1st Handgun Recommendations - Competition Ready?

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adubbz

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Morning everyone,

I've been shooting long guns basically my whole life. Finally decided to get into the world of pistols. Quite interested in maybe shooting some competitions. Interested in speed training from the holster.

Completely drowning in information. Striker vs Hammer. OR vs Irons. and on, and on, and on.

I've literally shot a pistol once for 5 minutes, so while I'm not new to guns, I'm very new to pistols.

Taking my test in a couple weeks and who knows how long it'll be until I get my RPAL.

Figured some of you guys could give me some help in the mean time, and I can continue to do some research as well.

Guns that have been put on my watch list for the past couple months of research:

  • HK SFP9L - OR
  • Canik TP9SF or Elite Combat - OR ready
  • SIG P320 X5 Legion
  • CZ Shadow 2
  • Walther PPQ Q5 Match (maybe not the SF because $$)

Any thoughts on the list? Do you guys think I'll have problems with availability?

I think I would love to have the option for optics ready, but would love to learn to shoot a bit of irons sights first.

Is the Shadow 2 able to take red dot?

Will I get laughed at if I show up to a competition with the Canik? It kind of seems like an under dog, but seeing lots of people talking about it.

Thanks
 
I would go down to the store and put them all in your hand and see which one YOU like the most. Personally I really like the shadow 2.
I've never put an optic on a handgun but I'm pretty sure you are able to replace the rear sight with a mount on the regular shadow 2 but you're probably better off going with an optics ready version especially if you'd like to use the iron sights as well.
 
K.s.47 said:
I would go down to the store and put them all in your hand and see which one YOU like the most. Personally I really like the shadow 2.
I've never put an optic on a handgun but I'm pretty sure you are able to replace the rear sight with a mount on the regular shadow 2 but you're probably better off going with an optics ready version especially if you'd like to use the iron sights as well.
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If the nearest gun store that has any of these in stock is a $150 ferry boat ride and 2 to 3 hours away, is it still worth it to go there and put some in my hands?

What about if I really don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling? Do you think one still feel better to me in my hand than others?
 
Out of the five you have listed, I have two of them. The Walther PPQ Q5 match and the Shadow 2 OR. I like the Walther better then my Glock 17 but for the last year, all I've been shooting is the Shadow 2 in competition (when allowed). I don't think I'll ever sell it. In fact, I picked up the TSO and love it too!
 
Armourall said:
Out of the five you have listed, I have two of them. The Walther PPQ Q5 match and the Shadow 2 OR. I like the Walther better then my Glock 17 but for the last year, all I've been shooting is the Shadow 2 in competition (when allowed). I don't think I'll ever sell it. In fact, I picked up the TSO and love it too!
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Without knowing much about it. Should I have any concern about striker vs. hammer for competition? Also, do you shoot the glock when you're not allowed to shoot the shadow? Am I going to run into situations in competition where I won't be allowed to shoot the Shadow? Thanks for your help.
 
adubbz said:
Without knowing much about it. Should I have any concern about striker vs. hammer for competition? Also, do you shoot the glock when you're not allowed to shoot the shadow? Am I going to run into situations in competition where I won't be allowed to shoot the Shadow? Thanks for your help.
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Really the only difference is with a DA/SA your first trigger pull will be DA in competition (depending on what you shoot). Both are very reliable. The Shadow 2 is too heavy for IDPA, the Shadow 1 is not. Generally stock triggers on a DA/SA gun like the Shadow 2 are going to be nicer than a striker fired though.

With regards to what you’ll be feeling, some things will be immediately obvious, like if you don’t like the grip texture, or can’t reach the trigger, or whether or not it feels natural in your hand, or if it doesn’t feel comfortable because of the controls sticking out (ie I find most 1911s uncomfortable because of where the safety is). Some things you might not notice until you shoot the gun (like if the slide never locks back because you’re pushing down on the slide stop with your grip, like with me and P226s).

And no, nobody is going to laugh at you for shooting a Canik. Nils Jonasson shoots Caniks and he’s a USPSA Grandmaster.
 
I suggest the PPQ Q5 match if you have the $$$; Canik TP9SFx if you don't. The Canik is 98% of the Walther for 80% of the money.

I run a Shield RMSc on my Q5 match and love it... With this setup my red dot co-witnesses with my iron sights so I didn't need to modify my draw stroke.

The Walther has the best trigger of any striker fired pistol and rivals the SA of stock DA/SA guns. It is also a very robust firearm... my PPQ M1 Navy has gone toe to toe with Glocks at high-volume handgun courses in the States (like 1000 rounds per day) without a hiccup.
 
With regards to the trigger reach, I have small hands and had to install the RRK by Cajun on my Shadow 2 as well as the Overwatch Precision for my Walther PPQ Q5 SF. The thing I like about the all steel pistol is the weight and this helps me with the follow up shots. You can put different grips on most if not all steel pistols however you are limited to what you can do with the polymer ones whether that be tape (skateboard or actual tape sold by various companies) or stippling. Once you stipple - you had better like it. At least with interchangeable grips, you have some choice on what works for you.
 
