Looking for a versatile pistol

[Zeede]

Okey doke, I recently discovered the existence of the "action" pistol competition sports, which is a godsend. I'm getting into pistols, but damn if shooting at a paper target doesn't get boring after awhile.

That said, I've decided that I don't care what caliber I pick, but I do want a semi-auto pistol. Reloading the .45 ACP might be easier due to size, but I used to build model airplanes, so I'm used to working on much tinier things than bullets.

Okay, so what pistol would allow me to enter the most IDPA and IPSC events? I know there are Glock-only competitions as well, but I don't know if they are static target shooting, or more dynamic like the IDPA stuff.

9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, I don't care.

Glock, Sig, 1911's, I also don't care, I just want to ask the experts which single purchase would allow entry into the most events of the dynamic sort.

I tried to sift through the IDPA and IPSC rules but uh, man they make my head hurt.

Cameron

 

[3 gun]

The least costly thing to shoot would be USPSA Production. You don't need hi-cap mags, belt gear is basic and also often IDPA legal, most common caliber is 9mm so you don't have to reload, the list of things you can do to the pistol is short, very short. A stock CZ, XD, Glock, M&P, Beretta, Sig, etc will all work well in either IDPA or USPSA.

Careful shopping can have you on the range for $500 or less. I went with a used CZ75 with 4 mags for 350. Added 3 mag holders and 2 more mags for 65. Got a Galco belt holster thats IDPA/USPSA legal for 30. I already had a good belt. I've been able to shoot my way into a USPSA Production Nationals invite twice with used gear. Now if I could just afford to go to one.

I use the same gear to shoot in 3 gun, steel matches, IDPA, NRA Action pistol and PPC.

 

[Chris Rhines]

A Glock 35 with good aftermarket sights will let you shoot competitively in IDPA SSP and ESP divisions, USPSA Production, Limited-10, and (with magazine extensions) Limited divisions, and almost any 3-Gun or multigun match.

The complete rig, pistol, mods, magazines, belt, holster, magazine carriers, and possibly even a reloading setup, can all be had for right around a thousand bucks. If there's a better and cheaper way to get into practical shooting, I haven't heard of it.

- Chris

 

[OH25shooter]

I'm new in the shooting sports game. Last year I bought a XD9 Tactical and shot Production class in USPSA. This year I'll try that same pistol in ESP class in IDPA. From my observations, any quality "stock" 9mm (that works for you) should be fine for starters.

 

[kymarkh]

It's really going to be tough to beat the Glock 34 or 35, especially if the total cost of initial setup and longterm ownership is a factor. The G17 or G22 would be nearly as good and are easier to find on the used gun market.

 

[yar]

Glock.

You can shoot all the gun games with it. You can get a glock 17 and with aftermarket parts shoot production or open class.

 

[Zeede]

K, if I go with a Glock 34 or 35, what would be the pros and cons of 9mm VS .40 S&W, with regards to IDPA? In other words, are there more events I can enter with a 9mm Glock versus a .40 S&W Glock?

Cameron

 

[Riss]

go to www.uspsa.org/rules

Same games, but in IPSC (uspsa)the scoring reflects the difference in recoil. 9mm is scored a little less and factory 40 and 45 will "make major" (power factor). PF is bullet weight x speed divided by 1000. Major is over 165. Minor needs to be at least 125 or something like that. 40 seems to be more competitive in IPSC, more guys in Limited using their race guns, no red dots, or Comps, but race guns noone the less. Using a stock gun with factory high cap mags is not a disadvantage. I am still using a Blackhawk holster. Uncle Mikes, Blade Tech have the same style. Under $40 gets a holster with a friction fit. No buttons or snaps in the way of the draw but still secure on the gun. Beats a $100 speed holster any day. If all else fails go to the end of the USPSA Rulebook and look for the pages that explain what each gun classification needs, or can't have, in order to play. www.uspsa.org/rules

 

[atek3]

>In other words, are there more events I can enter with a 9mm Glock versus >a .40 S&W Glock?

I shoot a 40 cal XD in production and shooting factory ammo you'll be at a competitive disadvantage against anyone shooting a 9mm. Don't get me wrong, you can still compete and have a good time, but when you try someone's Glock 34 you'll wonder why you punish yourself with factory ammo.

If you're willing to handload, you can load minor Power Factor 40, which is what I do. With handloads a Glock 35 is a great choice. Another nice thing about a glock 35 is that with mag extensions you can shoot Limited which you can't do with a glock 34.

I'm of the opinion you should buy right and buy once, so look around at all the matches you think you might be interested in competing and let that help guide your decision. For a beginner on a limited budget who wants to do a lot of competing, with a used M&P 9L (the long version) or a glock 34 you can shoot USPSA production and IDPA SSP for not much money. If you decide later that you want to switch disciplines, you can sell those without much difficulty and then buy the 2011 you've had your eye on.

atek3

 

[Zeede]

Hmm, well I was planning on reloading, no matter which caliber I picked, so that shouldn't be an issue. Minor Power 40 is a lower velocity round than factory, right?

As for mag extensions, anything over 10 is illegal in California, or is this waived for special events like this?

Cameron

 

[dave from mesa]

Over ten rds is not illegal if you had them before the ban. It would be illegal for you to buy/make them now. Be aware that some guns were built after the fed 10 rnd ban and that would be a dead give away if you have higher cap mag.
Get what feels good for you to shoot. Glock/XD both are fine guns. Both do well in the shooting sports.

as a side note the XD is one of the guns made after the ban.

Good luck on your choice

 

[Jim Watson]

If you find the rule book beyond you, IDPA is spelled out more understandably at
http://www.eastontacticalops.com/information.html

Unless you are a proficient handloader, get a 9mm. Ammo is cheaper and kicks less than factory .40 or .45.

Glock is the majority choice but XD and the Plastic M&P are worth a look. If they are allowed in the Scwartzenneger Reich. Only guns on the approved roster may be sold new.
http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

By the way, what have you been shooting at a paper target and getting bored with? It might be good enough to get you started.

 

[dave from mesa]

Forgot to add
Go to a IPSC or IDPA match and see what they are shooting. As an old IPSC shooter our club in northern Calif always would talk the new ppl about our gear. I'm sure the IDPA guys do the same.
I agree with Jim about using what you have to see if you like it.
Enjoy