Need help selecting a platform for CCW, IDPA and IPSC

[Aglifter]

I've carried for years -- work's in a BAD area, but we're heavy industrial, so we need to be there -- and started shooting IDPA weekly. As I've been lurking on here, I've been getting more and more interested in shooting open. (I think that's the right class -- the one with compensators and optics.)

I'm fairly certain I want to stick to one platform for carry and IDPA -- possibly for IPSC as well. How important is it that an open class gun be the same as an IDPA/CCW gun?

I always carry a Rohrbaugh (long, light DAO.) And, I've started carrying a P226, recently. At times, I carry a a G29, when life's going to get really wet and dirty -- fishing, rough day at work, etc. (I also occasionally carry a P7, and carry a revolver while hunting, etc.)

As far as I can tell -- that's too many triggers to learn. The only pocket guns I'm willing to carry have DAO triggers (nothing wrong w. Kel-Tecs, but I like my pup and my J frames.) However, I don't think my pocket gun is likely to end up being used in a situation which calls for accuracy.

At the moment, I'm considering:

going w. 1911s (Lightweight for carry, Steel Gov't for IDPA, spiffy one for open.)

Going w. XDs (XDM for open, another for IDPA, and a service size for carry.)

Revolvers (really lose capacity while carrying and lose some ability to stand up to knocks, etc.)

P226 -- carry a regular one, find a ST version for match use.

[G-ManBart]

Considering all the things you're looking at, I think your first setup might be best, but I lean towards 1911/2011s anyway. A lightweight 1911 makes for a great carry gun, you can come up with nice combos to shoot in IDPA, and shoot one of several varieties in USPSA up to, and including Open. Sure, you could come up with an Open gun with another platform, but it won't be quite as easy at with a 2011.

Aother possibility (you didn't mention) would be to go all Glock. Lots of carry options, works in IDPA and you can shoot in everything but Revolver and Single Stack with them in USPSA.

I will say that going from my carry Glocks to my SS, Lim and Open guns doesn't seem to be a problem at all. When I shoot Glocks I don't find I'm looking for the safety and when I shoot 1911/2011s I'm not forgetting about it either. R,

[DoubleDelta]

The 1911/2011 is going to be the most standard manual of arms for your multitude of applications. That being said you really want to shoot open in IPSC, right? There is not much to learn about a 2# 1911-style trigger, compared to a DA revolver's.

If I were you I would shoot IDPA with what you are going to carry everyday, and don't think of it as a game, but a training exercise and stay with the same gun. Then pull out your high $ safe-queen to play the "game" of IPSC.

[Graham Smith]

While you could run a stock trigger on a .40cal gun and use it for carry, IDPA, Production, and Limited, I'm not sure you would want to use that same trigger for Open.

Having said that, you could get a Glock 22 and put a Vanek GSSF or Classic trigger with a medium striker spring in it. That would give you a smoother action without dropping the trigger weight too much to be safe for carry. That gun would give you everything but open, but you can get a SJC bolt-on conversion for that.

So, yes, it's possible. I'm just not all that sure it's practical to use one gun for everything.

[CocoBolo]

You already have a gun that will work the P226, I have shot mine in IDPA and USPSA, and even a steel match or two. The guns are ultra reliable and accurate. I carry one of two sigs a P239 or a P226. The P226 has enough heft to make it a fairly stable Production gun, in fact I think one finished 3rd at the USPSA nationals this year.

I can't remember the name but there is a custom guy that sells a trigger kit for the P226 that includes a block for around $50 that makes the trigger lite and crisp and easier to shoot fast. Just take it to your smith and let him work his magic.

I do happen to own several 2011 and 1911 style guns, and they cost a fortune so I shoot them a lot at matches. I would like to think they are superior but no they are just popular and stylish and cost a lot, but I'm cool.

It is our nature to try something new and embrace the excitement, to dream, I'm thinking about a CZ SP01 or a CZ Shadow. I borrow my wife's CZ75B to shoot two gun IDPA carbine matches and it makes a good IDPA gun and Producction gun as well.

Take the Sig P226 shoot some matches. It is the Indian and not the bow.

