LiveLife
Member
Not at all. Drop in a Lone Wolf 40-9 conversion barrel and you are good to go for USPSA shooting 9mm (but not for IDPA).
I want to shoot competition pistol, what gun to buy?
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rellascout
member
Right thus defeating the entire point of buying an inexpensive LEO trade in. Its not that you cannot do it but if shooting competition at the lowest possible cost a conversation barrel is not the answer.
Not that there is anything wrong with shooting 40 S&W it is simply not my personal caliber choice. I no longer own any 40 S&W. Again nothing more than personal preference.
usmc1371
Member
I got started in IPSC almost on accident. I was at the public range in Yuma AZ shooting my shiny new Glock 35 at some bowling pins about 50 yds away when a guy walked over and asked me if I had ever shot IPSC? I says no. He told me that they were setting up for a match the next day a few bays down and if I wanted to give it a try all I needed was a holster, mag holder and a couple spare mags.
I showed up that saterday with a brand new kydex holster and mag holder, a gun with exactly one hundred rounds through it, and three boxes of mis-matched ammo. Three diffrent brands and bullet weights. Had to barrow a screw driver to adjust my holster so I could get the gun out. The guys explained the rules and safety stuff, the range commands are pretty much the same as the ones we use in the Marines. Since I was the FNG I got to shoot for free and go last. It was one of the funnest things I have ever done and I was hooked.
I still shoot that glock 35 and it is still bone stock execpt for a new 3.5# trigger connecter, I want sights but it is cheaper to spray sight black on the stock ones and go shooting. I shoot limited class in IPSC and it's alot of fun. There are alot nicer guns than mine that see guys using but I seem to do just fine with what I have.
I have shot matches at a few ranges and I have always found the people to be very friendly and helpfull. And when you see a GM smoke through a stage in 12 seconds with a gun that costs a few grand don't feel at all bad that you shot the same stage in 45 seconds, every one starts some place.
I showed up that saterday with a brand new kydex holster and mag holder, a gun with exactly one hundred rounds through it, and three boxes of mis-matched ammo. Three diffrent brands and bullet weights. Had to barrow a screw driver to adjust my holster so I could get the gun out. The guys explained the rules and safety stuff, the range commands are pretty much the same as the ones we use in the Marines. Since I was the FNG I got to shoot for free and go last. It was one of the funnest things I have ever done and I was hooked.
I still shoot that glock 35 and it is still bone stock execpt for a new 3.5# trigger connecter, I want sights but it is cheaper to spray sight black on the stock ones and go shooting. I shoot limited class in IPSC and it's alot of fun. There are alot nicer guns than mine that see guys using but I seem to do just fine with what I have.
I have shot matches at a few ranges and I have always found the people to be very friendly and helpfull. And when you see a GM smoke through a stage in 12 seconds with a gun that costs a few grand don't feel at all bad that you shot the same stage in 45 seconds, every one starts some place.
GerryM
Member
right on usmc1371 - I had shot other types of matches, but find IPSC far more fun. I like being able to figure it out for yourself ...
I shoot Production and am a class "D" shooter - working on "C"... were I 30 years younger I would worry about my score, as it is I should to have fun and do a bit better each match
I shoot Production and am a class "D" shooter - working on "C"... were I 30 years younger I would worry about my score, as it is I should to have fun and do a bit better each match
LiveLife
Member
I tell people it's really all about having fun regardless of equipment.
Ultimately, you are competing with yourself and it's always have a blast.
Ultimately, you are competing with yourself and it's always have a blast.
ny32182
Member
Nothing in particular against Rugers, or Sigmas, or...
Do yourself a favor, and just do what it takes to wait and save up for a used G17. Keep an eye on CDNN, your local shops, etc; you will find one under $400 with just a little patience. If you can do this, you will have a good gun out of the box, with near infinite potential for tweaking down the line. This will not be the case with the other low cost options you listed. You will never reget it. Count on another 100-150 for a decent belt/holster, etc.
