Welcome back to Gun Industry Insider, where we bring you the latest developments shaping the firearms industry. I’m your host, Ray Toofan, and today is April 25, 2025. In this episode, we'll dive into the new CZ Shadow 2 Carry, a pistol that brings competition performance to everyday carry. Then, we'll explore the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a semi-automatic option for personal defense, and how it stacks up against the competition. Finally, we'll touch on Sig Sauer's latest California compliant releases and what they mean for the market. These aren’t just headlines—they’re insights that could shape your next move. Let’s get started.

The CZ Shadow 2 Carry is the latest addition to the Shadow 2 series, and it’s designed with a clear purpose: to bring the performance of a competition pistol into a package that’s practical for everyday carry. If you’re familiar with the Shadow 2 lineup, you know these pistols are built for accuracy and reliability, especially in competitive shooting. The Carry model takes that foundation and adjusts it for concealed carry and personal defense, making it a strong option for customers looking for a high-quality, versatile handgun.

So, what sets the CZ Shadow 2 Carry apart from the other models in the series, like the standard Shadow 2 and the Shadow 2 Compact? Let’s start with the standard Shadow 2. It’s a full-size pistol with a 4.89-inch barrel and a steel frame that weighs 46.5 ounces. That weight helps manage recoil, and its crisp trigger makes it a favorite for competition shooters. Then there’s the Shadow 2 Compact, released in 2023. It has a 4-inch barrel and an aluminum alloy frame, dropping the weight to about 30.4 ounces. It’s still excellent on the range but more manageable for carrying if needed.

The Shadow 2 Carry matches the Compact’s 4-inch barrel and aluminum frame, keeping the weight at around 30.4 ounces. But it’s not just a rehash of the Compact. The Carry replaces the manual safety with ambidextrous decocking levers and adds a firing pin block. This setup lets you safely lower the hammer, which is a practical choice for carry—it reduces the chance of an accidental discharge, especially in high-stress situations. The standard Shadow 2 and Compact stick with a manual safety, which some prefer for competition but might not be as intuitive for daily carry.

Another difference is the optics-ready slide. The Carry is milled for RMSc pattern red dots, like the Holosun 507K, and it co-witnesses with the factory sights without needing adapter plates. The Compact can handle optics too, but it generally requires an adapter plate. The standard Shadow 2, built more for competition, focuses on weight and stability rather than streamlined optics mounting for carry, although there is an optic ready variant, that again generally relies on adapter plates. Magazine capacity also varies slightly: the Carry and Compact both hold 15+1 rounds, while the standard Shadow 2 offers 17+1.

Price is worth noting too. The Shadow 2 Carry has an MSRP of $1,449, with a wholesale cost around $1,150. It’s a premium pistol, and that price reflects the quality and features, but it’s something to consider when positioning it for customers.

Now on to the pros and cons of the Shadow 2 Carry. Starting with the positives, its design prioritizes safety and functionality for carry. The decocking levers and firing pin block make it a reliable choice for anyone holstering it daily. The optics-ready slide is a real advantage—customers can mount a red dot directly, saving time and extra costs on adapters. And it keeps the Shadow 2 series’ reputation for accuracy and reliability, with a smooth trigger and comfortable grip that shooters appreciate.

On the downside, the $1,449 MSRP puts it above many other carry options, especially polymer-framed pistols that come in much cheaper. At 30.4 ounces, it’s lighter than the standard Shadow 2 but still heavier than polymer choices like the Glock 43X, Sig P365, or Springfield Hellcat. That extra weight might stand out after a full day of carrying. The 15+1 capacity is solid, but other pistols in this size range offer higher round counts, which could matter to certain buyers. Also, being a new release, aftermarket options like holsters or custom grips might lag a bit, though CZ’s popularity should close that gap quickly.

For shop owners, this pistol could be a great addition to your lineup, especially for customers who want a carry gun with competition-grade performance. The safety features and optics compatibility set it apart, and the higher price matches its premium build. When pitching it, you can point out how the direct optics mount cuts down on setup costs, and the decocking levers make it user-friendly for daily carry. Just be prepared to address the price and weight if customers bring them up.

Gunsmiths might see some opportunities too. The optics-ready slide means you can offer quick red dot installations, and the aluminum frame could be a good canvas for Cerakote or other finishes if your clients want something unique. Plus, since it’s built on the proven Shadow 2 platform, it should be dependable right out of the box, keeping initial tweaks to a minimum.

The CZ Shadow 2 Carry blends the best of the Shadow 2 series with features tailored for concealed carry. It’s not the lightest or most affordable option, but for those who value precision, safety, and quality, it’s a compelling choice. If you’re looking to stock something that stands out in the carry market, this pistol deserves a close look.

