I'm looking for a good hand gun for IPSC & IDPA. Looking for something light, reliable and doesn't cost me a bunch. I am looking at 9mm's only. If some one could point me in the right directions that would be great. I'm not a fan of the glock, please don't say the glock. This would also be my first larger cal hand gun. Thanks for the help. I have held a bunch in my hand some are good but others are better, looking for input.
Looking for a good gun for IPSC & IDPA
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Danimal247
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toronto, ON
from what little reading I do the CZ guns get + reviews, they have a nice feel to them too
Assuming you want to run in either Production Division or SSP & potentially ESP for IDPA:
- CZ -SP01 - can be run in IPSC Production Div. out of the box. For IDPA you'll need to make weight limit of 39 oz., then it can be used in SSP and ESP- some of them make it with a change of grips, but some need work. I changed my grips to Marshall grips and had to mod my rear sight to make weight. Good guns that are competitive in both sports, but if you plan on running it mildly hard, keep in mind it is going to go through parts - slide stops seam to be the achielles heal of the CZ family. A CZ-85 would be another good choice for both sports and could compete in IDPA with no modifications, but looses the slight advantage of that extra weight up front. However, the CZs are all steel, so likely a poor choice for your weight criteria - still, it may be worthwhile trying one on for size if you can.
- STI GP6 - Fantastic little 9mm that will be competitive in both sports out of the box. There have been some reported issues with breakage, but the manufacturer and dealer support is top notch - buy with confidence in this product.
- H&K P30 - Good choice for those looking at a top notch service pistol. H&K reliability will run in Production / SSP and ESP no problems.
A USP is another good choice if they suit you.
There are a host of others of course, but those are my top three picks to run in those divisions of each sport.
An honourable mention would go out to a Sig 226 E2 - that should get some attention too.
If you are considering Standard or ESP or CDP or Open, there are enough divisional differences to warrant different guns with the exception of maybe running an STI Eagle in both ESP and Standard...but that is a whole different discussion.
Good luck with your decision!
- CZ -SP01 - can be run in IPSC Production Div. out of the box. For IDPA you'll need to make weight limit of 39 oz., then it can be used in SSP and ESP- some of them make it with a change of grips, but some need work. I changed my grips to Marshall grips and had to mod my rear sight to make weight. Good guns that are competitive in both sports, but if you plan on running it mildly hard, keep in mind it is going to go through parts - slide stops seam to be the achielles heal of the CZ family. A CZ-85 would be another good choice for both sports and could compete in IDPA with no modifications, but looses the slight advantage of that extra weight up front. However, the CZs are all steel, so likely a poor choice for your weight criteria - still, it may be worthwhile trying one on for size if you can.
- STI GP6 - Fantastic little 9mm that will be competitive in both sports out of the box. There have been some reported issues with breakage, but the manufacturer and dealer support is top notch - buy with confidence in this product.
- H&K P30 - Good choice for those looking at a top notch service pistol. H&K reliability will run in Production / SSP and ESP no problems.
A USP is another good choice if they suit you.
There are a host of others of course, but those are my top three picks to run in those divisions of each sport.
An honourable mention would go out to a Sig 226 E2 - that should get some attention too.
If you are considering Standard or ESP or CDP or Open, there are enough divisional differences to warrant different guns with the exception of maybe running an STI Eagle in both ESP and Standard...but that is a whole different discussion.
Good luck with your decision!
- Location
- Prince George B.C.
Another good choice is the S&W M&P - either the standard of Pro model.
Simple to operate, reliable, accurate and reasonably priced.
John
Simple to operate, reliable, accurate and reasonably priced.
John
One thing to keep in mind is that pistols all fit a little differently and that for IPSC at least, you want to have as much of the grip touching the meat of your hand as possible so that the pistol doesn't have any freedom to move in your grip. I had the devil of a time with the M&P for that reason, and my daughter had issues with the XD.
All things considered, you want your gun to fit better than your shoes, both for comfort and safety's sake.
All things considered, you want your gun to fit better than your shoes, both for comfort and safety's sake.
If you think some feel better, use that as a starting point. Do some research on these. If you name the pistols you liked, input from others here might be easier.
pistol
I run a H&K P30L and find it to be 100% reliable and ajustable grip was a real plus,ran a USP before that. There are lots of great guns out there Para18/9,STI ranger,CZ,Springfield etc... but I've been sold on the H&K's for over 10yrs and when everyone elses guns give them grief its still running strong,never had a malfunction on part break yet. Don't get to caught up in the rules as most IDPA groups will let you run just about anything reasonable as it's a little less rules and more fun attitude. I just bought a Tanfoglio hoping to be able to do both as well,has an easilly removable mag well and other than that its stock. Fit is going to be crutial,take the time to try as many as possible and see what you think "FEELS" good in your hands. Welcome new shooter
I run a H&K P30L and find it to be 100% reliable and ajustable grip was a real plus,ran a USP before that. There are lots of great guns out there Para18/9,STI ranger,CZ,Springfield etc... but I've been sold on the H&K's for over 10yrs and when everyone elses guns give them grief its still running strong,never had a malfunction on part break yet. Don't get to caught up in the rules as most IDPA groups will let you run just about anything reasonable as it's a little less rules and more fun attitude. I just bought a Tanfoglio hoping to be able to do both as well,has an easilly removable mag well and other than that its stock. Fit is going to be crutial,take the time to try as many as possible and see what you think "FEELS" good in your hands. Welcome new shooter
- Location
- Prince George B.C.
