Buying advice for a handgun rookie

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Bubbafett33

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Had rifles for decades, and never really thought of getting a handgun because of all the bureaucracy and limitations regarding where I can shoot the thing. Then I joined the local range a couple years ago, and it turns out they have lots of programs and activities that are a total blast (pun intended). So with the RPAL on its way, I'm trying to figure out what to buy...and I need some help.

My interests are steel challenge type events and precision target shooting/accuracy. I don't know much about any formal events, as my exposure so far has been loaners at organized "fun" events where you're timed, but it's not an official league thing.

My thoughts so far:
- I've become active in precision .22 rifle competition, so I was thinking of starting with a .22
- But then I started looking at 9mm...which I have very little experience with
- My journey with precision rimfire has resulted in .22s/optics with thousands spent in upgrades...so this time I would prefer to "buy once, cry once": this means the budget is pretty healthy - up to $3.5K

The sheer number of choices out there are overwhelming, but so far I have a hankering for:
- The Volquartsen Black Mamba .22
- The CZ AccuShadow 2 9mm

But obviously I'm wide open to thoughts, advice and direction on this... Knowing everything you know now, if you had a budget of $3.5K to buy a "keeper" pistol that won't need a bunch of upgrades to be very accurate and allow me to compete in a broad range of steel/precision match styles, what would you buy?

Thanks in advance!!
 
I just went back to the favourite CZ Shadow 2 Optic-Ready ... have tried a lot over the years, Shadow 1, S&W M&P 1 then 2, STI 2011's, Berettta, SigSauer, but I always seem to gravitate back to CZ.
Will be pairing this with the Holosun Red Dot and some nice grips by LokGrips, extra mags then, get some good belt, holster and mag-pouches, had CR-Speed before but going with BlackScorpion this time.
With your budget, you can go all out by using Trijicon RMR and also, have some trigger work added to your armory! hahaha, you will be an awesome threat to the IPSC/IDPA and SpeedSteel groups!
 
Handguns are like shoes. To be used, you need to try them on. I am fond of the grip angle of one particular family of guns, and have a hard time transitioning to another family. Likewise, the force and finger strength required to operate some slides is more than you'd expect. Go to the store and feel the merchandise.
 
maple_leaf_eh said:
Handguns are like shoes. To be used, you need to try them on. I am fond of the grip angle of one particular family of guns, and have a hard time transitioning to another family. Likewise, the force and finger strength required to operate some slides is more than you'd expect. Go to the store and feel the merchandise.
Click to expand...

Very good advice. I've had a number of very generous friends let me try theirs, but you're spot-on: "feels right" will be key.
 
Can’t go wrong with a Cz in 9mm. Surplus all steel Cz-75 is a great budget starter. New or used Shadow 1 if you’ve got the coin. Shadow 2 is a nice pistol too, but won’t shoot 2-3x as good as a lesser 75.
 
BigRobb said:
Can’t go wrong with a Cz in 9mm. Surplus all steel Cz-75 is a great budget starter. New or used Shadow 1 if you’ve got the coin. Shadow 2 is a nice pistol too, but won’t shoot 2-3x as good as a lesser 75.
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Good points. I'm trying to find that sweet spot where spending more money won't make any difference in accuracy or reliability after a few years of practice and regular range matches. My logic comes from seeing measurable improvements upgrading my .22 for ORPS, but I wasted cash along the way. Now if I can't group under 1 MOA at 100M it is 100% my fault, because the rifle has proven it can do it repeatedly... Knowing what I know now, I would have started with a barreled action, a chassis, a barrel, a FFP scope, etc...not a standard sporter .22 with a "rimfire" SFP scope.

Just looking for the same concept from a handgun perspective.
 
maple_leaf_eh said:
Handguns are like shoes. To be used, you need to try them on.
Click to expand...

+1, if you have a good platform to begin with, grips are easy enough to change.

Can't speak for "steel challenge", but if you're into precision 22lr shooting...

Free pistol discipline
- Toz 35 are probably the most commonly used pistol
TGJ6n0Z.jpg


Standard Pistol
Hammerli 208, think of it as a nicer less ammo picky S&W M41
gyNVZYA.jpg


Walther GSP, older design, very common on the firing line. You can get a 32 conversion kit should you want to shoot the center-fire event (ISSF match)
23666274_1.jpg


With any of these pistol, even shooting less expensive ammo
- Your ability to hold them steady will be the limiting factor :p
 
sillymike said:
+1, if you have a good platform to begin with, grips are easy enough to change.

Can't speak for "steel challenge", but if you're into precision 22lr shooting...

