I want to shoot competition pistol, what gun to buy?

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A Glock 17 will kick you around less and 9mm ammunition is less expensive ...
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I agree with Jim completely and the only reason I mentioned the G22 is that the OP mentioned one by name.

A G17 (or 19) would be an even better choice.
 
Ok everyone has given me a lot of information about guns etc. But I have called around to all of the local gun shops, and I am having trouble finding a used service pistol. So my question is is there any competitions where I could use a S&W Sigma 9mm?
 
You can shoot a Sigma in about anything that you would use a Glock for, it is just considered a cheaper gun. (Except GSSF of course.)

I strongly suggest you get out and about and see what is being done in your area before you spend your limited funds.
 
I did some research and I can't find any competitions for that in my area though.
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Did you go to both of these sites and utilize their "Club Finder" feature?

www.uspsa.org

www.idpa.com

If you can't find anything PM your zip code to me and I'll see what's close for you.
 
I would stay away from the glock for competition just in case you start casting you own bullets(glocks dont like lead bullets). I would stick to traditional rifled barrels(Glock Polygonal rifling)

1k bullets reloaded from cast(assuming you only pay for primers,swept brass,free wheelweights) = ~$35
If you cannot find a free lead source it will cost around $70 per 1k plus your time.

1k bullets fmj purchased ~250-300

Something to think about if your going to be shooting alot

I would personally choose the M&P over the XD but really it doesn't matter much.
 
I would stay away from the glock for competition just in case you start casting you own bullets(glocks dont like lead bullets).
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This is somewhat hotly debated, and probably not a very good reason to avoid the Glock. IF you ever decide to make the investment into reloading (which I highly reccommend), and you want to use lead bullets (I do, it is cheaper), you can always buy a drop-in replacement barrel with cut rifling for about $100. IF you decide to worry about the lead issue at all.

You could shoot the Sigma in competition if you want. No problems really beyond lack of aftermarket parts & accessories and some have reported that they have very poor triggers. It probably wouldn't be a gun you'd shoot for years of competition like the Glock, M&P, or xD, but it might open the door to competition for you.

If you can't find any used Glocks, M&Ps, or xDs in your area, there are online sources that can ship one to your dealer.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

http://www.jgsales.com/ -- Used 17s and 19s at $450, Used 22s at $399 (plus shipping and transfer of course).
 
I was wondering about buying online, but I don't know the laws or anything for this.
 
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I was wondering about buying online, but I don't know the laws or anything for this.
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It isn't very complicated. Once you pick out what you want you talk to your local dealer about doing the transfer. You pay the company selling the gun and your dealer sends them a copy of his FFL (or otherwise verifies his license with them) and they send the gun to him. When the gun arrives, he does the 4473 transfer form with you at his shop.

Usually a dealer will charge $20-$50 for the transfer, and there is generally a shipping charge to be paid as well.

On-line sales can be a bargain, especially if you really can't find what you're looking for in your area, but you always have to calculate shipping and transfer costs into the deal.

Many dealers would generally prefer to sell you a gun he has than do a transfer, and most have a network of suppliers and dealer friends that they can tap to find something you might be looking for -- plus they get lots of used guns coming into their shops every week -- so make sure yours knows what you're looking for and your price range. If they know you're serious about buying, a good dealer will help you find what you need.
 
When the gun arrives, he does the 4473 transfer form with you at his shop.
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An additional clarifying point here: Paying an on-line dealer doesn't yet mean "owning and pocessing". If your state requires you to have a purchase permit or concealed carry license to buy a handgun, you'll need to provide this to your FFL before you can own the gun and take possession. If you need a permit, then, I'd strongly recommend taking care of that before you buy on-line. It can be a mess if you discover you can't get a permit for some reason after you paid for it and it shipped to the FFL.
 
Good news guys, I found a club that hosts pistol shoots regularly, and there only about 30 minutes away from me. this is the website, http://www.pardoesportsmens.com/ just in case your curious enough to take a look. I emailed the club president, and he said they where having a shoot this sunday, so I think I will go to it and see what everyone is shooting.
 
This is somewhat hotly debated, and probably not a very good reason to avoid the Glock. IF you ever decide to make the investment into reloading (which I highly reccommend), and you want to use lead bullets (I do, it is cheaper), you can always buy a drop-in replacement barrel with cut rifling for about $100. IF you decide to worry about the lead issue at all.
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I know its only $100 more for a lone wolf barrel but when we are comparing very similar firearms(XD,GLOCK,M&P) you really have to split hairs to choose as they are all good quality firearms.

IMO adding even $100 to the cost would help me choose.

You could also argue that you can shoot lead through a polygonal glock barrel. I shot about 1k lead rounds through my G26 but cleaning it was a pain.
 
obsessedwithrc said:
I found a club that hosts pistol shoots regularly
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Exactly what type of a match are you going to? IPSC/USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge, ect...

There is a ton of different flavors of matches out there.
 
