Wanting to get into competition pistol shooting, what handgun to buy?

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So, what I'm asking is with the few specifics that I have given, what do you suggest?

Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...

Glock 17.
If you don't mind a used one, I've seen them go for <$400 in my area. And then ask and look around in what ever competition you get into.
If you decide to go into some other gun design, you are still ahead because, it is really a very robust and reliable gun.
Some might chime in with their Glock KB stories, but I can tell you, without bull, from my USPSA experience (12 years total), that I've seen more 1911 Kb's (and one CZ) than Glock Kb's...........wait.....actually, I've never seen a Glock KB!
 
Per the Conventional Pistol Rulebook

After reading the thread I had to check. 9mm pistols are allowed in the service pistol category, if you don't wish to shoot a .45 for the service pistol segment, then an M9, or pistol based on the M9 can be fired. It also meets the centerfire rule, so you could get away with shooting Bullseye with a .22LR and a .45, or with a .22LR and a 9mm. Or you can go nuts and get them all! Some rules do apply for the pistols, be sure to check carefully. YMMV
 
Get a 1911 Period!

Get a 1911 in .45 and lots of mags. You dont need to trick it out. Use it, work with it, learn from it. It will serve you well in all circumstances- competition to defense.

S&W
Kimber
Springfield
Sig

Find one that fits you right. Sigs seem to offer a little better versatility to smaller hands.
 
VOTE 1911

It's the good ol' realiable option that works in any situation. It's thin so it's easier to conceal carry, put between the seats, or under the seats. It's also powerful enough to knock down an assailant if needed.

Your wife can learn to use it if you grow her into it and don't just scare her.

It's accurate enough for competition and there are thousands of parts to add, but you don't really need to.

It's my favorite pistol in the world ... the Marines taught me with it and it's never felt uncomfortable.

EDIT: OH YEAH ... it will shot ... every dag gum time ... through dirt, mud, rain, snow ... it will shoot.
 
Streetstang67 said:
Hmmm, I think a better comparison would be me saying:

"I'm wanting to get into racing cars, what car should I get that I can drive on weekdays and race on weekends? The car needs to run on pump gas, and handle well for road racing and accelerate well for drag racing. I know this is a compromise, but it will help me get into the sports and decide which I like best. Whenever I pick one, drag racing or road racing, I will get a dedicated race car."

Maybe thats a better comparsion, I know yal need more specifics on which competition I want to get into, but I don't know yet. So, what I'm asking is with the few specifics that I have given, what do you suggest?

Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...

Fair enough. :)

A stock 1911 in .45ACP caliber, with adjustable (ideally Bo-Mar) sights, trigger adjusted to 4-5 pounds, but otherwise not tricked out at all, with plenty of magazines and a good holster.

With this, you'll be able to shoot bowling pin, steel plate, IDPA, IPSC, and all non-rimfire portions of Bullseye matches, which collectively present enough different styles of competition to enable you to decide which sorts that you like more than the others.
 
A CZ 75 or variant will work well or something like a Glock 34. I'd stay way from XDs, the triggers are horrible and the reset is too long, I'm guessing you don't want to send it off to get a trigger job or do it yourself.
 
Glock alternatives ...

The S&W M&P is getting a small following. It's not as tried and true as the 1911 or the Glock.

I skipped the Glock when I was in your shoes as it didn't fit my hand well, and I didn't like the trigger. I'm pretty sure if I had bought it and stuck with it I'd be fine. I went a hi power instead, it's still one of my fav's.

If you allow yourself the .45, my vote would be the 1911 platform. Otherwise, the 9mm 1911 are too much $$ and can be a little finicky (mostly the mags).

The Glock is the mainstream option, there's a ton of advice and accessories for it, some of the top shooters have proven it can take you to the highest level in IDPA and USPSA.
 
A CZ 75 or variant will work well or something like a Glock 34. I'd stay way from XDs, the triggers are horrible and the reset is too long, I'm guessing you don't want to send it off to get a trigger job or do it yourself.
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Not necessarily. I've felt some nice XD trigger pulls.
 
Start with a 9mm pistol: they have less recoil and are easier to control than larger calibers. Whether you reload or not, 9mm is about the most economical round you can get. This allows you to practice more.

The above suggestions are good:

1. Glock 17 or Glock 34.

2. CZ 75 or the one I have, the CZ 85 Combat, which has adjustable sights, ambi controls, and a slightly better trigger than the 75 series.

3. Springfield XD - try the trigger before you buy - you might like it.

4. S & W Military and Police.

These all work well in the Production Division of USPSA, which is meant for 9mm pistols. You can also use them in IDPA. You can also shoot them in Limited 10 in USPSA although you would be at a slight disadvantange to larger calibers if you didn't get all A-zone hits.

Get a decent plastic holster and read a few books about the sport. Find an experienced shooter to practice with, dryfire a lot, and get started.

Chris
 
Should one compete with the pistol one would reach for in SHTF?

That's a G19 in my case. How big of an accuracy disadvantage is its length compared to a G17? Is there a drawing / target acquisition speed upside?
 
I would recommend the Glock 34. You can shoot SSP in IDPA and Production in USPSA. You can also shoot in GSSF matches.
Popo
 
Starboard,

Gun games are games. They are excellent for getting a shooter accustomed to their gun, gun handling, manual of arms, etc. and for putting some pressure on the shooter.

But as games they have rules, to keep the sport to the inventors vision and other reasons (level the playing field, etc). So you'll do things that would make good training (failure drill?) to bad training (confront 6 badguys by yourself?).

