How heavy of a pistol for gaming?

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Roddy

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I am thinking of parting with one of my handguns so I can get a P226 stainless Elite. It is eight ounces heavier than my regular P226.

What do you guys consider an ideal weight for an IPSC or IDPA gun? The only guns I have that are that heavy are 6" barrel revolvers. I haven't shot IPSC yet, just IDPA.

What do you guys like? I would imagine it's a trade off between recoil management and target transition speed. The gun will be a 9mm if that matters.
 
Well, IDPA has a weight limit so if your Elite ends up over 39oz (as I recall) it'll be too heavy for SSP. But it may be OK for ESP. You'll want to read the rules again.

For IPSC there may be a weight limit for Production but there isn't for the Standard and Open classes.

I would suggest that there is a break even on light vs heavy. I don't think I would want to go much over the weight of my Shadow at around 40oz unless it was to allow for a red dot and compensator. The effect of the swing weight on rapid transitions can be minimized with a good elbows out sort of hold with your arms. But if you forget and just have your elbows pointed down then prepare for a lot of overswing and bobbling in the sight picture.
 
Roddy said:
The regular one is 34 oz. Which would you prefer? It's closer to the weight of the Shadow.
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I have shot a p226, p226 elite (both 9mm), p220 (45acp) and a SS p220. The SS p220 really calmed down the recoil impulse of the 45 compared to my p220 but I don't find 9mm in a p226 to be snappy at all. Don't feel the extra SS weight is needed in a 9mm but it depends on the shooter.

A SS p226 elite will cost you big bucks... if you are going to beat up a p226 with holster wear, why don't you just get the reconditioned German models for $700 that they have floating around? I'm not a competition guy, so I may not be the best to ask.

You may have better followup shot acquisition with the heavier gun. P226 SS Elite's are f@cking gorgeous. Unsure you want to add a bunch of holster wear to it.

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Well my P226R is already pretty worn in so that is what I use now. I didn't think the Stainless would show holster wear much but I really don't know. The Stainless Elite do look amazing.

I was really just looking for an excuse to get a duplicate pistol that is the same except a prettier and a bit heavier. It would use the same holsters, mags, and spare parts. If there was any advantage to the heavier gun I would feel justified selling another gun and buying one and using it for competition.
 
Roddy said:
Well my P226R is already pretty worn in so that is what I use now. I didn't think the Stainless would show holster wear much but I really don't know. The Stainless Elite do look amazing.

I was really just looking for an excuse to get a duplicate pistol that is the same except a prettier and a bit heavier. It would use the same holsters, mags, and spare parts. If there was any advantage to the heavier gun I would feel justified selling another gun and buying one and using it for competition.
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An X-Five or X-Six would definitely have some advantages... except to your wallet. I just find it hard to shoot the nice SS pistols that much. You end up babying them, not wanting to scratch them up. I agree, a SS Sig is pretty awesome.
 
I think my stock 3 is around 46 ounces....there is no weight limit for IPSC, but if you plan on shooting USPSA, there is a weight limit of sorts.
 
The gun is approved for IPSC and USPSA Production class. The IDPA I do is pretty informal and no one is too concerned about weight.

I was just wondering if someone thinks no that's way too heavy or yeah that's the way to go, heavier the better.

But you are right st1264. I would probably be worried about scratching it.

Onagoth said:
I think my stock 3 is around 46 ounces....there is no weight limit for IPSC, but if you plan on shooting USPSA, there is a weight limit of sorts.
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How is that for weight? Do you ever wish it were lighter?
 
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