what to look for in competition gun?

[Ukraine Train]

My Makarov doesn't meet the minimum energy requirements for IDPA so I'm thinking of getting something in 9mm Luger or .40SW so I can start competing. I don't want a race gun, just something stock. What features are beneficial to a competition gun? Is capacity a big thing to consider or are you restricted to how many rounds you can load during competiton?

I've been considering a CZ40, Steyr or BHP clone as they're not too expensive but seem to have a good reputation.

 

[Zak Smith]

1. Optimize the gun for the rules of the game or games you're playing.

2. Reliability.

-z

 

[Ktulu]

UT, where do you shoot IDPA?

There are really no "race guns" in IDPA. The closest you can come to a "race gun" is in the ESP (Enhanced Service Pistol) class. Where some run widebody single action 1911s with big mag wells. Capacity is not a consideration. 10 round mags are the limit in ESP and SSP divisions, 8 rounders in CDP, and 6 holes in SSR (revolvers).

I can't and won’t recommend a particular gun. You need to find what you like and go with it. It’s almost certainly different then what I would recommend. At most of the local matches around me they’ll let you shoot your Makarov but they wont score you against others. I know of one guy who shoots a .380 Bersa just for the fun of it.

 

[Wakal]

IDPA is game just chock full of race guns...they just don't LOOK like race guns...on the outside. Try a G17 with a 1.5lb Vanek trigger...in SSP...for example

Pick a sport and a division within that sport that you want to try, and find a reliable pistol that will fit that division...a pistol that you find comfortable and reasonably easy to shoot.

Just as a few examples: For ISPC, a Para P16 is cheap and will work for both Limited and Limited-10, and would fall under ESP for IDPA. A Glock 17 would run SSP in IDPA and Production/Limited/Limited-10 (although scored as minor in L/L10). Some folks like the XD, some shoot Beretta Elites, some like Rugers (no accounting for taste ).



Alex

 

[another okie]

If you go to either an IDPA or IPSC match the two most common handguns you will see are a 9mm Glock and a .45 1911 (shooting in different categories). It's hard to beat a Glock 17 for versatility in the shooting sports.

 

[sturmruger]

I don't remember if they let you shoot a Springfield XD in IDPA, but that is what I would recomend. I have now bought two of them and both of them were under $400 used. They are an excellant gun with some of the best reliability I have ever seen.

 

[Bergeron]

I would advise a Glock 22 over the 17. 9mm won't make major in IPSC, and the capacity difference won't matter in IDPA. Either would work well, though.

 

[Gary G23]

I shoot a Springfield Armory XD-9 in IDPA.

 

[Kris]

I had the same problem wanting to try USPSA, but the Mak wouldn't cut it.

I just bought a Steyr M9 to try out production class with out too much of an investment. Seems good so far, but I only have 100 round through it so far, but the holster choices are a bit limited as well with this gun.

It will still be a couple of months before I get to try USPSA because I'm waiting on the hi-cap mag group buy. Can't beat $10 a piece for new hi-cap mags. But there is a little risk and have to wait until Sept ;-)

 

[CZ52GUY]

I recommend 9mm for starting out in IDPA

1) Affordable platforms are available (Glock 17/19 would keep it simple, a BHP Clone like an Arcus is OK, but a good holster isn't easy to find...I've tried). Sig' makes some great 9's, but you pay for them. Also, most Sig's are DA/SA which must be in "hammer down" mode requiring a DA/SA trigger transition...can be learned, but takes some pracice. A CZ-75 is a good choice, but operational controls aren't a simple as the Glock, but again...can be learned with diligent practice. Holster availability is a big consideration because of the IDPA rules.
2) 9mm is affordable to practice with. Less expensive to run through the course twice if you are inclined to.
3) 9mm is pleasant to shoot, and easier to learn some of the more "advanced" things you need to do in IDPA that you don't get out of bench shooting in a lane (e.g. shooting from behind cover, on the move, non-dominant hand only shooting, even strong handed only shooting, etc.)

All that said, I've been shooting my Glock 22 in 40S&W because platform simplicity was more important to me than caliber at the outset. I expect to switch to ESP (will be shooting my 9MM CZ-75B now that I have a compliant holster) after the big regional event up my way in August.

Good luck!

CZ52'

 

[PO2Hammer]

Glock 34's (SSP) and XD's (ESP) are the most popular choices at my local IDPA. They need little if any mod's.
I run a SIG P226 (because it's my favorite) with Heinie slant pro's and I'm going to a 19 pound hammer spring (main spring) to help weak hand only stages.
If you like .45's, a good 1911 is hard to beat.
The two top shooters at my club use box stock Glock 34's.
I shot one match with a Glock 20-10mm, I was a little slow, but shot accurately.
With all that drawing from a holster, the fit of the gun to your hand may be the most important thing of all. With the big Glock I found myself re-adjusting my grip after the draw, not good! That's why I'm going strictly SIG from now on. That thing just feels right.
So, any reliable 9mm that fits your hand well is the way to go. (I hope someone can learn from my mistakes)