There is an OR version for shadow 2. Disadvantage is that it doesn’t have back slide serration, not good for unloaded start, but manageable with training using front serration.
Walther PDP may be promising as well.
 
If you are planning to shoot IPSC know that the Canik TP9SFx is not approved for Prod or PO other then that pick which one of those you like the best... Yes it's absolutely worth the money to go check them out before you buy. No one will care what you show up with but them may ask to play with it if they have never seen one before, fwiw at CO Nats last year it was Sig Canik and Walther in the top three
 
Anyway,
Whatever is written up there, it is your first gun and not the last.
In IPCS, you will see lots of CZ's and Tanfoglio's in production class.
You will have to equip yourself with belt, holster, mag pouches and extra mags.
A nice route would be a CZ Shadow, Bladetech holster with drop and Tek adaptor, CR Speed belt and pouches.
You can find a decent CZ in the EE.
You will be very well equipped to start IPSC and, if you decide to change your pistol, a CZ will retain its value.
 
Once you buy a CZ, you will want a Glock.
Once you get a Glock, you will want a 1911.

And so on and so for.

That what makes our sport so beautiful.
 
I have a CZ and will never buy a Glock. lol!

OP: Also consider the original Shadow from the EE. Look for one with both the factory grips as well as a slimmer aftermarket set. That'll save you a chunk of cash because grip panels can be expensive too.

The Shadow 2 cannot play in IDPA. The original Shadow can. I can't remember if IDPA was trying to start on Van Isl or not. It's active in Chilliwack. Not sure how often you may find yourself across the water.

Your instincts are correct about just handling some guns, when you don't even know the proper way to grip a pistol. When you get to the fine details, it can matter. This video can help a lot:


Re: Optics Ready - I'm older with old eyes, and love a dot. I started with irons and learned a ton. Now my eyeballs can appreciate a dot. My gun wasn't optic ready, so I had it milled for a dot, and it's working great. Like others have said though, after your first handgun purchase, you will probably buy more. Make #2 be optics ready if your first choice won't be. It's nice with that factory option to be able to slap a dot on it when you want.

Another consideration: parts availability. Either for tinkering or for repairs. You want something that won't keep the gun sidelined for 6 months.

Striker vs SA/DA: whatever. Personal preference. Striker fired guns have mushy triggers, but they are consistent from pull to pull. lol! The reality is you won't notice during a match. I say this as a Shadow owner who borrowed a Glock for a match, and I hate Glocks. The grip angle thing is also irrelevant. As you gain experience, you will point/aim/shoot so fast it just doesn't matter.

You have a great group in Victoria doing IPSC and SIAS. Join up, meet the people when this Covid thing clears, and enjoy the atmosphere.
 
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I would like to echo everything jimbo14 just said. It’s all spot on advice. The man knows what he is talking about and backs it up by being able to shoot the balls off a horny nat at 10 yards .

I’m born and raised in Victoria myself so I have a soft spot for Victorians . If you ever find yourself considering a trip across the pond to better educate yourself on the subject of handguns be sure to give me a private message and some prior notice. We’ll have you come out to the Chilliwack range and get you exposed to live firing a half dozen options and models to see what fits your grip or tickles your fancy. We’re into competition shooting as well so there will also be a lot of tips on that along with dry fire recommendations.

Cheers,

Pat
 
trailskinpat said:
I would like to echo everything jimbo14 just said. It’s all spot on advice. The man knows what he is talking about and backs it up by being able to shoot the balls off a horny nat at 10 yards .

I’m born and raised in Victoria myself so I have a soft spot for Victorians . If you ever find yourself considering a trip across the pond to better educate yourself on the subject of handguns be sure to give me a private message and some prior notice. We’ll have you come out to the Chilliwack range and get you exposed to live firing a half dozen options and models to see what fits your grip or tickles your fancy. We’re into competition shooting as well so there will also be a lot of tips on that along with dry fire recommendations.

Cheers,

Pat
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Amazing. I really appreciate that. When this Covid thing slows down, I will take you up on that offer.

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I'm really excited to get shooting!
 
Sig P320 X5 Legion. Amazing value and out-of-the-box-goodness.

I have a P320 X5 Legion and a Shadow 2. I really prefer the single tigger pull over the DA/SA transition. If you don’t mind the transition, go Shadow 2.
 
K.s.47 said:
I would go down to the store and put them all in your hand and see which one YOU like the most. Personally I really like the shadow 2.
I've never put an optic on a handgun but I'm pretty sure you are able to replace the rear sight with a mount on the regular shadow 2 but you're probably better off going with an optics ready version especially if you'd like to use the iron sights as well.
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This is exactly what I would do!
 
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