Which pistol for IDPA?

[Frack]

I just joined one of the local gun clubs and want to start shooting IDPA. I'm currently not carrying anything since I sold my Keltec PF9 since it was junk, so I dont have a pistol to use and am looking to buy one. What would be the better pistol for IDPA and CC or is there another brand I should look at?

1) Taurus Millenium PT140 in .40sw (Seems the right size but have seen Taurus 1911s fail before so I find their stuff questionable.)

2) FN Herstal FNX in 9mm or .40sw (Played around with one of these at Cabelas today. They seem a bit big for concealing on my 5'6" 220# frame. Felt amazing to hold but the slide release was pretty stiff.)

3) HK USP Compact in 9mm or .40sw (Used to have one in .40 but couldnt hit the barn from inside the barn with it but slide and magazine releases all worked amazingly.)

[tdyoung58]

I used a Springfield XD in 9mm when I shoot, I have the XD9 tactical with the 5" barrel

Springfield just came out with a XDm with a 5.25" barrel with competition in mind not to long ago

There are lots of 1911 and Glock shooters as well, not many Taurus shooters

[fastfive0]

The only gun built specifically for Idpa....glock 34!! Switch out your front sight with a fiber optic one and you are ready to compete!

[rwb1500]

^^^^^34 FTW^^^^

Or a 1911. Five inch tactical XD isn't bad either.

[synergy]

The only gun built specifically for Idpa....glock 34!! Switch out your front sight with a fiber optic one and you are ready to compete!

Yep, G34 or G17 are some of the best options for SSP.

[RobW]

You can't go wrong with a Glock or M&P in 9mm. I've shot both in competition and so have many many many other people. For IDPA, if you go XD or 1911 you are running with the big boys (division-wise). I'd say stick to SSP (or revolver, which is cheap and a blast but can be frustrating) and buy a 9mm Glock or M&P. You can get one cheap, there are loads of options for holsters and mag pouches, everyone can fix them or upgrade them, and they are competitive.

[MOUNTAINORACLE]

I would recommend looking at the firearms I use a M1911 or SIG P220.

Give them a try.

[wwhite72082]

I'm planning on giving action shooting a try later this month (most likely USPSA first) and I'll be using a Smith & Wesson M&P in 9mm. I can't say enough about the gun in a no-stress slow-fire environment, so I can't wait to get it out to a match and see how it (and myself) does.

[Yoder]

I shot my first IDPA match with a HK USP compact .40. After that match I bought a Glock 17. I realized I hated the DA/SA trigger and also having to turn the safety off. If it was me I would go with either a Glock 17/34, a S&W M&P, a Springfield XD or a 1911. Also consider which division you want to shoot in since that will be dictated by the gun. Of all the guns I've see in competition the Glock 17/34 is by far the most reliable. Most failures come from 1911's. Also 9mm is the cheapest to shoot.

[Rundownfid]

Perhaps the best advise is to consider the division you want to shoot in and then decide on the pistol that best fits that division.

SSR- 4" K frame 19, 66, etc

ESR- 4" N frame 625

CDP- 1911 .45 ACP (pick from the hoard)

SSP- I see more Glocks than anything, some even win, but there are many great choices and few terrible ones. I'd definitely go with 9mm, no reason to fight extra recoil. (Personally I shoot a CZ 85)

ESP- I don't know, I'd shoot my 85 cocked and locked, but I have never competed in this division so trust someone else opinion here.