Point is that games do not teach everything a tactics course should, and emphasize a bunch of things that are contrary.

So, if you want a pistol with the potential to finish the game first, look at what the winners are using (longer bbl is better, some like a light gun, some heavy, etc).

The premise behind IDPA is for you to use your carry gun. And many folks do.
 
Like many others have mentioned it really depends on what competitions are availabe and what you plan on shooting. For example no sense in getting a Glock for a bullseye match or no sense in getting an XD for shooting GSSF matches.

If you reload the most versatile setup for trying a little of everything would be a G22.
You can shoot GSSF matches in everything but the sub compact classes.

You can shoot IDPA in most classes.

In USPSA you can reload 40 minor and shoot production. Load major and shoot Limited 10 or get some mag extensions and shoot Limited.

You can get a police trade in G22 and put a quality set of sights on it and you will be set for less that your $500.00

Personally I shoot more bullseye than anything but have shot some GSSF and USPSA. Its all fun and a darn shame a guy has to work for a livin instead of going around and shooting all the time:D
 
Hey Stang, As you can see everyone has an opinion. My suggestion is to find a competition in your area, go there get to know the guys and I'm sure you can feel and shoot an assortment of guns. Then you can make your own decision. I shoot ICORE and USPSA. You can go to USPSA website and click on your area then state and find most of the affiliated club's there. Good luck, be safe, shoot straight, and HAVE FUN!!! God Bless, Mac
 
Hmmm, I think a better comparison would be me saying:

"I'm wanting to get into racing cars, what car should I get that I can drive on weekdays and race on weekends? The car needs to run on pump gas, and handle well for road racing and accelerate well for drag racing. I know this is a compromise, but it will help me get into the sports and decide which I like best. Whenever I pick one, drag racing or road racing, I will get a dedicated race car."

Maybe thats a better comparsion, I know yal need more specifics on which competition I want to get into, but I don't know yet. So, what I'm asking is with the few specifics that I have given, what do you suggest?

Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...

Based on this, I would say a 1911. It is the most customizable handgun there is.

However, as a couple people said, find the gun that fits you. If you are not comfortable with it, you are not confident with it. Yes, the type of competition you choose to do will change your caliber somewhat. As a base, since you are unsure, I would say start with .40sw. It is a little more versatile.
 
While it is true that the 911 is the most customizable handgun there is. It is also going to cost the most.
Start with the glock 35. it is the best bang for your buck with the most different games available. it is also and rock solid dependable. If you don’t like it you can resell it at little lost. Also if you are a cop, military, EMs or retired from them glock will give you a hundred dollars off and throw in a third mag. I just bought a new Glock 35 on that deal for 480. plus tax.
I am sure that I could sell it for that or a little more.

best of luck with your choice.
 
You asked about "gotcha's" to look out for?

If you are going to shoot IDPA, keep an eye on the unloaded weight of the gun+magazine. If you want to shoot Stock Service Pistol (SSP), it must weigh 39 oz or less.

For example, some people have mentioned CZ-75. I've heard some models don't meet the SSP weight limit. I think some of the full-size, all-steel SIG's have the same issue.

Another gun that gets disqualified for the IDPA SSP division are the Springfield XD's. They do not qualify as double action and must shoot Enhanced Service Pistol division.

The Glock 35's aren't legal for IPSC's "Production Division" because this class requires a minimum 5 lb trigger pull. The Glock 35 comes from the factory with a 4.5 lb trigger pull.

You described your needs as basically wanting a "stock" or "production" division instead of an open class requiring highly modified pistols. That is why I'd encourage you to find out what clubs are in your area and narrow down what kind of competition you want to do. Then, you can verify whatever gun you are considering will meet the rules.
 
"The Glock 35's aren't legal for IPSC's "Production Division" because this class requires a minimum 5 lb trigger pull. The Glock 35 comes from the factory with a 4.5 lb trigger pull."

Yes, this true for IPSC, but in the USA we shoot under the USPSA rules unless the match is specifically identified an IPSC rules match. The Glock 35 is legal in production in USPSA, and there is no trigger pull weight restrictions. The Glock 35 is THE most versatile pistol to shoot competitively in the USA, period.
 
For all around just clean and shoot guns, XD or CZ. Don't listen to that 1911 bunch. A 1911 is an addiction that is impossible to break. (ahem, and I don't need any more competition) :D Just kidding, good luck, have fun and be safe.
 
Personally, I think a Glock 17 is the easiest and probably least expensive way to go.

The Glock 17 is an extremely reliable pistol, easy to maintain, and very affordable.

I've been using a Glock 17 for 4+ years for IDPA and Action Pistol. I started using it for USPSA 3 months ago. I've also used CCI Blazer 115gr ammo and never had a problem taking down steel - unless of course my aim was off. Now that the cost of ammo has gone up dramatically I've started to reload my own. :cuss:

Over 25,000 rounds and no failures whatsoever from the Blazer ammo. The only thing extra I've done is put in a 3.5# trigger. I've replaced my magazine springs once since I started. I do Flitz some of the internal metal parts on occasion.

FWIW.
 
Streetstang67, since you like racing analogies...

the Glock is basically the small block chevy of pistols, reliable, affordable, and versatile. Get the Glock 34, try IPSC production class, it's the SCCA showroom stock of pistol shooting.

You said you want it to run on pump gas? Get a 9mm. You can shoot 40S&W and be competitive in Production or SSP but you'll have to handload which is a whole 'nother set of expenses.

Later when you get more serious, you could spend about ~2500 and buy an STI 2011 Open gun and shoot the Formula 1 of pistol.

atek3
 
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