Both are just awesome. So if I had to choose one. I would say one Q5 for my right hand and Shadow 2 for my left hand. I agree that variety is the spice of life.

I love how CZ has forced other gun companies to compete with the shadow2

You should try the Q5 SF again with Walther's Dynamic Performance Trigger. It's the damn best striker fired trigger I have ever shot. Another upgrade I'd highly recommend is the aluminum grips from Walther. They are aggressive yet comfortable at the same time, and they look great.

I got a SP-01 Shadow (older, not as expensive brother of the shadow 2) as my first gun, while it may not be as refined as the Shadow 2, I did some custom work on it and I could not be happier with it (7lb/3lb double action trigger). CZ has been a wonderful first step into the world of firearms. Can’t wait to either keep working on my baby, or getting some siblings for it!

Thanks for this video. I love my CZ Shadow 2 but I’m hoping to own the Q5 match SF since I also love the polymer one.

I'm a PPQ fan but I definitely saw that coming. CZ has the competition pistol game figured out. Great review

I have owned a shadow 2 for a little over a year now, and love it. Of course I am a hammer fired guy too, and bought a Rami BD for carry. Really like your "if I can only have one" series. Keep up the good content. Thanks.

I had plans to own a Shadow 2 for a few years. It is an amazing pistol. Once I got the money together I tested the shadow with the Q5 sf as an alternate. I bought the Walther. No plans to buy a Shadow any more. The Walther fits my hand better. I stay on target shot after shot. As KSGunGuy says, they are both great pistols. Test them before you buy one. 👍

I'm lucky, I own both. Love the feel of the CZs2 but the Q5sf feels just a little better to me. I also found, as you stated, I pick the sights up faster on the Q5sf.

Excellent review of two interesting pistols that are on everyone’s list!

I've always been a fan of CZ. I've never shot a Walther. But after watching this video... maybe I will.

THANK YOU! Another great review.....as always...

I own the CZ Shadow 2. I purchased this pistol because of the overall build quality. Without a doubt the finest pistol that CZ machinist have manufactured and their engineers left nothing to chance by designing features that normally would go into a race gun. I own the blue handle pistol and everyone things that I paid over 3,000 for this pistol. If you see one in a store ask to compare this pistol to their most expensive pistol ( 1911 or whatever)j and compare the workmanship. This is a wonderfully made pistol that you can pass on to your Children’s Children. The downside is that this pistol will make you a better shooter than you are.

The S2 17 round mags are a U.S. thing I think, as in USPSA production guns must fit in a box. most of the rest of the world the mags come with +2 base pads as under IPSC production rules (which the S2 was largely geared toward) there is no box . The 1mm front fiber on the S2 was regarded as a refinement as its predecessor the SP01 had a 1.5mm sight that most people replaced with a 1mm. I honestly preferred the balance of the SP01 to S2 along with the placement of the front serrations being further back from the muzzle, and shape of the slide. Not really an issue for the U.S. where you are allowed to modifiy production division guns far more with non O.E.M. parts, but CZ's availability and range of O.E.M. parts is a distinct advantage.

"only have one......". LMAO!!!

I love the CZ looks and feel.

My S2 is teaching me how to shoot. I saw it in the gun store, ask the owner to look at it, pulled the trigger one time and bought it on the spot. Amazing gun, I have never shoot anything like it. Amazing quality and precision.

Nice review but I knew the CZ would win out the moment you mentioned your personal experience w/ Walther's beaver tail. Thanks for the comparison!

Fantastic installment of If I could only have one. Love my CZ’s and looking forward to adding a Shadow 2...hmmm...or will it be a SP-01 Shadow Orange....or The Accushadow....I hate and love my LGS for having a huge selection of CZ’s including ones from CZ Custom!

Yes!!! I’ve been waiting for this!! Thanks ks!

Great video thank's for taking to time to do it and share it with us. I got my S2 yesterday and will try it out this Friday. I decided to go with it after trying it out at the range before Christmas, it was the most balanced gun i ever shot and i was immediately hooked. On the Walther side of things, personally i had one years ago as a side arm and thought it shot very well, but i always preferred hammer over strikers. My view on polymer guns is that they are great as service weapon because of their reliability and low weight, but i always found heavier steel frames rendered a much smoother, agreeable shooting experience. Lastly i must point out contrary to what you said in the video, the S2's rear sight is only elevation adjustable not windage. Again thank you for sharing, god bless.

