Question about beginner IPSC / IDPA gun

chewy06

chewy06

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Surrey BC
Hi Folks,

Looking for a starter intermediate gun recommendation for IDPA and IPSC - suitable for large hands.

Apologies in advance if this has been covered, i thought it would have but my searches yielded nothing useful.

Im new to this and have an interest in both IDPA and IPSC. Initially, I was interested in IPSC and, having done the research, as im apt to do, had settled on a CZ Shadow 2 (and both myself and my kid have shot one - her being able to manage it was important). And, probably most importantly, it fit ok in my rather large meaty hands.

The problem is, as I learn more, and, since my club does IDPA not IPSC, and, since I'd like to buy one gun to get started with (fully expecting the hardware wont actually hinder my performance for a long time, if ever), id like to find a gun that will at least not be a struggle for both disciplines.

At some point, im sure I will probably choose one over the other (or neither).

I have acquired (well, sort of, Ive paid for it, and, at some point, Im hopeful ill get transfer papers LOL) a 22 semi (GSG 1911) as a starter to help me start to get the basics of pistol shooting (and, ive always wanted a 45 since i was a kid - and as a cheap to buy and shoot option, was an easy decision) after a long search and many disappointments. The 1911 fit my hand well where I found trouble with the victory (nowhere to put my pinky), beretta laser gun neo (at least ill never need a magwell for that gun, have a full inch of hand below the bottom of the grip LOL) and the contoured grips on the buck marks i looked at were all very wrong for my hands.

Budget wise, the shadow 2 would have been at the very top end of what id like to spend.


Thanks!
 
The cz sp-01 shadow is very similar to the 2 and I believe can be made light enough to shoot in SSP. Obviously it is production legal in ipsc as well
 
Chewy, I'm guessing by your location that you're a member at Chilliwack ( being the only club in the Lower Mainland that shoots IDPA, IIRC).
If you would like to try IDPA, it's on the first Sunday of every month. If you're unsure, PM robpad here. He runs the IDPA orientation course at the club. You will need a Concealment style strong side holster and a double mag carrier. 3 mags including the one in your gun. Most people shoot Shadow 1s as the 2 is too heavy for IDPA. Other popular guns are the M&P, PPQ, Glock, SIG and 1911s.

The Glock and M&P comes with different size backstraps which may fit your meaty hands. They can be changed out to the small size for your daughter quite easily. You also won't have to deal with manual safeties and decocking the gun to start, etc.
Give the multi backstrap striker fired guns a look see before you commit. Just putting the options out there.
 
Onagoth said:
The cz sp-01 shadow is very similar to the 2 and I believe can be made light enough to shoot in SSP. Obviously it is production legal in ipsc as well
Click to expand...

If you're thinking about shooting IPSC I'd also strongly suggest the CZ Shadow 1. Will work well in both disciplines...but will take you farther in IPSC than most other guns at comparable price points. Some good prices on them on the EE as well.

And if your hands are extra large and hang over the butt look at picking up some Mecgar mags and add the +2 extension to them. Works for me and my big paws.
 
CZ Shadow 1 has lots of aftermarket grips if you feel it's too small or too big. Get tanfoglio mags if the CZ is your choice. The BOSS holster from Ben Stoeger is really good. Have fun and don't let IDPA slow you down or IPSC speed you up.
 
Thanks for the input guys.

Yes, CFG. Havent actually shot there yet, will probably try to go out next weekend (I hope).

Have messaged Robpad & will see definitely have a look at the adjustable backstrap guns.

Will continue to plod along and read what i can & am looking forward to having a 9mm in my hands again. :)
 
Can't go wrong with the CZ.

Consider a S&W M&P 9. Can be in 4.25" barrel or 5". Mine is very accurate, easy handling, with the interchangeable backstraps, takes literally 10 seconds to change out, sm, med.lrg. Something for everyone.
 
The S&W M&P 9 Carry & Range Kit has excellent value but I've been told the M&P M2.0 has the better trigger. Also the PRO series has a 5" barrel. All three will serve you well for IDPA & IPSC.
 
