CZ 75 Shadow

Users’ Rating

Summary: The description, specs, photos, pricing and user ratings for the CZ 75 Shadow series pistols.

Manufacturer’s Description

The CZ 75 Shadow series pistols are semi-autos built on a steel frame with a steel slide, and chambered in 9mm. The Shadow series includes variations of the CZ 75 and the CZ SP-01, and CZ says it’s designed specifically for target and competition work.

All Shadow models feature swept hi-rise beavertail frames and slides designed without firing pin blocks for improved target trigger pulls.

CZ-USA says its Shadow models are assembled in Mesa, Ariz., by world champion Angus Hobdell’s CZ Custom Shop. Competition treatment on all CZ Custom models includes a competition hammer and trigger job that breaks clean at 3.5–4 lbs. in single-action (SA) mode and 7–7.8 lbs. in double-action (DA) mode (for DA/SA models). Other features include:

• An extended firing pin;
• an extended magazine release;
• a drop-free magazine break;
• custom reduced-weight springs;
• a trigger with an overtravel adjustment screw;
• an ambidextrous Shadow extended manual safety; and
• two 18+1 capacity extended-base magazines.

Here’s a breakdown of the different models available:

CZ 75 Shadow: The base 75 Shadow comes equipped with the complete Shadow package of competition features including a fixed Shadow rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight. As with all Shadow models, the action (DA/SA) and trigger have been tuned for competition. It wears a black polycoat finish.

CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Target: Starting with a trigger job by world champion Angus Hobdell’s CZ Custom Shop, this version of the SP-01 Shadow gets the competition treatment including a TRT rear sight, cocobolo grips, competition springs, and a CZ Custom stainless guide rod.

CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Custom: Starting with a trigger job by Angus Hobdell’s CZ Custom Shop, this version of the SP-01 Shadow Target gets the competition treatment, including the custom shop’s fixed competition rear sight, and the slim-line aluminum competition grips, competition springs and a CZ Custom stainless guide rod.

CZ 75 Shadow T: The T version of the 75 Shadow builds on the base model with the addition of black rubber grips and a Champion fully adjustable target rear sight matched to the fiber-optic front sight. It wears a black polycoat finish.

CZ 75 Shadow T-SA: This pistol offers the same features as the Shadow T version (above), plus a single-action-only, flat aluminum trigger.

CZ 75 Shadow CTS LS-P: The Long Slide version of the 75 Shadow wears the same length and style slide as the 75 Tactical Sport model. CZ says the fully adjustable Champion rear sight combined with a black front sight along with longer sight radius provided by the 5.4″ barrel gives this model more precise aiming capabilities than other models. The extra weight out front helps maintain a steady sight picture and reduce perceived recoil as well. This pistol features a DA/SA action and a dual-tone finish (black frame/blue slide).

CZ 75 SP-01 Accu-Shadow: This model includes CZ’s Accu-Bushing system, designed to hold the barrel precisely and thereby improve accuracy. (CZ says in testing the pistol returned groups substantially less than 3″ at 50 yards firing Fiocci 124-grain JHP ammo.) Additional features include a competition hammer, light springs (11 lbs. recoil, 13 lbs. main), thin black aluminum grips, a stainless steel guide rod, polished internals, a short-reset disconnector to reduce trigger reset between shots, a fiber optic front and HAJO serrated target rear (adjustable for height, and drift-adjustable for windage).

CZ 75 Shadow SAO: This model is fitted with a redesigned unit originally used in the CZ 75 Champion. The hammer is slightly wider with a modified sear engagement to deliver a smooth release and positive ignition. The aluminum trigger features an overtravel adjustment screw set at 3.5–3.8 lbs. To further smooth the trigger pull and improve trigger reset distance, the 75 Shadow SAO employs a CZ 85 Combat-style slide without a firing pin block. Other features include lighter springs (15 lb. recoil, 16 lb. main) to create a smooth, consistent action, wide ambidextrous safeties, three 16-round magazines and plastic grips.

The Specs

Caliber	Capacity	OAL	BBL	WI	HI	WT/OZ
9mm	16+1, 18+1	8.1″	4.6″	1.46″	5.4″	39.04 oz.
9mm	16+1, 18+1	8.86″	5.4″	1.46″	5.4″	40.96.

MSRP: $1,053 (75 Shadow)
MSRP: $1,199 (75 SP-01 Shadow Target)
MSRP: $1,199 (75 SP-01 Shadow Custom)
MSRP: $1,180 (75 Shadow T)
MSRP: $1,180 (75 Shadow T-SA)
MSRP: $1,450 (75 Shadow CTS LS-P)
MSRP: $979 (75 Shadow SAO)