Small-handed Southpaw needs advice...

The_Sicilian

The_Sicilian

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OK, staring at my online application status and hitting refresh is getting old fast. So while my POL gets upgraded I figured I would reach out to my CGN breathren for sage advice on a 9MM handgun choice :D

Can never get enough of these threads can you?

So the criteria is it must be left handed friendly, suitable for a smaller to medium hand and something that would work out of the box for IDPA. Budget up to $1500 all in but preferably around 1K or less (cool with refurbs).

My research to date points to the following offerings:

  • CZ SP01 Shadow
  • HK P30L
  • Glock G17 Gen 4 (backstraps should help)
  • SIG P226 E2
  • SW MP9 Pro

I have held but not fired the Glock and the Shadow.

Admittedly I know next to nothing about the different shooting disciplines but the club I am looking to join offers IDPA so this could be something I may choose to particpate in down the road. I will be interested hearing feedback on what needs to be considered in this regard.

Thanks much!
 
Out of the box requiring no tinkering I would go with the M&P Pro. Light, accurate and good to go for either SSP or ESP Divisions.

Add Blade Tech holster, a double mag pouch and have three mags and you are good to go. Total cost should be under $1K easy.

Take Care

Bob
Ps The STI GP6 C is worth taking a look at. I have no personal experience with the gun but others I respect say it works very well for IDPA.
 
Thanks guys! The Glock felt pretty good to me as well. The Shadow noticeabley heavier. (But in a good way)

Canuck 44, is it the overall weight that needs to be considered? I think I read the Shadow is too heavy out of the box.

Cheers!
 
Canuck44 said:
Out of the box requiring no tinkering I would go with the M&P Pro. Light, accurate and good to go for either SSP or ESP Divisions.

Add Blade Tech holster, a double mag pouch and have three mags and you are good to go. Total cost should be under $1K easy.

Take Care

Bob
Ps The STI GP6 C is worth taking a look at. I have no personal experience with the gun but others I respect say it works very well for IDPA.
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+1 on this.

OP, if your paperwork has been in for a while, call the CFC and ask if there is anything they need to complete the application. Keep calling to check on things, as it keeps a fire lit and things moving along.

Mark
 
On them like a Pitbull Mark, thanks!

bfiles... There is plenty wrong with me.. but that's for another thread :D I heard the standard 226 frame is large so hopefully I can find an E2 version to check out live and in person.

Early results have the M&P out in front ;)
 
Have a look at a Browning High Power too. Fits my wide, but short hand well. Don't ask me which current model though. Mine's an Inglis.
You'll find that a 1911 style pistol will fit as well.
For the pistols not owned by other club members, pop into your local gun shop and try 'em on for size there.
 
I have used the Shadow for IDPA SSP, but I had to get light wieght grips for it and a lighter mag guide (bought new one and ground some out) to get it to pass wieght limits.
 
S&w m&p pro gets my vote.

I used a non-pro m&p for my ipsc Black badge.

Ergonomic. 3 different backstraps to fit a variety of shooters, easily reversible mag release. I really like the slide serrations when operating the slide.

I'm not 100% sure if the pro's have the magazine disconnect. Preferably you want one without. Its just a little more convenient for "hammer down and holster" after you show clear.
 
The_Sicilian said:
Thanks guys! The Glock felt pretty good to me as well. The Shadow noticeabley heavier. (But in a good way)

Canuck 44, is it the overall weight that needs to be considered? I think I read the Shadow is too heavy out of the box.

Cheers!
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The Shadow has a full length dustcover. By rule guns so equiped must make SSP weight limit of 39 oz. To get the Shadow to that weight you have to order Dennis Marshall grips that weigh .4oz and install the aluminum mag brake meant for the 75B. With those two mods you can get the gun with mag down to 39oz. Some mags weigh slightly more so it may take you a couple of mags to get the gun to exactly 39oz. Cory did it and I have my Shadow done. Frankly though I prefer the CZ85 Combat for IDPA. It weighs less and with a trigger job or the installation of the competition hammer gives nothing away to the Shadow. Try both if you want to go CZ and judge for yourself which gun you prefer.

If I had only one gun for IDPA I still would go with the M&P Pro. I just have the regular M&P in 9MM but it has had a few mods.

Take Care

Bob
 
Great info guys.. much appreciated. I started reading up on the M&P after seeing all the kudos here and it seems to be a damn fine pistol. Now to get my hands on one to try out.

How is S&W customer service here in Canada btw?
 
Sorry... another Q... as a first handgun is there any benefit to the type of frame (polymer vs metal) in terms of getting comfortable and establishing good technique? Less recoil with the metal perhaps?

Curious since it is coming down to the M&P Pro or the Shadow.

Cheers!

Frank
 
The_Sicilian said:
Sorry... another Q... as a first handgun is there any benefit to the type of frame (polymer vs metal) in terms of getting comfortable and establishing good technique? Less recoil with the metal perhaps?

Curious since it is coming down to the M&P Pro or the Shadow.

Cheers!

Frank
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There are many factors to make a gun become BEST first handgun, it has to be reliable and user friendly, shorter trigger reach and reset, metal or poly doesn't matter. The more simple the better.

Trigun
 
M&P has the advantage of having only 1 type of trigger pull - no DA/SA transition. And you can shoot IDPA with it right out of the box - no need to place an order to Hungry for replacement grips...
 
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