CZ P-01 vs. Shadow 2 Compact

[Rittmeister]

Yup, I've got the want.

I've had a CZ P01 since 2017. Bought used but pristine locally. I put LOK grips on it, added factory CZ night sights, and a CGW "old style" trigger and otherwise have just shot it. However, since picking up a P10C in 2020 or so, I find that I shoot that one (and my SP01) more, and the P01 sits in the safe.

A couple caveats - I don't care about decocker vs. safety. I can use both. Not too worried about the optic compatibility but maybe this'd be my gateway I like that both are aluminum frame and that the S2C is only a couple ounces heavier than the P01. I don't regularly carry so that's not a huge consideration.

I've looked at specs and the two are very similar, so here are my specific questions:

1. Will the S2C accept the older 14-round CZ and Mec-Gar compact mags with the flat steel baseplate? I have a number of them and if they're compatible it'd be nice.
1a. What about the old 16-rounders? I know they'll stick out, I'm just talking fit and function and reliability here.
2. How much longer is the S2C grip than the P01? I have always wanted to trim the baseplates on my 14-round mags so they didn't stick out past the front strap; if the S2C grip is a tiny bit longer maybe it won't be an issue.
3. For those that've owned both, just how much better is the S2C trigger? I've never had complaints about the stock triggers in any of my CZs, which have all been basic 75B variants. I'm becoming a snob these days though, and if I'm going to spend that kind of coin for the S2C I'd want a significant improvement over the P01.
4. What's a used P01 worth these days? Mine's in excellent shape with almost no finish wear and under 1,000 rounds out of it. New prices seem to be $150-$200 higher than when I bought this one.

Obviously the true answer to this question is that I should keep the P01 and get the S2C but I can't really justify that from either a budget or a "room in the safe" standpoint. I've never wanted a large collection, and I've got more guns than I can have fun with already, so I think at this point if I get anything new I need to get rid of something first.

Any info and opinions appreciated. Thanks!

 

[actionexpress]

The S2C is an apple to an orange compared to the P-01. The trigger blows the P-01, PCR, 75B triggers into last week. It's excellent. It's the same trigger system as the Shadow 2 full size. As for the differences in dimensions: https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/cz-p-01-vs-cz-shadow-2-compact

P-01s went up in price for new ones, but the hot seller is the S2C, there were a handful of used P-01/PCRs on hand when my S2C came in. I was offered $375 for my PCR, they arent selling well, and said screw it. I didn't need it anymore.

 

[InTheSwamp]

Any info and opinions appreciated. Thanks!

Buy something new to compare to the ones you already have. Rinse, repeat.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

I have both guns.

The grip length is the same, the shape at the backstrap is different that's why grips are different.
Don't have either 14 or 16 rd mags, don't see why they wouldn't work.
The barrel length is the same, but the diameter is different. The overall slide length is longer, the S2 guns got longer in the rear.
You can add the CGW pro package to a decocker and it's still a lesser trigger the S2 triggers.
The S2C is cut higher up on the trigger and beavertail allowing you to get higher on the gun.
There is a difference in shooting these guns.
My S2C has lok alloy palm swell grips, S2 orange disco and CZ custom 13lb hammer spring. The vast majority of 1911s don't have a trigger as nice as this gun.

My CZ carry guns went from Pcr, P01 to S2C.

 

[Rittmeister]

@sevt_chevelle thanks for that info. I need to put my hands on one, at least.

@actionexpress I'd be trying to sell my P01 locally if I decide to move forward on this. The only time I tried to trade a firearm, I was offered less than half of what I ultimately sold it for; even not knowing the ultimate sale price I laughed when I heard the trade offer...

 

[actionexpress]

@actionexpress I'd be trying to sell my P01 locally if I decide to move forward on this. The only time I tried to trade a firearm, I was offered less than half of what I ultimately sold it for; even not knowing the ultimate sale price I laughed when I heard the trade offer...

That can often be the case. Usually dealers offers an amount under their cost for a new one. CZs aren't exactly expensive, not much room on them. I paid $400 for my PCR new, lost $25. Meh.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

Food for thought, but P01s can be had online brand new from several dealers for around 550.

 

[TransAmConvert]

Is the s2c grip a bit bigger front to back than the P01? A buddy has a shadow 2 ans I felt it was bigger in the grip than my shadow 1.

Shadows don't have firing pin blocks. This may or may not be an issue for you.

I have CGW pro kits in my shadow and my P01. I was told by them that because of differences in the ignition system the P01 would likely only be reliable with the blue 13lb main spring, but a shadow will run reliably with the black 11.5lb spring. This has been my experience testing them as well.

So a P01 trigger won't be as light or as smooth as a shadow, but I'll say it's darn good with the pro kit and I like that the reach is shorter coming off the decock position.

Overall I guess I like a P01 better for carrying and a full sized shadow for not carrying. Maybe a shadow compact replaces them both if you could only have one but I like each in its own role.

 

[Riomouse911]

@Rittmeister; did you re spring your P-01 with a CGW kit, or did you just swap the trigger out?

I’m asking only because the spring swap made my P-01 into one fantastic shooter. (Well, honestly these kits have made all of my CZ’s into fantastic shooters. )

If you haven’t swapped the springs, it may be a lower-cost option that helps to bring the P-01 up to another level if you don’t want to go with buying another gun. (I get it, my full size S2 was around $1,400 when all was added up.)

Just a thought.

Stay safe.