9mm for competion

[chbix]

Ok so as my other threads on here show I have a 1911 and was going to compete in local USPSA matches with it.

However, I want to get a 9mm as well, i think it would be a easier gun to start with, even though it will put me in the minor category. I have narrowed it down to 4 choices, a glock 17 or 19, the XD 9mm, or an M&P in 9mm.

I have not held the xd or m&p so I can not compare the feel yet (I will try and at least hold them to see how they fit first).

I am leaning toward the glock because it is reliable, has a number of parts avail, and the magazines are not outrageous in price and are easy to get ahold of. The XD and MP being new have limited aftermarket/replacement parts, and the mags are expensive (CDNN has MP mags for like $34 a piece.)

All the guns are relatively the same in pricing so that is not an issue.

I like the MP because of the changing backstaps, I like the XD because of the extra safety features, I like the glocks, well because they are glocks.

I have my 1911 for home defense so thats not a factor. This will be a competition gun simply because 9mm is cheaper to use than .45, as well as being eaiser to control.

Input? Comments on my thinking of each?

[Jim Watson]

I would debate whether a plastic 9mm was "easier to control" than a steel .45, but the ammunition is definitely cheaper if you don't handload. You might even save the price of the gun in a few years of frequent shooting. Figure it out.

I can't tell you which to get. Glock has a long track record and would not be a mistake. "Feel" is highly personal. I don't like the Luger grip angle of the Glock, or the tall feeling of the XD. The Plastic M&P is a taller gun in the hand than it looks like in pictures and I was not impressed by the one I shot a few rounds from at the IDPA Nationals demo range. But it feels good in the hand.
I am going to try out a friend's Walther 99. But what I am now shooting is a P226.

If you use a gun on the USPSA Production approved list (all of the above) the caliber doesn't matter. All are scored at Minor so you will not be at a disadvantage versus .40 or .45 in that one Division.

[BerKim]

You should also look at the Glock 34...

[AlphaMike]

My first impulse was to recommend a XD. It's a great gun. But the fact that Springfield still can't or won't sell parts to anyone is a BIG negative. You will be happy with a Glock. Look real close at the G34. Factory parts and aftermarket upgrades are EVERYWHERE.






Jim

[chbix]

the glock 34 is the sub compact model right? What benefits would it have over the 17 or 19?

The issues with the springfield also seems to be the same with the M&P as well. $34 a mag is expensive.

[Norman]

Originally posted by chbix
the glock 34 is the sub compact model right? What benefits would it have over the 17 or 19?

No, the G34 is the Competition/Tactical model. Bigger than the G17, in other words.

[desmo]

chbix- look around for mags on that mp my local shop has them for 19.99

[Joe D]

You might want to look at the Glock website to determine which model is which.

[chbix]

I looked it up on glockfaw.com, I see that it is indeed bigger than the 17 and 19. Ill have to hold them to get the final verdict.

I will look around some more for various mags/parts too. thanks for the input

[ryucasta]

I prefer the 17 over the 34.

[RRPD1]

I prefer the 17 over the 34 as well - That being said, don't bypass the M&P9 - go shoot one.

[TimWarner]

is the M&P production legal yet?

[RRPD1]

Originally posted by TimWarner
is the M&P production legal yet?

Tim,

Yes - The M&P is legal in Production - It's been legal for a while now.

[Hunterjbb]

of those are really bad choices. Here's my thoughts.

G17 - been around forever it seems. reliable, cheap parts, cheap mags. Different grip angle which throws some folks off.. great weapon. should consider the G34 if all your going to do is compete with it, although i think the 17 is handier. Lot's of folks don't like the glock trigger.

XD - never shot one, more like a 1911 grip angle, have heard of ones that work great and ones that are complete dogs. Parts from all i've read are hard to come by.

