Optics Ready models have the slide prepared for optic installation. If you wish to equip an OR model with a
red dot, you will need a corresponding adapter – an optic plate – for its installation. This does not apply if you have one of the models that allow direct mounting of a red dot without using a plate (e.g. the CZ Shadow 2 Carry or CZ P-09 Nocturne).
An optic plate is a plate that you insert into the slide cut after removing the cover, secure it, and then mount the corresponding red dot onto it.
Different footprints and mounting patterns
Each firearm has its own specific mounting pattern (shape, size, placement of threads) and each red dot has its own footprint (screw spacing, recoil lugs, size of the mounting surface, etc.).
To be able to install a red dot, you need to find a plate whose bottom side matches your CZ and whose top side is compatible with the bottom of the selected red dot. It may sound complicated, but it’s not that big of a deal. Read on.
Compatibility with the firearm
Fortunately, CZ Optics Ready models use only two mounting pattern types:
CZ Shadow 2 Optics Ready pattern
These plates can be installed on the following firearms:
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CZ Shadow 2 OR
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CZ Shadow 2 Compact
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CZ Shadow 2 Orange OR
Compatible plates can be found in the categories:
CZ P10 Optics Ready pattern
Plates with this mounting pattern can be installed on the following models:
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CZ P-10C Ported
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CZ P-10C OR
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CZ P-10C OR SR
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CZ P-10F OR
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CZ P-10F OR SR
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CZ P-10S OR
Compatible plates can be found in the categories:
Plates for models within these two categories can be freely interchanged.
Compatibility with the red dot
Matching the plate to the firearm is only half the success. A
red dot must fit the top side of the plate. Red dots use several patterns – so-called footprints. Plates for CZ models support the following red dot footprint patterns:
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Trijicon RMR footprint [also for Holosun 407C, 507C & 507Comp]
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Vortex Venom footprint
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Holosun K-series footprint
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Shield RMSc footprint
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C-More RTS footprint
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Leupold DPP footprint
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Aimpoint Acro footprint
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Holosun 509T footprint
The most popular footprint for full-size firearms (such as the CZ Shadow 2 OR) is the Trijicon RMR, and it is shared by many popular red dots – for example the Holosun 407C, Holosun 507C, Holosun 507 Comp and others. On the other hand, for compact firearms (CZ Shadow 2 Compact or CZ P-10S OR), our customers most frequently choose the Shield RMSc footprint.
What if I don’t have an OR model?
If your firearm is not optic ready – meaning your slide does not have a cut for an optic or for an optics plate – you can still install a red dot on your CZ without having it modified by a gunsmith. You only need a different type of adapter.
Go to the Red dot mounts category.
Why install a red dot on your CZ at all?
Red dots replace traditional sights. They make aiming easier because you don’t have to align the rear sight–front sight–target; you only look for the illuminated dot. This also requires training, but once you get used to it, you can speed up and improve the precision of your shooting. It also helps in low-light conditions and for shooters with weaker eyesight.
Can I install a red dot plate by myself?
Yes, you can do it at home; you don’t need any special equipment or great skill.
Procedure:
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Unscrew the original screws holding the slide cover.
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Remove the cover.
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Insert the plate into the slide cut (properly oriented).
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Apply a small drop of blue Loctite to each screw.
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Tighten the mounting screws.
Once the plate is firmly in place, you can proceed with installing the red dot.
Note: Remember that the screws supplied with the plate are used to secure the plate to the slide. The screws for attaching the red dot to the plate come directly with the red dot.