Sticking with the low cost theme, you may want to consider IDPA, as it seems to involve a little lower round count which will save you some on ammo, and you can also run comfortably with three mags. I've never shot USPSA, but just looking at the gear setups and match descriptions, it will cost more in terms of monetary investment than IDPA. IDPA is also centered more around stock type gear in general as a fundamental principle, which is good from a cost perspective.
Do yourself a favor, and just do what it takes to wait and save up for a used G17. Keep an eye on CDNN, your local shops, etc; you will find one under $400 with just a little patience. If you can do this, you will have a good gun out of the box, with near infinite potential for tweaking down the line. This will not be the case with the other low cost options you listed. You will never reget it. Count on another 100-150 for a decent belt/holster, etc.
Sticking with the low cost theme, you may want to consider IDPA, as it seems to involve a little lower round count which will save you some on ammo, and you can also run comfortably with three mags. I've never shot USPSA, but just looking at the gear setups and match descriptions, it will cost more in terms of monetary investment than IDPA. IDPA is also centered more around stock type gear in general as a fundamental principle, which is good from a cost perspective.
obsessedwithrc
Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2010
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- 23
Thanks for the advice. I went to a gun show this weekend, but I didn't find anything, there was not very many hand guns. A friend told me about a gun shop about an hour away from me that usually has some used Glocks for about $400
Opinions are like...well, you know.
Here's mine.
If you're a new shooter getting into pistol competition, most of the time that means you're thinking about some type of "action" pistol - either Steel Challenge, IDPA, or USPSA. What I'm going to ask you to consider is whether this is a "I'd like to try this with a gun I want for some other reason" or a "I really think I'd like to be a competitive shooter, and I want a good gun to do it with" situation. If it's the latter, here's my suggestion.
Glock 17. No Sigmas, no M&P's, no CZ's, no XD's. Find a used Glock 17. If you don't already own a centerfire pistol, you've got no reason to go with anything else, in my opinion (and hey, I don't even like Glocks!)
The Glock 17 is a full-size 9mm, with a well-supported chamber. That doesn't mean anything to you right now, but it may in time. 9mm is the cheapest centerfire pistol ammo you're going to be able to buy for competition (until you start reloading). The Glock is second only to the 1911 in support (spare parts, aftermarket triggers, barrels, etc) - all of which are critically important to a competition shooter.
The 9mm will score lower in some of the games, but it allows you to get into the competition quickly and at the least cost. The other advantage (IMHO) is that you're learning not just that gun, but the Glock system. Want to shoot limited? You can eventually pick up a Glock 22 or 35. Build an open gun? Maybe you build a 9mm Major gun on a Glock 34. Want a concealed carry gun? A Glock 23 is just the ticket. The guns will be familiar and all work the same. The only other platforms that offer that are the 1911, CZ, and maybe the Beretta, but parts for the CZ and Beretta are MUCH harder to come by. Magazines and parts for the Glock are available everywhere, and there will be specialty dealers set up at every major gun show to support the Glock enthusiast.
Try to find a used Glock 17. Maybe it's not a police trade-in, maybe it's a private seller in your local paper. Some gun ranges have a bulletin board where folks post their guns for sale. Keep going to gun shows, and know that Cash is King - you can often get a better deal by starting with $100 bills than by pulling out a checkbook or credit card.
Again, IMHO, if you can't afford to get a used Glock, you can't really afford to get into competition shooting. If you're going to an indoor range, expect each session to run you around $40 (that's $15 for the range time, $25 for 100 rounds of ammo). Competitions (the cheap ones) will run you about $75-$90 for range fees and ammo. You need to be going to the range a at least once a week to get familiar with the gun and how you shoot it. Scrimp and save for the right gun - once you've shot a dozen competitions, you've already spent more on ammo than you did on the gun!
