IDPA gun

Jamie

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Looking for a gun for the wife, one of the choices right now is a 6906 'cept she doesn't like the safety and decocking levers, uncomfortable for slide racking. Found a 6946 dao, no levers, seems like a good possibility BUT, for IDPA, dao, dual/single action, which to choose for IDPA. All her shooting has been done on a 442 snubbie including a weekend class. We also ran into the same situation on a Beretta PX4 Storm which is also offered dao.
 
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I would let her look at the M&P in 9mm, a Glock 17 or 19, or a Springfield XD. Years ago, I was shooting IDPA and got my wife interested in shooting a match. She didn't have that much experience, but I spent about eight hours giving her some training in respect to safety and some of the drills. She ran the match, didn't shoot anything unintended, and though she wasn't one of the faster shooters, she didn't come in dead last either. She shot my Gen 1 Glock 17 and her hands aren't that big. She's also fired a 21SF I had and didn't have any difficulty with it. Bottom line - take her to a shop or two and let her handle the guns. Just remind her that a pistol such as the Glock or M&P have lower barrel axis and thus will be easier to handle.
 
The S&W M&P Pro 9mm 5" is what is working the best for my wife in IDPA. She has shot the CZ 75B SA and the 1911 9mm guns but likes the M&P the best. Being able to change the grip size is a good feature for the ladies. Many times the slender fingers of the ladies wrap around the grip farther than a mans meaty paws and they end up needing a larger grip to be comfortable. The M&P also points like a 1911 and the CZ so the transition was easy. Magazines are easy to load to 10 if you get normal capacity 17 round magazines.
 
for IDPA, dao, dual/single action, which to choose for IDPA.

Those are old school, and safe action polymer guns own IDPA/SSP.
Ditto on recommending an M&P, as that is what I shoot. Due to a quirk in IDPA rules, DON'T get an XD for SSP; it's ESP.

DA and DAO guns are legal for IDPA, and several shoot them because they already have them and like them. But buying a new gun just for IDPA, well..............
 
I also would seriously consider an M&P in 9mm.

Another option a S&W 64/66, 586/686, etc. Do not rule out revolvers. I have been shooting a Model 64 for the last year. It is a blast to shoot. You need some Comp III speedloaders for it, a holster and 2 or 3 Speedloader carriers.

Bob
 
Been playing the game since March.

Started out with my 2.5" 66. Then tried my 4" 28-2.

Have also run my Sigma, CZ 75B and have recently been running the XD-9 I bought off a friend because it fits my hand so well.

I have shot my best scores (such as they are, I'm a cellar dweller) with the CZ but I'm not running it as much until I spend $85 for the extended safety. I sometimes miss the stock safety and have to sweep again to get it.
 
I also would seriously consider an M&P in 9mm.

Another option a S&W 64/66, 586/686, etc. Do not rule out revolvers. I have been shooting a Model 64 for the last year. It is a blast to shoot. You need some Comp III speedloaders for it, a holster and 2 or 3 Speedloader carriers.

Bob

My first thought was to go to a revolver better suited for target work, she has gotten pretty fast using speed strips, she wants to do semi-auto.....spent Sunday at a local gun show, picking up and comparing different guns. She is down to the Beretta PX4 and the Ruger SR9, haven't found a local range yet that has both to rent. Only found one that has the Beretta and they want you to be a 'member' in order to rent! Leaning towards the Ruger, a bit cheaper, (significant point these days), made in USA.
 
My first thought was to go to a revolver better suited for target work, she has gotten pretty fast using speed strips,
she wants to do semi-auto...

She is down to the Beretta PX4 and the Ruger SR9...

Leaning towards the Ruger, a bit cheaper, (significant point these days), made in USA.

If she carries a revolver for protection, there is certainly something to be said for competing with one, but if she wants to shoot an autoloader, I guess it would be folly to discourage her.

I am not sure how the Ruger will stand up to competitive shooting, but I applaud your interest in buying U.S.-made products. It is too bad she has no interest in the M&P. It would be the only U.S.-made pistol that is fairly economical, other than the Sigma and SD-series guns. Has she looked at one of the SDs?
 
I have read a few reports in favor of the SR9 and it has a skinny grip, even compared to a Plastic M&P Small. It also has the advantage, like PM&P, Glock, XD, of a consistent trigger pull for all shots. Not great, but consistent.

I don't know or even know of anybody shooting a PX4.
 
Shoot what you have. Period.
I wish someone had grabbed me by the shoulders and shook the daylights out of me screaming "SHOOT WHAT YOU HAVE!!!" until I relented and shot what I had.
 
If she carries a revolver for protection, there is certainly something to be said for competing with one, but if she wants to shoot an autoloader, I guess it would be folly to discourage her.

I am not sure how the Ruger will stand up to competitive shooting, but I applaud your interest in buying U.S.-made products. It is too bad she has no interest in the M&P. It would be the only U.S.-made pistol that is fairly economical, other than the Sigma and SD-series guns. Has she looked at one of the SDs?

Initially the M&P was one of the first 'group' she picked up and liked, this last weekend she thought the grip on the M&P was 'longer' than she liked. Ya know, now that you mentioned it, I remember keeping an eye out for a SD, didn't see one, must have missed them, saw plenty of Sigmas. I need to let her 'play' with mine some more, see what she says. Funny how a month or two changed what she likes, although the Ruger WAS one of the original 'likes'.
 
My first thought was to go to a revolver better suited for target work, she has gotten pretty fast using speed strips, she wants to do semi-auto.....spent Sunday at a local gun show, picking up and comparing different guns. She is down to the Beretta PX4 and the Ruger SR9, haven't found a local range yet that has both to rent. Only found one that has the Beretta and they want you to be a 'member' in order to rent! Leaning towards the Ruger, a bit cheaper, (significant point these days), made in USA.

IF she is interested in shooting revolver take a look at the Ruger GP-100. When I shoot revolver I use one for IDPA and the gun is very good out of the box. That said if she has one she carries it would make sense to use it IDPA. Shooting revolver in that sport changes the game and is fun.

Take Care

Bob
 
I have shot my best scores (such as they are, I'm a cellar dweller)


I'm glad I'm not the only one. I was getting awfull lonely down here. The good part no where else to go but up
 
I agree on the revolvers, especially if she is already familiar with a j frame. Find a good used smith k-frame and some speed loaders.
 
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If the standard M&P is too long in the grip then how about an M&P 9c. Shorter grip
 
When I first started shooting steel plates all I had was a 1943 Ithaca 45 auto. First off the crummy sights stink. Anyway I managed to stay near the bottom ranked shooters. Then I bought a used tricked out springfield 1911. Finally I had sights that I could actually see. Shot much better but still had a long way to go. Frank
 
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