Great video! I’m a PPQ fan having the M1 version both in 4” and 5”. I’ll wait for the M1 version of the Q5 Match SF.

I’m a fan of CZ as well and would choose the Shadow 2. Although the Walther looks more modern for sure.

Nice Pistol Comparison, #CZLIFE Indeed. The S2 is an incredible pistol IMO, TFS Carry On!

I know cz is a great firearms, with a great history, but I don’t know why I couldn’t love them…!!!! All my friends love them except me…!!! I briefer Q5 sf more, thanks for the presentation, as usual awesome

Sti 2011, PPQ Q5 SF and the CZ Shadow 2 are the 3 must own handguns for every gun owner

Very nice comparison. I like them both but I'm leaning toward the Shadow 2, love shooting mine. I really didn't know those firearms had that much weight difference.

My CZ 75 DB is my absolute favorite pistol. I certainly plan on Shadow 2 as my next purchase. I've heard nothing but good comments about that pistol from people that have shot it like yourself. Thanks for the video.

Oof... this is a title I totally cannot miss at all! Thanks for doing this.

Nice review KS. I love my Shadow 2. Most accurate handgun that I own and so fun to shoot.

Just picked up a CZ Shadow Tac II and will be selling my Q5 match. The CZ is fantastic. CZ Custom did a hell of a job tuning it up. Best trigger I had the pleasure to shoot.

That SF Q5 does look pretty sweet, but not for that price tag. I love my Q5 and I think it's trigger is a little better than the SF model. As I just got my Shadow 2 recently, and only have 3 mags through it I'm not as proficient with it. However, the first mag I put through it I didn't even have a miss at 15-16 yards. I would choose the S2 all day. Great comparison brother, have a safe and awesome weekend!

The shadow rocks 👍👍 excellent review and great video. Subscribed

Cz is fantastic. Got both these guns. Nit picking but I have to use the shadow 1 in idpa matches as she shadow 2 doesn’t comply to the weight restrictions. If you shooting ipsc then you should rather go STI. But if I could only have one I’d take the cz and unfortunately not play in idpa. Great review by the way.

Great video and match up. Even for the differences.

I had never even held a CZ Shadow 2 before I went ahead and purchased one. My world forever changed when I opened the box and gripped it for the first time, so I can relate. It felt tailor made to my right hand, and in the black/blue grip is strikingly beautiful to look at especially in person. I truly believe it is the most elegant and beautiful production handgun ever made! Unfortunately I have had 2 FTE's within the first 500 rounds of Winchester white box. It will fire the round and partly extract its empty case while the next round in the mag jams up underneath the empty. Removing the mag will cause the empty case to either 1.) fall freely through the magwell or 2.) the slide will go forward and chamber the empty case.

As per usual, another great vid KS!

I was already leaning towards the shadow 2 on this review. When you said the price at the end, that just sealed the deal on which I would pick. Being a striker fired kinda guy, I think that says something. I think walther is just a little bit too proud with that price point.

I need to fondle one of those Q5 SF's... Love Walthers. If they offered a rubberized grip with that size and texture (and maybe an M1 mag release) it would be irresistible.

Great comparison! Having a CZC/CGW Shadow 2 is or should be a bucket list item for any enthusiast. It is a phenomenal pistol and is easily the most reliable firearm I have seen. I couldn’t justify the money for the Q5.

Great review!

Excellent review and I agree with your assessment.

Awesome review thank you 🙏🏼 I’d go the Q5 if just for its wicked look 😲

Currently considering this exact scenario. I can only shoot the shadow. It’s my first venture into guns. I starting shooting a 22lr a couple months ago and now ready to buy a 9mm. The shadow trigger was so easy to pull that I shot by accident at the target 5-6 times.

