Shield plus for Steel Challenge..

[Phantom309]

Hello all, new guy here. I started into steel challenge with an M&P 2.0 compact 9mm. It worked really well for me, but it was stolen in a break in after my first season. I sat out last year, but couldn't stand it any longer, and had to get back in. Instead of going back to the compact, I thought I'd kill 2 birds with one stone, and get a pistol small enough to carry, but big enough to compete. I have a 1st gen shield, but wanted the extra capacity.
I got it in a few days before the 1st match, and was only able to get about 100 rnds through it beforehand.
I did get some funny looks and comments at the match, but it shot well with no malfunctions. I was a few seconds off of my old times, but with one year off, and a brand new gun I felt I did OK. My impressions..
I'm not in love with the flat trigger. It feels fine, but the reset is longer than I was used to, and I had a few ftf because I missed the reset. I believe I'll get used to it. But I'm definitely curious about an apex, and if it would shorten the reset.
I was within a second of my previous times on smoke and hope, but anything with any distance or smaller targets slowed me down bit. I'm not certain weather to blame inexperience with the pistol, or the shorter sight radius. Time will tell.
I'm also curious to see if some milder loads will help. But until I can get some primers, I'm having to deal with WWB.
I'm sure I'm in the minority in trying to use this gun to compete. But the idea is to be as good as I can be with something I actually carry. I'd love to hear any opinions or suggestions.. Thanks

 

[Goblin]

There are a lot of people who shoot matches with their carry guns. My club once held a match for snubbies, back before there were serious autos as small as the Shield. Whether it's steel challenge, USPSA, or IDPA, matches can only make you a better shooter. Tactics are another matter altogether.

 

[Phantom309]

Everyone else here runs a full size gun.. and acted like I was crazy.. But its an extremely small and rural range.

 

[Phantom309]

Mods, I must have overlooked the competition forum. After seeing it, I wonder if this thread would better fit there? Im not requesting it be moved, but I'd understand if you did.

 

[Goldstar225]

I applaud you for using your carry gun when shooting matches. While it's a definite handicap compared to guns more suited to the match environment don't look at it that way. Rather than competing against other shooters you're competing against your past performance in an effort to improve your gun handling skills and defensive capabilities.

 

[Phantom309]

I applaud you for using your carry gun when shooting matches. While it's a definite handicap compared to guns more suited to the match environment don't look at it that way. Rather than competing against other shooters you're competing against your past performance in an effort to improve your gun handling skills and defensive capabilities.

Thanks. While I like to look at other people's times, it's really just me against the clock. I know I'm not going to make grand Master anyway, so I just try to have fun and get better..

 

[marvin02]

Steel challenge is a great way to practice safe handling and get trigger time with your carry gun. You're probably not going to be at the top of the lists for speed, but you will get better at handling your gun and you can still have a great time.

 

[double-dipper]

Phantom309, your M&P 2.0 compact 9mm would be better for an IDPA match but, if it works good for you.

I shoot both Steel Challenge and Rimfire Challenge with a 22/45 lower and a 6" Pac-lite upper (Tac-Sol).

I would think the 35 yard targets would be challenging with a 2" barrel while racing the clock.

 

[Phantom309]

Steel challenge is a great way to practice safe handling and get trigger time with your carry gun. You're probably not going to be at the top of the lists for speed, but you will get better at handling your gun and you can still have a great time.

Looks like a total match time 141.37 so I'm far from the top..

 

[Phantom309]

Phantom309, your M&P 2.0 compact 9mm would be better for an IDPA match but, if it works good for you.

I shoot both Steel Challenge and Rimfire Challenge with a 22/45 lower and a 6" Pac-lite upper (Tac-Sol).

I would think the 35 yard targets would be challenging with a 2" barrel while racing the clock.

Yes, that long guy makes you take a breath..