Suppressors Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

caustic

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 27, 2009
9
1
46
MB,Canada
Hey guys I'm in the process of researching pistols, for use in IPSC and quick draw type competitions , and am looking for the pros and cons and others personal preferences in safety options in order to help in my final decision on a pistol.

Unlike in the US I just can't rent and try so ....

I'm basically looking for others view on the reasons they have chosen a certain system over an other and for a little guidance on my choice as I've narrowed down the list to (9mm)
:springfield XD
Para ordnance 1911
sig p226 tac ops
CZ 75 sp 01

I'm sure that their all good pistols but any first hand experience and info to add is always welcome.

Thanks the help/incite is much appreciated.

 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

If you're doing competition from a standard or comp holster go with a safe action like the Glock or even the Springfield as the trigger pull is consistent from shot one to empty. The double action pistols are going to have 2 different trigger pulls. The M1911 type is also an excellent choice as a good smith can make it break like glass.

I carry a Sig every day for work as a plain clothes LEO so I like the double action feature for the safety. But when I shoot competition I use my Glock from the holster as I said before its a good trigger consistent from shot to shot

Bottom line what ever you get practice with it until you're 100% confident and smooth. 100's of draws presentations and dry fire to commit to muscle memory and gross muscle movements
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

I also shoot a Sig(239) I love the no-safety DA decocking setup, it's safe, and very accurate. I actually just shot in my first IPSC comp last month, I loved it! Even though I only had 8 round mags It was the only thing holding me back. I also shot a Springfield XDM 9, that will be my next pistol.
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

Pistol safeties fall into the broad categories:
1. Manual safety. Often frowned upon for self defense guns because stress can cause user to momentarily forget direction to switch off, and whether it was on in the first place. If you choose this route, pick a gun with safety selector on the lower, and not on the slide itself; the latter being more difficult to access without excess movement.
2. Decocker. Triggers come in double action or single. On decocker models, the first shot is double - and subsequent shots when the rounds are chambered by the recoil, are single action. A decocker simply places action back into double action after you manually chamber the first round. This is presumably to holster or store your gun loaded, but allow quick access for self defense.
3. No safety. The epitome of self defense guns - simplicity is premium over other features. The classic example is Glock; but it is touted to only fire when the uniquely designed trigger is pulled. Therefore, accidental drops do not activate the firing pin; only a correctly placed trigger pull will. Usually, these single action SD guns have a bit higher trigger pull weight also to avoid accidental discharge. The cost is a reduction in group accuracy; arguably not as important for SD.

Whatever you choose, it'll work fine if you read the manual thoroughly, take a course, and practice/practice/practice. 3 guys will tell you 3 "best" types, and why they chose their pistol. If this is your first purchase, and you're using it for IPSC - you'll presumably use it also as a self defense weapon; at least until you get a 2nd pistol. For that reason, think about which features you'd want in a SD gun first, competition second. For me, I have a Walther P99C with a decocker, and a HK USP 45 with decocker/manual safety in the same selector. I shoot weekly and don't have to think about the mechanisms anymore. Good luck in your choice: have fun and be safe.
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

I shoot a 220 sa/da and 226 sa/da and like them alot, but got the chance to shoot a 220 dak last time at the range. Didn't think I would like it, but it was great. Same trigger pull everytime and no need to decock!
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

Thanks for the replies, as for the uses of the pistol it will only be for range and comps only, if you use one in canada for self defense you'll be in worse shape legally then the attacker.

I do realize that which ever system I go with I will have to practice the hell out of it to become proficient with.


thanks for all of your input.
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you use one in canada for self defense you'll be in worse shape legally then the attacker.</div></div>
Wow, sorry to hear that. So when are you applying for your visa?
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chalwie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Wow, sorry to hear that. So when are you applying for your visa? </div></div>


Ya no doubt, I've thought about that and may be some day, but for now I just hope things don't get any worse and that the pendulum starts to swing the other way.
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

HK USP/P30 or P30L/HK45

There are variants out there for these guns that run SA/DA or SA. I know the HK45 and USP is SA/DA but can be run cocked and locked with safety, not too sure on the P30. But you can always get the LEM style trigger as well
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kchu02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">HK USP/P30 or P30L/HK45
</div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: caustic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey guys I'm in the process of researching pistols, <span style="color: #FF0000">for use in IPSC and quick draw type competitions</span> , and am looking for the pros and cons and others personal preferences in safety options in order to help in my final decision on a pistol.
</div></div>

Check which platform is usually in the winner's circle or a GM's hands.....
 
Re: Choosing a pistol - decocking VS saftey switch

If you're shooting under IPSC rules instead of USPSA, your considerations will be far different than what we shoot in the US.

Here, single action is king.