Competition Handguns
#2
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Port St. Lucie, FL
Posts: 101
RE: Competition Handguns
What kind of competition are you looking into? IDPA? USPSA? NRA? Bianchi? ICORE? Steel Challenge? Silhouette?
How much money do you have to spend?
Are you going to reload? This is a factor, my SVI doesn't like factory length 40 ammo and I have to load it to 10mm length. Also, some calibers are prohibitively expensive if you don't reload, 38 Super is one.
How much money do you have to spend?
Are you going to reload? This is a factor, my SVI doesn't like factory length 40 ammo and I have to load it to 10mm length. Also, some calibers are prohibitively expensive if you don't reload, 38 Super is one.
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Gypsum KS USA
Posts: 1,289
RE: Competition Handguns
It really depends on what type of shooting you'll be doing, and what gun you choose for given competitions...i.e. do you want to compete IDPA and shoot a Single Action revolver? Or do you want to compete in Cowboy Action Gunfighter Class's, or maybe Single shot silouette?......
I'm assuming that you're looking for an auto pistol to compete in action shoots, as are most people who ask your question....I'm going to suggest you go to a few shoots, check out everyone's equipment, ask to try out a few guns, maybe hook up with an experienced shooter and try to borrow one of his guns if he's got an extra....that's definitely the best way to get into this game.
You could always just buy a Springfield 1911 in an upgraded model, or a top of the line kimber and enter in stock pistol categories until you get the feel for what you will want to upgrade to, or how you want to alter your pistol...at least then you'd be getting the experience of shooting, and the advice and observation of seeing what everyone else is shooting before you dump $3000 on a gun that's not right for what you need, it's always handy to have a stock .45 around anyway.
How experienced of handgunner are you? If you're just starting out with handguns, it might suit you well to try out a .40S&W instead of a .45acp, still a big bore and people won't mock your tiny 9, but it's not quite as abrasive as the .45acp.
I'm assuming that you're looking for an auto pistol to compete in action shoots, as are most people who ask your question....I'm going to suggest you go to a few shoots, check out everyone's equipment, ask to try out a few guns, maybe hook up with an experienced shooter and try to borrow one of his guns if he's got an extra....that's definitely the best way to get into this game.
You could always just buy a Springfield 1911 in an upgraded model, or a top of the line kimber and enter in stock pistol categories until you get the feel for what you will want to upgrade to, or how you want to alter your pistol...at least then you'd be getting the experience of shooting, and the advice and observation of seeing what everyone else is shooting before you dump $3000 on a gun that's not right for what you need, it's always handy to have a stock .45 around anyway.
How experienced of handgunner are you? If you're just starting out with handguns, it might suit you well to try out a .40S&W instead of a .45acp, still a big bore and people won't mock your tiny 9, but it's not quite as abrasive as the .45acp.
#4
RE: Competition Handguns
Go to the competitions and see what others are shooting and talk to the competitors. You'll waste your money if you think you can go out and buy a $1100 handgun that's not suited for whatever competition that you are interested in, or is a compromise at best.