Why install a magwell on your CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow?
Although the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow model is designed specifically for sport shooting purposes, the factory did not equip it with a magwell. It’s a pity, but you can still install a magwell on it. Just keep in mind that this also requires replacing other accessories, as you will read further in the article. Why would you want a magwell on your firearm at all?
Advantages of installing a magwell on the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow
A magwell is a device that you mount on the bottom edge of the grip, and thanks to its funnel shape it enlarges the opening for inserting the magazine.
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Improves the stability and balance of the firearm and thus contributes to a more confident shot.
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Helps to dampen recoil.
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Speeds up and simplifies reloading even in stressful situations.
Thanks to its shape a magwell also increases the volume of the firearm. In competitions and sport shooting you most likely do not worry about that. You worry more about the weight, which is influenced by the magwell material. Weight also determines other firearm behavior when shooting, and therefore material is one of the key elements when choosing a magwell.
How to choose a magwell
If you decide to equip your CZ with a magwell, consider the following criteria:
Compatibility with the model
The magwell must primarily fit your model. Only then will it sit correctly, not block the catch, and everything will function as it should.
In this category you will find magwells intended for the following CZ models:
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CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow
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CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Orange
The CZ SP-01 Shadow and CZ 75B models may use the same magwells. Always make sure your model is listed as compatible in the description.
Material
The magwell is an accessory where the chosen material plays an important role.
Brass
Advantages: higher weight better dampens perceived recoil and helps maintain stability during shooting, durable material
Disadvantages: higher weight may interfere with all-day carry
Recommended for: competitive and sport shooters
Aluminum
Advantages: durable and strong material with lower weight, wide range of colors and surface finishes
Disadvantages: more prone to wear, less “solid” feel in hand, does not dampen recoil as well.
Recommended for: anyone who does not want to add too much weight.
Summary: You will appreciate aluminum if you want to widen the entrance for reloading while remaining satisfied with your firearm’s weight distribution. If you want to add a few grams and better cope with recoil, we recommend brass.
With a magwell you must also replace other accessories
We come to the topic of replacing other accessories. Since the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow is not factory-equipped with a magwell, you must replace some of its parts. Which ones and what to watch for?
Grips
Without a magwell, the firearm is equipped with standard
long grips. These extend to the bottom area where you need to mount the magwell. Therefore, get
short grips designed to allow its installation along with the magwell.
Mag pads
The magazine base pad of the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow in the front obstructs magwell installation. Therefore, order a
mag pad together with the magwell that will allow it. Whether a particular pad is usable with a magwell is stated in its description.
Main spring plug
If you find a lanyard loop on the bottom of your CZ grip, it will need to be replaced with a plug without a loop. Fortunately, this does not affect many CZ models, but it is better to make sure your CZ has no such lanyard loop behind the magazine well.
Can I install a magwell myself?
Yes. If you already have a magwell and are only replacing it with a new one, simply unscrew the original, slide the new one in from the back (first clean and oil the contact surfaces), and screw it in.
If your CZ did not have a magwell before, first replace the grip panels and install a suitable mag pad. Then you can slide in the magwell and screw it in.
Check the screw tightness regularly.
Note: In some cases the magwell needs slight modification. This is due to certain tolerances in firearms. In CZ firearms this occurs minimally, but it must be taken into account. How is such a modification done? Simply remove a small amount of material from the magwell using a file.
