Why get a magwell for your CZ Shadow 2?
The CZ Shadow 2 models are designed primarily for sport shooting purposes. Sport shooters belong to the category of firearm users who are especially interested in installing a magwell.
Why? 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. It adds stability, simplifies, and speeds up reloading.
The fact that a mounted magwell increases the volume of the firearm may not bother you when openly carrying at the range or during a competition. On the contrary. If you choose a heavier brass magwell, it will help you dampen recoil and you will be able to shoot more smoothly. In addition, a magwell allows magazine changes without visual confirmation, so you can keep watching the target.
CZ Shadow 2 does not have a magwell from the factory
Although sport-oriented, you will not find a magwell in the standard equipment of the CZ Shadow 2 model. Installing a magwell therefore requires additional accessory modifications, which we will look at further in the article.
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 for the following CZ models:
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CZ Shadow 2,
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CZ Shadow 2 OR,
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CZ Shadow 2 Orange,
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CZ Shadow 2 SA, and other Shadow 2 models.
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
The CZ Shadow 2 model is not equipped with a magwell by default, so when installing it you must also replace other 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 install the magwell. Therefore, get
short grips designed to allow its installation along with the magwell.
Mag pads
Factory magazine base pads in the front obstruct magwell installation. Therefore, order a compatible
mag pad together with the magwell.
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 concerns very few 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 grips 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.
