Beginner hangun that could be used in matches?

[IVC]

You didn't say which discipline, so we are assuming you're not talking about Olympic 50 yard precision pistol.

If you're looking at the variety of action shooting games (USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge, local outlaw matches, etc.) there is one thing they ALL have in common: There is a division for stock pistols and stock gear where you'll be competitive with an unmodified gun (to be clear, you won't be competitive, but it won't be the gun holding you back).

So, my suggestion for the first gun is always either "shoot what you already have," or "get a gun that will serve a good purpose even if you end up not liking the sport." Such gun won't hold you back and you can have a lot of fun while not over-committing to the sport you haven't tried out yet.

What specific gun servers that purpose will be up to you to decide. If you really don't have any idea, a Glock (it's painful to say this) will serve you well. It's one gun that will find a use no matter what you end up doing.

[Thomann]

Get a Glock19, it will work for IDPA in SSP,ESP,CCP and USPSA Production.
Plus it is great for your CCW. Its a one and done solution!

[broadside]

You can shoot your carry gun in most competitions. If you get a comparable full size gun then you can keep your muscle memory for your carry gun.

That said, shoot both regularly and that is not an issue. I carry a striker fired XD9SC plastic-fantastic but compete with a full steel DA/SA SP-01 and SA only 1911 without any issues manipulating things or making effective shots.

As a newer shooter, please get some training on your primary firearm in a non-competition environment. Then get 5-6k rounds through the gun and then think about finding a competition to try, or preferably find a new to competitive shooting course first. Gun handling is a lot different on the move, from a holster and under time pressure.

[Brother_Hesekiel]

A compromise is always a compromise. Driving a 2-seater sports convertible is fun in the sun, but not so much when you need to go grocery shopping. A pickup is great, especially if you own a home and/or need to transport big stuff, but it's not ideal if you need to commute a great deal. Same with guns. The one gun that works for CCW and competition is going to be a compromise. So what direction to lean? I'd say CCW. CCW trumps competition. My carry guns are rather small, whereas my competition gun is a Glock 34. If you only want to purchase one gun, purchase the CCW gun you want to carry. Then practice getting good with it in competition. Nothing wrong with that.

[five.five-six]

Glock 19 or 17


Yes, I just posted that.

[naz]

Hi OP, I’m new as well and I got a Glock 34 so I can do USPSA production with my friends.

Also, before I bought, tried my friends’ sti 2011 9mm, g34, HK usp, cz sp01 and sig p320

The g34 felt comfortable in my hand and was easy to shoot and affordable for me, so I went with that.

I really like the sti but it was crazy $$ (for me). If it was in budget I would have gone for that.

[sigstroker]

Find Sinistral Rifleman on youtube. He shoots a Glock 19 with compensator and optic. The class he shoots in requires the pistol to fit in a box, so he picked the 19. You could shoot in a class without comps or optics to start. Then later have a slide built with comp and optic. You might also be able to carry the 19.

[The War Wagon]

I can't believe I'm saying this, BUT... if you're into Glocks... why not a 17L for competition?

[naz]

[pacmule]

I started USPSA with the Glock 19, used it for at least a year before getting a G35. Still the same sized frame. The 19 was also my primary carry gun at the time. I think I can shoot the 35 better/faster now, but when I started the 19 was more than adequate.

[The War Wagon]

REALLY?! I thought the only reason for it's existence WAS competition!

[tanks]

...

Also would it make sense to run the same platform as a CCW gun? Like Glock or M&P or whatever?
...

Yes, at least the manual of arms should be the same.
I compete in Limited with an SVI 2011 in .40S&W.
I carry a 2011 STI DVC Carry in 9mm

Same manual of arms. Both SA. The only major difference is caliber and trigger pull with the SVI being 1.25 lbs and the STI being 3.5 lbs.

Here is a pic of both side by side.

[Brother_Hesekiel]

I no nuttin' about guns, but I have a similar question. I don't have a driver's license yet, but I'd like to buy an affordable car that I can also use successfully in auto racing. Any tips?