Sig P226R USPSA vs. CZ Custom Shadow

[Marc82Much]

I am looking to get a new 9mm gun to compete in USPSA production class. I do not care if the gun is IDPA approved, I have a different gun for that.

I can buy either the CZ Custom Shadow or the Sig P2236R USPSA model for roughly the same price.

The Sig is here http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226-uspsa-black.aspx

and the Custom Shadow is here http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/shadowcustom/

Since it is highly unlikely I will find one to try around here (Milwaukee, WI), I am looking for feedback from anyone that may have eperience with both (or either, I guess).

I might could stretch the budget for the Sig X-5 allround. Any opinions as to whether that might be worth it? I think it would cost another $400 or so.

Any help appreciated.

[bradthegunmaniac]

I think you will find more CZ fans then Sig but that doesn't mean Sig is not for you. I love my CZ. What gun do you have for IDPA that might help.

[Marc82Much]

What gun do you have for IDPA that might help.

I have a Ruger 9MM carry gun that I use for IDPA.

[mjl]

I am a big fan of Sig. I shoot a 226ST 9mm and am very pleased with it. I'm not sure about the bells and whistles that come with the 226 USPSA model, but my suggestion is get a 226, ideally a 226ST, and send it to Bruce Gray at Grayguns. (check out grayguns.com). What he provides is better than anything that comes out of Sig's shop.

I've actually thought about a CZ in 40 for limited, but will probably go the 1911 route when I make that jump.

[Marc82Much]

I am a big fan of Sig. I shoot a 226ST 9mm and am very pleased with it. I'm not sure about the bells and whistles that come with the 226 USPSA model, but my suggestion is get a 226, ideally a 226ST, and send it to Bruce Gray at Grayguns. (check out grayguns.com). What he provides is better than anything that comes out of Sig's shop.

I've actually thought about a CZ in 40 for limited, but will probably go the 1911 route when I make that jump.

Thanks. Wow, lots of P226s on the Sig site http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/pistols-p226.aspx but can you tell me which one you are referring to?

[Racer377]

I am a big fan of Sig. I shoot a 226ST 9mm and am very pleased with it. I'm not sure about the bells and whistles that come with the 226 USPSA model, but my suggestion is get a 226, ideally a 226ST, and send it to Bruce Gray at Grayguns. (check out grayguns.com). What he provides is better than anything that comes out of Sig's shop.

I've actually thought about a CZ in 40 for limited, but will probably go the 1911 route when I make that jump.

Thanks. Wow, lots of P226s on the Sig site http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/pistols-p226.aspx but can you tell me which one you are referring to?

If I read him right, it's this one (or the alloy framed version)

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226-uspsa-two-tone.aspx

[jcc7x7]

X-5 is a much easier gun to shoot than a regular 226 mostly because of the weight and 5" bbl/sight radius. IMO

The uspsa gun from sig is a alloy frame 226 with a fiber optic frt. sight and a short reset trigger. Not alot different from the standard 226

CZ shadow custom is a cool gun nice light trigger press both DA and SA. don't know if you like the grip and fact you have to manually decock it prior to holster. Some of the RO's around here don't like that whole deal but it is legal.

Either one will make you a nice gun

[Marc82Much]

Case closed. Ordering a Shadow Custom 9mm from Angus.

Marc

Kenosha, WI

[mjl]

This is the specific model I am shooting:

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226-stainless.aspx

It actually shows up on Sigs discontinued list. It can be found used in the $600-$800 range. I highly recommend picking one up (you can not wear it out shooting 9 mm), and sending it to Bruce Gray to do his magic, along with replacing all the springs that need replacing.

It does not have an alloy frame, rather all stainless, built like a tank.

Edited November 22, 2011 by mjl

[swhiteh3]

I wanted to follow up on this thread, beacuse it's already discussed what Sigs fit into what classes.