Mr. RC, congrats on finding a place to shoot. You'll like those 'poppers'. They're as much fun as shooting at old Christmas ornaments with a BB Gun. :D
That location sure looks pretty compared to Texas' -dry, hot, no shade, but in the winter I have to wear long sleeves--sometimes.:evil:

Keep looking, there's probably some USPSA Action shooting around too.

Enjoy
 
Exactly what type of a match are you going to? IPSC/USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge, ect...
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He said this:
I emailed the club president, and he said they where having a shoot this sunday, so I think I will go to it and see what everyone is shooting.
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I looked up the club and they list an "Action Pistol" match for this Sunday. I assume that's NRA Action Pistol. Here's a page on the events that make up that discipline: http://www.nrahq.org/compete/actionpistol.asp

I've never shot it, but it looks like a pretty decent basic skills test. Should be fun!

Ezra, too bad you're all the way out west! I can recommend a LOT of clubs from Altoona, east, to do some great IDPA or USPSA shooting, but I've only gotten to shoot at one club out sort of your way (Castlewood Rod and Gun Club, Shaffer Road, (POB 7411) Ellwood City, PA).
 
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"...not really interested in revolvers..." The type of competitive shooting you're interested in still applies. 9mm's aren't bullseye target pistols, but are IPSC/IDPA with penalties for some odd reason(both were started by 1911 shooters).
"...because of my budget..." You're not alone there. Buying 'used' isn't a bad thing. Takes a lot of abuse to damage a modern pistol. They're not like used cars. However, that pistol has to fit your hand to be able to shoot it well. Pop into your local gun shop and try a few 9mm's on for size. Don't get married to one make either.
"...can't find any competitions for that in my area though..." Usually bullseye shooting clubs. Lots of fun with good people. Join a club anyway. All kinds of doors open when you belong to one of 'em.
 
9mm's aren't bullseye target pistols
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Not sure what you're getting at there. The Army Marksmanship Unit certainly does well with accurized M9 (Beretta 92F) service pistols in 9mm.

"We're getting all of our guns to generally shoot less than 1-1⁄2 inches at 50 yards for a 10-shot group (with the competition rounds)," says Sgt. First Class Jason St. John, ... now the non-commissioned officer in charge of the USAMU's service pistol team."
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They are legal for Bullseye service pistol matches. :confused:

but are IPSC/IDPA with penalties for some odd reason(both were started by 1911 shooters).
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I think you're getting at the major/minor classification system used in USPSA/IPSC.

IDPA has no such classification. A 9mm is at no disadvantage at all in the classes in which it plays (SSP, ESP) in IDPA.
 
Yes but he is not going to get a Sams Beretta on a Sigma budget.
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Probably not any Beretta! :)

My point was only to illustrate that it is inappropriate to suggest that "9mms aren't bullseye target pistols" as if they were all the same thing and/or not acceptable for that use.
 
but are IPSC/IDPA with penalties for some odd reason(both were started by 1911 shooters).
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A good shooter who shoots both 22rimfire and 40 cal/45acp/MPF will almost invariably shoot faster and more accurately with the 22rimfire. 22lr are also in a "different classification" but not "penalized" for anything.

I'd personally rather have a Sigma and compete, than 'wish' I had a custom $3K gun and just watch.
 
The best thing I think you could do is go to a match at the club you mentioned, introduce yourself and explain your interest. All of the guns mentioned here are suitable for you but you need to find what you can shoot the best and afford. Talk to the folks there and see if you can find people who would let you shoot a few rounds from guns you find interesting. For instance Glocks are great guns, so is the M&P and also the XD. I own all of them but the one I shoot the best and compete with is the M&P. It is a very personal decision - Glocks are probably the most prevalent (and customizible) guns you will encounter but they have a very aggressive grip angle which works for a lot of people. However many others find it uncomfortable so before sinking money into a gun try to shoot as much variety as you can. Also in talking to people at a match you are likely to find guns and gear for sale. You will need to practice so another thing to consider is where. If you have a place that is great if not you might want to consider joining a club and in looking for a club consider that the closest one may not be the best. Many have very restrictive rules as to the kind of shooting you can do. Don't overlook the S&W and Ruger semiautos - there are a lot of them on the used market. Sigmas are cheap but tend to have difficult triggers. The P89 and P94 are IMHO under rated guns which are durable, accurate and affordable. The SR9 is also gaining popularity. There are also quite a few 9mm and .40 S&W law enforcement trade-ins on the market at great prices. Take a look on the auction sites like Gunbroker and you will get ideas about what is available and their relative values.
 
I'd agree with the others - 9mm is what you want, Glock or similar. Personally I would say a Glock 17, as they are reasonably priced and there are so many accessories/holsters/mags etc readily available. Plus, they flawlessly shoot any old cheap'n'nasty ammo you care to use - so you can use Brown Bear/Wolf at $160ish per 1000 rounds - both of which are plenty accurate for IPSC type matches.
 
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