Started IPSC in 2000 with a P14 that I had built up as a carry gun eight years before that. Ran it for a year out of a Dillon leather holster, then switched to a Limcat. Changed to a fiber optic front sight after six months, switched the left side narrow thumb safety out for an extra-wide version around the same time.
Won a 6-inch "Fat Free .40" STI from Triangle Shooting Sports at the Texas State Limited in 2001.
Started shooting that instead of the P14 and watched my scores jump 10%.
Bought an Open STI last year. Went up two classes in four months. I like Open...
Did about the same thing with AR's in USPSA 3-Gun. Started with a Bushy M4 and a Reflex 2. Upgraded a year later to a Bang Inc. comp and a Trijicon NSN01 4-power. Upgraded a year after that to a AR of my own production (18" .750 with a JP tank brake, OKO on the handguard, Leupold 1.5-5 on a LaRue base, 2 pound single stage trigger, ACE SOCOM stock)...and watched my finish at the Texas State 3-Gun go from middle of the pack to 3rd in the State (and 4th in NM this year, come to think of it).
Haven't messed with my IDPA gear, but I don't play that game much (I still practice, after all, and IDPA stands for I Don't Practice Anymore)
SSP: Mostly stock G22 (Vanek Trigger, Sidearmor holster...I second the "love dem holsters" post).
ESP: My carry gun, dumbed down for IDPA. STI Commander in 9 by 23 with the light 8lb spring so it will run 9mm wusstacular ammo instead of 9 Supercomp, 10 rounds instead of the 18 that fit in the flush-fit magazines).
CDP: Wilson CQB with the factory flaws corrected
Revolver: 4" 625 with Bang grips, fiber front sight, and a double-action-only rebuild.
Alex