First pistol ipsc and 3 gun

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brutus101

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Hi,

I want to get into pistol shooting, IPSC and 3 gun.
I already have an sks (not the best for 3 gun but I can shoot 4moa with cheap communist ammo) and a 12GA shotgun and I don't want to buy a bunch of gun right now.
So I plan to shoot the sks in 3 gun.
I know there is an adapter for ar15 mag for the sks that will allow to use xcr 7.62x39 pistol mags.
I don't wan't to buy an ar15 it's restricted and expensive. And the sks just plain work...

For the pistol I want a tactical looking pistol that will be powerfull enough for ipsc and 3 gun. I want a good gun for the money I find the glocks expensive why pay 900$ when I can get a ruger sr9 for around 500$? Also, I'm left handed left eye dominant.
So which pistol would be good for me?

Should I buy a 22lr pistol and forget about IPSC and 3 gun for now because it's going to cost me a 1000$ in ammo before I get good at shooting a pistol?

Thanks!
 
What class of IPSC are you interested in (Production - mainly 9mm, Standard - 40 and 45s usually, Classic - mostly 1911 style 45s, Open - anything goes but mainly heavily customized 9mm major or 38 super and finally revolver)? I'd recommend Production to start.

i went through the same pistol decision earlier this year and ended up with a CZ Shadow (tweaked) for Production class. I actually bought a Glock 17 first which didn't work for me although I do use it for IDPA (as a learning experience since it's me not the gun).

My advice is to try a number of pistols until you find one that fits your hand well. It's a decision that depends on your hand size, shape, reach, etc. and while we can tell you what worked for us, it might not for you. I tried at least 5 different pistols before settling on the CZ after finding out the Glock didn't work for me. At least try the CZ Shadow, Sig 226, Tanfoglio Stock 2, 9mm 1911 (STI), S&W M&P and maybe a Glock (this selection leans towards Production class).

Edit: Just saw your comment on ammo costs. Go 9mm and Production for sure. Think a minimum of 200 rounds a week during competition season (training and competing). If you don't reload that's $60 a weekend for 9mm and $100 a weekend for 45, with 40 being in the middle.
 
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pisces-guy said:
CZ SP-01 Shadow, for peanuts you install the 13 pound recoil spring and the comp hammer, and you have an awesome pistol that you can shoot accurately in short order.
Click to expand...

I agree. The CZ SP-01 Shadow is a fantastic choice.

For the OP, you state:
I want a good gun for the money I find the glocks expensive why pay 900$ when I can get a ruger sr9 for around 500$?
Click to expand...

Here is why, in my opinion, the CZ SP-01 Shadow is worth the money:
  • It has a Fiber-Optic front sight. This will not only allow you to quickly acquire the front sight, but aiming will very soon become much more instinctive and will in fact become more like pointing than aiming.
  • As your aiming becomes more instinctive, follow-on shots will become much more rapid.
  • The design of the slide tends to produce less felt recoil and significantly less muzzle flip that other 9mm handguns (9mm is not known for having a heavy recoil to begin with so lowering it even further reduces it to just enough to cycle the gun.)
  • The trigger on the SP-01 is smooth and crisp with a short reset. The single action aspect of the trigger is light and is one of the best triggers you will find in a gun in that price range.
  • It is a gun that a lot of people shoot competitively. While that might prompt you to ask "Why should I get what everybody else has?". The reason is that when you are just starting out, there is a lot to be gained by asking for advice. If you are using the same equipment as somebody else, you may be able to get some tips or pointers from them. Even if the tips only relate to something such as maintenance, it may still be of benefit.
  • It is a metal framed gun. The flex associated with polymer framed guns simply isn't there. (In fairness, some people shoot polymer framed guns extremely well. I don't, and will always default to a metal framed gun.)


Sometimes, the extra money gets you nothing, but sometimes, you do in fact get what you pay for. I shoot a CZ SP-01 Shadow in IDPA, and for me, it was worth every penny. If you are looking for a 9mm, I heartily recommend the CZ SP-01 Shadow.

I hope I have answered your question about why you should spend $900.
 
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If you know someone who is already in the sport , you may want to see if you could borrow their pistol to see if you enjoy the sport first . IPSC is not a cheap sport .You will burn up at least 500 rounds doing your black badge , plus fees and gas money to attend the shoots , plus practise time and ammo....it can add up pretty quick .....
 
If 800 is more than you are thinking about spending at this point, even a standard CZ75 is a sweet gun and can be found on the used market for cheaper.
 
I'd suggest the S&W mp9 range kit to start. Decent gun, comes with 2 pr 3 mags plus holster and 1 dbl mag pouch. For IPSC you'll end up buying a few more mags, another 1 pr 2 mag pouches and probably a decent belt.
 
I thought at the beginning of the summer I would start IPSC. I went through the same thing you are doing now. I had a chance to try a couple different types of pistols. I also figured I would branch out and do 3 gun as well. I went with a cheap Norinco 1911 9mm pistol. A range kit, comes with 2 mags, holster and mag pouch for 2 mags. My local store had them on sale for $400 I think. I replaced the trigger right away with STI one, bought 3 more mags, put in a new slide release, new grips, flared mag well and a few other little pieces. Now I finally have the pistol to the way I want it. But not with out an added expense. What I am saying here is some times buying the cheaper one is more of a project than paying a little more and having it all done for you. If money is an issue and you can live with a stock cheaper pistol then go for it. We really can't tell you what to shoot and what not to shoot, ufortantaly it is your choice. If you don't know anyone that you can shoot their pistol. Go and rent what you think you might like. Some times you can find some great deals on used pistols on here. Some times you can get the whole deal from someone who wants out of IPSC or want to go from 9mm to something bigger. BTW I still have not shot IPSC yet. Still have to go for the black badge and this is costly but worth it.
 
I'd say a used Shadow is a best choice for not switching to another gun later. Perhaps save a bit longer until the funds are right and a good deal pops up on the exchange.
 
brutus101 said:
Well look like it's going to be the CZ SP-01 Shadow. I'll just wait to get more money before getting into ipsc...
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That's pretty much a perfect pistol..you're going to love it....have you had a chance to handle any others? Fit in the hand is more important than anything else...and '9's a great caliber..get into re loading as soon as you can afford to, then you're sorted to play in Ipsc...enjoy.
 
pisces-guy said:
CZ SP-01 Shadow, for peanuts you install the 13 pound recoil spring and the comp hammer, and you have an awesome pistol that you can shoot accurately in short order.
Click to expand...

i have the 11 lb recoil spring and 13 lb hammer spring in mine and it shoots like a wet dream.
 
1 - narrow down to a handful of models
2 - try before you buy - make sure the pistol fits your hand, go to a bunch of LGS and try whatever is in list #1
3 - consider the ammo cost - 9mm has the best price / round and you'll want to shoot a lot, trust me I know.

I made the mistake of buying before trying and 1 of my pistols doesn't fit my hand well at all and as a result I shoot it like crap.
 
Try before you buy if you can. I shoot a cz shadow just as good as a 1911 in slow fire. Shooting quick, i'm better with an m&p and a 1911. I hated glocks until i finally broke down and bought one, now i seem to shoot it better than the cz in fast fire as well. Go figure ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

LOTS of people love the cz though and it's a great gun for the money.
 
If you're worried about your pocket book and competitive shooting, keep in mind that the cost of ammunition can quickly overtake the cost of your handgun.
 
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