StoneHorse said:
The S&W M&P 9 Carry & Range Kit has excellent value but I've been told the M&P M2.0 has the better trigger. Also the PRO series has a 5" barrel. All three will serve you well for IDPA & IPSC.
Click to expand...
Apparently the trigger group on the M&P Pro lightens up quickly with use and find themselves too light (less than 5 lbs) for production division IPSC.
 
+1 on what FreedomVentures said. Have seen it quite a few times at chrony and also with some of the walthers.
 
If you do decide to run a PRO you can install a regular trigger return spring from the FS gun. Your trigger pull will then be just over 6#s. If I were going to run one M&P for both sports I would go with the FS and just replace the FPB with a factory FPB from the PRO. You will have a VG trigger and be above IPSC Production requirement for a minimum 5# trigger for the first shot. The M&P Ver 2 is said to have a pretty nice trigger. I am not aware of it's poundage.

If you have the money I would go with the PPQ M2 5" for both sports. I have shot the stock gun and the trigger pull is over 5#a but feels much less, is smoother than a stock Shadow with an incredible short reset and a constant break point. You can order extra magazines I believe from Walther in the US. The downside to a striker fired gun is you have a constant trigger pull vs the CZ with a DA/SA pull. The latter pull can be quite light.

Go to a match in Chilliwack and I know the folks there will let you try their guns and certainly make you welcome. They run very good matches at a very nice facility.

IDPA doesn't allow dropped and offset holsters that are allowed in IPSC. To shoot both sports go with a regular belt holster for both and you will be fine. You will only need one double mag pouch for IDPA and at least two for IPSC. You are not allowed to use a double belt system in IDPA as your belt must go through all but two of your belt loops. There is a maximum belt thickness as wel in IDPA. A 1.5" - 1 3/4" Wilderness Belt will serve you well in both sports. A good belt and holster will last you a lifetine or untul your chest slides south. LOL.

Lots of info provided. Download the rule book www.IDPA.com and just read through the equipment rules. There are not that many but you will get a better idea of what is allowed and what isn't.

Take Care

Bob

ps Typing with a miniature Schnauzer on my lap.
 
Viper26 said:
If the trigger is that marginal, should it not come off the list?
Click to expand...

All triggers lighten up to a certain extent...but this question illustrates the idiocy of the production trigger minimums.

The fact that guns can be sold from the factory exceeding the limit, but slip below the limit without any modification, demonstrates that the rule doesn't accomplish what it set out to do (a vein attempt at getting people not to modify their guns).

All that rule did was give a big boost to DA/SA guns at the expense of striker fired guns....IMO

AFAIK, the PPQ M2 match also has the same problem....initially the trigger is fine, then after shooting it a bit, it slips under 5#
 
If that is the case then it is not going to work in IPSC. I do know it is one heck of a pistol and we are going to see more of them in IDPA. That said with the US Army adopting the SIG 320 we are now seeing it more and more at events in the US. I know in 2016 I saw none come through my stage at the WA State Match. This year their was at least eight I counted. I suspect they will grow as folks down there buy what their military is using. The Glock 34 and M&P Pro continue to dominate SSP Division in terms of numbers and results.

Personally, I do like the PPQ. My question is do I want to gear up for it ie another holster. For someone who shoots IDPA and 3 Gun I have to say it is an amazing example of handgun design and function. I doubt I would shoot it any better than the other wonder boom sticks I have accumulated but hope does spring eternal. There just has to be a magic boom stick that overcomes skill.:>).

Take Care

Bob
 
Not trying to hijack the thread so please pm me if you have the info. I am reading up IDPA info especially IDPA local info in GVRD. Can someone give me some example of major diff between IDPA and IPSC? Do they require another BlackBadge or something like that? Do they have the 1 year must join a match to keep your active status (I really have an issue with this as I have chances to work overseas for like 9 months sometimes)? I see Chilliwack has IDPA but is there any similar program closer to Vancouver? It's still a bit of travel for my to go from Burnaby even NDP waived the toll bridge charges ;) So please pm me if you have some further info.

Now back to the thread. I always wondering if there is some margin of trigger pull that is allowed? like if I measured at home 5.0001 and at the match someone measured 4.9999 and I not allow to shoot production on the spot then?
 
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