I currently compete with a P226 TacOps, and I'm just getting into USPSA, IDPA, and 3-gun. I only have limited experience (about 20-25 local matches, mostly rimfire steel matches). I've decided I'd like to stay with Sig P226 platform guns (for now, while I learn). Since my TacOps is my "tactical" gun, I'd like to add a single gun which can be modified to be a competition gun, and which will keep me in the lower competition levels in all three groups I'm looking to compete in. I think I've decided on a steel frame (although I'm still trying to find one local to me to get a little experience with first). Whatever I shoot will be sent to Bruce Gray for trigger work, and will be shooting minor power factor, 9mm. So I think that limits my choices to:

P226ST, Used (42.2oz per Sig-Sauer)

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226-stainless.aspx

P226 USPSA, Two-Tone (42.2oz per Sig-Sauer)

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226-uspsa-two-tone.aspx

P226 X5 All Around (45.0oz per Sig-Sauer)

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226-x-five-allround.aspx

In USPSA, I'd like to shoot production.

http://www.uspsa.org/rules/production_list.php

According to the gun list, all three can shoot Production, but I've heard comments about needing to mill a little off of the X5 to make it legal for weight. I'd probably send the gun to GGI to have this work done, but it certainly adds to the cost if it's even necessary for Production. Sig-Sauer's listed weight of 45.0oz is close to the USPSA weight of 45.2oz, so it doesn't seem to require this lightening.

In IDPA, I'd like to shoot SSP.

http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

The catch here is the weight and size. All three guns are over the SSP limit of 39.0oz, and would need lightening. I'm not sure what size issues would come up with the box, but hopefully someone can tell me. Since "Slide Lightening" is not legal, but "internal modifications" are okay, I'm not sure if you could make weight. Anyone have experience with this? I know magwell grips are not legal, so whatever I'm using will not have a magwell.

I noticed that the P226ST apparently does not have a full beavertail, while the USPSA does. Odd that they have the same listed weight then. My TacOps has a full beavertail, and I really like it - I'd like to have one on my competition gun. That's a strike against the P226ST, *IF* the Beavertail does not create an issue with the IDPA box. Can anyone comment on this?

In most 3-gun matches, you can shoot just about anything that fits into the caliber and sites requirements. Being they will all be iron sites, and all 9mm, I don't think there is anything that I need to consider here. Am I right?

Edited August 29, 2012 by swhiteh3

[Aglifter]

I had a P226, worked over by Bruce Gray - it was a definite "meh", and I've never regretted selling it.

I'd probably go w. a tuned CZ from Akai, or a Shadow Custom... I'm tempted to get a tuned CZ from Akai for giggles, but I already have too many guns I've bought for giggles as it is...

[JWeber]

I shoot a Sig P226 X-5 Allround for USPSA production division. I use a Blade-Tech DOH Holster. I had GrayGuns change the front sight to a Dawson Fiber Optic sight and open the rear notch on the factory rear sight. There are no after market rear sights for this gun. The stock rear sight is great anyway. I switched grips to Nills because the plastic factory grips were sliding around in my hand. Make sure you purchase a gun with the new stile extractor. Mine is that way and never have had any issues, 10,000 rounds down the pipe by now. The gun has tight tolerances and needs to be kept clean. Pay attention to the extractor when cleaning. Use grease on all sliding surfaces and oil on all rotating surfaces. The gun likes a lot of lubrication on it. The long sight radius and the tight tolerances makes this gun a tack driver. The gun does not need to be altered to make production in USPSA. For IDPA it is to long and a little needs to come off the Beaver Tail. All P226 mags fit the gun. It does not like the 10 rounders. I have never had any weight issues with my gun. The recoil spring needs to be changed about every 5,000 rounds. I found the trigger to be good as it came from the factory. I know some have had theirs worked on by Bruce Gray. The standard mods are Front Sights, Short Reset Trigger added, All internals polished, and some have had him add an internal trigger over travel stop.

[Ishoot1st]

Great decision to buy the Shadow Custom. I bought a P226 and then bought a CZ75 SP-01 Shadow and then liked it so much I bought a CZ75 Shadow T both from Angus. Now that I have the Shadow T the SP-01 Shadow is on its way back to CZC to become a Custom (wish I had bought it that way to begin with). For now I still have the Sig but it is no where near the gun that the Shadows are. You will never be sorry.