What make and caliber for competition?

[nitrodude]

Hi guys I'd first like to start off with I'm looking into competition shooting. I really need to make a choice on what gun and what caliber I will be using. My choices as far as calibers go is .22lr, 9mm, .380, or .45 auto. I am mainly thinking .22lr or 9mm because I have so much experience with those calibers. Now onto another important subject, what gun. I have some gun models on my head but I need some "advice" as to good competition models of guns. So any good tips at this point in time will help. And I plan on shoot IDPA competition.

[Bug Splat]

Well, a 22 is going to limit a lot of matches you can enter. 22 matches are usually target shooting or maybe light plates. I have not seen any IDPA type matches with a 22.

If it were me I'd get something in 45. If you are going to seriously shoot in a lot of matches you need to reload. If not for the coat saving but for fine tuning your loads. 45 can be loaded very light, 45 brass will last almost forever due to its very low pressures. for matches with bowling pins or heavy plates, you want to be able to ramp up the FPS and weight to knock them down. 45 gives you a wide range to work with.

[9mmepiphany]

In IDPA there are three classes: SSP, ESP and CDP...there are also SSR and ESR, but those are for revolvers...so first you'll have to decide which class you'd like to compete in before we can suggest a gun.

There is no class in IDPA which allows a .22LR pistol to compete

[Press Check]

Hi guys I'd first like to start off with I'm looking into competition shooting. I really need to make a choice on what gun and what caliber I will be using. My choices as far as calibers go is .22lr, 9mm, .380, or .45 auto. I am mainly thinking .22lr or 9mm because I have so much experience with those calibers. Now onto another important subject, what gun. I have some gun models on my head but I need some "advice" as to good competition models of guns. So any good tips at this point in time will help. And I plan on shoot IDPA competition.

If you're trying to pick a pistol and caliber before picking a class, you're working backwards, my friend.

[JaeOne3345]

https://www.brianenos.com

Choose a division, and look at the rule book.

See what top shooters are shooting in that class.

I shoot USPSA, but you still wanna make sure the caliber you choose is appropriate for the division you are shooting within.

For example, in limited I shoot 40. It is the smallest round that is allowed to be used to make major power factor. A 45 in limited would suck because of capacity. It would be better in single stack and/or limited-10 depending on the pistol.

(Yes I know you want to do idpa. Just using that as an example)

Go about this methodically, so you don't waste money.

[JaeOne3345]

Also, go to a real match and see what people shoot.

The calguns handgun forum is not where I would go for advice on competition shooting. Just sayin.

There is a competition forum here, though!

[NiteQwill]

Pick the class that you want to shoot in first.

Then choose your caliber.

Then CONSIDER reloading if you're a serious shooter.

I shoot single stack (.45acp) and production (9mm) for different reasons. But the main reason is variety and a change of pace every year.

OP, where are you located? I'd be more than happy to bring you to a local match.

[nitrodude]

I'm going to be in the youth category and I already email officials and I am ok for 22lr

[nitrodude]

And I'm in Sacramento

[NiteQwill]

Youth? Do you mean Junior? < 21 y/o.

22LR will result in a NO SCORE in IDPA. I hope you understand that.

[nitrodude]

It will result in a score I know this because there is someone else who shoots 22lr and yes I am junior.

[NiteQwill]

Negative. I suggest you read the IDPA rule book. If they are receiving a score, then RO is violating the rules or is not running a sanctioned event.

[HighLander51]

Negative. I suggest you read the IDPA rule book. If they are receiving a score, then RO is violating the rules or is not running a sanctioned event.

That is also correct for USPSA. The only disciplline that recognizes rimfire is the Steel Challenge. However, many match directors allow kid squads to compete with rimfire at the club level. It's not too long before the kids want a centerfire weapon.

[Lead Waster]

If you were to just pick one, I suggest the 9mm Glock 17. It would cover many rules and restrictions (in USPSA anyway). Since it's such a popular gun for both civilians and LEOs, it would likely be the one allowed in most competitions. In USPSA, it is a good production division gun. It's also highly reliable and accurate. It's a good gun to have in anycase. Oh, I don't have one, btw! If I didn't have two 9mm CZ's, I would get it though.

[j1133s]

I'm going to be in the youth category and I already email officials and I am ok for 22lr

Are you going to the match w/ your/friends' parents? If so, then, I'd suggest that you first borrow their guns to see if you like the game.

Or you've already shot the match enough with borrowed guns that you'd like to own your own gun? If so, then a .22LR pistol is a good choice because it'll be cheap to shoot and cheap for you to practice.

Games are fun only if you win (or beat a bunch of other people). And winning takes lots of practice.