[Gergify]

So I'm seriously considering joining the IDPA. I'll never owned a handgun, only rifles and shotguns. I've shot multiple common models. I really like SIG models and Beretta M92s. I didn't like Glocks very much though. And 1911 models are alright.

I was wondering what other models are worth looking at. I have small hands, so thats a big factor.

I also something, utterly reliable. Something that'll take much abuse, and still last longer then me :p. Of course decent accuracy is also a must.

Finally what caliber should I look for? I plan on going into Police work and such, so I want something that is used commonly. However I want something that will have some power behind it. I was thinking 40 S&W. Good in between round no? What do you think?

[JImbothefiveth]

I think .40 actually has more recoil than .45 and 9mm.

[Gergify]

Oh really? I've only shot .45 and 9mm, so i can't compare.

Also my price limit is $600. I may be buying used.

[Schofield3]

AH you've answered your questions already - you like Sig's get a Sig, very good pistols, thinking 40 cal, sure! If you can shoot 40 cal comfortably and accurately get a 40 cal Sig.......................

[Gergify]

I sort of did, didn't I?

I was asking for any other handguns to check out that may suit me.

[Jim Watson]

In the order that I see suitable guns for police duty in IDPA (Very few PDs allow single action autos like 1911 for anybody but SWAT.)

Glock
XD
S&W Plastic M&P
Sig-Sauer
Other (Beretta, H&K, numbered S&Ws, CZ, TZ, Walther)

Get a full size 9mm. It will shoot more accurately than a compact, it will have less recoil than a .40, and will cost less for ammunition.

[Oro]

If you really want to compete in IDPA, the I'd also look at what platform/caliber the other people are using. Competition has a way of pointing out the better of the breed.

Also, if small hands are an issue, a single stack is going to be much more grip-friendly than any double stack, regardless of caliber. A 1911 with slim grips is VERY small hand friendly.

[orionengnr]

Not an IDPA competitor (maybe one day) but isn't the S&W 625 with moon clips an acceptable choice?

[Sam1911]

In my area the S&W M&P is just about taking over. I think I see another shooter switch to one every week! Several, in fact, the top three competitive shooters I get to watch or shoot with on any kind of regular basis shoot M&Ps now. In fact, one of them took Division Champion in CDP with an M&P at Nationals last year.

I don't own one. But it *REALLY* seems like S&W really nailed it with that gun.

If you are just entering IDPA and you don't have strong preferences for a handgun, I'd buy a 9mm M&P or maybe M&P Pro, and spend the next year learning to make that gun run. You could spend a LOT more and not do as well.

Good luck! And, which ever you choose, get involved, shoot often, be safe.

-Sam

EDIT: And, where are you located?

[Sam1911]

isn't the S&W 625 with moon clips an acceptable choice?

Sure is! You'd be shooting in Enhanced Service Revolver (ESR) and you can use ball ammo that makes 165,000 power factor. (230 gr. bullet X 718 fps = 165,000)

-Sam

[Jim Watson]

Or a Colt, Ruger, or Smith .38/.357 and a hatfull of speedloaders.
Ex-cop revolvers are inexpensive.
The learning curve is a bit more gradual, DA shooting is an art all its own.

[10-Ring]

As a game gun, I'd go w/ a Glock 19 -- for something I'd use as a carry gun / range / IDPA, I'd go commander sized 45acp
have fun!

[bpl]

M&P in 9mm would be my choice for a starter handgun and definitely if it will be used for IDPA.

[Dr.Rob]

Sig 226 is my fave of that brand, police trade are out there for half the price of a new one.

[JoeSlomo]

Check out the springer XD and the Smith M&P models in the full size 9mm variety.

Both would be an outstanding choice for starting in IDPA, and both are used by some LEO departments.

Both are relatively inexpensive and reliable, and 9mm is cheaper than .40 and .45.

The XD comes as a package with some mags, and a holster, so the only thing you would really need are mag carriers as the ones included with the pistol are not IDPA legal due to being angled.

Glock would be another choice as well, but you said you don't much care for them.

A full size 9mm is VERY user friendly and makes recoil management less challenging.

.40 cal has a "sharper" recoil impulse than both 9mm and .45 imo, but it depends on how you load the rounds. Some like the "sharp / snappy" recoil, some don't. I like the smooth jackhammer type of recoil found in the .45.

[LCTitan]

Glock 17 or 34 would be a great investment for IDPA!

[Sam1911]

The XD comes as a package with some mags, and a holster, so the only thing you would really need are mag carriers as the ones included with the pistol are not IDPA legal due to being angled.

I have seen this reported as being an issue at some major matches. I wanted to know "for sure" so I could advise my shooters and folks coming to shoot my matches. We checked them with a finely graduated protractor / angle-finder and determined that they are not angled over 10 degrees, and thus are legal.

They are set up to hold the mags angled apart from each other, which makes one of them point backwards a bit, which might not be quite as quick to draw as a "real" competitor might like -- so there is a reasonable reason not to use them, I guess.

BUT, they are NOT illegal for IDPA.

-Sam

P.S. -- If information has been passed down from IDPA HQ officially declaring them to be illegal, I'd like to see it, but they do not violate the terms of Section E, 1, F of the rule book.