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Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

MuleyTime

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Mar 3, 2008
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Utah
Ok- I have shot many pistols, but I don't own one. Some of the local tactical matches are begining to include pistol stages, so I am thinking I better break down and own one
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Being new to pistol tac comps....I really don't know what the preferred caliber is. I am looking hard at getting the XDM or even the FNP 45 tactical (cuz it just looks bitchin).

My thoughts are the 9mm though because it would be cheaper to shoot and less recoil, but what are your thoughts.

BTW....I am NOT looking to carry, only tactical comps are my interest here.

Thanks for the inputs.
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

There's so very little pistol shooting, and the targets are not small, so it really doesn't matter. I like .45 because it's easy to shoot and cuts big holes, but that's just me. I've never found lack of high-capacity to be a deal breaker on a stage, either. So, I say get a Glock 34 or use what you would otherwise want to have: a good 5" 1911 will do fine.

Keep in mind that you will have to carry it all day, and go prone with it on, so how to carry it and how much abuse it will take on the rear sight and how well it functions when the mag well is full of sand might be considerations.
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So, I say get a Glock 34 </div></div>

+1
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

I would meet halfway between the Glock 17 and Glock 34. Get a Glock 17 and install the stock 4.5lb connector. Glockmeister sells it, even though Glock says it's LE Agency only for individual sales.
http://www.glockmeister.com/45-Pound-Stock-Connector/productinfo/G721/


Otherwise, if you're looking into a 1911, a good standard 5" would be an excellent choice as also suggested.
Whatever you get, make sure you get something that is accepted in the matches you attend. In 3-gun, you have to run a .45 if you are in the Heavy Metal class. Individual matches may be different. There might also be magazine limitations, so be aware of that as well. All just things to think about.

As for a holster, I have found that when lying down or rolling around, a drop-leg thigh holster is the most versatile and comfortable. While I prefer my Serpa tactical holster for general wear and use, I have an older nylon Blackhawk Omega Elite drop-leg holster that sits flatter and is a lot more low profile. While the molded hosters are nice, I would recommend a nylon holster for more comfort when rolling around and getting into weird positions.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Omega-VI-Elite-Dropleg-Holster,1159,34.htm
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Special-Operations-Holster,792,34.htm
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

I personally enjoy the taurus 24/7 in .40 cal cause it is affordable to shoot (alot more so than .45) and the recoil is directly back instead of up/down or side to side, and I have very tight groupings with it but if you want a .45 Taurus has many that are worth looking at. Don't take my word for it though, here is a review by the american rifleman
http://www.americanrifleman.org/videos/taurus-pt1911-review-video/
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

Great information....keep it coming
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A little surprised, about the few XDM shooters. What's up....?

Not that I would have any reason to think the XDM's are great guns, but it seems like it always comes up in local conversations.
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MuleyTime</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A little surprised, about the few XDM shooters. What's up....? </div></div>It was a good value when it was a Croatian no-name pistol for $280. Now, whether or not it has Springfield's name on the side and costs five hundred-plus, it still doesn't print minute of barn-door.
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

HS2000 were great pistols at 200 bucks, XD is the same pistol but cost alot more, Glock 9mm is all you need, a 34/35 would be my choice, but a 17/22 will work.
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blakheaven</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I personally enjoy the taurus 24/7 in .40 cal cause it is affordable to shoot (alot more so than .45) and the recoil is directly back instead of up/down or side to side, and I have very tight groupings with it but if you want a .45 Taurus has many that are worth looking at. Don't take my word for it though, here is a review by the american rifleman
http://www.americanrifleman.org/videos/taurus-pt1911-review-video/ </div></div>
I would stay away from anything tauras besides their 1911 guns. Their factory is always six months backed up by the returns on the 24/7 line. I used to own one until everytime is got cold the guide rod would not allow it to go into battery. They took the gun back with a full refund and said it was a big problem they had but nothing yet to fix it. I got another M&P which have served me well without a single issue even after thousands of rounds down range. I shoot .40 in all competition and so does my wife. I shoot M&P and she shoots a glock 22.
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

I would vote for 9 mm, SIg 226. It is easy to shoot with quick follow up. Most importantly, it has high cap.
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

Most of the folks that I shoot with will be running Glocks or S&W MP usually in 9mm. There are some that will rock their USPSA Limited gun (STI or similiar).

For most of the newer shooters the advice that we give is to get something durable and easy shooting. The bottom line is to get a firearm with a proven track record of reliability and then shoot the crap out of it till you get comfortable with it.

For the first couple of matches just pull your favorite handgun out of the safe and run with it. You will quickly find out if that is what you need to use. If it chokes or tears your hand up over a couple of courses of fire and you can't hit anything with it, then you might want to start asking around at the match what other shooters are using and why. Watch them shoot their gear and ask to test a few round through it. That might be a better course of action.

Tom
 
Re: Tactical Comp-Which is the preferred pistol/caiber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: strangedays</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blakheaven</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I personally enjoy the taurus 24/7 in .40 cal cause it is affordable to shoot (alot more so than .45) and the recoil is directly back instead of up/down or side to side, and I have very tight groupings with it but if you want a .45 Taurus has many that are worth looking at. Don't take my word for it though, here is a review by the american rifleman
http://www.americanrifleman.org/videos/taurus-pt1911-review-video/ </div></div>
I would stay away from anything tauras besides their 1911 guns. Their factory is always six months backed up by the returns on the 24/7 line. I used to own one until everytime is got cold the guide rod would not allow it to go into battery. They took the gun back with a full refund and said it was a big problem they had but nothing yet to fix it. I got another M&P which have served me well without a single issue even after thousands of rounds down range. I shoot .40 in all competition and so does my wife. I shoot M&P and she shoots a glock 22. </div></div>
I have around 1k rounds through my 24/7 chambered in .40 cal and no problems. Maybe I got lucky with it, but it is my favorite shooting pistol over my Springfield Armory 1911. Everyone is different and in the shooting world everyone is always going to have different opinions so no one is right or wrong, just have to determine what you like for yourself.