I don't want to be a buzzkill but you really should have an understanding of the rules if you are buying a gun for competition. No point buying something and then find out it is a no go for whatever game you want to try.
IF you find a gun you like, and you aren't sure, ask and find out if it is legal for your game before you spend your cash.
John
Or one that just isn't realistically competitive. I tried using my bone-stock single stack Springfield GI at the ipsc club last winter, just couldn't keep up with those guys (not saying I could do much better with another pistol)
Two pistols that would meet your criteria that I am quite familiar with are:
M&P 9MM either the standard model or the Pro. I would lean towards the Pro. Downside is IPSC has a 5# trigger pull limit for the first shot in Production and the Pro may or may not meet that requirement. I changed my internals on my M&P for a much better trigger pull but alas it is less than 5# now so it is a no go for IPSC.
The CZ75B/85 Combat works in both IPSC Production and IDPA SSP/ESP. The bonus here is you won't have to make any changes to these guns to compete effectively in either sports. The guns sell well used if you find you don't either like the guns or the sports. Starting out I would go with the 75B. I would think it will be sometime before your skill level exceeds the capability of the gun.
A gun that I am not familiar with is the GP 6. Folks I respect report very favourably on the gun and I know the gun receives excellent support from Freedom Ventures the distributer. Again it requires no tinkering to be very competitive.
The Shadow was initially made as a purpose built gun for IPSC Production where, in the hands of some of the best shooters in the world rules IPSC Production and is likely the most popular gun for Production Division. Interestingly, the Glock 34 seems to have the same following in USPSA due to a gentleman named Dave Savigny.
For IDPA the Shadow weighs to much. As Beltfed has indicated the only way to get the gun down to weight is to replace the grips with Dennis Marshall thin grips and either you tinker with the rear sight as he did or replace the mag brake with an aluminum one made for the 75B and thin it. This may take you out of IPSC Production, though...not sure.
Lastly you always join the real men and shoot revolver.
Take Care
Bob
M&P 9MM either the standard model or the Pro. I would lean towards the Pro. Downside is IPSC has a 5# trigger pull limit for the first shot in Production and the Pro may or may not meet that requirement. I changed my internals on my M&P for a much better trigger pull but alas it is less than 5# now so it is a no go for IPSC.
The CZ75B/85 Combat works in both IPSC Production and IDPA SSP/ESP. The bonus here is you won't have to make any changes to these guns to compete effectively in either sports. The guns sell well used if you find you don't either like the guns or the sports. Starting out I would go with the 75B. I would think it will be sometime before your skill level exceeds the capability of the gun.
A gun that I am not familiar with is the GP 6. Folks I respect report very favourably on the gun and I know the gun receives excellent support from Freedom Ventures the distributer. Again it requires no tinkering to be very competitive.
The Shadow was initially made as a purpose built gun for IPSC Production where, in the hands of some of the best shooters in the world rules IPSC Production and is likely the most popular gun for Production Division. Interestingly, the Glock 34 seems to have the same following in USPSA due to a gentleman named Dave Savigny.
For IDPA the Shadow weighs to much. As Beltfed has indicated the only way to get the gun down to weight is to replace the grips with Dennis Marshall thin grips and either you tinker with the rear sight as he did or replace the mag brake with an aluminum one made for the 75B and thin it. This may take you out of IPSC Production, though...not sure.
Lastly you always join the real men and shoot revolver.
Take Care
Bob
BC Bigbore
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- BC's Peace Country
I suppose suggesting something like my XD9 Tactical would be no good, eh? Requires different springs, tuning and stuff to make it competitive?
Changing internals on an M&P would invalidate it from IPSC Production Division regardless of the trigger pull.
OK the gun doesn;t qualify twice.Changing internals on an M&P would invalidate it from IPSC Production Division regardless of the trigger pull.
Take Care
Bob
The XD works for ESP in IDPA but not for SSP. Works great stock in ESP for one of our guys here in ESP.
Take Care
Bob
The M&P and the XDs are good guns to throw into the mix, however getting parts for both of these pistols can be problematic as both Manufacturers want service to be carried out at an authorized service depot. It is much more difficult to swallow the cost of a spring or extractor plus shipping both ways than it would for a simple $15 part...at least this was the case when I owned both models - subsequently, I dumped them...
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Beretta 92FS (or variant) yet. Robust, smooth action, nice trigger pull, very consistent design. A little older than the plastic wonder-9's (unless you want a 90-two), but a very well refined and proven gun from a top maker.
I really love the 92FS pistols I have owned and competed with. Definitely worth trying one at the range if you have a chance.
Oh, and best of all, you can run cheap 96D mags in it and thereby get 14 rounds of 9mm LEGALLY
I really love the 92FS pistols I have owned and competed with. Definitely worth trying one at the range if you have a chance.
Oh, and best of all, you can run cheap 96D mags in it and thereby get 14 rounds of 9mm LEGALLY