Now, the next thing I'm going to suggest is that you buy a clear plastic shoe box or a 5 gallon bucket. Every time you buy ammo, buy the Winchester White Box 100 round boxes from Wal-Mart. When you go to the range and shoot, try to pick up every one of your empty cases. Put 'em in a baggie, and dump them in the shoe box (or bucket) when you get home. If you really get serious about competition, you'll be thanking yourself down the road. Because IMHO the big savings in getting into competition is not in a cheaper gun, it's in getting into reloading when you're a year into competition. Save your brass, save your pennies, and plan on buying a reloader if you really like this.
Sorry to be long winded, but I've been exactly where you were. I saved up my pennies and bought the gun I really wanted to shoot USPSA with to start (a Kimber 1911). I almost bought a cheaper gun to start with. I am SO glad I didn't, as I've had my Kimber for almost 15 years and will never sell it. The cheaper guns I bought afterwards are long gone.
Buy that used Glock. I bet you can't wear it out.
Here's mine.
If you're a new shooter getting into pistol competition, most of the time that means you're thinking about some type of "action" pistol - either Steel Challenge, IDPA, or USPSA. What I'm going to ask you to consider is whether this is a "I'd like to try this with a gun I want for some other reason" or a "I really think I'd like to be a competitive shooter, and I want a good gun to do it with" situation. If it's the latter, here's my suggestion.
Glock 17. No Sigmas, no M&P's, no CZ's, no XD's. Find a used Glock 17. If you don't already own a centerfire pistol, you've got no reason to go with anything else, in my opinion (and hey, I don't even like Glocks!)
The Glock 17 is a full-size 9mm, with a well-supported chamber. That doesn't mean anything to you right now, but it may in time. 9mm is the cheapest centerfire pistol ammo you're going to be able to buy for competition (until you start reloading). The Glock is second only to the 1911 in support (spare parts, aftermarket triggers, barrels, etc) - all of which are critically important to a competition shooter.
The 9mm will score lower in some of the games, but it allows you to get into the competition quickly and at the least cost. The other advantage (IMHO) is that you're learning not just that gun, but the Glock system. Want to shoot limited? You can eventually pick up a Glock 22 or 35. Build an open gun? Maybe you build a 9mm Major gun on a Glock 34. Want a concealed carry gun? A Glock 23 is just the ticket. The guns will be familiar and all work the same. The only other platforms that offer that are the 1911, CZ, and maybe the Beretta, but parts for the CZ and Beretta are MUCH harder to come by. Magazines and parts for the Glock are available everywhere, and there will be specialty dealers set up at every major gun show to support the Glock enthusiast.
Try to find a used Glock 17. Maybe it's not a police trade-in, maybe it's a private seller in your local paper. Some gun ranges have a bulletin board where folks post their guns for sale. Keep going to gun shows, and know that Cash is King - you can often get a better deal by starting with $100 bills than by pulling out a checkbook or credit card.
Again, IMHO, if you can't afford to get a used Glock, you can't really afford to get into competition shooting. If you're going to an indoor range, expect each session to run you around $40 (that's $15 for the range time, $25 for 100 rounds of ammo). Competitions (the cheap ones) will run you about $75-$90 for range fees and ammo. You need to be going to the range a at least once a week to get familiar with the gun and how you shoot it. Scrimp and save for the right gun - once you've shot a dozen competitions, you've already spent more on ammo than you did on the gun!
Now, the next thing I'm going to suggest is that you buy a clear plastic shoe box or a 5 gallon bucket. Every time you buy ammo, buy the Winchester White Box 100 round boxes from Wal-Mart. When you go to the range and shoot, try to pick up every one of your empty cases. Put 'em in a baggie, and dump them in the shoe box (or bucket) when you get home. If you really get serious about competition, you'll be thanking yourself down the road. Because IMHO the big savings in getting into competition is not in a cheaper gun, it's in getting into reloading when you're a year into competition. Save your brass, save your pennies, and plan on buying a reloader if you really like this.
