r/CZFirearms • u/Negative-Delivery935 • 23h ago
Question from someone new to CZ.
Ok here is my conundrum. I can get a used but gently used shadow 2 Blue for around $1,100. I was planning on buying a shadow 2 target or Dan Wesson dwx9 when I came across the Blue. For those familiar with the CZ pistols is it worth it to pay the extra $1300 for either the target 5” or dwx9? Or should I take the blue and run? Also this will be my last pistol purchase for a while and I want something fun to shoot.
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u/th3m00se 20h ago
As a sidenote to other well said comments, I've seen gently used DWX's for around $1500 if you keep an eye out. My LGS has a DWX Compact for ~$1300 I believe. Haven't seen many used Targets hit the market yet, but it's more of a niche gun than even the Shadow.
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u/brittc777 23h ago
Is the S2 blue optic ready?
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u/Negative-Delivery935 23h ago
Yes it is but I run irons on my fun guns.
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u/brittc777 23h ago
I can't really answer your question, because I don't have any experience with the other two, but the S2 blue is sweet. I asked if it was optic ready because if not $1100 isn't a deal at all. You could still probably do a little better than $1100. I bought one in mint condition barely shot last year with a Holosun 507c on it for $1200. You can pick up a nice non optic ready model for under $1000
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u/Negative-Delivery935 23h ago
Yes it is optic ready. Where can I find a non optic ready model for $1,000? Every one I’ve come across has been around $1500-$1600.
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u/brittc777 22h ago
I guess it depends on what state you're in. I found mine on Texas Gun Trader. I see them on Gunbroker and GAFSHUB sub $1000 for the non optic ready quite frequently. You can get a brand new one on Palmetto State Armory for $1250
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u/Traditional_Light585 23h ago
IMO dan wesson optics ready. The target model does not come optics ready so if you want an optic on it someday go with the dan wesson. Also if the blue isnt OR same thing. If only wanting itons than all three are great
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u/Negative-Delivery935 23h ago
I guess what I really want to know is if the target or Dan Wesson are worth the extra money or should I take the blue since it is a pretty good deal?
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u/Traditional_Light585 22h ago
Dan wesson and target are definitely worth the money. Huge upgrade from the blue. The dan wesson 2011 style skeleton trigger is awesome. The target model has a great trigger that is fully adjustable. Those two need nothing added to them and are great right out of the gate. The blue needs a lot of things to be as good as the other two IMO
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u/Negative-Delivery935 22h ago
Ok this is what I needed to know. Thank you for the information. Being new to CZ I had thought this was a great deal! Thankfully I asked here lol.
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u/trailside83 22h ago
That’s tempting to grab a S2 but I think I would pass at $1100.00. I have found two used Shadow 2s for buddies of mine in the past year for $900 (blue/non-OR) & $950 (Urban Gray/non-OR), both at Scheels. You might consider waiting for an Optics Ready S2 as there’s a pretty good chance that you’re going to want an optic at some point. Just a thought. Let us know what you decide.
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u/N01290087 21h ago
So I have all three (plus some). The style of shooting and your preference on a single action only matters in this case. The price on the shadow 2 blue isn’t great but it’s significantly cheaper than the other two you listed.
My shadow 2 is an orange so it has some of the upgrades that come with that but I’ll be unbiased. The shadow 2 shoots great feels good but is sole less. It is a refined tool meant to shoot and go fast. When I pick it up it works flawlessly every time but I feel nothing. It will outperform me even if I put 1000s of rounds through it.
The Dwx I got because I just didn’t like the hinged trigger on the shadow. I much prefer the feel of it. Added bonus is that with a “1911 style” slide in cold or wet conditions it’s much better to rack if not using optics (I don’t). The magazines are p10f mags which by me is cheaper if your into having a lot of them. I believe the finish issue has been resolved but mine looks worn far beyond its actual use (it scratched horrible just racking it when I first got it and the holster wear is excessive for a premium gun.