GREAT CHOICE! I am a HUGE CZ Fanboy! I buy the Cajun Gun works upgrade kits and polish and upgrade my CZ's. Love them and have 4 different variants! My next wish list pistol regardless of brand is the CZ Shadow 2. Seeing your video only solidifies the wish for a CZ Shadow. As always great video and KEEP ON ROCKING!

Mention on the grip for the Walther Q5, Lok Grips makes a slim replacement grip, that removes the hump on the backstrap. Gives it a 1911 profile.

Sweet guns! Love my Shadow 2 #CZLife Carry on, KS! 😎✌️

Great video, very fair, as a Walther owner you did great. Thanks

Awesome Video! Thank you for making this. Q5 wins my vote. Reasons being: 1. It is RMR ready. So for the folks planning to shoot competition with iron sights for now and switch to CO when their eyes getting older, they don't have to switch gun or have the slide milled. 2. For another $150 or so, you can upgrade to the Apex flat faced trigger. I owned a PPQ M2 4" for over a year and now own 2 S&W M&P 2.0s, both with Apex flat faced trigger. The latter is definitely an improvement over the stock PPQ trigger. 3. If you shoot USPSA production, you don't have to get used to that 8.5lbs DA trigger pull. 4. The 42 oz weight makes it IDPA legal. So folks that shoot both USPSA and IDPA can stick to the same platform.

I am new to the whole shooting world. Though not new to the gun world in general. I think it comes down to what you pick up and what you fall in love with. Both of these guns are equally well designed and shoot. For me im going q5 sf. I couldn't picture having a different competition pistol but thats the first gun i picked up at that level. For me its the best for someone else it maybe the CZ. When your talking this level its nuances and some nostalgia that makes the difference.

CZ Shadow 2 is on my short list. Shot a friend's Shadow 2 and loved it but don't have it in the budget right now to buy one. I do own a CZ75 B SA and I am impressed with how it shoots. Way Off topic but you did a video on it is the Canik Combat Elite. Had it to the range with my Q5 Match polymer version. I shot better with the Canik. I think it's the Canik's flat trigger surface which helps correct low left shots. Great video as usual.👍

I have an Accu Shadow 2 that I love. I went to the local shop yesterday to look at the Walther with the intention of buying one based on all the positive hype I'd heard. The shop had had both the polymer and SF versions in stock. IMO, the Walther's trigger felt pretty Glock-like. Fairly heavy, lots of creep, kind of gritty, and a long-ish reset. Maybe the grit will smooth out over time - or maybe not. Also, the trigger for both Q5 models felt the same even though the SF version costs almost twice as much. Admittedly all I could do was dry fire them, but I would have expected a better trigger on the SF given the price. To me, the only advantage to the SF version would be reducing muzzle flip during competition shooting. Bottom line is that I went shopping expecting to buy a Walther but ended up walking away. There's no way I'd pick the Q5 SF over my Accu Shadow 2. Maybe someone will start offering trigger upgrades for the Walther. If that happens I might reconsider, but until then I'll stick with my CZ.

Thanks for the review man. Exactly the two guns I'm looking at to start in to IPSC. Also thought that the Trigger of the Q5 even though its a great trigger for a striker fire pistol is not compareable to a Shadow 2. Also because the shadow 2 will get even better after a bit of usage. Shadow 2 it will be

Both high quality pistols from top notch manufacturers. As you pointed out KS, price does weigh in. So if everything else is equal, the Shadow 2 wins. But in the end it's all about which one fits best and you can shoot best. Great review and very nice shooting, KS! 😎👍🏻🇺🇸💥

I don't think you can go wrong with either guns. It really comes down to wether you prefer striker fire or hammer fire since these two are one of the best (if not the best) in their respective category. I don't own either guns, but I have fired both of them and they're excellent. My first gun and the one I use for CC is the Walther PPQ. The Q5 Match SF is just an improvement across the board compared to the PPQ. I was actually looking to buy the CZ Shadow 2 as my second gun until my friend sold me his HK P30 at an unbelievable price. The smooth lines and minimalistic design makes the Shadow 2 one of the most elegant looking, modern handgun I have ever seen. The weight is great for my accuracy and the trigger during SA is unmatched in my opinion. If price wasn't a factor I would get the Shadow 2 for competitive shooting (I'm a sucker for that SA trigger pull), but I would pick the Q5 Match SF for an all around gun. My hands are abnormally massive and the grip, the larger slide/serrations to pull, and the weight distribution across the gun makes the Q5 SF easier to handle. If I'm going to nitpick though, I hate how the magazine of the Q5 looks once you load it into the gun compared to how seamless the Shadow 2's looks.You owe it to yourself to try both guns.