Sorry to be long winded, but I've been exactly where you were. I saved up my pennies and bought the gun I really wanted to shoot USPSA with to start (a Kimber 1911). I almost bought a cheaper gun to start with. I am SO glad I didn't, as I've had my Kimber for almost 15 years and will never sell it. The cheaper guns I bought afterwards are long gone.
Buy that used Glock. I bet you can't wear it out.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Bassman has some good advice, but I'll go ahead and pick some nits... 
Second, at $15/hour or whatever, I could NEVER afford to participate in IDPA ... which would cramp my style as I'm a Match Director! I'd encourage you to seak our your local IDPA (or USPSA of course) club's home range and become a member. Mine is $55 a year for unlimited shooting on 9 outdoor ranges and an indoor range. Plus, I have the added bonus of a regular group of IDPA competitors that meets there to practice and train new folks every Thursday night.
A major match will run $65-$85 (more for something big like Nationals) plus maybe 4-5 boxes of ammo.
Really no argument there. While there are far more expensive hobbies out there, competition shooting will suck up a lot of money over time.
I don't know the OP's situation, but I'd have to be REALLY hard up to want to practice at a commercial indoor range. First of all, very few are going to let you do anything even remotely useful in their facility. Standing and plinking at a target from behind a firing line or bench is only marginally better than staying home and watching TV -- and probably not as useful as staying home and practicing a smooth draw and dryfiring.
Second, at $15/hour or whatever, I could NEVER afford to participate in IDPA ... which would cramp my style as I'm a Match Director!
I'd encourage you to seak our your local IDPA (or USPSA of course) club's home range and become a member. Mine is $55 a year for unlimited shooting on 9 outdoor ranges and an indoor range. Plus, I have the added bonus of a regular group of IDPA competitors that meets there to practice and train new folks every Thursday night.Around here, we run the most expensive club match I know of and that's a $20 fee. Add 3 boxes of cheap 9mm ammo and you're at something like $45.
A major match will run $65-$85 (more for something big like Nationals) plus maybe 4-5 boxes of ammo.
Amen! If you're not spending more on ammo in a year than you spent on the gun, your progress is going to be a bit slow. (For example... if you get that gun for $400, and you're buying $9 a box ammo, the cost of the gun is only worth about 2,222 rounds. That's well less than one box a week, leaving none for matches! Hard to make long strides that way.
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ScottC
Member
I agree with Sam. A conventional gun range is not gonna let you practice drawing from a holster, moving while firing or having the target move while firing which accounts for pretty much 60-70% of an IDPA match.
Go to several gun shops, ask the local PD or sheriffs department officers where they shoot or if you must, look in the yellow pages.
Here, we have a place called Izaak Walton which has a 300 yd rifle range and a 50 yard handgun range. I can go up on a Wednesday and shoot half the day and never see anybody or go on a Saturday and be there with 20 others.
Why is this important? On Wednesday, you go to practice all your drills IE moving while firing, multiple targets etc. On Saturday, you go to meet other people and learn from them. Also, I have not met a guy yet that said no to letting you try a different weapon just to see how it feels, if you approach them with some tact. I have had many approach me as well as approaching many myself. Showing off a new firearm is like showing off a new baby minus the soggy diapers!
You can also pick up some good tips on cleaning, the cheapest places to buy whatever you need and upcoming events.
Go to several gun shops, ask the local PD or sheriffs department officers where they shoot or if you must, look in the yellow pages.
Here, we have a place called Izaak Walton which has a 300 yd rifle range and a 50 yard handgun range. I can go up on a Wednesday and shoot half the day and never see anybody or go on a Saturday and be there with 20 others.
Why is this important? On Wednesday, you go to practice all your drills IE moving while firing, multiple targets etc. On Saturday, you go to meet other people and learn from them. Also, I have not met a guy yet that said no to letting you try a different weapon just to see how it feels, if you approach them with some tact. I have had many approach me as well as approaching many myself. Showing off a new firearm is like showing off a new baby minus the soggy diapers!
You can also pick up some good tips on cleaning, the cheapest places to buy whatever you need and upcoming events.