The next new product to talk about today is the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a semi-automatic, compact firearm designed for personal defense. It’s chambered in 12 gauge, has a 5+1 capacity, and offers two barrel lengths: 14 3/4 inches and 18 1/2 inches. It features a gas operated system, corrosion-resistant parts, and M-LOK slots for customization. Being classified as an "other firearm," it doesn’t require NFA paperwork, which makes transfers straightforward for shop owners and customers alike. Compared to other options in this category, it brings some distinct differences worth discussing.

Take the Mossberg 590 Shockwave, for example. That’s a pump-action firearm, while the 990 Aftershock runs semi-automatic. The semi-auto action means faster follow-up shots, which could matter a lot in a defensive situation. The Aftershock’s shortest barrel is 14 3/4 inches, just a bit longer than the Shockwave’s 14 3/8 inches, and it weighs 6 pounds compared to the Shockwave’s 5 1/4 pounds. 

You’ll also notice the Aftershock has a front fiber optic sight, which is easier to pick up quickly than the Shockwave’s bead sight. Then there’s the AfterShock grip, which is kind of like a tactical birdshead, and M-LOK slots—extras the Shockwave doesn’t have. So, if someone’s used to the Shockwave but wants something with more speed and modern touches, this could catch their eye.

Now, let’s look at the Remington Tac-13. Both it and the Aftershock are semi-automatic with a 5+1 capacity, but the Tac-13 has a 13-inch barrel and comes in lighter at 5.9 pounds. That makes it a little more compact than the Aftershock’s 14 3/4-inch version. The Tac-13 sticks with a bead sight and a birdshead pistol grip, while the Aftershock opts for the fiber optic sight and AfterShock grip. One big thing to note: the Tac-13 is tough to find these days because of production hiccups after Remington’s bankruptcy a few years ago. The Aftershock, being new and available, could fill that gap for customers looking for a semi-auto compact firearm. Those M-LOK slots and the fiber optic sight give it an edge in flexibility too.

So, what are the pros and cons of the 990 Aftershock? The semi-automatic action stands out—it’s fast, which is a real advantage when every second counts. The M-LOK slots mean you can add accessories like lights or lasers without much hassle, and that fiber optic sight helps with quick target acquisition. Testing shows it’s reliable overall, though early reports mentioned some ammo-specific issues that Mossberg sorted out. For shop owners, this could appeal to customers who want power in a small package, especially with the Tac-13 being scarce. 

The negatives are that it’s heavier and a touch longer than the Tac-13, which might bother someone prioritizing easy maneuverability. Also, the semi-auto system means more maintenance than a pump-action like the 590 Shockwave, especially if using dirty shotshell ammo. Gunsmiths might see these come in for cleaning or adjustments a bit more often as a result. Pricing sits at $775 wholesale without the Lasersaddle, $900 with it, and the MSRP is $1120 without, $1302 with. It’s a higher-end option, especially for a Mossberg, but the features justify it for someone who values performance over simplicity.

Finally, Sig Sauer just released California compliant versions of the P322 and M400 Tread, and while these might not matter to everyone, they’re worth a quick look if you’re in California or another state with similar rules. California’s firearm laws are strict—pistols need to be on a roster, and rifles can’t have certain features without being classified as so-called assault weapons. These new models are built to fit within those limits, so let’s break down what’s different.

The P322, a .22 LR pistol, normally comes with 20-round magazines, but for California, it’s down to 10 rounds. It keeps the optic-ready slide and fiber optic sights, and it’s on the state’s roster, which means it’s legal for sale there. The wholesale cost is $350, with an MSRP of $449 and a MAP of $399. 

For the M400 Tread, an AR-15, the changes are more noticeable. It has a fixed stock instead of adjustable, a featureless grip—no pistol grip that sticks out—and a 10-round magazine. It still has the 16-inch stainless barrel and M-LOK handguard. Wholesale is $850, MSRP is $1099.

These models are mainly for California, but other states with tough laws, like New York, Illinois, or Massachusetts, might have similar restrictions, so they could be relevant there too. If you’re a shop owner in one of those areas, these could fill a gap in your inventory. The P322’s price makes it a solid training option, and the M400 Tread offers a compliant AR without losing too much functionality. Just keep in mind, outside of those states, the standard versions will be a better sell since they don’t have the same limitations.

We’ve covered a lot today—the CZ Shadow 2 Carry, blending competition precision with carry convenience; the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, offering semi-automatic power for personal defense; and Sig Sauer’s California compliant P322 and M400 Tread. Got thoughts or topics you’d like us to look into? Email us at insider@gunindustryinsider.com or reach out on X at @GunInsider. Stay tuned for the next episode—we’ll bring you more updates that matter to your shop or sales calls. Thanks for listening. Until next time!