I just subscribed to you. Awesome video Sir!!!!!

Great video!!!! I have Sig Legions that were worked over by Rick Holm at Lazy Wolf Guns. I have the Brigadier and Centurion 92’s from Wilson Combat. I bought a Taran Tactical Glock 34 John Wick clone. I bought this Shadow 2 in September and had it sent back to their custom shop for the work up. Three words when I got it back. It’s mind blowing!! Absolutely one of the best pistols I’ve ever shot. Complete Death Ray. Put the dot on whatever you want to hit and it goes there. I’m picking up the CZ Checkmate in a few weeks. I’ve heard that’s suppose to be the Shadow 2 and TSO all rolled up into one. I cannot wait to get it.

I saw the title. Clicked like immediately 👍🏼

Shot both guns without any question of a doubt the CZ Shadow 2 I picked mine up for just over a grand on gun brokers and it's by far the best gun I ever owned and when I take my other guns shooting, I always bring it with and ahoot a box of ammo because it's so damn accurate and fun to shoot.

Metal over polymer. Hammer over striker. Just looks and feels better.

I bet my wife I knew which one you would pick. I won the bet; that's the one I would choose too..... Of course I still paid for dinner and drinks this weekend, hah! 😉 Thanks for the video KS! 👍👍👍

I went with the Walther. The Q5 SF is a great pistol.

Shadow 2 is my favorite gun I own! Love it

GREAT VIDEO! Thank you!!!! If you thought the CZ Shadow 2 was excellent, wait till you try the CZ Tactical Sports Orange (which is more in line in price with the Q5 Match Pro) and both can take an optional optical red dot (The CZ though requires you to purchase an L bracket from them for around $95). The CZ TSO has a sub 1 Kilo trigger making it incredible.

CZ TS2... 48.5oz of pure greatness and a 3lbs trigger pull to make it the Ferrari of Competition pistols. Q5 SF is a 2nd extremely close in features and handling... good thing I have both

Over here in Europe the price difference is even larger. The shadow 2 sells at 1200€ while the q5 sf will set you back 1900€!!!

I have the polymer Q5 match with a Leupold Delta Pro optic. Shooting it is almost like cheating. The ergos and accuracy make a truly fun experience. I understand the extra weight advantages, and usually prefer more metal in my range pistols, but my plastic Walther Q5 is amazing, and will be in my arsenal for a long, long time. I hope to test drive the CZ and the Q5 SF some day......

I do own Shadow 2 but would like to try this Walther as well. Looks dope :)

I am a fan of the tacticool looks of the Q5. Number 1 on my wishlist followed by a Kimber 1911 45acp

Hope to see one at the gun show tomorrow. Great choice

I shot with a guy that took 3rd in the USPSA in NC this weekend. He had the Q5 steel frame. It was so super fast in his hands and he had no issues that Q5 it was smoking hot all day.

11:56...Right out of the box for 1900€ (SF Champion version) , the Expert is 2150€. If you want to compare the two, it should be compared to the Shadow 2 OR on the price point. What's nice is that the Walther comes with all the adapter plates. Having work done on the Q5 trigger might force you to send it to Walther. Without the optic ready option, the Shadow 2 is 450€ cheaper. That buys lots of ammo, different iron sights/night sights and a magwell + grip plates if need be. The OR version is still 200€ cheaper, enough to soften the blow on the Optics. Thx for the video.

The SF Q5 is just too sexy. It will have my vote. Looking forward to own one in the future.

The CZ Shadow 2 hands down. Would like to have both of them though. Beautiful pistols.

hey dude showing support!

Nice job and I agree with you it would be the CZ every day. Nothing against walther they certainly make a very nice firearm.

Appreciate your videos, my groups with my shadow 2 is 1 large hole Very accurate, might also go with the cajun works bushing…my buddy had one in his and ohh my, most accurate pistol I’ve ever shot!

