CCW vs competition pistol

bikerguy302 · Oct 23, 2020

Hi guys. I’m a new gun owner and bought a S&W Victory 0.22 as my first pistol. Been doing some training, target shooting and even did 3 matches with the local IDPA group, which has been a ton of fun and I’m learning a lot from the guys and gals there and improving my speed and accuracy. I plan to go back at least 2-3 times per month with IDPA since I’m really enjoying it. Having only a 0.22, I can only “compete” in the NFC category since 9mm is the smallest caliber allowed for official competition.

I want to make a 9mm my next gun purchase but need some advice. Is it possible to find a gun that I can use for Concealed carry and also be used for these IDPA events. I’m considering a CZ-P10C {if I can find one). My dilemma is I’m kinda spoiled with the 0.22 with its low recoil and easy handling. My trainer said I’m quite good at handling my firearm and that I seemed very comfortable with it. If I get a smaller pistol for a CCW, it may be difficult for me to handle the much higher recoil and compete reasonably well in IDPA. If I go for a larger pistol (5.5 inch barrel let’s say) or a heavier / metal pistol more suited to competition, it’ll help as a competition pistol since it’ll be more accurate and have less recoil, but it may be difficult to carry regularly.

My question is can I find a gun somewhere in the middle that can serve both needs? Or am I kidding myself and the two needs are too different to have one gun for both CCW and competition and I’ll just have to buy two guns? But then using only the competition pistol won’t give me the training time on the CCW pistol to allow me to be comfortable with if the time ever comes when I need to use it while carrying?

Your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.

Chaz

StrawHat · Oct 23, 2020

Ross Seyfried won quite a few titles with his carry pistols and holster. I am not fluent with self loaders but a 9mm in the 1911 would be a decent and light recoiling pairing. I have and enjoy shooting a HiPower but they are not often seen in competition. I am sure some of the S&W models would fill both roles, perhaps a 639 or similar.

Kevin

Old Dog · Oct 23, 2020

bikerguy302 said:
Is it possible to find a gun that I can use for Concealed carry and also be used for these IDPA events.

Some may find the steel or alloy framed hammer fired DA/SA pistols fine for one or the other, but not both. For both, you may be looking for a polymer-framed striker-fired pistol.

I've seen more than a few S&W M&P-9 2.0 Compacts at one of my local IDPA events. This pistol seems to be at the sweet spot for weight, size, concealability and shootability in competition.

Glock 19s are hugely popular in IDPA and easily carried.

The SIG P-320 Carry or Compact is another option.

CZ has some nice options in this arena, as do Walther and HK.

Honestly, too many choices. You'll want to find a rental range with a good selection. What someone else tells you is a great choice might not work for you.

Hokie_PhD · Oct 23, 2020

I have a 5” M&P for my 3 Gun pistol. But my EDC is now a 4” M&P compact.

I agree with the Old Dog, the M&P Compact would be an excellent choice.

personally I love mine. Ironically I find it easier to carry than the subcompacts that’s I used as EDC before getting it. So while it’s bigger and heavier, I still find it more comfortable. And it shoots a zillion times better.

JJFitch · Oct 23, 2020

Before buying any firearms for IDPA check the several classifications for specific barrel, caliber and action type and capacities.

Lots of options in the 9mm, 4 inch barrel, high capacity modern striker fired pistols for both IDPA and EDC!

Smiles,

murf · Oct 23, 2020

bikerguy302 said:
Hi guys. I’m a new gun owner and bought a S&W Victory 0.22 as my first pistol. Been doing some training, target shooting and even did 3 matches with the local IDPA group, which has been a ton of fun and I’m learning a lot from the guys and gals there and improving my speed and accuracy. I plan to go back at least 2-3 times per month with IDPA since I’m really enjoying it. Having only a 0.22, I can only “compete” in the NFC category since 9mm is the smallest caliber allowed for official competition.

I want to make a 9mm my next gun purchase but need some advice. Is it possible to find a gun that I can use for Concealed carry and also be used for these IDPA events. I’m considering a CZ-P10C {if I can find one). My dilemma is I’m kinda spoiled with the 0.22 with its low recoil and easy handling. My trainer said I’m quite good at handling my firearm and that I seemed very comfortable with it. If I get a smaller pistol for a CCW, it may be difficult for me to handle the much higher recoil and compete reasonably well in IDPA. If I go for a larger pistol (5.5 inch barrel let’s say) or a heavier / metal pistol more suited to competition, it’ll help as a competition pistol since it’ll be more accurate and have less recoil, but it may be difficult to carry regularly.

