Production gun for USPSA?

[Igloodude]

I've been shooting my 1911 in SingleStack for a few months now, and while I've been eyeing upgrades (Springfield RO, Colt Competition, etc) to my .45 milspec, I'm also thinking that for the same money I could expand into non-SingleStack as well. There are currently no Production-category guns in the Castle Igloo armory.

So, with a budget that could get perilously close to $1K, I'm aiming for a pistol that would require minimal retraining (no decockers, no first-shot-SA-then-DA, etc), have above-average inherent accuracy, availability of extended capacity mags (for when I get tired of changing mags and test out Limited) and if not coming with a good ~4lb trigger and good sights, then at least have them readily available. I have a reloader and will fit it out for .40/10mm, so I'd go with .40 cal rather than 9mm.

So far the Glock 35 Gen4 and Springfield XDM 5.25 look like prime candidates, what others are there and what's your preference?

 

[Hoser]

I would grab either a Glock 17,34 or an M&P Pro and call it good. Glocks run really well. M&Ps can have outstanding trigger jobs and also run well. I shoot a 17 better than a 34.

I don't care for the recoil impulse of the XD.

 

[egd]

The Walther PPQ is a nice choice also.

 

[Dudedog]

Like my Springfield XDs.
Same as Glock/M+P no safety/decocker, squeeze trigger and go.
I do like having the grip safety that is on them.

Not production but I really like my Springfield 9mm 1911 "Loaded".

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I had a Springfield Loaded....How are they not a production gun?

 

[9mmepiphany]

I had a Springfield Loaded....How are they not a production gun?

It is a production gun, it just isn't a Production gun

It is neither DA/SA or striker fired...that is what it takes to qualify to compete in USPSA Production

USPSA is currently ruled by the CZ and it's clones. It is also ruled by the 9mm, but there is nothing wrong with shooting a .40 in it...there just aren't any advantages as Production is all scored Minor

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Gotcha

 

[Jim Watson]

USPSA is currently ruled by the CZ and it's clones

I knew that was the case in IPSC with a first shot minimum trigger pull, but I am not connected well enough in USPSA to see it. I have only seen a couple and those not by top shooters.

How is a DA/SA preferable to a Glock with consistent 2 lb mush?

 

[thomas15]

I have what I think is a reasonably priced production set up. A G17 with DYI trigger job, Dawson Precision sights, DAA Pro-something holster, DAA competition belt, 6 ghost mag pouches and a total of 8 glock mags. There are a few other items also and I'm thinking about a drop in barrel. I actually have slightly over $1000.00 in the rig. Careful shopping and compromises can save a few bux. A G 34 will obviously cost more. My hardware is a sold dependable production rig. I agree with the other poster that 9mm is the way to go as it is scored minor.

 

[ATLDave]

How is a DA/SA preferable to a Glock with consistent 2 lb mush?

Because only the first shot is the "bad" trigger pull, and everything after that is a crisp trigger. But it's not really about that. It's mainly about the weight. It's about a heavy steel frame.

Glocks are extremely sensible for the very strong and/or the very un-strong. Often junior shooters have an easier time "whipping out" a lighter gun and swinging it between targets without over-swinging at the end. So Glocks and other plastics make some sense there. At the other end of the spectrum, if you had your hands replaced with hydraulic presses (see Bob Vogel) then you can simply manhandle the gun into staying still/flat during recoil, even if it weighs less than a dead cockroach. For almost everyone in between, heavy steel guns stay flatter in recoil.

In truth, though, these differences are tiny in terms of actual performance, and I think it's overkill to say that CZ/Tanfo's "dominate" production division - they're certainly very popular right now. But anyone willing to put in the work can get very, very far in the games with a Glock or other similar plastic gun.

 

[ATLDave]

I agree with the other poster that 9mm is the way to go as it is scored minor.

Although the OP said that he is a reloader. You can load some ~130-135PF .40 rounds that will shoot as soft as 9mm. The bullets themselves will cost slightly more, and you'll use a touch more powder, but, really, if you're reloading, there's not a competitive or a significant economic reason to necessarily stick to 9mm.

 

[ny32182]

You can win in production with metal or plastic; both are basically equally competitive. As a guy who has shot both:

-CZ type has better trigger, nicer recoil impulse, more mechanically accurate; easier to shoot well and fast "in a straight line".
-Plastic guns are lighter, and I feel, easier to get top notch gun handling down just due to the reduced weight. They are quick to move either out of the holster or transition fast, even for above average strength individuals.

Both are right there at the very tip top of Production nationally.

If you want something that could double as a quasi-acceptable Limited gun though, I would definitely go for the former. In Limited, it is 2011s, except for Vogel. And he has to add some semi-ridiculous mods to get the G35 up to 48oz or whatever the playing weight is. I think you are better off starting with a heavier platform like a Tanfo, if you are not going to get a 2011. A .40 cal Stock 2 or 3 is probably your best bet for a gun that could be configured for both, though most would say it will never be ideal for Limited.

 

[ATLDave]

In Limited, it is 2011s, except for Vogel. And he has to add some semi-ridiculous mods to get the G35 up to 48oz or whatever the playing weight is. I think you are better off starting with a heavier platform like a Tanfo, if you are not going to get a 2011. A .40 cal Stock 2 or 3 is probably your best bet for a gun that could be configured for both, though most would say it will never be ideal for Limited.

I'm a Tanfo limited shooter. It hurts my feelings to say this, but I think Shane Coley just won the Nationals in Limited with a Glock.

I think the biggest drawback to trying to have one gun for both PROD and LTD is the magwell issue. You can work around the trigger issue, you can load .40 to minor PF... but that magwell makes a big difference on the short courses for LTD, at least for recreational-grade shooters.

 

[ny32182]

I'm a Tanfo limited shooter. It hurts my feelings to say this, but I think Shane Coley just won the Nationals in Limited with a Glock.

I think the biggest drawback to trying to have one gun for both PROD and LTD is the magwell issue. You can work around the trigger issue, you can load .40 to minor PF... but that magwell makes a big difference on the short courses for LTD, at least for recreational-grade shooters.

Ah yes... how could I forget. Guy is just a beast. It was amazing to see him come into production and nearly win it all a couple years ago in a division that wasn't even "his".

I don't know about 2011's, but with Tanfos, I'd say the Henning magwell is easy enough that you could swap it on and off every day if you wanted to.

 

[ATLDave]

Good point re: the magwell being a swappable thing. You'd need different grips, too, but that would work.

 

[thomas15]

Although the OP said that he is a reloader. You can load some ~130-135PF .40 rounds that will shoot as soft as 9mm. The bullets themselves will cost slightly more, and you'll use a touch more powder, but, really, if you're reloading, there's not a competitive or a significant economic reason to necessarily stick to 9mm.

I don't disagree with you and I'm not trying to sell anyone on Glocks or 9mm. It might not be the case with the OP but most of us have 9mm already, I know I do, and staying with it keeps the ammo supply chain simple.

 

[waktasz]

I shoot a Tanfoglio in Production and a 2011 in Limited, but the Glock 35 is still the best gun.