, trigger weight alone isn’t the whole story behind a great trigger. The Orange trigger is noticeably smoother, despite being heavier. It also has less creep in its single action pull and a slightly shorter reset than does the CZ Custom gun. Like I said both are great triggers and both are improved over the standard Shadow 2, but they do differ slightly.

The sights are identical, but the Accushadow can be ordered with adjustable target sights if desired. Overall features are basically identical. The slide to frame fit is a little tighter on the Orange, but its not something that’s going to give the gun an edge in performance. The barrel bushings have a different appearance (I prefer the CZ Custom bushing), but they do basically the same thing.

Basically what happened here is that CZ saw what CZ Custom did with their Shadow 2 and followed suit. The guns are very similar and both are very soft shooting and extremely accurate. I’d have to bench test them to see which might have an edge. If either does have an accuracy advantage, it sure isn’t by much.

The biggest difference is the price. The Orange used to be near $2000, but they have since dropped into the $1600 price range. The Accushadow 2 is in the $2100-$2200 price range, so with features and performance being so similar, I’d have to say the Orange is the better value and it looks striking with bright orange aluminum grips. The Orange also comes in the big CZ briefcase, while the Accushadow just goes back into the standard Shadow 2 small case, if that matters to you at all.

Now if cost isn’t a concern, I think I slightly prefer the Accushadow and since I already own both, I’d keep the Accushadow if I were forced to get rid of one. I just like the long of its muzzle more and I also like the blacked out appearance of the grips and barrel. I like the lightness of the Accushadow’s trigger, but I also like the crispness of the Orange’s trigger. Take your pick.

Anyway, who here has one or both of these. Let’s hear your thoughts as well.

I hope this might help someone trying to choose between them.

Enjoy the pictures.






















 
Great comparison and pics Brian.
 
Are they optics ready pistols or do they make an optics version? Or are these designed to be irons only?
They just released an optics ready orange in Europe so it will get here eventually. Trust me I’m waiting lol. Like Bac said my other shadows are my best shooters price to performance value
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Discussion starter · #15 ·
Thanks for this post. I’ve been thinking about getting one of these variants. Unfortunately the A01-LD has particular appeal.
The A01-LD is CZ Custom’s version of what they envisioned for the Shadow. It’s not cheap, but definitely a higher quality pistol than anything CZ builds, starting with the forged frame. CZ uses cast frames only.

Plus it uses a bull barrel



 
CZ just released an optics ready Shadow 2.

I believe just the base model, not these. I don’t do optics, so I haven’t paid much attention.
Yep. They've been out a long while in the base Blue S2.

I'm curious your take on the CZ Custom A01 that have been out for a long time. Are they still relevant with the S2 Orange perfectly available and the new CZ bull barrel in the TS2 Orange?
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Yep. They've been out a long while in the base Blue S2.

I'm curious your take on the CZ Custom A01 that have been out for a long time. Are they still relevant with the S2 Orange perfectly available and the new CZ bull barrel in the TS2 Orange?
Yes it’s still relevant. They are nicer than anything CZ builds, including all the Orange models.






The A01 is a work of art, in my opinion.

 
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