Sam is correct in that match fees/ammo may not be as expensive as I stated - depending on what you're shooting. An IDPA match will likely have a lower round count than a USPSA or Steel Challenge match. That's kind of what I had in my head when I was posting. Sorry for the confusion.
And on the indoor range - I agree that it's not optimal. But if it's all a person has, it's all they have (and it is expensive). I also shoot at an outdoor range (went through a couple hundred rounds right after I posted this morning) and it's the only way to practice everything - but some folks may not have the luxury.
Sorry if I provided any bad advice, I just wanted to be sure that the OP knew what he was getting into - the gun itself is probably the cheapest part of the whole equation.
And on the indoor range - I agree that it's not optimal. But if it's all a person has, it's all they have (and it is expensive). I also shoot at an outdoor range (went through a couple hundred rounds right after I posted this morning) and it's the only way to practice everything - but some folks may not have the luxury.
Sorry if I provided any bad advice, I just wanted to be sure that the OP knew what he was getting into - the gun itself is probably the cheapest part of the whole equation.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
No bad info, just a different range of experiences. Yours may be closer to what the OP finds himself in than mine!
As an aside, competition and the relative costs of equipment, ammo, fees, etc., tend to make folks take on a slightly different view of their guns.
We've had lots of folks come to THR to ask how to prevent wear marks on their gun from their holster, how to protect the factory finish on a Glock or M&P, and one guy even wanted to know if it was a good idea to store his magazines in socks so they didn't get scratched! After a few months of competition you tend to start valuing "character" on your gun as a sign of experience/proficiency and the mag with only one color of mud inside it is though of as the "new" one!
The CZ75,M&P pro and Xdm are HUGE in competitive shooting and there are TONS of reasons to choose one over a glock.
M&P'S,XD'S and CZ'S "wear out" faster?
If you get into competition shooting I think its safe to say you will eventually start reloading lead or even casting lead bullets. So add in $100+ to that perfect glock for a lone wolf barrel. The pistols you listed are every bit as good as if not better than a glock and will shoot lead well out of the box.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
I would point out that it's OK to start out small and work up as you get more experienced. When I started shooting USPSA, I simply showed up with what I had---a single stack S&W 9mm, a basic hip holster and an Uncle Mike's mag pouch, and a willingness to learn. I finished toward the back of the pack the first few times, but had a blast and have become a much better shooter. I may move up to a Glock 17 or Springfield XD Tactical at some point, because I think I might enjoy owning and shooting one, but it is not necessary to have a top-of-class pistol in order to become a good shooter and to enjoy the competition.
In our local USPSA group, there are a few people who shoot raceguns in the optics classes, a bunch of men and women who shoot Glocks/XD's/1911's, and a few who shoot whatever miscellaneous they own/carry, from cheap to very expensive. It's all fun, and all rewarding.
Also, as far as learning the basic skillset, you can practice acquiring a sight picture, double taps, and reloading at pretty much any shooting range (for reloading, load a bunch of magazines with two rounds each). You can practice getting a sight picture from low ready and shooting at the range, and then work on getting from the holster to the sight picture at home via dry-fire and a safe backstop.
The biggest thing is safety; don't try to rush your first match. Shoot for accuracy at first and make sure everything you do is deliberate and safe. The next few matches, speed up, but don't outrun your ability to make hits and to manipulate the gun safely.
In our local USPSA group, there are a few people who shoot raceguns in the optics classes, a bunch of men and women who shoot Glocks/XD's/1911's, and a few who shoot whatever miscellaneous they own/carry, from cheap to very expensive. It's all fun, and all rewarding.
Also, as far as learning the basic skillset, you can practice acquiring a sight picture, double taps, and reloading at pretty much any shooting range (for reloading, load a bunch of magazines with two rounds each). You can practice getting a sight picture from low ready and shooting at the range, and then work on getting from the holster to the sight picture at home via dry-fire and a safe backstop.
