What's a good pistol for IDPA?

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2. Stock Service Pistol Division (SSP)
Handguns permitted for use in this division must:
A. Be semi-automatic.
B. Be double action, double action only, or safe action (when
the trigger is pulled, the hammer/striker is cocked and then
released).
C. Be 9mm (9x19) or larger caliber.
D. Have a maximum unloaded weight of 39oz., including an
empty magazine. (Will be effective January 25, 2006)
E. Have a minimum annual production of 2000 units;
(discontinued models must have had a total production of
20,000 units).
F. Fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 8 ¾â€ x 6” x 1 5/8”
with an empty magazine inserted.
G. Be loaded to the division capacity of ten (10) rounds in the
magazine plus one (1) round in the chamber. Should division
capacity not be achievable because of lower magazine
capacity, load to maximum mechanical capacity of magazine
plus one (1) round in the chamber. Competitors must use the
same capacity magazines through out the competition
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(Example: if you start with a 9 round magazine, you must use
that capacity magazine throughout the match).
H. Begin hammer down for selective DA/SA pistols.
PERMITTED Modifications (Inclusive list):
1. Sights may be changed to another conventional notch and
post type (see “sights” in glossary for further information).
2. Grips may be changed to another style or material that is
similar to factory configuration (no weighted grips; see
“weighted grips” in glossary for further details).
3. A slip-on grip sock and/or skateboard tape may be used.
4. Internal action work may be used to enhance trigger pull as
long as safety is maintained (no visible external modifications
allowed).
5. Reliability work may be done to enhance feeding and
ejection.
6. Internal accuracy may be worked to include replacement of
barrel with one of factory configuration and original caliber.
7. Plastic plugs may be used to fill the opening behind the
magazine well.
8. Custom finishes may be applied.
NOTE: The slide releases and magazine releases that are standard
on the Glock 34 and 35 models are available as a factory option on
all Glocks available in the USA. Because of this, that type of slide
release and magazine release are legal on all Glocks for SSP.
EXCLUDED Modifications (NON-Inclusive list):
1. Externally visible modifications other than grips or sights.
2. Robar style grip reduction.
3. Add-on magazine well opening.
4. Guide rods made of a material different from the factory part
it replaces.
5. Seattle Slug Grip Plug and similar weighted products.
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6. A barrel of another caliber that is not offered in the original
factory model.
7. Slide lightening (see “slide, lightening” in glossary for
further information).
8. Checkering and stippling.
9. Refer to Appendix ONE-A. Firearms-Non-IDPA-Legal
Modifications.
 
Glock 34 is the most commonly seen SSP pistol at big matches, but the M&P is picking up steam. I made SSP Master with a G34 and ESP Master with a G35.
 
What's a good hand gun for IDPA matches?

Now taking this at face value it goes against the concept of IDPA lol.

Now that stated any gun you shoot well that is allowed.

Please don't get roped into gun hype. If the gun doesn't work for you then don't try and make it because someone said so or someone else is using the same model.

Always suggest to try before you buy if possible and not just what you think you want, but as many different pistols in this case as you can.

Best of luck with your choice.

BTW if I was to suggest lol G19, G26, G17 XDs and M&Ps First three in order would be my choices - of course lol for SSP/ESP and a 21SF/30SF for CDP.
 
I would guess 95%+ of SSP guns are of the M&P or Glock variety. Go to a local range that rents guns and you should be able to shoot them side by side. Buy what feels, points, shoots best for you. Or go to a local match and ask around. If you were at one of ours most guys would be happy to let you shoot their guns, so wouldn't even cost you a dime.

For me, hands down after shooting both, the M&P was my choice. I bought the 9mm Pro before the .40 S&W version came out. 15,000+ rounds later it has performed flawlessly. I have taken several shoppers out to shoot both and every one has chosen the M&P for comfort and better trigger. That being said, Glock was the first plastic gun to market so you see more of them, but the M&P numbers are growing rapidly while Glocks have stayed about the same. If just for competition and home defense, buy a 5" slide version.

Its a Ford vs Chevy argument. Fact is, they are both excellent, lots of accessories available (although you don't need as many for the M&P because it is SOOOO much better right out of the box). That should rile up the glock die hards. You simply can't go wrong with either.
 
