which pistol

Josh Benson · Feb 27, 2012

hey guys in just getting started and I'm trying to figure out which pistol i should get. any suggestions? ill be using it in three gun and pistol matches

argyle64 · Feb 27, 2012

I don't know if it helps you out any but I'm ordering a Gen4 G34 tomorrow to use.

Matt1911 · Feb 27, 2012

Pistol is definitely a personal preference as well as a financial decision.
Glock 34's, smith m&p's, xdm 5.25, and sti double stack 1911's are all popular for 3 gun and uspsa.
You'll just have to try a few out and see what fits you best.

threegungeezer · Feb 27, 2012

You are going to have to give a little more information so that we can narrow it down. Budget would be nice, The division you would like to shoot, etc. I am a beginning shooter myself and place a premium on bang for the buck. I use a 9mm XDM 5.25 for 3gun and USPSA production the pistol is bone stock,dead reliable and accurate. I bought a couple extra mags and put extended basepads on them to give me 22+1 capacity for 3gun. I also shoot a RIA Tactical.45 when I want to shoot heavy metal or USPSA SS. It is also stock except for a fibre optic front sight I installed myself. I use the money I saved to buy ammo, pay entry, travel and range fees, I am also buying myself steel targets and target stands. No way I am ever going to win a big match with my skills but having a pistol that goes bang everytime when someone elses $4000 plus open gun is choking does make me feel a little better. If I get to the point where I feel the guns are holding me back I will probably upgrade but until then I am very happy with my choices.

nthequiet:

shootingbuff · Feb 27, 2012

What they stated. I always suggest to try before you buy. Some shops/ranges rent and some will let you shoot there guns. It really is to your benefit to have an understanding of what you want to do with it as well as if it suits you to time, money, and frustration.

jtischauser · Feb 27, 2012

Matt1911 said:
Pistol is definitely a personal preference as well as a financial decision.
Glock 34's, smith m&p's, xdm 5.25, and sti double stack 1911's are all popular for 3 gun and uspsa.
You'll just have to try a few out and see what fits you best.

This!

Here is what gets the the most use by order of popularity.

STI 2011, Glock 34/35, M&P 9/40, CZ75 & XDM are probably a tie or pretty close together.