Best 9mm for IPSC/USPSA

[2005 Vette]

This is my first post so here goes. I'm looking for opinions on the best multiple purpose 9mm for range use and getting into IPSC. I will not use it to C&C. I've been researching CZ85 combat I'm a lefty, M&P Pro, Glock 34 or 17, Sig 226,H&K and XDm. I know try them all and see what feels best for me but I would like to hear from people who have experience with these tools.

 

[Zerodefect]

The Glock 34 and 35 rule everything that isn't a 1911 in my area.

 

[btg3]

For major matches, IDPA tracks which guns are shot by caliber/make. Last time I checked for 9mm, the majority by far were Glocks, but the trend indicated that M&P was coming on strong. All others had relatively miniscule representation. The IDPA demograhic may not necessarily be reflected in this thread.

 

[GCBurner]

A friend of mine switched from a Ruger to a Glock 34 for IDPA, and did roughly twice as well in the last match we shot. It was the first time he's outscored ME, which has me looking at switching to a Glock 9mm, too.

 

[LiveLife]

2005 Vette, welcome to THR.

Pistol selection would depend on the division you plan to compete in. What division do you plan on competing in? Since you are left handed, I would suggest M&P/Pro as it has ambi mag release/slide lock/safety.


Limited: No optics/ports/compensator. Magazines are limited to 140mm. You need 40 caliber or larger to make Major power factor.

Limited 10: Just like Limited, but with a 10 round magazines.

Production: Everything is scored minor power factor in Production (so 9mm is on even ground).

 

[solvability]

If you handload start with a Glock 35 in 40 and or get a 9mm conversion barrel it will give you a lot of flexibility as you try out the different games.

I just switched from a 34 to 35 as primary.

 

[Mr.Blue]

I'd go with a CZ SP-01, but you have to tinker with it to make weight. The CZ 75/85 would be my second choice. I use both for action pistol shooting events.

 

[2005 Vette]

Most likely I'd do the production class. The gun club I just joined has Thursday night matches but I don't have any details yet if they have classes or how it is run. I'm in the process of researching and try to find out as much as I can. Thanks for the info.

 

[LiveLife]

I highly recommend that you range test as many pistols as you can (like range rentals) before you buy one. Narrow your selection down to pistols you can shoot accurate and fast for YOU at 7-10-15-20 yards (distance most USPSA targets are set at).

For me, I was comfortable and competent with Sig 226/Beretta 92/CZ75 but got the fastest stage times with another shooter's Glock 17 that I never shot before. I couldn't believe the timer and ran the stage again with the same results. Holes on targets and timers don't lie. I bought a Glock 17 to replace my Sig 226 and moved onto Glock 22 to better meet power factors.

With the gun club you joined, see if you can run the stages with different pistol models to determine which gives you the fastest stage times. Depending on club/shooters, they may allow such opportunities. We sometimes held range practice sessions where everyone brought different pistols so others could run the stages for comparison.

 

[Jed Carter]

I started with a Glock G34, I have not yet seen a Gen 4 with the ambidexterous mag release. I got one because a DA/SA pistol just does not work well in competition. A SA CZ would be a good choice. I like the G34 so much I traded my old SIG P226 for a G35 to make a Limited / Limited 10 pistol. I can ue the same holster for both. glock magazines are usually cheaper to buy than most others, you will need a minimum of 5, I take 8-10 to the match. I have done some inexpensive and easy to drop in trigger work on the G34, with the G35 to follow soon, and replaced the stock adjustable sights with Dawson Precision with a fiber optic front sight. Way more available for the Glock pistols, only the 1911 has more, than any of your other choices. Nothing wrong with anything you listed just the G34 is a better choice for USPSA matches in my experience, but I do love shooting my STI 9mm 1911 in Single Stack or Limited 10 minor power factor. USPSA is habit forming, and things can get expensive, G34 is a great choice to get started.

 

[TonyT]

Personally I prefer the ergonomics of the S&W 99, S&W M&P9Pro or CZ-75SA. I also shoot my Dan Wesson PM-9 (1911 in 9mm). Glock's are also used by many shooters. I would try a few and decide based on which gun best fits your hand. My problem is that I shoot all four of the guns mentioned plus a Glock-17 - nothing like variety.

 

[2005 Vette]

Guys what's your opinion of the Gen 4 Glocks? Are they as flawed as the write-ups I've seen? Also thanks form the infomive gotten so far. Greatly appreciated.

