What gun for what competition?

[real_name]

I am deliberating which 9mm to buy to use in competition. I'm not ready to compete yet but would like to practice on the gun that I eventually end up actually competing with.
I am interested in the Glock 34, the XD9 Tactical and the Taurus P92/99.
I understand that certain classes of competition exclude certain guns.
I've had a search around this forum and elsewhere and can't find the information I am looking for.
Which of the above guns are appropriate for which competition disciplines? Links are appreciated.

The other factors that seperate the three guns are immaterial, I am comfortable with the diiferences in angle, finish, warranty and cost etc.
I just want to know what gun is for what competition.

Thanks.

 

[VPJack]

Which tpye of compitition

Personally I use Rugar Vaquaro's for cowboy action.
Actually, in IDPA I use a CZ 85 Combat, it allows me to shoot in either ESP or SSP divisions. Did I say I like flexability.

Jack

 

[real_name]

What competitions can the guns I have listed be used in?

 

[VPJack]

the Glock and the XD are IDPA SSP class guns. Don't know about the Beretta.

Jack

 

[Gary G23]

Actually the XD is IDPA ESP class.

 

[Jim_M]

Both the Glock and XD will work very well in USPSA production division. I can't remember seeing the Taurus P92/99 in competition anywhere. Here is USPSA's list of accepted guns.

http://www.uspsa.org/rules/production_list.php

Handled both as much as you can. You will know witch one "fits" pretty quickly. These are exceptional handguns, used by the best in the game.
Buy one of them with 5 magazines, a Blade-Tech Drop and Offset holster and a couple double magazine pouches. Then, well thats up to you. It's a great game and very addicting. Remember, you'll only get out of it what you put into it.

 

[Dr.Who]

In IDPA you can shot a Glock 17 in both SSP and ESP. I shoot a G17, with an extended slide release, Adjustable sights and a G23 trigger connetor (3.5 pound, I believe)

Great gun, never was sorry that I bought it....

 

[Longbow]

Glock or XD, either one will work best in IDPA and USPSA. Forget the Taurus.
Glock has the edge when it comes to mag price.

 

[real_name]

So is the G17 more versatile than the G34 for competitions?

I thought the G34 was the gun.

 

[Jim Watson]

You being an American and all, the G34 is highly competitive in IDPA Stock Service Pistol and in USPSA Production and is preferred by most non-handloaders in those Divisions. Some handloaders say a light loaded .40 has less felt recoil than 9mm and go for the G35. (If'n you was a furriner, real IPSC don't allow the 5.3" barrel of the G34 in Production, so Dave Sevigny has to keep a G17 for when he goes abroad.)

You can of course shoot any Glock in some Division of GSSF.

I haven't seen many XDs, but there are some out there and you could do OK with one but it would put you in IDPA Enhanced Sevice Pistol, though I think it still falls in USPSA Production.

I know one (1.0) guy who shoots a Taurus 92 in IDPA but he is strictly a local casual shooter and never travels to shoot in serious competition.

www.idpa.com
www.uspsa.org


By the way, why are you "not ready to compete yet?"
Can you safely draw from a holster (under a concealment garment for IDPA) and hit an 18" target at ranges of 5 feet to 25 yards? Walk and chew gum, er, shoot at the same time? Follow directions on what to shoot when and from where? Go gettem. You are burning daylight.
Tennessee IDPA clubs are shown at
http://www.idpa.com/clublist.asp?state=TN
and there is a similar club finder on the USPSA site.

 

[ede]

i use a glock 17 in USPSA and IDPA, but am thinking of using a 1911 just to have a change of pace. i use a g17, g23, g27, g34, g35, and g39 for GSSF.

 

[Steve 48]

I use a Glock 35 for competition shooting because the 1911 is too heavy and cumbersome after you shoot the Glock 35. The 1911 is more accurate though. Steve 48

 

[real_name]

One more question.

Based on the information received I'm not sure if I should get a G34 or a G17.
The G17 seems more versatile for competition.

Should I just get both?
Or is that redundant as the G17 can do everything the G34 can, and more?

