Good Action Pistol Gun

[crandress]

I have been zeroing in on a gun for a while now. I've tested all sorts of guns at the the local range I joined. I am going to start with one gun for multiple purposes (likely not CC, so size is not an issue) including trying out the Action Pistol cometition at the local range. I find that I like shooting 9mm the best and had decided to make a purchase with the guns I was focusing in on as follow, all in 9mm:

Beretta or Stoeger Cougar
Beretta 92FS
Beretta PX4 Storm
CZ 75B D
CZ SP-01 Phantom

I love the PX4 that I have tried and while I have not tried the Cougar, I understand it is basically the same as the PX4, but is an all metal gun, which I like the idea of since I won't be trying to carry.

Talking to a buddy yesterday who has shot Action Pistol, he said 9mm does not really have enough power for certain parts of the competion, like knocking bowling pins off the table, taking 3 shots often versus 1 or 2 for a 40 or 45. So do you guys agree?

I don't really like shooting 40's and for a 45 I figured at some point I would like a 1911, but they are more costly. So the main questions, can I get away with a 9mm or should I go for a 40 or 45? And if the larger calibers, what guns work best? I really do not like Glocks, so that is the only gun I will exclude, so please don't bother recommending those. I was trying to stay in the $500 range, so I think that excludes most decent 1911's.

I saw a Ruger P345, but have not held or fired one. It is is however a 45 in the price range.

Thanks for your help guys!

Chris

 

[tuj]

The STI Spartan is a great gun in the 1911 pattern out of the box with adjustable sights, very accurate for a $600 gun.

 

[coolluke01]

I shoot steel action. I use the G34 in 9mm. I know I know you don't like Glocks. The main thing I would look for in the guns you listed is the gun with the lowest bore axis. This will transfer most of the recoil into your hand and arms and not up and over. The lower bore axis will reduce muzzle flip and allow you to get back on target quicker.

Polymer guns are not just nice for CC. A lighter gun is easier to transition from one target to the next. In steel action shooting speed is king. Many times we require a double tap of a gong. That followup shot is very important. I've never done if better than with my G34.

9mm. I was shooting with 100 grn bullets last year. They were on the light side and I did have a few hangers. I switched to 124's and have never had a problem. Now someone with a .45 could maybe hit the edge and get the thing to fall where I would have to be a little bit more towards the middle. But the follow up shots are well worth using the 9mm. Bowling pins have never been a problem. Well, I can't say that. They are a pain to hit at 30 yards. lol. I have not found anything that my 9mm can't do that a .40 can. My 9mm is much faster to shoot than the .40. I think the .45 would even be easier to followup with than the .40.
Find a gun that feels good with a low bore axis in 9mm and you'll do just fine. You can even load the 9mm up a little if you need to and still be far more controllable than the .40.
The M&P might fit the bill for you. Feels good to hold. XD's suck. lol I had to.

 

[Justin]

There are a number of different action pistol sports you can take part in, and even within specific sports there can be divisions which may limit what kind of gun you can use.

If you're looking to get into shooting USPSA, IDPA, or Steel Challenge, it's best to attend a match or two and look at what other people are shooting. Also, go to the web pages for whichever sports you want to participate in, and take a look at the rules. They will all include breakdowns of the various divisions, and once you've decided on what division you want to participate in, you can use that as a guide to finding the right gun.

One of the mistakes that a lot of people make is that they go out and buy a gun that they think will make for a great competition pistol, and then find out that the rules of the sport put them in a division they don't want to participate in, or require them to shoot the gun in a particular way.

My recommendation for an entry-level action pistol gun would be to pick up a full-size, striker-fired 9mm like a Glock 17, S&W M&P, or Springfield XD.

With one of those guns, you'll be able to compete in USPSA Production Division, IDPA Stock Service or Enhanced Service Pistol Divisions, or Steel Challenge.

