What to get for IPSC matches?

If I were you, I'd go look for a G17 with the new RTF2 finish... oh, wait. That's what you have.

Why do you want another pistol that is just as perfectly suited to the task at hand as the one you already own?

You could look at an S&W M&P or Springfield xD, or quite a few other designs that would work just as well ... as what you already have.

Of course, if you want a new gun, that's fine. But you certainly don't need one.

There are lots of guns that fit in the "Production" class rules. There are some guns that seem to give you the most advantage, and they are generally the polymer framed, striker fired types. The Glock is probably just about the most popular, and it has tons of support, aftermarket parts & upgrades, etc.

I'd probably save my money for a gun to play in a different class if you want, but that's just my approach. You could always buy an M&P or something else good for Production just to see if you find you can shoot it better/faster.

Or just run what you've got. You'll never be "outgunned" with the Glock. Chances are, the guy who beats you is shooting one too ... and so is the guy you beat!

sell the 17, get a g26 and a g34, that way you can carry and compete and only buy one magazine

OR

hang onto the 17 and either buy a ton of ammo or buy a progressive press so you can really crank out the bullets

Keep the 17, buy more ammo/components and shoot more!

Maybe take a class with the money you save by not buying an unnecessary gun.

Forget buying stuff.
Practice and shoot just what you already have.
It's plenty good.
Doesn't the guy who wins big matches all the time use what you have?

If the current national champ is Dave Sevigny (either is, or was, or will be... probably all three) he shoots a G34 which is only VERY marginally better for competition than a G17.

I have competed in IPCS (USPSA) matches since 2008. I highly recommend that you DO NOT buy a new gun just to compete. The G17 is a perfect platform to get started on in production. Someone mentioned buying a progressive press, that is a great idea too. My oldest son competes with a G34, which is a G17 frame with a slighly longer barrel and slide.

Get a good competiton holster, like a Bladetech dropped and offset, some more mags, and a CR speed belt if you need to, but your G17 is perfect for what you are doing.

Your G17 will be just fine for Production division in IPSC / USPSA. A kydex holster & very stiff competition belt, plus mag holders are pretty well all you need. Gear made by Blade-Tech, CR-Speed & others will be very helpful and will add to your pleasure and safety.

To get good and place decently, what you really want to spend your money on is ammunition, lots of it. A well thought out regular pratice regimen is very useful. Also spend time going to as many formal matches and club practices as you can afford.

You will soon realize that though shooting accuracy and speed is very important, what is just as important is figuring out how to move/run through the 6 to 9 stages that make up a match. In these games, with a reliable HG such as your G17, strategy is everything.

Bottom line is that getting good takes time, not expensive gear.

edit: 5 mags is great! suggest you get a competition double belt such as made by CR-Speed or Double-Alpha, provided your holster and mag pouches fit on it.

Another USPSA/IDPA shooter here in support of keeping the G17. Though consider adding upgraded sights, a trigger job, and a good holster.

The only step up is to get a G34, M&P Pro, or XD Tactical which would add another inch of sight radius. That inch helps, won't make or break your match.

Go shoot, shoot lots, talk to people, try different guns. If you want something different, that's fine, get what makes you happy, but you don't need it.

I'm with everyone else here. Stick with what you have. Just get really good with it. If you get really good with your current setup, then a change in gear won't make that much of a difference along down the road

Hello Tim

Where in MN are you shooting an indoor IPSC match? I only know of the indoor IDPA mathes held at Bills. I am a long time shooter looking to get into IPSC and have no desire to shoot IPDA, any info would be greatly appreciated.

but for now I am just using the belt that holds up my pants.

Click to expand...

Take some money and buy a belt. Either a CR Speed, a 5 stitch instructor belt or a leather belt made for carrying a gun. A belt just to hold up your britches ain't gonna cut it.

I started with a G34, still use it from time to time, it is that much better of a shooter than the G17 in my experience. I recently (September) got an STI Trojan 9mm 1911, wow what a pistol for IPSC, my reloads were slow but practice and a magwell helped. You could keep the G17 and upgrade the sights, Glock sights are less than great. A trigger upgrade is a good idea for a G17/34 tooo much reset but my Trojan has one sweet trigger, right from thr box. i recently had an opportunity to shoot a CZ SP01 that came frome the Cz Custom Shop best DA trigger ever, and about 1/8" of reset in SA, wow! I would vote get a 1911, a Trojan can be had for less than $1050 with a fiber optic front sight.

if you just insist -- which is perfectly fine -- then buy a g35 or a S&W MP Pro 5" .40 cal. Then buy the 9mm conversion barrel. Yes the rule book worms will be typing in all caps here in the thread but odds are people won't notice, people won't care, and you will not gain any competitive edge. The beauty of the conversion platform is if "shtf" then you got 2 of the most popular calibers available... you can buy .40cal/9mm ammo anywhere --- I know, I know -- this is the competition shooting forum -- but why not have both a competition gun and a 2 caliber pistol that can be used if things got serious.

just my 2 cents...wait ..4 cents... I mentioned a gun that is 2 calibers.