The biggest thing is safety; don't try to rush your first match. Shoot for accuracy at first and make sure everything you do is deliberate and safe. The next few matches, speed up, but don't outrun your ability to make hits and to manipulate the gun safely.
The CZ75,M&P pro and Xdm are HUGE in competitive shooting and there are TONS of reasons to choose one over a glock.
M&P'S,XD'S and CZ'S "wear out" faster?
If you get into competition shooting I think its safe to say you will eventually start reloading lead or even casting lead bullets. So add in $100+ to that perfect glock for a lone wolf barrel. The pistols you listed are every bit as good as if not better than a glock and will shoot lead well out of the box.
Listen, I don't like Glocks. I'd much prefer a CZ over any Glock, M&P, or XD, and I'd take an XD next. I shoot lead, and I don't care for polygonal barrels.
However - this is a guy just starting out. In this instance (when he's probably some time away from not only reloading but also knowing who makes what accessory), I stand by the Glock being the strongest choice for a new shooter.
I am not for a moment knocking CZ's, Berettas, XD's, M&P's, or any other type of pistol. I'm not claiming that the Glock is a superior weapon, more accurate, easier to maintain, or less prone to jamming. What I am claiming is that the Glock "system" is a pretty complete suite of weapons, with very strong aftermarket support. They're also readily available new and used.
As much as I hate to see anyone shooting a Glock, I still think this is the strongest choice for a new shooter who may not have a support group of folks getting him into the sport(s).
ScottC
Member
To Glock or not to Glock
What is the best weapon to have in a fire fight? Answer- the one that you shoot well with. I own H&K, Kimber, S&W, Glock and an FN. There is something that I find in all of them that I particularly like. Every one of my weapons is $700 and up with the exception of the Glock.
The purpose of the original author was to find a relatively inexpensive weapon without taking out a second mortgage on his house.
I like my Glock and trust it to get the job done. There are many people that know weapons a lot better than any of us here and they all like different weapons. R Lee Ermey and Ignatius Piazza both rave about Glocks. The first being a former marine DI, made famous by Full Metal Jacket and the later being the founder and CEO of Front Sight. Rob Latham likes Springfields. Jerry Miculek likes S&W. However, there is one group that really tells the tale.
Glock is used by more law enforcement agencies than any other handgun manufacturer. One because compared to other weapons they are inexpensive. They are reliable. Also, they are simplistic in design.
Like Bassman said, it will be quite awhile before he starts reloading. Learn one skill-set at a time. By that time, he might have won a CZ or a Beretta. They make great door stops!
What is the best weapon to have in a fire fight? Answer- the one that you shoot well with. I own H&K, Kimber, S&W, Glock and an FN. There is something that I find in all of them that I particularly like. Every one of my weapons is $700 and up with the exception of the Glock.
The purpose of the original author was to find a relatively inexpensive weapon without taking out a second mortgage on his house.
I like my Glock and trust it to get the job done. There are many people that know weapons a lot better than any of us here and they all like different weapons. R Lee Ermey and Ignatius Piazza both rave about Glocks. The first being a former marine DI, made famous by Full Metal Jacket and the later being the founder and CEO of Front Sight. Rob Latham likes Springfields. Jerry Miculek likes S&W. However, there is one group that really tells the tale.
Glock is used by more law enforcement agencies than any other handgun manufacturer. One because compared to other weapons they are inexpensive. They are reliable. Also, they are simplistic in design.
Like Bassman said, it will be quite awhile before he starts reloading. Learn one skill-set at a time. By that time, he might have won a CZ or a Beretta. They make great door stops!
1SOW
Member
I fear the 'OP' is in a catch 22 situation. He needs a gun he can afford that has an action and feel he likes, but he doesn't know what he likes---yet.
Go to pawn shops, gun shows, gun shops and big retailers like Cabellas or Sporting goods stores and handle as many guns as they will allow.
The less expensive recommendations you've been given are a good place to start. M&P - Glock - XD (Polymer, striker action), CZ (Steel, hammer, DA and or SA action), give you a start. Handle, point and pull the trigger (if they'll let you) and see what 'feels' natural in your hands. What 'points' to a target easiest.