[photog]

Granted, I don't shoot open, but I consider Open guns to NOT be much of a carry gun: optics! Comps! 6oz trigger! 170mmmags!! They are range toys, for a specific game. Nothing wrong with wanting to shoot Open, as it is fun to shoot those (I shot a Para in 38 TJ, super fun!), but I really can't afford to do that, along with shotgunning, rifles, Single Stack, Production and Limited, not to mention mountain bikes and motorcycles.

IF you want the pistol to do double duty, look at Production or Limited/L10. One gun could do it all, but you may want to go with a .40 to get the major scoring. A 1911/2011 in 40 will work for Limited and sometimes Single Stack. A CZ/Clone will work for Production/Limited.

Just so you know, because you are obviously a gun guy, if you get hooked on the IPSC thing, you will wind up getting a Limited gun, a Production gun and maybe even a Single Stack gun. Not because you want more guns, but because they play better in the game. Nothing wrong with wanting to carry your IPSC toy, and IDPA was created for carry guns. But I think you may find your 2011 a bit uncomfortable to carry, and difficult to conceal.

To start, get a production legal holster for your 229, and race with that, try out/fondle some Limited type stuff and Open rigs and see if that for you. IDPA should allow the 229.

Or.....pick the division you would like to shoot in, and then go get a pistol specifically for that game! There is a reason that people tend to use particular guns in particular divisions. I seriously doubt that your skills learned in IPSC will somehow lesson your self defense skills. I shoot my PM9 way better now that I race occasionally. Don't let the tactical dudes feed you that line of B.S. that racing is bad for your skill set.

[MichiganShootist]

I'd suggest a Glock 17. It's quite competitive in IDPA/USPSA... and small enough to be a good carry pistol

[belus]

If I understand the OP correctly, he's looking to chose a platform to practice on so there's a common manual of arms. He's not trying to find a single do-all gun.

I'd chose the 1911 personally. Regardless of what discipline or where you shoot competitively you'll find people to compete against. The same "standardized" gun will likely be competitive 20 years down the road as well.

[G-ManBart]

If I understand the OP correctly, he's looking to chose a platform to practice on so there's a common manual of arms. He's not trying to find a single do-all gun.

I read it that way as well. R,

[Ron Ankeny]

How important is it that an open class gun be the same as an IDPA/CCW gun?

Not at all important. Get a trick blaster and have fun. Carry the working gun of choice.

[Aglifter]

Thank you for the suggestions. I am trying to stick w. a single platform -- I don't mind buying multiple guns.

[twodownzero]

The obvious choice for an open blaster is the 2011. While there are other open guns, none are anywhere near as popular.

I don't see why you can't keep carrying whatever it is you're carrying, or switch to a 1911 if that's what you like. I carry a Glock when I do carry and I never shoot USPSA with a Glock (I either shoot production with an M&P, SS with a 1911, or, lately, limited with a Para). I don't see why it matters. Once you practice pistol shooting more, you'll realize that the gun doesn't really matter that much and your muscles remember where everything is. I realized that was even more true than I thought before when my friend gave me his limited gun and it was just like shooting a single stack.

[Duane Thomas]

If I understand the OP correctly, he's looking to chose a platform to practice on so there's a common manual of arms. He's not trying to find a single do-all gun.

You could approach this multiple ways. You could stick with one basic platform/trigger action type and then have multiple guns for carry, for instance a Lightweight Commander for carry, a full-sized steel or polymer framed 1911 for competition. Or you could get one gun that's light and compact enough, but yet easy enough to shoot, that you can do it all with one gun. Option #2 to me seems by far the more efficient. But maybe that's because I made the decision long ago to always compete with my carry gun. Even though they might be the "same platform", an S_I double stack is going to feel and fit the hand and index completely differently than a compact, lightweight, single stack, concealment oriented 1911. I would FAR rather the gun I wrap my hand around if the balloon goes up be the exact same gun I have been constantly dry firing with, that I have already put tens of thousands of trouble-free rounds through, and with which I have already shot umpteen matches.

