Gun Reviews By Women – Shadow System CR920
By Amandalyn
Shadow System CR920 Specifications
Gun Manufacturer: Shadow Systems
Model: CR920
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
Ammunition Capacity: 10+1 and 13+1 with extended mag
Price: $679
Shadow System CR920 Usage and Features
Primary Use
Concealed Carry
Are you right or left handed?
Right Handed
What features does this gun have that appealed to you?
The Shadow Systems CR920 became my favorite way to everyday conceal carry and quickly replaced my Glock 43. This 9mm, striker-fire firearm is worth investigating further. The CR920 fits a Glock 43x holster, has a 13+1 or 10+1 capability depending on the magazine (I have both magazines and keep the 10+1 loaded with the 13+1 as my back up). The grip is aggressively stippled for easy control and is just long enough that my whole hand fits comfortably around it. As a lady, I have average sized hands and, due to some health reasons, less than average grip strength and have no problems getting the proper hold – which is important if I ever have to use it in an emergency defensive situation.
When I had first purchased my Glock, I upgraded my sights and trigger; however, with the CR920, blacked out rear sights with the bright green tritium sights comes standard. I can see my front sight quickly and easily in all types of lighting or lack thereof. The trigger pull is smooth and has a quick reset. Originally they offered two variants, one with their patented optic cut and one without, however the model without the optic cut was only slightly cheaper and was discontinued and a compensated model was added to the lineup.
But perhaps what takes the cake is the match grade , spiral-fluted 3.41 inch barrel. Whether I have the opportunity to shoot freestyle or will have to make it one handed, this gun is right on the target and true to aim. The smaller size makes it comfortable to conceal carry even in Barre and Pilates classes. (Yes, I have gone through multiple Barre and Pilates classes checking the comfort and conceal ability of this gun and it’s a keeper! What’s perhaps even more interesting is that no one has noticed in class – we need to be more situationally aware but I digress.)
Adding an optic cut is always a hassle since the cut needs to be tailored to the optic, or you could purchase an MOS variant of a firearm that accepts a plate raising the optic. In my opinion this is less than desirable because the optic no longer co-witnesses with standard height sights and it makes the slides feel top heavy (not to mention ugly… I know I shouldn’t
care). But, in walks Shadow Systems with their patented optic cut that uses spacers to install a large plethora of optics from all the common manufacturers. And it sure looks good!
Tell us about shooting this gun.
The CR920 has similar recoil (maybe slightly less but I’m not sure if I’m being biased or not) to the Glock 43X but with all of the upgrades and the aggressive grip, I’m more accurate and when every shot matters, I’ll take any extra edge I can get. There’s a recoil control ledge that is perfectly placed – this grip ledge is placed for my thumb to help with the recoil and is a great check for proper hand placement. But perhaps what takes the cake is the match grade , spiral-fluted 3.41 inch barrel. Whether I have the opportunity to shoot freestyle or will have to make it one handed, this gun is right on the target and true to aim. The smaller size makes it comfortable to conceal carry even in Barre and Pilates classes. (Yes, I have gone through multiple Barre and Pilates classes checking the comfort and conceal ability of this gun and it’s a keeper! What’s perhaps even more interesting is that no one has noticed in class – we need to be more situationally aware but I digress.)
How would you describe the recoil, is it manageable?
The recoil is extremely manageable which is important for an edc gun. I am able to get my sights back on target quickly and smoothly. The Shadow Systems CR920 shoots like a larger gun but is easier to conceal.
How does it fit your hand, are the controls of this gun easy to use? (Safeties,slide pull, magazine release, trigger pull, etc.)
The CR920 fits very well in my average sized female hand. I can easily manipulate it even with occasionally arthritic hands. I do prefer shooting with the extended magazines but can still easily get a full grip. The aggressive stippling are a definite advantage. Most of the time we tend to practice with proper grip, however, who says we get to shoot the ‘bad’ guy in ideal situations? The CR920 is easy enough to shoot accurately and manipulate with one hand with a little bit of practice.
Do you like the sights on this gun?
Yes! The CR920 has blacked out rear sights with the bright green tritium sights. I can see my front sight quickly and easily in all types of lighting or lack thereof. These sights are designed for quick placement in a defensive situation or for use in competitions.
How reliable is it?
The CR920 is extremely reliable and comparable to reliability of the Glock 43X. I have run close to 1000 rounds through it without any problems and in all types of weather. It’s important to know that in any situation, your edc firearm will work when needed. I ran this gun in the rain, dropped magazines on the ground while moving and then quickly brushed them off on my wet pants and reloaded. The cold or heat did not seem to affect it any more than my frozen fingers could shoot.
Any problems with any type of ammunition?
No problems with ammunition. I ran self-defense ammo, generic ammo from Bass Pro Shop and whatever we had around, as well as Boudreau’s Bullets home reloads without any problems. No stove pipes, double-feeds etc.
Was it easy to take down and clean?
The Shadow Systems CR920 is fairly simple and very similar to a Glock 43X as far as taking it apart and cleaning it goes. I do always get my husband to double check as I clean and reassemble but that’s more of a lack of confidence in my skills verses the ease of cleaning the firearm itself.
Is there anything you dislike about shooting this gun?
No – it’s a very sexy gun on top being super reliable and fun to shoot.
For someone considering this gun, what would you tell them?
The Shadow Systems CR920 is perfect for new shooters as well as competition shooters. The finer tuning of the gun all around helps with accuracy. Keep in mind there is no substitute to practicing on the range and dry fire at home, but with the Shadow Systems CR920, I know it has the reliability of a Glock but all the upgrades I wished my Glock had had.
Would you recommend this gun? If no, do you have a preferred gun?
As I’ve grown and matured in my firearm skills, I’ve also grown to appreciate a better grip, sights I can see quickly, a smoother trigger pull and the match grade barrel. The Shadow Systems CR920 shoots like a larger gun but is easier to conceal. The modest price increase is well worth it and this is the firearm I’ll be using to train with our children and students. No matter what your every day carry choice is, I hope to see you at the range practicing and stay safe! Check out the Shadow Systems CR920.
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