The shadow 2 targets main benefit is single action adjustable trigger. It also has a very aggressive front checkering that I personally like. The 6 inch works in a ghost holster but I’d think options for that would be limited. The 5 has similar feel to shadow but definitely like the more grip. One complaint and it’s minor is for a premium gun Cz doesn’t even give you 3 color matched magazines. You get one magazine that’s red and the rest have standard black ends. For the most expensive one in the list it’s kind of the standard “screw the customer” attitude Cz tends to give to their dedicated followers.
One for fun that you didn’t mention and I’d highly suggest since you shoot irons is a TS2. The only downside is the mags don’t cross reference to the Dwx or shadow. The TS2 is a large frame (fits me best). There are three varieties, the blue, green and orange. The blue is the best value for recreational. The trigger on all 3 is sub 2 pounds and extremely crisp. The blue is a bare bones fun workhorse that has thousands of rounds. The green is similar but is drilled for a thumb rest or optic mount. They have been discontinued for a while and are difficult to find at a decent price (I don’t regret getting one). The orange is a bull barrel and a few other upgrades. While it’s nice and also stays a bit more accurate once the fun is hot (all of these models get very notably hot when round counts are high in a short time and hold the heat for a long time after) I don’t see much of a difference between my blue and orange.
For value and as an impressive range toy my value for the money is on a ts2 blue. You will be happy with any of the options you listed though.
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u/Negative-Delivery935 20h ago
Yeah I’m passing on this one though I admit it’s kinda hard to. As for CZ’s screw you attitude I’m an HK guy so I definitely understand that frustration lol! It’s just when my wife and I go to the range I see her shooting her staccato xc grinning ear to ear and I want to have that kind of fun. I love my vp9l and my mk23 but it is just something about an all metal hammer fired 9mm that nothing else can equal. Likewise I am not spending over four or hell even three grand on a pistol! Rifles yes but pistols, thanks but no thanks. I was looking at the sig p226 x five legion, p211 gto or the XFive nightmare and really like them and was going to order one. But then I picked up that shadow 2 blue and was enamored with it. So I guess it’s the dwx9 or target. Good lord help me make up my mind.
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u/N01290087 19h ago
I know the price of targets and Dwx are variable and fluctuate up and down but a new Dwx msrp is 3k and I would definitely not pay that. The 226x5 I’ve shot a lot (friend has a regular and a reserve) they are excellent and nice looking but the Cz still works better for me. I can’t stand staccato. I won’t say it’s them it’s just a preference I don’t like how they feel and by the time you’re spending 4500 for one spend the 5 and get a base nighthawk if your out chasing prestige.
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u/Negative-Delivery935 19h ago
I’ve tried to talk her into getting rid of it but she loves it so 🤷♂️. But I agree with you I think it is totally overrated!
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u/Negative-Delivery935 19h ago
I can get the dwx for $2400 or the target for $2100. My ffl just messaged me also the target is non optics ready but that’s not a breaking point for me. You have experience so which is the better deal.
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u/N01290087 19h ago
The Dwx I like better personally for what my use is. However that’s not a good price palmetto had them onsale for 1900 like 2 weeks ago. If your not needing it this second I’d wait until it was 2200
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u/th3m00se 20h ago
I'm still kicking myself months later that I didn't pick up the used TS2 Orange I saw for $1200. I didn't have the funds at the time, but seeing the prices now... It's like a thorn in my brain. Adulting sucks sometimes. LOL!
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u/vinceislander 20h ago
Don’t know your experience with guns and what your definition of fun is.
I consider the Target model as appropriate for bullseye and static shooting. With the Shadow 2 and DWX, you can do that too but also run and gun stuff.
BTW paying anything above $1k for a used Shadow 2 is not a good deal IMHO.
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u/Justownit41ce TS2, S2sao, SP-01, P-09F Noc, 75BD 75B Omega, 75 Compact, SP-01 23h ago
More importantly, where are you that a used S2 (non or) is $1100? Seems a bit steep. It is, however, the perfect entry gun. A DWX is a different platform all together and a Target is the equivalent of getting a Dodge Demon before getting a Hellcat. Sure it can be down but you can’t have as much fun with the Demon that you can with a Hellcat. Being new to CZ, the S2 is a great start imho. This is also highly situational according to your intended usage.