In that regard, since you already own a P226, why not just run with that? In the overall scheme of things the P226 is really not a terribly large or heavy gun. Actually if you spec it out you'll find it's about the same overall size as a Lightweight Commander - albeit a bit fatter in the grip, and a bit heavier when loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm than the LWC is when loaded with eight or nine .45s. Also in the do-everything category, it's just awfully hard to beat the Glock 17. Likewise about the same size and unloaded weight as a Lightweight Commander (a few ounces less, actually), and, like the P226, it's a gun you could use to excel in both USPSA Production or IDPA Stock Service Pistol division - or if you want to put a few more mods on it than SSP allows, you could run it in Enhanced Service Pistol division instead.

[DWFAN]

I see 3 good choices.

CZ. Get a (S)P-01 for carry, and take your pick for your Production/Limited(10)/Open gun.

Glock/M&P

1911/2011 with Commander/CCO being the carry if thats how you go.

[Joe4d]

STI VIP for carry, STI Eagle 6" .40 for USPSA, STI Eagle 5" for IDPA.

You could also go small medium large Glock, or Small medium in M&P, or XD. Your fighting an uphill battle with Sigs.

[Duane Thomas]

Your fighting an uphill battle with Sigs.

Not necessarily. What platform did the first-ever USPSA Production Grand Master, David Olhasso, use to earn the G? SIG P226. A bit closer to home and in a different sport, here in Washington state our most recent IDPA Stock Service Pistol State Champion likewise used a SIG P226.

[synergy]

The XD is in ESP in IDPA, though... and I don't think it's highly competitive.

I would consider switching to Glocks. You can run a 34/35 in matches, and carry a compact/subcompact option. That would be a great fighting pistol, and can be very competitive, too.

The 1911 would work too, so long as you don't mind carrying a single stack. I don't know too many guys who carry double stack 1911's, though I'm sure some do...especially amongst the membership here.

[MemphisMechanic]

Call me crazy... but use a Glock 17 for everything. And I mean the exact same gun.

[Chills1994]

Call me crazy.... but use a Beretta 92FS (9mm) or a Beretta 96FS (.40 cal version) for everything. And I mean the exact same gun.

[Duane Thomas]

Call me crazy... but use a Glock 17 for everything. And I mean the exact same gun.

Then I guess you can call me crazy too, because I do the exact same thing.

[Walküre]

I like variety...

My alternating primary carry guns are a Colt Commander and a H&K P7. I use both (the exact guns) for IDPA-type matches. I do bring my revolver out to play occassionally as well, just for fun, but those two see the most use by far. I used to use my standard CZ75B for ESP, lending a similar manual of arms to the Colt (being used in SA from condition 1). It was retired from that use when I was finally able to secure enough spare mags to be able to comfortably use the P7 for matches.

My current USPSA guns match the same manual of arms - those two being a CZ 75 TS and a Colt Government. The Colt is of course a direct transfer, and the CZ offers a similar SAO platform with a frame-mounted thumb safety.

The real thing is to find what works for you, and to use that.

[Beretta Lover]

I love Beretta 92s and they are super reliable, not highly concealable

If you really wanted a do everything gun a Glock 17 can be great for

CCW, IDPA, USPSA, 3 Gun steel challenge everything

If you really wanted a smaller gun you could compliment it with a G26

If you have ever had to do your own repairs in either gun, wanted to switch sights, controls, get a great trigger, the Glock can be built to suit in MINUTES

[flack jacket]

I love Beretta 92s and they are super reliable, not highly concealable

If you really wanted a do everything gun a Glock 17 can be great for

CCW, IDPA, USPSA, 3 Gun steel challenge everything

If you really wanted a smaller gun you could compliment it with a G26

If you have ever had to do your own repairs in either gun, wanted to switch sights, controls, get a great trigger, the Glock can be built to suit in MINUTES

+1 for Glock 35 <-----I use for Limited

+1 for 92fs <--- Production/Carry/IDPA SSP

+1 on your P226 shoot what you have! Just use the difference to buy/reload ammunition The more trigger time you get the better, the new skills and training you attain, it will easily transfer over to the other types of pistols/divisions. It's not the gun, it's the shooter.

That's the beauty of IDPA and Production, no need for fancy gear( unless should you decide to go Open)

As you move to other divisions, go ahead and get the right tool for the job.

[5early]

I'm jumping on the variety bandwagon:

Glock 19 for carry and SSP

Para p16 for Limited and ESP

XD Tac for Production

Keith