JMG

I am an elderly person and started shooting 13 years ago in order to gain enough balance so I did not need a cane or walker to prevent frequent falls. Since starting pistol shooting I have not had a fall and can walk normally. My favorite pistols were CZ shadow II and the Czechmate. 3 years ago I developed tendinitis in my right hand shooting 9 mm and then shot only 22 cal (S and w model 41 and Volquartsen Mark Three 22/45). I watch Honest Outlaw and his wife liked the Athena because of low recoil. I immediately bought an Athena and as a backup an Artemis because 1911 type guns need to be tuned frequently. Both pistols have very low recoil and I can shoot 100 rounds of 9 mm three times a week with no hand pain. Both guns have been tuned by Atlas Gunworks for a reasonable price with fast shipping. They have palm swells and the ergonomics are similar to CZ's. In my situation it has been worth the cost. The trigger pulls are similar to the Czechmate (0.7 ounce vs. 1.7 ounce for the Atlas guns).

I shoot the Atlas Athena and Artemis. The grips are outstanding, and allow for a palm swell and ledge inserts. The recoil is very low and does not cause tendonitis in my right hand. The service staff are friendly and helpful. Lastly the trigger pull rivals the CZ Checkmate (under one lb.) These guns are very special and worth the money.

I have a forward thumb grip on my S1 (Target II), S2 and CZ 75 Compact (SDP). All models have slide catches with the thumb grip built in. The S2 slide catch also fits the CZ 75 compact. The Czechmate has a thumb grip that attaches to the red dot platform. As an elderly shooter I find the thumb grips are a must for accuracy, especially for lighter pistols like the VP9, Sig P229 and M and P S and W.

I had the same problem with my TS Czechmate. There is a new type of magwell for TS pistols sold by CZ Customs. It is pinned by an extension of the hammer spring holder assembly (sold separately). I would contact CZ Customs to see if it would fit the TSO.

I use a Cross Armory thumb rest on my S1 (Target II), S2 and CZ 75 compact (self defence pistol.) I attach the thumb rest with the two side mounted screws and do not use the undermount screw, which could damage the pistol. Use of blue loctite is needed or the mount will come loose.

My ranking is as follows from easiest to shoot accurately on top: 1. Czechmate (great trigger with little recoil) scale grips 2. Shadow II unmodified except for lock grips 3.Shadow I Target II (CZ Customs)scale grips 4. CZ 75 SDP (Cz Customs)

I use a Cross Armory thumb grip on my Shadows one and two. The Czechmate already comes with one and can be installed even with a red dot mount using two extended screws available from CZ Customs.

Just received the Armanov 4mm grips for my S2. Even though my hands are medium, the grip is perfect. I also use a left hand thumb rest (Cross Armory). I am ordering a second set of grips for my S1 (Target II).

For my hands the CZ Shadow, Type 2 Target (CZ Customs) with scale grips is perfect in terms of ergonomics and trigger pull. The Czechmate with scale grips is a close second, however, the trigger pull keeps getting lighter as I continue to shoot more rounds.

I have scale grips on my Czechmate, Shadow 1 (Target II) and Shadow 2. I have palm swell bogies (Lock grips) on my CZ 75 D compact (SDP). The scale grips (type 2) are the most aggressive (type 2) and very well made in my opinion. The Lock bogie grips are a close second.