Help me start

[azhunter12]

Hi. I'm interested in shooting in some competitions. I want to do pistol competitions. The sport also has to be 14 y/o friendly. So what pistol would be good for doing competitions and what competition (i.e. ispsc, uspsa, idpa, gssf)? I'd like to keep the pistol under $400.Thanks. AZhunter12

 

[Thernlund]

A police trade-in Glock would hit your price point and probably be very acceptable for comp shooting.

As far as what comps, I don't know. I don't compete right now. One day when I have time.


-T.

 

[Jim Watson]

If you want to shoot GSSF, it has to be a Glock.
A G17 will get you into that and all the other events you list.

By the way, if you are in the USA, you will be shooting about 99% USPSA, if you are elsewhere you will be shooting only IPSC. USPSA is the US "region" of IPSC but has its own rules. Kind of like not playing soccer much here, you know.

You can shoot IDPA events from age 12, parent or guardian in attendance.
USPSA has a good Junior program; no age limits, but you must show you can handle the gun and the match stress safely. Don't know about GSSF.

www.idpa.com
www.uspsa.org
www.gssfonline.com

 

[SR_]

What do you mean when you say: "The sport also has to be 14 y/o friendly"?

If you're under a specified age (you'll need to check but generally 18) you need to be with your parent or guardian. I know that both IDPA and IPSC are friendly to youth participants. (You will have to see what the rules are at your local range).

 

[neededausername]

I shoot steel target silhouette with a Ruger Mark III (about $280). It's not an action discipline, but it's a lot of fun. How many people can really say they shoot their .22lr accurately at 60yds? Just something to check out.

 

[eflatminor]

Get a 1911 I say

For $400 you can get a basic .45 (or.40 cal) 1911, either a new Springfield or Colt or something used. I'd recommend this for two reasons:
1) It's the most friendly platform to improve upon and if you get into competition, you'll eventually want a trigger job, better sites, accurization, etc. Lots of easily accessible parts and pistolsmiths to work on a 1911 over time; and
2) A 1911 will work in USPSA (Single Stack Division), IPDA, Steel and Bullseye, though not gssf, which is for Glocks only.

 

[OH25shooter]

I paid $450 for a new XD Tactical that I use in USPSA and IDPA. As stated before, many gunstores sell used LEO trade-ins for under $400.00. They may look dirty, but they function. I'd also suggest you check the IDPA/USPSA sport website and look at the division you'd like to compete in. Then check the list of firearms permitted. Don't forget you'll need the approved holster and mag holders as well.

 

[testar77]

How many people can really say they shoot their .22lr accurately at 60yds?

Most Bullseye Shooters (granted it is at 50yds, but I doubt 10yds would make too much difference)

 

[harbinger_j]

I wouldn't buy a gun before finding out where you can shoot, how often you will be able to compete and what competition you will be into the most.

Try to find someone who will let you try their set up (gun, mags, holster, etc.) try out the competition with something you already have or can use. then after a few times you will see whether you want a glock or 1911, or God forbid something else!