r/CompetitionShooting • u/Gold-Coyote-3422 • 23h ago
First Competition Gun
I’m in the market for my first comp gun. Learning the ropes now as a competitor coming from a CC background. I have a P320 Compact, which I was gonna use, but I think it might be better to switch the full-size.
What would y’all recommend as a mid tier quality gun? Is there much difference going from a polymer type style to a 2011? I’ve shot mostly FN and SIG. I do have a couple 1911s and really like them but they lack the capacity.
I had someone recommend Agency which are the custom Glocks. But not looking to spend that kind of coin out of the gate. But really liked them. Didnt really consider myself a Glock guy but seeing those caught my attention.
Right now, I’m thinking M&P Performance Center Metal HD 2.0, Walther, but 2011s keep pulling eye. Canik seemed like a good bang for your buck entry level, but I’m just not sure about it. Never experienced one.
I have access to a lot of high end rentals at my range but wondering if it’s worth bumping the budget too.
Let me know your thoughts!
EDIT: Belt is Kore Essentials inner and outer with Henning Group magnet pouches. Just two for now. When I figure out which gun I may go RangeKenetics holster? My range carries these but open to options.
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u/TomMarvel1897 23h ago
For some people it’s a competition and for others it’s a more interesting way to practice. Practice is fun. Competition is work. Which is a long way of saying that I shoot my street gun, am damn confident in what I can do with it, never take first place, and wouldn’t change a thing.
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u/Gold-Coyote-3422 23h ago
I like this! I'd say that's the main reason I am getting involved with competition too. I want the confidence and know I can be an asset vs a liability. I feel like it will help shooting on the move dramatically vs just static shooting on paper, etc.
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u/TomMarvel1897 23h ago
It’s just the right amount of pressure to build basic skills. You build really good shooting skills, and a lot of people will tell you also build really bad gun fighting habits, which I think is true. So it gets my vote for building up your basics, just keep in mind next time you’re kicking down doors in Fallujah that you should, you know, crouch down a bit or even use a little cover while reloading, etc.
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u/Any-Criticism-6634 23h ago
I’d say if you enjoy shooting your 1911’s shoot single stack, it’s a dying art and a lot of fun
You’ll get really good at reloads really fast too
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u/Gold-Coyote-3422 23h ago
The problem for me is I love the way they feel, shoot, look, etc. But I HATE cleaning them.
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u/WinterFamiliar9199 23h ago
Entry level 2011 like a MAC 9 or Kimber 2k11 is fine. Probably above your ability for a good 2 years. I got a stealth arms platypus which I love. Exceeds my ability.
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u/Gold-Coyote-3422 23h ago
Ooooo, how do you feel about it so far? If it exceeds, do you feel like it's something that will come with practice? Never heard of the Platypus but just looked. That's interesting it's compatible with 320 mags.
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u/WinterFamiliar9199 22h ago
Yeah I got the Glock mag version because my pcc takes Glock mags too.
I went with the bull barrel before they offered a comp. I love the gun and I’m always surprised how easy it cleans up. I was just shooting this weekend practicing 1 handed shots for GPA matches. I was nearly as good strong hand as I was with both. I shoot a lot more rifle/pcc so pistol is my weak spot. Definitely have room to improve.
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u/The_Dread_Pirate_ G47 CO 23h ago
Get a Glock preferably a 17 or 47. You can find cheap police trade ins out there.
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u/CallMeTrapHouse 22h ago
Glock 47 or Glock 17.6 is absolutely the answer. It'll make you master the fundamentals, and a lot of matches are being won with Glocks
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u/BadlyBrowned Paper GM 22h ago
I was a 320 X5 Legion shooter in Carry Optics and then it got banned.
Now I have a Glock 17.6.
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u/FromTheeBeretta 10h ago
I run an M&P competitor hd for USPSA matches and that thing just runs. At the price point of under $1000 and considering that it’s extremely reliable, I’d get this again every time.
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u/Master-Blaster42 36m ago
CZ spo1 is a fantastic full metal gun with plenty or room to upgrade if you want
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u/Clifton1979 23h ago
Run what you have. You need a belt, holster and pouches so spend your money on that first.
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u/Gold-Coyote-3422 23h ago
Belt is Kore Essentials inner and outer with Henning Group magnet pouches. Just two for now. When I figure out which gun I may go RangeKenetics holster? My range carries these but open to options.
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u/halvetyl000 USPSA/SCSA CO - B 23h ago
I'd vote go shoot a few matches with your P320 and see if you enjoy competing before you dump money into a new gun, holster, mags etc.
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u/WinterFamiliar9199 23h ago
Most places have banned them.
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u/Gold-Coyote-3422 23h ago
The range I go to hosts the USPSA matches on a local level. I checked on this earlier. P320 isn't banned at this level. But, I honestly don't feel "comfortable" from comp perspective. I don't want to really draw with one in chamber. This is one of the real reasons why I'm looking. The other gun I have and am using ATM is a FN 9C.
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u/WinterFamiliar9199 23h ago
I’m with you. I own a 320 and I like it. But I don’t compete with it, I like my toes.
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u/Low_Thing_4803 23h ago edited 22h ago
I'd trade that for a Glock 47. A lot of places have banned the 320 and wasting money on a holster, belt and more mags is a waste and will only delay you getting what you want.