Awesome review Sir. I would still go with the CZ Shadow 2. The CZ life forever.

Excellent video KS... Love the S2, however I would like to get some range time with a Q5 SF! *wink Awesome shooting as well...some great looking targets!

I'd have to say both are well made. But I have a early CZ-75 so I'm going to say CZ wins for me. I've been doing business with the same place for 30 years and get great deals on guns. My cost for the shadow 2 is $1000. Out the door. There goes the tax return. ;-)

Q: What is the best pistol? A: The one that’s in your hand when you need it. (From Barry on IV8888 Gun Gripes, may he Rest In Peace)

The Q5 is the sexiest gun I've ever seen.... just it's too expensive. I bought the shadow 2.

Question on CZ Shadow 2 magazines. How much of a difference is there between a Mecgar MGCZ7517AFC 17rd and CZ Shadow 9MM 17-Round Magazine sku 11155?

My brother has the Q5 steel frame and I have the shadow 2. I prefer the Shadow 2 and the Kadet kit is a really nice feature. I bought a Q5 polymer just because though.

With these two, I cannot choose just one; I must have both.

Call me shallow but when the choice is this close, I'm going with the prettier gun. I don't even have to shoot the Walther, I could just look at it and be happy.

I have Glocks, Colts, Caniks, and I love my Shadow 2, but you should check out the Canik SFX. With a lighter spring set it is very accurate and 3.5 pound trigger. I also have a CZ IPSC Standard that the pull is under 2 pounds. Now that, is a magical gun.

Such beauty such power can you feel it I can

The Shadow 2 I have came optic ready with the cut out and 3 plus 2 magazines. I couldn't quit smiling the first I shot it!

I’ve been thinking about adding a Shadow 2 to the collection and to review. I’ve really grown to love my CZs. The ones I own and have shot have always just been soft shooters.

A pair of beauties no matter how you slice the pie....I am too cheap to own either....LOL....thanks for the good info and comparison....Good stuff....

I own a CZ Shadow 2 and also a Sig X5 Legion which was OR so i installed a Romeo 1 sight. When I shoot them both, th Sig is a little lighter and excels in accuracy beyond 20 yds. The strong point of the CZ is the feel inside my hand, grip and recoil are fantastic. So, if i had to keep only one, i probably wouldnt!

Walther makes a fine firearm for sure but... CZ and the SP-01/Shadow are litteraly the most amazing handguns in existance (if they made them and the P-07/09/Scorpion in 10mm I would be completely content). Once you handle and shoot one be ready for your checkbook to hate you for the rest of it's short life. CZ is an addiction with no end in sight...

Although I am not a competition shooter I would go with the CZ. I actually held one the other day and I was amazed at the SA trigger on it. It's so heavy I could imagine the recoil is like a .22. I have never owned a Walther, but always wanted the PPK.

That thumbnail 🤤 those are both some sexy looking guns! I haven’t even seen in person either of these but I’m a CZ fan boy. With that said, I’d probably pick the Walther. Lol

@4:55 that is one reason I like Stainless Steel guns , you can clean them up & not mess up the finish .

If you didn’t like this vid... then it depended on your mileage. LOL I enjoyed it.

I want to definitely try the Q5 match after watching this, but IMO, nothing beats the Shadow 2 for me for the price of it.

Sir I find you do an excellent job on your reviews this is a shining example to others who would want to do review channels as well in the future a positive light Firearms culture wonderful job good sir thank you in kind The Marksman , Brother , Be well , 😎 !

I have fired both guns and currently own a Q5 with about 15,000 rounds through it. The gun has been flawless. I have been really torn between a Q5 SF and a S2. I have a different take on each gun than you though. First, the Q5 SF is already milled for a red dot. That’s a major advantage. This makes the guns to me the same price. If you were to mill a S2 you have a lot fewer options. On the other hand, I think the S2 has a better trigger and can be turned into an amazing gun by sending it to Cajon Gun works and investing another $600 in it. You can’t do much more to the Q5. Walther has just released new competition trigger upgrades. I am waiting until I can test one out before I decide.