M&P 9 - just bought one. Actually cheaper then the glock at the show where i bought it, although if you look hard you could get the glock for about the same price $450's. Mags are more expensive. Supposedly realiable but relativley new so jury is still out. Parts are rapidly coming available and some glock parts are interchangable.
Shoots GREAT. One of the hotter sellers at the moment from what i've read.. Grip angle is more like the 1911. Trigger is not bad and can be worked very easily.

I wanted something different in 9mm.. i have a Browning hi power but it's in the safe.. i have two glocks a 23 and 35 which i use all the time also..I have a 1911 which i used regulary for over two shooting seasons but moved to the 35 in .40 to get into limited cheaper. But i wanted a new 9mm and i liked the feel of the M&P so i bought it.

You need to get the one that fits YOU.. the one when you pick it up and point it you go "yeah that works"..

Hope this helps some.

jeff.

[skorpio]

My vote is for the M&P. If you're already shooting the 1911 style gun, then going to the Glock might present a transition problem for you. Different grip angle might lead to a tendency to point/shoot high. (did for me) M&P feels very natural to me, interchangeable backstraps make the weapon very ergonomic. Great balance, and aftermarket parts such as trigger jobs, front and rear sights, and the OEM newer extended (slightly) slide release make it very competative.

I'm not just flag waving, it will be my next handgn purchase, though I do admit to wanting to wait for the fabled 5" version to be released. Not real sure how long I can wait though...:upeyes:

:supergrin:

[Duck of Death]

*QUOTE*
Lot's of folks don't like the glock trigger.

It's easy and cheap to make them almost as good as a well tuned 1911. And keep them legal for USPSA/Production.

[Rikki]

I'm pretty new at this sport, and so I watch other shooters and their gear pretty closely...
Whatever pistol you choose, I'd make sure I got a pistol that didn't need a mag in it to fire...at the end of every stage you are asked to "unload and show clear" then "hammer down"...
I've seen guys have to fumble around with an empty mag to get the hammer or striker to fall...
Maybe a small thing, but it looks like a pita to me.
I love a 45 and a big old wallop in my loads- but starting out I'm shooting a 9mm and enjoying NOT reloading(Winchester White Box for Me)
I've only shot in 3 or 4 matches, but I can tell you my mags are taking a pretty good beating- they've been dropped in mud and on gravel and stepped on- I would NOT like it if they were made of steel and 30 bucks a copy... I shoot production and I got a bunch of 5 buck 10 rounders...
I guess my last/maybe best advice is to just get out there and shoot some matches with what you got- and then maybe you'll see a class you want to really shoot in.
(those race guns look like ALOT of fun)
YMMV

[Pierre!]

Couple of thoughts...

If cash is a concern, go to summitgunbroker.com and see what Mark Kitterman has going on in the 9mm range. You could pick up a refurbed G17 for very nice $$$, night sights possible (not guaranteed) for under $400 - I did mention *possible* didn't I??? (grin)

That way you can be competitive, it's a nice duty / CCW pistol and should you decide to go G34 (must be patient to get one used for sure) then you have the mags you need already. The other added benefit to a competition 9mm is when you get home from a match tired and don't feel like cleaning it, your carry piece is there in your safe still clean and fresh... unless it escorted you home from the match still clean and fresh... See what I mean?

Used / Refurbished Glocks are a lay down overlooked resource. I have said it before, and I will say it again - I will never buy a new Glock ever again. Too easy to fix, and they come with a lifetime warranty on em... what's not to like?!?!?

Send the refurb through MFGuns with zero hassles and a great price... and you are IN THERE MAN!

Sure was nice to have you hanging with the Squad Sunday at the WNPL Match - Pretty cool that you were not shooting, but pitched in with the taping, steel setting and such anyway. You made a great first impression! (grin) Hope we did too...

Holler if you need some help with Glocks.

Merry Christmass!

L8ter!

PS - Some great advice in this thread, especially about "what fits you". You need to go to Sportsman's Wearhouse and put yer fingerprints on a few!