Which one?

Albee · Sep 22, 2011

I have been looking at the XDM 5.25 9mm, S&W M&P Pro 9mm, Glock 34 and now the 1911, I could not find the 1911 on the approved list, I may have just overlooked it. Any thoughts on which one to start out with,
Thanks

Jefpainthorse · Sep 22, 2011

Approved list... as in "department- approved list", as in LEO work?

All would be fine choices as duty weapons. It's not rocket science, but the 1911 probably offers a little steeper learning curve as far as administrative issues and ease of assembly for cleaning than the others.

What do the majority of the guys you will work with carry? Being able to pick up some other guys mags and use them is pretty handy in a pinch. If your shift mates are toting Glock 34's that would be a big consideration.

All the guns you listed are very adequate for LEO use. The XD has offers a "safety" system thats a bit more active than the "revolver like' Safe action Glock and the MP's offered with out a manual safety. The 1911 carried "cocked and locked" requires a little training and practice- especially before the gun's reholstered after it's been fired.

mike cyrwus · Sep 22, 2011

you ae looking at the Production handgun approved list for uspsa. A 1911 of any kind is not "production" legal.
If you get a 1911, you can shoot it in any other division, but the best division to shoot a 1911 is "single stack" division.

Albee · Sep 22, 2011

ahhh that helps, thats why I didn't see it on the "production" list, being a newbie here I'll have to go back and look at some of the single stack stuff. thanks all

Jefpainthorse · Sep 22, 2011

Glock 34 should have been a givaway.... disregard my post and good luck !

Robusto · Sep 22, 2011

I like the M&P for it's ease of use and parts availability. You have got to pick the one that fits your hand the best.

NL7CO · Sep 22, 2011

Robusto said:
You have got to pick the one that fits your hand the best.

Or your budget.

For fit, I like the versatility of the H&K P-30. But at a typical street price north of $850, you can buy one of the others on your list, get the trigger worked on, and buy a bunch of ammo to practice with for the same money.

jtischauser · Sep 22, 2011

The Glock 34 is the most popular gun in production for a reason. Their cheap, parts are cheap, mags are cheap, and anybody can work on them. With that said Cyrwus makes a badass production M&P.

Here is my production 34.

Albee · Sep 22, 2011

that's an awesome looking gun now I'm torn the single stack sounds fun as well as the production, from what I have read they put you with shooters of the same level or try to, I'll head to H&H and try to shoot'm all. I was looking at the October schedule looks like some matches coming up, I better hurry!

Albee · Sep 22, 2011

I like the sights I take it we can get those installed just about anywhere

Browtine · Sep 22, 2011

Albee said:
I like the sights I take it we can get those installed just about anywhere

You can install sights on the Glock yourself. I have a little mechanical aptitude, but I'm definitely no gunsmith and I've installed 4 sets of Dawson's or Warren/Sevigney's on my Glocks with no issues.

JSooner · Sep 22, 2011

I've been looking at the xdm, G34 and the m&p lately too. I just put in an order for a g17 though. Go figure. Something you should keep in mind is the current xd rebate. They'll send you an additional 3 mags and another double mag carrier if you buy one. That was almost enough to sway me over to the xdm. It just seemed a little too top heavy for my tastes. YMMV though. And for what it is worth, Mike over at accurate iron (note the AI logo in Jesse's pics) recommends m&p's for a good competition gun. So my point is, just pick one and buy it. Guns hold their value, so you don't lose much if you decide to sell it and get another. BTW, every man should own a 1911.

jtischauser · Sep 23, 2011

Production is the 2nd largest division which means there are a lot of shooters to compare your performance to. Single Stack is the 2nd smallest which means you and 1 or 2 other guys will be competing for not much.

brandt9913 · Sep 23, 2011

When you finally do buy one of these guns I have a bit of advice for your first match. Even if you buy a 9mm, shoot in limited your 1st match. You will have enough stuff spinning in your head besides having to worry about counting rounds and when to reload. Even with 17-19 rds in a limited gun mag, you are going to forget when to reload once the buzzer goes off. Limited minor is the way to go for your 1st match.