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

[robertbank]

CZ 75/85 , Tanfoglio *EAA Witness your way) will get you into USPSA Production (No Major PF), and into SSP or ESP in IDPA. 2nd Choice would be the S&W M&P for USPSA Production or IDPA SSP.

9MM is the most versatile of the three cartridges commonly found ie 9MM, .40Cal and .45acp. (If you reload the 9MM & .40 cal are a wash).

Steel guns have the advantage of less felt recoil. Faster target acquisition for us mortals.

Glocks are great but the grip does nothing for me. The grip on the CZ/Tanfoglio is, IMHO, the nicest of any pistol I have ever shot.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Feanaro]

This is my advice, which is worth what you paid for it. This thread has given you some options to look at. Now go check them out at a gunshop, dry fire them(after asking), check how well they balance... and buy the one you like. Don't let how many different categories you can compete in or how many other people are using it influence your decision.

I don't think it makes sense to pick a pistol that's "ideal" for SSP or Open or Bullseye before you've actually tried these things. First, you don't even really know if you want to play those games. Second, you don't know what your wants and needs are. The Glock/CZ/whatever might be the absolute best thing for 99 out of 100 people but not what you need. Once you compete, maybe try other people's gear, you can find out what you need.

If you end up with a pistol that's not optimal to competition, you can get one that is. But you've got something you want. If you buy something just because it's "the best" and it ain't, you're not as fortunate.