9mm is cheapest to shoot. A 4" or more barrel will work in all the games. ALL of these guns were used by top shooters in the 2010 Nationals in Las Vegas.
When you get a preference, see if you can rent one at a local range. After you make a decision, look in the pawn shops , paper, gun shows or on line to find a used one at a price you can afford. Remember you need a simple holster, mag pouches, and a few magazines. If you get lucky, you can find a package deal. XD's come with holster, mags and double pouch. .
Beyond 'general' recommendations you're going to hear 'our' personal preferences that may not work for you.
"If it isn't all metal and doesn't have a hammer, it's probably pink!" 
Go to pawn shops, gun shows, gun shops and big retailers like Cabellas or Sporting goods stores and handle as many guns as they will allow.
The less expensive recommendations you've been given are a good place to start. M&P - Glock - XD (Polymer, striker action), CZ (Steel, hammer, DA and or SA action), give you a start. Handle, point and pull the trigger (if they'll let you) and see what 'feels' natural in your hands. What 'points' to a target easiest.
9mm is cheapest to shoot. A 4" or more barrel will work in all the games. ALL of these guns were used by top shooters in the 2010 Nationals in Las Vegas.
When you get a preference, see if you can rent one at a local range. After you make a decision, look in the pawn shops , paper, gun shows or on line to find a used one at a price you can afford. Remember you need a simple holster, mag pouches, and a few magazines. If you get lucky, you can find a package deal. XD's come with holster, mags and double pouch. .
Beyond 'general' recommendations you're going to hear 'our' personal preferences that may not work for you.
"If it isn't all metal and doesn't have a hammer, it's probably pink!"
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I just shot my Glock 34 at a steel challenge today. I really like it and IMHO its meant for competition. I used to use a M&P9 standard, which is a great gun too, but my kid "aquired it". It you are looking for a Glock for competition give this a serious looksee. I got this used at a gun show for $500.00 cash. Glock last forever and look new forever if treated right.
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Speaking as someone who's run a CZ85 for several years only to recently switch over to a S&W M&P, I agree with Bassman. The Glock 17 is not only likely to be one of the most cost-effective choices out there, it's also going to be a solid choice for shooting USPSA Production Division.
A used G17 can be had for under $400 if you look around, magazines can be found at very low cost, and practically everybody makes holsters and magazine pouches for them.
Winchester White Box 9mm is economically priced commercial ammunition that is both reliable and accurate enough to play without inducing the frustration of more poorly made ammo. If that's too much money, there's always Wolf, I guess.
One of my favorite IPSC stories: A shooter I know came to a match with a brand new STI. One of the stages had a start position with the gun placed on top of a rough surface (either a fairly unsmooth metal surface, or a wood surface with a couple of nail heads sticking out of the top.) Someone remarked about it being a shame that he had to place such a nice gun on a surface where it might get scratched.
Overhearing this, the shooter said "Oh, really?" and at the make ready command, proceeded to rub his brand new STI over the surface, giving it a few new love marks.
Often times the guys with the rattiest looking guns will be the same guys posting scores at the top of the list.
A used G17 can be had for under $400 if you look around, magazines can be found at very low cost, and practically everybody makes holsters and magazine pouches for them.
Winchester White Box 9mm is economically priced commercial ammunition that is both reliable and accurate enough to play without inducing the frustration of more poorly made ammo. If that's too much money, there's always Wolf, I guess.
One of my favorite IPSC stories: A shooter I know came to a match with a brand new STI. One of the stages had a start position with the gun placed on top of a rough surface (either a fairly unsmooth metal surface, or a wood surface with a couple of nail heads sticking out of the top.) Someone remarked about it being a shame that he had to place such a nice gun on a surface where it might get scratched.
Overhearing this, the shooter said "Oh, really?" and at the make ready command, proceeded to rub his brand new STI over the surface, giving it a few new love marks.