My question is can I find a gun somewhere in the middle that can serve both needs? Or am I kidding myself and the two needs are too different to have one gun for both CCW and competition and I’ll just have to buy two guns? But then using only the competition pistol won’t give me the training time on the CCW pistol to allow me to be comfortable with if the time ever comes when I need to use it while carrying?

Your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.

Chaz

get used to the recoil. if you don't overcome this fear, you will always have that handicap hanging over your head when shooting. you can't get rid of recoil, so get your 9mm and a bunch of ammo and start getting used to recoil. start with a firm grip and a locked wrist.

oh, and you will enjoy shooting a lot more when that fear disappears.

luck,

murf

couldbeanyone · Oct 23, 2020

Get a 3 1/2- 4 inch barreled gun that you would like for concealed carry from any major brand(Glock, Smith, Walter, etc.), then go shoot and ignore everyone's insistence that you buy this, change that. If it is a good concealed carry rig it will be a loooong time, if ever, before the gun is ever what is holding you back.

ugaarguy · Oct 23, 2020

Old Dog nailed it. There are numerous Glock 19 / M&P Compact / 1911 Commander size pistols on the market, that you can shoot in the stock divisions of IDPA and USPSA. My hands need a longer grip, so I went with the Glock 19X, which is pretty close in size to the standard M&P 2.0 with 4.25" bbl. If you're handling a .22 LR pistol well, you'll be fine with a 9mm. Yes, it'll have a little more recoil, but you'll get used to it quickly. You're not stepping up to a .454 Casull or .500 S&W revolver.

Terry G · Oct 23, 2020

I am definitely biased, but for both you interest's I would suggest a CZ 75b or compact 75. They're all metal guns that soak up 9MM recoil and are accurate right out of the box. With a good holster you will never notice the weight or size. If you choose polymer you won't go wrong with the P-10C, but I think the 75's will fill your needs better.

Spats McGee · Oct 23, 2020

You've discovered The Great Dilemma of CCW. Big guns are easier to shoot well, but harder to conceal. Small guns are are easier to conceal, but harder to shoot well.

Old Dog said:
Some may find the steel or alloy framed hammer fired DA/SA pistols fine for one or the other, but not both. For both, you may be looking for a polymer-framed striker-fired pistol.

I've seen more than a few S&W M&P-9 2.0 Compacts at one of my local IDPA events. This pistol seems to be at the sweet spot for weight, size, concealability and shootability in competition.

Glock 19s are hugely popular in IDPA and easily carried.

The SIG P-320 Carry or Compact is another option.

CZ has some nice options in this arena, as do Walther and HK.

Honestly, too many choices. You'll want to find a rental range with a good selection. What someone else tells you is a great choice might not work for you.

I agree that @Old Dog nailed it. Look for something in the 3.5"-4" barrel range, but don't let 0.1" either way rule out an otherwise good pistol. Get the action you like (hammer, striker, SA, DA, etc.). All of them have their advantages and trade-offs. IMHO, that 3.5"-4" is the sweet spot for versatility, and there's a reason that pistols in that 'class' are so popular.

DairyVet · Oct 23, 2020

The other thing to consider is how competitive do you want to be in idpa? One guy that competes in USPSA locally used his Glock 43 to compete for a year. He wasn’t a contender to win production class, but he was darn competent with his carry pistol. I’m not familiar with IDPA divisions specifically.

Any choice for both rolls will be a compromise in one direction or the other. A double-stack compact or sub-compact is a reasonable option if the priority is concealed carry. AIf striker-fired is your preference there are about a billion options currently, but availability is hit or miss in the current market. If DA/SA look at CZ, Beretta PX4, or the oddball Walther P99 families of pistols.

9mmepiphany · Oct 24, 2020

If you like the feel of your Victory, you might go to the gunstore and see if you like the feel of the S&W M&P9...then pick the size you'd feel comfortable using for CCW.

In my mind the one pistol that answers this never ending question is the SIG 320. With a basic SIG FCU (Fire Control Unit), you can choose between 4 slide/barrel lengths and 3 grip lengths (each in 3 different sizes) ...or you can mix-n-match them however you'd like. For IDPA, you can go from the Compact in CCP, to the X-Five in SSP or ESP...you can even add a red dot and shoot in CO. The hot SIG 320 right now in IDPA and USPSA is the X-Five Legion which has a tungsten infused polymer frame.

With all these options, you just switch your FCU around and keep the same trigger feel and controls

Mike .45 · Oct 24, 2020

I would lean toward the Glock 19 for a do all pistol.

The aftermarket support for Glock is 2nd to none. They come with 3 magazines not 2 and the magazines are quite a bit less expensive than other manufacturers. You will have no trouble finding holsters, mag pouches, sights or anything else.

CCW vs competition pistol

bikerguy302

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ugaarguy

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