 

[Longbow]

Your call

I like the idea of having both. Used G17's are cheap enough and readily available. But if you like having just one, I suggest that you get the G34. Its ready for comp. out of the box.
I would only consider the G17 if you're going to compete out of the country.

 

[Kor]

Well, I own both a XD9 Tactical and a Glock 35(same as G34 in .40), so here's my own observations:

- The XD9 costs about $100 less than the G34/35, and really doesn't give up a whole lot to the Glock. The stock XD trigger is a bit nicer than the standard 5.5# trigger on the G17, but the 3.5# match trigger of the G34 is a bit nicer than the XD. Of course, triggers can be changed with consummate ease on the Glocks for around $20 in parts plus whatever an armorer charges for the job, or you can teach yourself to do it with any number of books/videos. The extended Glock mag release is way quick and easy to use, but the XD mag release is almost as good, and ambidextrous to boot. New 16-rd XD mags can now be had for $19.99 from www.midwayusa.com, which only gives up one round to the G17 mags. Both guns feel about the same in terms of recoil and balance, but the grip frame is noticeably smaller on the XD.

- The G34 seems to balance a bit better for me than the G17; the longer barrel/slide gives the gun a slightly muzzle-heavy feel, which seems to make the gun point just right for me. The shorter guns(like my G23 and G27) point noticeably higher by comparison. (BTW, the XD9 points just like the G35 for me.) The only reasons I'd take a G17 over a G34 are for the shorter length(CCW) or for the fully-enclosed slide(big-time dirt entry through the lightening cut in the G34 slide).

- Your initial post implies that you're a newcomer to pistol competition, so I'd say just get whatever you like the best. Either gun is perfectly suitable for IDPA competition, or USPSA(US-rules IPSC) competition. The only "rule-book advantage" the Glock offers over the XD is that IDPA's classification standards are lower for the Glock in Stock Service Pistol division vs. the XD in Enhanced Service Pistol division, i.e. you have to score better with the XD than the Glock on the IDPA Classifier to attain a rating of Sharpshooter, Expert, etc. Really, unless you're shooting for glory and bragging rights, your classification and division have relatively little significance at the individual club level.

 

[dcm]

An advantage the...

Glock has over the XD, beyond proliferation, is the owners ability to compete in GSSF matches. These matches are Glock only. I only offer this because the focus of the thread is competition and as I understand it GSSF matches are the least expensive way to get into competition shooting. GSSF matches require holsters and the accompanying expenses of having a holster for each type of competition. Look at it this way a decent OWB holster and belt is equivalent to a case of ammunition. This may be a major or minor factor depending on the amount of GSSF/GSSF-type competition in your area or areas you travel to.

FWIW and respesctfully submitted.

 

[Babalouie]

I shoot weekly in uspsa in Limited division. I've never seen a Taurus on the competition field but see lots of Glocks and a few XDs. I owned and shot an XD Service (4 inch) in production class and really liked it. I sold it to fund a limited class gun. Eventually I will want to shoot in production again in which case I won't hesitate to get an XD 40 Tac. I really like the XD. A friend shoots a 9 Tac with a trigger job and man its nice! For me the XD just melts into my hand. Glock lovers love their guns too so it will come down to what you like. In uspsa Production class you are only allowed to load 10 rounds, so mag capacity isn't a factor.

Don't waste anymore time...get out to a uspsa shoot and enjoy. I agree with Mr. Watson you are ready. Actually, what you will find is that no matter how much experience you have once you get out there its a bit intimidating. It always fun to watch LEO guys come out and shoot thier first match. No disrespect but they come to the first shoot all cocky and gunho but leave humbled and often embarassed. It takes effort to shoot competitively and safely. The fact is it will take a few months to feel comfortable shooting in organized events. My son, 15 now, and I remained pretty nervous for the first three months. Now, 1 1/2 years later we shot in the Florida State Championship and are moving up in our classifications, and will be shooting in more state level matches. It is such a joy to shoot uspsa and the friends we have made are awesome. Get your gun and get shooting!

 

[real_name]

Thanks for all the advice.
I bought the G34.
Used but absolutely LNIB, 100 rounds through it from the previous owner.
Immaculate condition inside and out.
$535 including aftermarket sights.

Also picked up one of these so I can plink in the house.