Often times the guys with the rattiest looking guns will be the same guys posting scores at the top of the list.
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
FWIW, if the costs associated with shooting 9mm are still too much, consider getting a .22 pistol and shooting Steel Challenge. The gun and ammo will be much cheaper, and you can blaze away without breaking the bank.
Justin said:
Pretty guns are for sissies.
dashootist
Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 551
Shooting guns ain't cheap. Shooting in competition definitely ain't cheap. In fact, it'll cost a small fortune. Anyone can start cheap, but you can't keep using cheap. You'll come in last and feel very bad about yourself. You see others beating you because, not they're better than you, they got better equipment. People usually drop out after a few matches or start to spend and spend on equipment. Let's be realistic it's an expensive hobby.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Well now, let's not chase him right off already!
I know guys who are competitive at Master levels who are still using pretty plain jane glocks and kydex holsters. Yeah, they've spent lots of money on ammo, but they sure don't need thousand dollar set-ups to do so.
(Heck, I watched one guy win Division Champion at nationals a few years back shooting a pretty plain looking S&W M&P. He beat lots of guys who'd spent 3x what he had on the gun.)
And, I know plenty of guys who come out and shoot every month with whatever equipment they have -- some of them get beaten by almost everyone -- and they're still thrilled to be out practicing, seeing their pals, having fun, and shooting against their own best times.
The shooting sports are wonderfully individualistic that way. Sure, you might win a trophy, but in the end you're really only shooting against yourself.
In Steel Challenge matches, you can shoot .22LR with iron sights. I've been meaning to give that a go at the local club.
Guess I'm not that much of a type-A. I've shot IDPA with a stock M&Pc 9mm for a few years. I shoot to get better with my carry gun, not to compete with others -- thus, I don't plan to upgrade equipment. True enough, like most hobbies, you can spend-spend-spend, but it's not a given.
To shoot one IDPA match takes roughly:
$20 of 9mm ammo
$15 match fee
$5 gas in the car
I bought another used stock M&P with mags, holsters this year for $425. So you can get started for $500 including eye/ear protection.
And I'd take a used M&P over a new Sigma.
Is the OP still around since his last post 3 weeks ago?
ny32182
Member
You can definitely shoot IDPA at the highest level without expensive equipment. The SSP national champion shoots a G34 that costs all of $650 brand new, before whatever minor tweaks are done to it. There is no room in IDPA for blaming bad performance on not having expensive gear... that is one of the nice things about the sport. I'm a low level MA currently and went to the top of EX with my 100% bone stock carry G19 and IWB. Since then I've bought exactly one gun dedicated to IDPA competition, and it was the aforementioned G34. I currently have no plans to replace it.
You will spend a decent bit of coin to shoot at a high level, but it won't be spent on gear (in IDPA at least); it will be on ammo, match fees, travel, etc.
The vast majority of all IDPA shooters I know fall into what I would call the "casual" category (one or two club matches a month and that is it; no majors, no travel, little outside practice, etc). They have near-stock service type pistols, standard gear, and spend less to shoot a club match than a decent round of golf costs. They are in it to get reps with the gear they have and socialize. Nothing wrong with that; it is a fine place to start, and a year ago I was there myself. For most that is what the competition is about at the club level in IDPA. You will have to be there first before deciding where, if anywhere, to take it from there.
You will spend a decent bit of coin to shoot at a high level, but it won't be spent on gear (in IDPA at least); it will be on ammo, match fees, travel, etc.
The vast majority of all IDPA shooters I know fall into what I would call the "casual" category (one or two club matches a month and that is it; no majors, no travel, little outside practice, etc). They have near-stock service type pistols, standard gear, and spend less to shoot a club match than a decent round of golf costs. They are in it to get reps with the gear they have and socialize. Nothing wrong with that; it is a fine place to start, and a year ago I was there myself. For most that is what the competition is about at the club level in IDPA. You will have to be there first before deciding where, if anywhere, to take it from there.
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