 

[TonyT]

I have seen two shooters at our local rabge experiencing ejection issues with newly purchased gen 4 Glock-17's. When the cases ejected they only barely fell out of the gun ca 6 to 13 inches. This was with two different brands of factory 9mm ammo WWB & Rem UMC. I advised both shooters to have the guns returned to the factory.

 

[mgmorden]

For production class, I'd basically narrow your choices down to either the Glock 34, S&W M&P 9L or 9Pro, and the Springfield XDM 5.25.

Barrel length means longer sight radius, which is good. The Glock 34 comes in at 5.3" which is about as large as you can hop to fit into the Production rules. The XDM 5.25 is, as the name implies, 5.25", and the S&W M&P 9L comes in at 5".

The Glock has a huge following and is a great choice. The XDM is a relatively new offering in this size and hasn't been tested a lot, but initial reports are encouraging. The 5" M&P models also have been gaining in popularity.

Personally, I shoot an M&P 9L and am liking it so far. My main reason for choosing it was that it was available for a minimal premium over a standard M&P (whereas a Glock 34 costs a fair bit more than a 17), and frankly, Glocks are incredibly common and I just don't want to shoot what everyone else shoots .

One possible benefit of the M&P versions: because they are specifically marketed as "competition" guns, the Glock 34 and XDM 5.25 are not Production legal in actual IPSC matches, whereas the 5" M&P's are still Production legal in IPSC. The vast majority of US-based shooters will only shoot USPSA and never IPSC, so that probably doesn't matter much, but I figured I'd mention it.

 

[DogLegArms]

Glock 17 and 34 are popular with shooters here in the Atlanta area.

 

[Jim Watson]

When USPSA Production and IDPA SSP were new offerings, I did pretty well with a CZ75 (you could get the CZ85 for ambi controls.) But I think I now shoot my S&W Plastic M&P better because of its consistent trigger. Which is pretty good as tuned by Dan Burwell.

The CZ is the only DA/SA I am really happy with; I cannot shoot the P226, S&W 5906, or Beretta as well.

I'd go with the Plastic M&P Pro or maybe a 9L with finer sights and a trigger job.

 

[maka]

It all pretty much boils down to personal preference; What division do you want to shoot in, what gun fits your hands (grip) and what do you shoot well with.

Me, I recently got started with a CZ 75 Tactical Sports which with its wide grip fits really well into my big hands. It's a ready to race limited class gun, comes in both 9mm (minor) or .40 (major).

 

[Metal Tiger]

Thanks for all the info. I would like to get into IDPA and the Glock 34 sounds about the right choice for me.....thanks to all the info I am receiving here and elsewhere. I have the Glock 26 currently. Anyone use that little thing?

 

[waktasz]

Apparently if you practice enough you can win the USPSA Nationals with a Beretta 92 even!

 

[twofifty]

Jim W. and maka, TonyT, bds, and MrBlue - have you guys tried the 9mm CZ75 SP-01 Shadow in USPSA/IPSC Production division?

How'd it work for you?

 

[Jim Watson]

No, my only CZ 9mm is that basic 75 with sight and trigger work.
I did get to shoot the Shadow a little at the demo range during an IDPA Nationals and it is a very nice pistol.

 

[Chris Rhines]

In Production division, I shoot a Smith & Wesson MP9 Pro. I also like the Glock 34.

If you're shooting under IPSC rules, I believe that there's a minimum trigger weight for the first shot. In this case, a CZ-pattern gun might make sense. A friend has a CZ SP-01; it's a nice gun, but way too heavy for my liking.

-C

 

[Hawthorne2k]

I shoot a pre-B CZ75 in Production and I love it, although because it's a 21 year old gun, it's starting to have some ejection issues.

I don't think the little blue pill will help with that...

I'm buying an SP-01 next year to replace it. If I didn't shoot the CZ, I'd be giving either the M+P Pro or the XD-M 5.25 very serious consideration.

 

[1SOW]

I shoot the 75B in Production and like it. My son shoots the SP01 Shadow, and its too heavy for me to feel comfortable. Both have had professional trigger work.
All the stock CZ 75/85s need trigger work and spring changes (as do Glock, M&P et al).
Cajun Gun Works has come up with some "new" improvements that really do make the 75/85 triggers nice. He posts on this and other forums as "Schmeky". Even with IPSC DA requirements, the SA can still be very good.

 

[MrWesson]

M&P9L,G34,M&P pro

That being said I have a Beretta 92 which isn't all that great going from DA to SA but I ordered some lighter springs.