"GOOD" is relevant to the opinion of the shooter. There's no answer for this question. If you're wanting to shoot IDPA for it's true purpose (concealed carry) than shoot your carry gun. If you want to "play" the game, like most shooters do, than I suggest trying different pistols. If your gun range has guns for rent, rent different ones until you find one that you shoot well. If not, most shooters will let you finger their guns after a match. What works for one shooter, may not work for another...
 
I would guess 95%+ of SSP guns are of the M&P or Glock variety. Go to a local range that rents guns and you should be able to shoot them side by side. Buy what feels, points, shoots best for you. Or go to a local match and ask around. If you were at one of ours most guys would be happy to let you shoot their guns, so wouldn't even cost you a dime.

For me, hands down after shooting both, the M&P was my choice. I bought the 9mm Pro before the .40 S&W version came out. 15,000+ rounds later it has performed flawlessly. I have taken several shoppers out to shoot both and every one has chosen the M&P for comfort and better trigger. That being said, Glock was the first plastic gun to market so you see more of them, but the M&P numbers are growing rapidly while Glocks have stayed about the same. If just for competition and home defense, buy a 5" slide version.

Its a Ford vs Chevy argument. Fact is, they are both excellent, lots of accessories available (although you don't need as many for the M&P because it is SOOOO much better right out of the box). That should rile up the glock die hards. You simply can't go wrong with either.

More like a ford/chevy vs mopar.

"GOOD" is relevant to the opinion of the shooter. There's no answer for this question. If you're wanting to shoot IDPA for it's true purpose (concealed carry) than shoot your carry gun. If you want to "play" the game, like most shooters do, than I suggest trying different pistols. If your gun range has guns for rent, rent different ones until you find one that you shoot well. If not, most shooters will let you finger their guns after a match. What works for one shooter, may not work for another...

Good post.
 
EXCLUDED Modifications (NON-Inclusive list)
8. Checkering and stippling.

I guess my daily carry G26 with Accurate Iron stippling wouldn't be permitted.

And the GAP base plate probably wouldn't be either, huh?

2012-02-07_08-39-02_832-1.jpg
 
You would be able to shoot ESP with it though.

I agree that some of the different rules don't seem to make a whole lot sense. Some people may not agree that you should have to dribble the ball while you're running down the floor, but you do. That's the rule. If you want to play the game, you know what the rules are and then you go play. At the end of the day, it's a game just like any of the others. Shoot it and have fun doing it.
 
See I didn't say you were wrong. I stated I would contest it.

You can use skateboard tape, you can change grips, you can have a different finish. Seems nothing wrong with stippling especially in the spirit of IDPA it is to keep cost down and anyone can do their own stippling - may not be a nice job...... but they can.

I like a lot about IDPA and a lot I don't. This is one of the ones I don't and it has no impact on the division and doesn't meet the common sense test.

To bad TSA didn't take off - that is the big boys sport in my opinion.
 
Tactical Shooting Association. D.R Middlebrook got peeved at IDPA HQ and came out with a better mouse trap, more realistic rules, to include rifle, shotgun, SMG. His target was the bomb Much more realistic and more accuracy intensive. You had maj and minor PF and the divisions were based on size and wt. So our sub compacts dont have to compete with full size guns but it is fun beating folks with full size guns lol. The classifier was at a higher level as well. Still CCW/LEO orientated.

I had moved and I contacted D.R a few months ago wanting to order targets and ask about his site. He stated he wasn't pushing it any more. He has titles and is a trainer. His concepts are being used by some of the best shooters out there today. He is opinionated and will tell you so. A lot of folks don;t like him but he has his oars in the water and backs up what he preaches.

Anyway I have to find someone to reproduce the freaking target.

I like IDPA I ran matches from 2001 to 3 yrs ago and TSA for a few yrs as well each month. I am way past being in withdrawal - I am now cured of shooting not having shoot hardly since my move or at all since Dec. Might have to try airsoft ;(

Anyway you can still downld the last set of rules I think and i have a copy somewhere in digits as well as a picture of the target

Also you had a higher allowed R.C if you wanted to have bigger stages.
 
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