The reason I recommend a striker-fired gun is this: The rules of these sports will require you to shoot the gun in DA/SA mode, in other words, the hammer will have to be down for the first shot. While there's nothing wrong with this, it will present more of a learning curve, because you'll have to learn to hit your first shot out of the holster with a double action trigger pull, which can prove to be tricky in some situations. That said, there are a number of shooters who do this. I shot a CZ-85 in USPSA Production Division for several years before switching to an M&P.

For the bowling pin shoots that you mention, I'm not sure what to recommend, but my understanding is that sport favors hard-hitting guns shooting fairly stout loads as the pin has to fall off the table for it to count for score. If that's the route your interested in, check with your friend, attend a couple of matches, and see what other people are shooting.

 

[crandress]

Jusin,

Thanks, good recommendations all, though I have a question regarding a striker fired pistol, the M&P you use in particular. Aren't the M&Ps double action only though? Or is it not the same as the DA/SA is say a Beretta 92fs? I guess I don't see the advantage if its still double action.

I have fired and like the XDM 9mm, so may look at that in all calibers. I am also OK with the fact that a gun might not work out for everything. There seems to be a good trade and sale market around here. If a gun doesn't work, I buy a new one. I don't veiw it as a make or break decision. I understand the action pistol at my club is fairly lax, so I don't think it will be an issue, but I had intended on looking into other disciplined so I appreciate all your points.

Thanks - Chris

 

[David E]

Justin's post hit all the pertinent points.

I'll echo the M&P, Glock 17/34 and XD/XDM recommendations. All have better triggers than the ones you cite.

It sounds like you need to fire these before jumping on the DA/SA platforms.

The M&P may be marketed as DAO, but it's technically not.

 

[Justin]

Oh, one other thing I forgot to add to my original post.

Don't forget the other gear you'll need to compete. Whichever gun you buy will probably come with two magazines. Order at least four more for a total of six. Also, a good holster and four or five magazine carriers for your belt.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

As was said above, the striker fired pistols will service you better than the DA\SA guns. As a game gun, you'll see far more M&P's, Glocks and XD\XDM's than anything. That said, if one of the guns you listed strikes your fancy, use it! Just make sure it's approved for whatever sport{s} you want to participate in.
I'm a non conformist, I shoot my carry rig {DA\SA} S&W in USPSA.

BTW, I've never had a problem, whacking the hell out of a bowling pin with a 9mm. If you nick them, it won't matter what cal. it is. If you don't reload, as was said, get some 124gr ammo.

 

[SpentCasing]

I have shot many a IDPA matches with my Beretta 92. Not the best platform (im faster with a Glock) but definetly serviceable and works. If you have your heart set on a Beretta for comp I would suggest an Elite model or an A1 model for the adjustable front sight alone. Also see: Ben Stoeger http://benstoeger.com

Its about having fun after all and the Beretta will easily fit that bill if thats all you're after. Once you get more competitive ask/look what others are running and ask why or maybe even borrow theirs to see what ya think.

 

[armoredman]

I carry a Phantom, and think it is well suited for all kinds of duties. As for hammer down, a decocked CZ is at half cock, not full down. I don't shoot action pistol IDPA, USPA, or any other matches, (none close), so I don't know if the 'rules" mandated full down or decocked position. You could also go with a standard CZ 75B, not the D decocker model, and go from cocked and locked - I dimly remember that being an option when I shot IDPA style matches back many moons ago with an EAA Witness.
Go with what feels right and you can shoot well. Have fun!

 

[crandress]

Well, I bought the CZ Phantom in 9mm. I have put 150 rounds through it and I love it. Great shooter! Its also legal as a USPSA Production gun.

Thanks for all of your responses guys!

Chris

 

[mbopp]

I was looking for a 9mm or a .40. Tried Glocks, XD's, FNP-9 (very nice but few accessories available), S&W M&P (nice), but in the end I liked the CZ75 best. Now I have to save up for a Shadow....