Free pistol discipline
- Toz 35 are probably the most commonly used pistol
TGJ6n0Z.jpg


Standard Pistol
Hammerli 208, think of it as a nicer less ammo picky S&W M41
gyNVZYA.jpg


Walther GSP, older design, very common on the firing line. You can get a 32 conversion kit should you want to shoot the center-fire event (ISSF match)
23666274_1.jpg


With any of these pistol, even shooting less expensive ammo
- Your ability to hold them steady will be the limiting factor :p
Click to expand...

I tend to prefer the Hammerli in just about any design but I own a 150 kind of lusting for older 208. I also own an older Ruger Mk II.
Want to get a Beretta Model 71 just for why not. Foolishly I sold a Star FR Sport a few years ago and the Beretta could scratch that itch.
 
Really good feedback so far - thanks! Now I'm leaning toward the CZ TS 2 Racing Green:

My thinking:
- Proven platform with tons of positive reviews
- Perfect for both steel challenge type events and highly accurate for target
- Huge aftermarket support and tapped frame allows for all kinds of upgrades and tweaks down the road

Wide open to feedback!
 
Bubbafett33 said:
Really good feedback so far - thanks! Now I'm leaning toward the CZ TS 2 Racing Green:

My thinking:
- Proven platform with tons of positive reviews
- Perfect for both steel challenge type events and highly accurate for target
- Huge aftermarket support and tapped frame allows for all kinds of upgrades and tweaks down the road

Wide open to feedback!
Click to expand...

It is actually relatively new but an adaptation of a proven design and modifications so you can't go wrong. If you like it go for it. Changing down the road is never an issue.
I really wish they made it optics ready though.
 
gdawg said:
It is actually relatively new but an adaptation of a proven design and modifications so you can't go wrong. If you like it go for it. Changing down the road is never an issue.
I really wish they made it optics ready though.
Click to expand...

My thought was to do a frame mount optic (using the drilled frame) if I go down that path…but I would need to figure out what rules are in play for optics in matches first (currently just participating in evening club matches with loose/nonexistent rules).
 
Check out the rules for the matches you’re thinking about, and go from there. The CZ TS is a great gun. I’ve had an SP-01 Shadow for years that I’ve competed in IPSC & IDPA with. Never let me down. I’ve recently stepped up to a Shadow 2 Optic Ready and in two weeks, I’ve put 3000 rounds through it, and I love it! The difference in what it does better for me compared to my old Shadow is night & day. That said, it’s a highly personal feeling that not all people will share.
 
.22 for sure, buy the best gun you can (best does not always mean popular or cool). I'm a High Standard guy, but they are old school; but I don't care. LOL.
 
jimbo14 said:
Check out the rules for the matches you’re thinking about, and go from there. The CZ TS is a great gun. I’ve had an SP-01 Shadow for years that I’ve competed in IPSC & IDPA with. Never let me down. I’ve recently stepped up to a Shadow 2 Optic Ready and in two weeks, I’ve put 3000 rounds through it, and I love it! The difference in what it does better for me compared to my old Shadow is night & day. That said, it’s a highly personal feeling that not all people will share.
Click to expand...

Good point. Going "optics ready" Shadow 2 would allow me to go with a red dot while aligning with the OR category should I choose to compete (versus adding frame mount optics to the TS2...which would put me in "open", I believe). Also easier to source a holster...(versus a frankenczechmate).
 
So steel challenge and precision target shooting are very different disciplines... For steel challenge, the goal is fast. High speed, low drag, and just good enough accuracy. Kind of the opposite of what you want for a paper puncher. Try to buy a gun that does both well and you'll only be partially satisfied either way.

I can't speak for precision target shooting, but I've been shooting a lot of steel challenge for a bit (I'm the pistol director and steel challenge match director for our club), there are some platforms that stand out:

For 22s, I like the Ruger MkIV 22/45 lite, which is what the black mamba is based on, AFAIK. That 6" version (mamba tf?) would be too much gun for steel challenge though, too much mass to start and stop. It wouldn't swing well. The standard black mamba, or the scorpion, or just a Ruger 22/45 lite would be better options I think.

As far as a 9mm pistol, the CZs are excellent guns. The Accushadows are a great choice, but the performance increase over the standard models may or may not justify the price, depending on how concerned you are about money. Same sort of deal with the tactical sport models. The Czech mate is an amazing gun, but puts you in full on open territory, which may not be where you want to be? Holsters are a non-issue though, there are a few speed holster options like the ghost, crspeed, etc.

Then you could get into a 2011. The CZs have among if not the best DA/SA triggers available, but it's almost impossible to beat a nice SAO 1911/2011 platform trigger. I don't love the ergonomics of the 1911s/2011s, but you might. And they are some of the nicest (also most expensive) competition guns around right now.
 
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