⏱️ 8 min read | Buyer's Guide | Updated November 2024

Why Choose a Dovetail Red Dot Mount for Your CZ Shadow 2 (When Not Optics Ready)

You have a standard CZ Shadow 2 (not the OR model) and want to add a red dot sight. You have three options: spend $300-500 on slide milling and wait 2-4 weeks, buy a new optics-ready pistol for $2,000+, or install a dovetail mount yourself in 10 minutes for $99.99.

For most CZ Shadow 2 owners, the dovetail mount is the smart choice. This comprehensive guide explains why dovetail mounts make sense for non-optics-ready CZ Shadow 2 pistols, what to expect, and how to choose the right one.

💰 Cost Comparison: Dovetail Mount vs Alternatives

Option	Cost	Time	Reversible	Pros
Dovetail Mount	$99.99	10 mins	✅ Yes	DIY, no mods, cheap
Slide Milling	$300-500	2-4 weeks	❌ No	Lowest profile
Buy CZ Shadow 2 OR	$2,000+	Immediate	N/A	Factory solution

Dovetail Mount Savings: $200-400 vs slide milling | $1,900+ vs buying new pistol

🎯 Why Dovetail Mounts Make Sense for Standard CZ Shadow 2

If you have a standard CZ Shadow 2 (not the OR model), you're looking at these realities:

• Your slide isn't milled for optics
• Slide milling costs $300-500 and takes 2-4 weeks
• Milling is permanent and reduces resale value
• You might not be 100% sure which optic you want long-term
• You want to start shooting with a red dot NOW, not in a month

Dovetail mounts solve all these problems. They use your existing rear sight dovetail—a feature already on your pistol—to provide a mounting platform for red dots. No milling, no waiting, no permanent modifications.

✅ 7 Key Advantages of Dovetail Mounts

1. No Permanent Slide Modification

Your slide remains factory original. This preserves resale value and gives you the option to return to iron sights anytime. For shooters who aren't 100% committed to red dots long-term, this flexibility is invaluable.

2. Dramatically Lower Cost

Dovetail mount: $99.99 vs Slide milling: $300-500

That's $200-400 in savings you can put toward a better optic, ammunition for practice, or other upgrades like a tungsten guide rod or brass grips.

3. DIY Installation in 10-20 Minutes

No gunsmith required. With basic tools (sight pusher or brass punch), you can install a dovetail mount yourself in about 10-20 minutes. Slide milling requires shipping your slide to a gunsmith and waiting 2-4 weeks.

4. Try Multiple Optics Without Commitment

Universal dovetail mounts accept multiple footprints (RMR, RMS, Venom, Holosun). You can test different optics to find your preference without buying new mounts or re-milling your slide.

5. Immediate Availability

Order today, install tomorrow. No waiting weeks for milling work. Perfect for shooters who have a match coming up or want to start training with red dots immediately.

6. Maintains Factory Warranty

Since dovetail mounts don't permanently modify your pistol, they typically don't void manufacturer warranties. Slide milling often does.

7. Competition Legal

Dovetail mounts are legal in IPSC Standard Division and USPSA Production Optics. The slight height difference vs milled slides doesn't affect competitive performance for most shooters.

⚖️ Dovetail Mount vs Slide Milling: Honest Comparison

Let's be honest about the trade-offs. Dovetail mounts aren't perfect—they have advantages and disadvantages vs slide milling:

🔍 Optic Compatibility: Which Red Dots Work?

Boss Components dovetail mounts accept these popular optic footprints:

🔧 Installation Process Overview

Installing a dovetail mount is straightforward. Here's the basic process:

1. Remove rear sight: Use sight pusher or brass punch (push right to left)
2. Clean dovetail: Remove oil and debris with solvent
3. Install mount: Slide mount into dovetail (left to right)
4. Secure with set screws: Apply thread locker and torque to spec
5. Attach optic: Mount your red dot to the plate
6. Zero and test: Confirm zero holds through 50-100 rounds

Total time: 10-20 minutes | Tools needed: Sight pusher or brass punch, screwdrivers, thread locker

→ Read our detailed installation guide

📊 Performance Expectations

What to Expect from a Quality Dovetail Mount

• Zero retention: Should hold zero for 1,000+ rounds with proper installation
• Recoil handling: Quality mounts handle 9mm recoil without issues
• Durability: Hard anodised finish resists wear and corrosion
• Sight height: Approximately lower 1/3 co-witness height
• Competition use: Fully legal and competitive in IPSC/USPSA

Real-World Performance

Thousands of IPSC Standard Division and USPSA Production Optics shooters use dovetail mounts successfully. The performance difference vs milled slides is negligible for all but the highest-level competitors.

⚠️ Limitations to Be Aware Of

Dovetail mounts aren't perfect. Here are the honest limitations:

1. You Lose Your Rear Iron Sight

The mount replaces your rear sight, so you can't co-witness with irons. However, the mount is reversible—you can reinstall your factory sight anytime.

2. Slightly Higher Than Direct Milling

Dovetail mounts sit 2-4mm higher than direct milling. For most shooters, this doesn't affect performance, but it's worth noting.

3. Requires Proper Installation

While DIY-friendly, dovetail mounts must be installed correctly with thread locker and proper torque. Improper installation can lead to zero loss.

4. Not Quite as "Clean" Looking

Direct milling looks more integrated. Dovetail mounts are visible as an add-on. If aesthetics matter to you, this might be a consideration.

🎯 Choosing the Right Dovetail Mount

Quality Factors to Look For

• Material: CNC-machined billet aluminium (6061 or 7075)
• Finish: Type III hardcoat anodised for durability
• Fit: Designed specifically for CZ Shadow 2 dovetail dimensions
• Hardware: Stainless steel screws with proper thread locker
• Compatibility: Accepts multiple optic footprints for flexibility
• Manufacturer: Reputable brand with proven track record

Why Choose Boss Components?

• ✓ Australian-made precision manufacturing
• ✓ CNC-machined from billet aluminium
• ✓ Type III hardcoat anodised finish
• ✓ Designed specifically for CZ Shadow 2
• ✓ Accepts RMR, RMS, Venom, and Holosun footprints
• ✓ Competition-proven by IPSC shooters
• ✓ Includes all mounting hardware
• ✓ Detailed installation instructions