CZ Shadow 2 Compact models have the slide prepared for optic installation. If you wish to equip your firearm with a
red dot, you will need a corresponding adapter – an optic plate – for its installation.
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
First, look for an optic plate according to your firearm model. In this category, you will find those that fit the CZ Shadow 2 OR Compact model.
The same optic plates can also be found in the
CZ Shadow 2 OR optic plates category. For both firearm types, you can use identical plates because their mounting patterns are the same.
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]
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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 the CZ Shadow 2 Compact model is the Shield RMSc footprint.
Can I use a red dot and sights at the same time?
With CZ Shadow 2 OR and CZ Shadow 2 Compact models, the red dot is installed in place of the dovetail cut for the rear sight.
For that reason, you cannot use a red dot and sights simultaneously. However, you can easily remove the plate with the red dot and reinstall the standard rear sight in its place.
This apparent disadvantage brings one major benefit for CZ Shadow 2 OR and CZ Shadow 2 Compact models: you can use sport, fully adjustable sights on them. (This is not possible on P‑10 OR models, because their dovetail is positioned farther to the rear, so an adjustable rear sight would extend beyond the slide.)
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.
