Beginner competition, which one?

[JCase]

Some background; I have a .22 Buckmark, I've shot some bullseye completions with it that I've won.

I'm thinking about getting into competition. I've narrowed it down to between a Glock 34 MOS and one of the CORE's. Either #10098 5" ported core or #178058 9L pro core.

The other day my son and I rented a g34 and the 9L, we put around 50 shots through each.

It was both of out first time shooting either one. Only experience with a handgun prior was the buckmark except for renting a 45 1911 range officer last year.

We shot both equally well. The 9L was more comfortable. My son commented that natural point of aim was better with the 9L and had to concentrate more with the G34 when aiming.

Seems I'm leaning more towards the M&P.

The sales guy at the range/lgs told me that with the ported version it would put me right into open class, and for that reason pointed me towards the non ported 9L.

I'm at a quandary as to what to do?
Go with G34 or one of the cores?

If I go with core ported or non?
Can I put a regular barrel in the ported to be able to shoot it in the lower divisions that I could run the 9L in? Would that be allowed?

I figured having the ability to add optics in the future would be a plus so that is why I'm comparing all 3 of them.

Ported would also be a plus if I want to move to open when I get my feet wet in competition. But I don't want to start in open which it appears I would have to do with the ported, unless I swap out the barrel (if allowed?) But then I'm in stuck having to put out money for a non ported barrel.

Any guidance in choosing between the 3 guns would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
JCase

 

[MichiganScott]

What sort of competition are you interested in? Obviously some pistols are better than others for certain competitions. Some types of matches have limitations on equipment like optics vs. iron sights, etc.

 

[hardluk1]

Are you planning to shoot USPSA or IDPA ?? What clubs do you have in your area ? You may find a bug match in idpa is more fun and practical to get started with and makes a better carry choice down the road when you step up to play with the more seasoned shooters . Go to each site and study the rules , go to a match as see what guys are shooting .

 

[Bkreutz]

My advice, don't buy anything until you go to some matches and observe. It will save you a lot of frustration and money. Talk to the competitors, you will get vastly different advice (everyone will be promoting their particular division ) Do some research on what's allowed in the various divisions in regard to equipment. The non ported core is ideal for USPSA Carry Optics, it is possible to put a non ported barrel in the ported slide and still shoot CO. I shot a Magnaported Core (pre factory ported days) in USPSA Open division for a couple of years. It was fun but I was at a distinct disadvantage because I was shooting minor power factor and the porting doesn't really work at those low power levels. I now shoot 9 major with a barrel compensator and with tuned ammunition it works quite well (much better than ported barrel minor). Picture below is what I used last year, still playing around with this years gun configuration (gotta hurry, season starts next month )

 

[old&slow]

Both the Glock and the M&P are good firearms to get started in competition. I would say which ever one points the most natural for you, and feels right in your hands.

In USPSA the ported / comp. gun would put you in with the Open Class. Which is like a non swimmer jumping into the deep end of the pool.

With the non ported / non comp. gun you could run in Production or Limited class.

I would suggest getting on the USPSA web site and read the rules on equipment.. Then maybe go to a match to watch & listen to see what suits you best.

Same goes for Speed Steel or IDPA.

Competition is lots of fun and a good way to improve your shooting.. Good Luck..

 

[growr]

As already stated, go to some clubs in your area and see what the games are all about. I am a big believer in using what you already have first when possible. See what other shooters are using not only for the handgun choice but the other gear involved. A stock 9mm will show up a LOT!

For either USPSA or IDPA a standard M&P 9mm would be a great choice.

Buy the highest quality holster you can afford (leather or synthetic), usually you will use an OWB holster in either of these games, however many will use their IWB holster in IDPA. In either game the trigger guard must be covered.

Also, buy at least 4 magazines and mag pouches for on your belt. Make sure that your belt is very sturdy. If you can fold it in half vertically it is not sturdy enough. The Carhartt work belt is a great choice for not a lot of money.

You will need a range bag to carry your gear as well as good quality eye and ear protection. It IS mandatory.

Many clubs will have a new shooter introductory class or a session before the match starts to acquaint you with the rules and what to expect.

Remember....they were ALL a new shooter at some point as well.

You will find most very willing and happy to lend a hand...a sort of pay it forward as some one helped them at one time.

I would encourage you to go to the respective websites and get a better understanding of the rules governing each game and what gear is allowed.

Ask the shooters when you have questions, they will usually be happy to help you out. Don't be surprised if you get offers to try their gear when a stage or match is done. I would accept those offers with their guidance any time!

Keep us posted as to how it all turns out!!!

Randy

 

[Jim Watson]

Agree, pay the range a visit on a real match day and learn what is going on. Most shooters are very helpful. Be wary of dealers who are trying to sell you stuff, their knowledge of the field may be imperfect.

IDPA and USPSA are the primary action pistol sanctioning organizations. Gun-based Divisions differ;
IDPA does not allow optical sights or ported barrels whatsoever. Replacing a ported barrel with solid bumps you up from Stock to Enhanced Service Pistol where the classifications are tougher.
Carry Optics in USPSA is a "Provisional Division." If it does not catch on, they may not make it permanent. It does not allow superfluous holes in barrel.

In my OPINION you will make a better start in action pistol shooting with a rather plain gun entered in IDPA Stock Service Pistol and/or USPSA Production. You indicate a preference for the S&W Plastic M&P and since this is the S&W board... I would go with the M&P Pro 5". (I have a standard M&P that has been upgraded and lacks only the sight radius of the Pro 5".)

 

[Magload]

Don't buy a M&P if you plan to win at Bullseye. I have a M&P 9L with a comp and a Apex trigger and compition kit in it with a Matchdot optic on it. It shoots good at SD range but even with a good shooter is is not going to be a Bullseye gun. Same with my M&P 40 CORE with a Deltapoint. Now my Colt Goldcup National Match 45 ACP will shoot Bullseye but there are better custom guns. If you want to shoot these SD matches that was mentioned above you can do that with a Shield. Don

 

[JCase]

Thanks everyone

 

[JCase]

Leaning toward the non ported core

 

[V0OBWxZS16]

I'm here because I don't like Glocks and do like the M&P-series. Obviously I'm going to recommend the M&P.

You didn't specify, but I'm presuming you're interested in USPSA. Check out the rules. The division equipment rules start on page 76 Appendix D1.

Can I put a regular barrel in the ported to be able to shoot it in the lower divisions that I could run the 9L in? Would that be allowed?

I wouldn't refer to them as "lower" divisions; they're just for different interests. Don't be afraid of shooting Open.

If you swap a standard barrel into the ported gun it'll be legal for Limited. It will technically be illegal for Production and Carry Optics, but it is unlikely anyone at the local level will care.

If you're concerned about your ranking and interested in Open then Bkreutz is right. A ported minor gun with a slide mounted red dot is not the optimal choice.


Several have already recommended watching a match and talking to the competitors before deciding and they're right. Even better would be if you could borrow some equipment and shoot a match yourself.