Pistol "newbie" needs help.....

BadLieutenant

BadLieutenant

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I have been more a rifle/shotgun type of shooter most of my life, except for a WWII Nazi marked pistols collection I had when I was in my early 20's.

Now, I'm looking at joining CQB, 3 guns and PPC matches....

I'm looking at what would be the best "entry level" pistol out there?

I'm mostly looking at:

-Price
-Being in 9mm
-Steel frame if possible
-Made in a country that will let me bring to the US for matches (6 NIA form)

Thanks guys
 
When you state price as a consideration do you mean under $600, under $1000, or under $3000? All dollars being US. For under $1000 Colt, Remington, and Springfield all have offerings in 9mm. While my 30+ year old Colt and my new Remington Enhanced are both in 45ACP the 1911 format is a winner. I can't say I'm in love with the Remington Enhanced but there is definitely lust involved. :)

My 9mm is the Browning Hi-Power but they go for over $1000.
 
CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow. With the Shadow 2 coming out there will be a lot of these pistols hitting the EE. I use mine for both PPC and IPSC. You will not be disappointed if you buy one
 
Steel frame is nice, but honestly, I find for 3G it just adds weight to my belt for nothing. I use my PPQ now and before that, both Beretta and Sig (aluminum framed) and never noticed a disadvantage. I started with a CZ Shadow, BTW. For CQB here I find the weight makes no difference since we're not running around, so I bring whatever I feel like.

PM me if you want to shoot a few different 9mms at CRAFM to compare them
 
AHiltz said:
CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow. With the Shadow 2 coming out there will be a lot of these pistols hitting the EE. I use mine for both PPC and IPSC. You will not be disappointed if you buy one
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I agree with AHiltz. CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow is absolutely the way to go! All Steel frame and will work for you in whatever matches you choose, IPSC, Idpa, 3 Gun, CQB etc. It's extremely accurate, reliable, loads of holsters/mags/parts etc for it and should be many on the used market in the coming months.

Not mine though:) I luv my Shadow and plan to keep it as a back-up match and practice gun to my Shadow 2.

Go with the CZ Shadow! It's a lot of gun at a very reasonable price!
 
Melnibonean said:
Steel frame is nice, but honestly, I find for 3G it just adds weight to my belt for nothing. I use my PPQ now and before that, both Beretta and Sig (aluminum framed) and never noticed a disadvantage. I started with a CZ Shadow, BTW. For CQB here I find the weight makes no difference since we're not running around, so I bring whatever I feel like.

PM me if you want to shoot a few different 9mms at CRAFM to compare them
Click to expand...

I also use my Walther PPQ M2 5" in 3 Gun for same reasons. Another IMHO amazing gun I luv! In the steel frame category however and As a first gun that'll work in a variety of match scenarios IMHO CZ Shadow is the way to go. If OP decides to shoot IPSC with the PPQ the 5lb first trigger pull rule in production division may prove a problem with the PPQ. My PPQ may have started out at 5+ lbs but strictly with use it is now registering trigger pull weights of btwn 4.5-4.9 lbs. Not really a problem in smaller level 1 and 2 matches but at level 3's where they test it could well be.

Just sayin'...think the Shadow is the better all round choice as a first gun that'll take the OP further than other options.
 
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BadLieutenant said:
Thanks for everything so far guys....

As for pricing, since it is an "entry level" pistol, I want the cheapest reliable pistol out there.
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If you're planning to buy another one anyway, you might as well skip the entry level. A decent production gun will be more enjoyable and you won't feel like you're fighting it when it's being less than stellar.
 
If the Shadow is beyond budget there is absolutely nothing it can do that a base model CZ75 can't, unless you want to mount a light/laser. If the base model is still a bit too expensive take a look at the Bersa Thunder 9.
 
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