IDPA Competition Gun

[lafaillepj]

I want to start getting into IDPA Pistol Competition. Anyone have any suggestions on a descent starter gun for this sport in the $450 - $650 range.

 

[BigSlick]

I use a mostly stock (aside from after market sights) Glock 22. Sometimes I run my Glock 27 during 2nd gun. No need to go overboard in gear. Chances are you already own a pistol that would work just fine.

 

[lafaillepj]

Thanks for the info. Also what do you think about the Glock 34 or 35?

 

[BigSlick]

My father-in-law just purchased a gen 4 G35 and I have fired maybe a few dozen rounds through it the day he brought it home. It was a sweet shooter and I was able to hold tighter groups on the steel targets when compared to the G22. He says I'm free to use it whenever I want but its been to cold for me lately. Going to take him up on the offer when the warmer weather arrives.

 

[jdwusami]

I have been practicing with my S&W M&P 9L Pro C.O.R.E and I have to say with a few modifications that will be a nice competition gun at least for me. The grip, weight, and groups I can shoot are all great.

I also have a G22 Gen4 that shoots nice but that S&W just feels great.

(This will be my first time competing with anything other then a shotgun, we had a trap league where I grew up but have not competitively shot since 2009 as college got in the way)

 

[Eric Pederson]

I'd like to suggest using your carry pistol, assuming you carry something bigger than a BUG. IDPA is a good opportunity to practice using your real-world gear. Now, if you don't normally carry strong-side IWB or OWB, it doesn't make as much sense, but you can still get a belt holster and compete with your carry piece. It will be more opportunity to perform presentations, malfunction clearances, shooting and moving, all under the pressure of the timer.

I've been shooing IDPA since 2000 or so and I've been a safety officer for most of that time and was a match director for a bit. The intent of the sport is to shoot with your actual carry gear, with certain restrictions for safety and nodding to the fact that it is a game. I'm never going to win national titles, so I use matches to practice with my real gear. If I was a top-ranked competitor, then I'd go for whatever edge I could get in guns and gear, even if it was not what I carried.

Just my opinion.

 

[lafaillepj]

I carry a Taurus PT140 daily, carries 10 + 1, I shoot very well with it. So do you think that would be good enough to start with?

 

[wyattmaxx74]

Hi Lafaillepj, I have been doing the nra pistol competition 50ft back always used ruger mk III with 4"barrel,it just didnt' work
for me. I was also wondering if there is a better 22 pistol out there or should I get a ruger mk III 10" barrel.

Any thoughts post them for both of us .

 

[BigSlick]

I carry a Taurus PT140 daily, carries 10 + 1, I shoot very well with it. So do you think that would be good enough to start with?

As Eric mentioned in his reply using the gun you carry daily gives you the chance to practice with your "every day gear" which is why I run my G27 during 2nd gun. I rarely carry my G22 but the G27 is my American Express Card and I never leave home without it. If your PT140 runs good then that is were I would start since you already have it and shoot it well. A word of advise, don't be the first guy to start the stage, be the last one. You can watch the others and see how they negotiate the course then determine what strategy will work best for you and above all else don't forget to have fun. The experience and confidence you gain from it will pay huge dividends if you ever have to defend yourself or a loved ones life.

 

[Throttleup]

Starter Gun and all you'll ever need, S&W M&P Pro.

 

[lafaillepj]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[lafaillepj]

Thank You to everyone who has answered so far.

 

[Stengun]

Howdy lafaillepj,

Thanks for the info. Also what do you think about the Glock 34 or 35?

I use a Glock 35 myself along with my Glock 23. If I was going to buy a gun strictly for IDPA I would buy a 9mm due to the ammo being a little cheaper, even to reload, but mainly because a 9mm has less recoil and can be a little faster on multiple shots.

I have a 9mm conversion barrel for my Glock 23 and I've thought about buying one for my G35 for IDPA and IPSC.

I've even looked at a CZ-75 9mm and EEA Witness 9mm for something a little different than my Glocks.

Paul