tbone0813

Problem solved. I picked up a BladeTech paddle holster. Fits perfectly and will work for IDPA and USPSA.

Just as the topic title states. Are Glock 34 Gen 3 & Gen 4 holsters the same? I am trying to order a Comp-Tac International for my Gen 3 and the 2 options are 'Glock 34/35 (Gen 4)' and 'Glock 34/35 (with rails)'. Not sure which one to get. Any ideas? Thanks.

I feel right now that .40 caliber ammo is more readily available than 9mm. More expensive for sure but higher availability. I base this off of going in to my local Bass Pro and them having ZERO boxes of 9mm vs plenty to choose from in .40 caliber. Right now .40 is running about $70 more per box of 1000 than 9mm. I don't think that is too horribly bad. IMO. I think I am going with the .40. I just found one on a local gun site that has the competition upgrade from Springfield Armory at a helluva good deal. It will save me hundreds over what I was going to pay form Springer Precision.

Thanks Steve. I just noticed we are neighbors (or almost). I am in Grand Prairie. Where do you compete at?

Since we are on the topic of being a new shooter are there any 'definitive' books and or DVD's that will help me get started with pistol shooting especially as it pertains to competition? I know there are a lot out there but is there 1 or 2 that are the 'Bible' for competitive shooting?

I'm not saying I will never reload myself. I'm sure that I eventually will but right now I am going to focus more on getting all the gear I need and getting a coach to get me started. Maybe 6-8 months down the road reloading will be a viable option. Right now I would have no idea about loads and power factors so for now I will let Blam-Tec handle that for me.

I originally thought I would do 3 gun but I decided to just stick to pistol comps for now. There is a small chance down the road that I will try 3 gun but right now my plans are sticking to pistol only. If I end up trying 3 gun with my .40 and liking it I can always look at getting another gun. I don't see that happening for a while.

Thanks Max. I will make sure to stay relaxed. Luckily I understand that there is going to be a learning curve. Patience is a virtue.

I really want to get some basic shooting and safety training under by belt before I compete in a match. I have a local organization that holds IDPA and USPSA matches twice a month each so once I get the basics down I should have plenty of options to compete.

Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the insight. There is a good chance as I grow in the sport and start to understand all the division rules and limitations I will probably end up getting a second gun. For now I am going to start off slow and get my feet wet. I love shooting and can hardly keep off YouTube from watching competition videos. I can't wait to get started and it seems there is no better place to start than this forum. Thanks again for everyone's input.

Oops. Edited to include the gun type.

So I am wondering what your thoughts are on the caliber of pistol to start off with. Things to know about me. I will be shooting IDPA ESP and USPSA Limited pistol only competitions. I based the divisions off what I have read and interpreted so far from the IDPA and USPSA rule books. I am new to pistol shooting though I have shot trap before (obviously irrelevant here but I do have shooting experience). I am not too concerned about the recoil difference between the two. I have shot both and really would be comfortable with either one. I am not too concerned about the price difference in ammunition between the two. When commenting take in to consideration that this will be for the long haul. I am interested in getting better, competing, and advancing in classifications. I will not be reloading anytime soon. My gun will be a Springfield XDm 5.25" customized through Springer Precision with a competition trigger @ 3.5lbs, Bar-Sto over-sized gunsmith match fit barrel, stainless steel guide rod with #18 springs, stippled grip, Dawson Ice Magwell, Springer Precision +.25" basepads, Springer Precision extended mag release, Springer Precision slide stop and Springer Precision aluminum cocked indicator guide. If I left any information out that might help you make a recommendation please feel free to ask. -Tommy

This seems to be getting rave reviews.

I found the MTAC in 1-4 and 1.5-6. Any recommendations?

I guess my other question is can you truly be competitive with a sub $500 scope if the skill set is there?