New to IPSC, need recommendation on pistol

[pbake360]

Hi everyone,
I have been browsing the forums for an answer to what would be a good IPSC Open pistol. Since I have started researching, I have heard good things about CZ pistols, but I wanted to get a broader view from all of you before I sink a couple grand.

I'll eventually be asking about all the goodies from holsters to optics to gun cases, but that is in the future.

[tacticalreload]

I anticipate you'll get about a million posts saying to just go with a 1911... and there is a lot to be said for that since the go-fast goodies are nearly unlimited. There are some decent Glock setups as well (and they tend to be cheaper than a lot of other options).

That being said, if you're liking the CZ, go for it.

[pbake360]

I am kinda against the 1911's since reading another post in these forums relaying the poster's observation of many misfires in IDPA and IPSC competitions. Besides, I am more of an off the beaten path kinda guy.

I haven't started reloading yet, but I am curious how much that will play into pistol selection. Are 1911's more forgiving as a person ramps up or down to a good competition load?

Thanks again for your help!

[restojunkie1967]

Have you considered the Smith and Wesson line of M&P pistols? Personally I have found them to be beyond reliable, very accurate and just a whole lot of fun to shoot...

[tacticalreload]

The M&P line would be great for IDPA and/or limited or production shooting, but would be hard to customize to be competitive in Open.

As for reloading, it's going to be a huge advantage in shooting open class. Open is all about capacity and making major PF. That's why a majority of shooters will go with a small, fast round like the .38 super. If you're not reloading, you're going to be limited because of availability of ammo. You can certainly try shooting open with something .40 or larger, but you're really limiting your capacity.

One consideration might be to try shooting Limited (or Limited 10) instead of Open. It's going to be substantially cheaper and easier to get started. Factory .40 ammo would fit fine into Limited until you can get your reloading rig setup.

As to the 1911... I wouldn't shy away from it simply because of reliability concerns. of course, I also wouldn't feel compelled to go with it just because some people think you need one to win. When the 1911 is built right and tuned well, it's going to be just as reliable as anything else out there. By the same token, if you start tinkering with loads, aftermarket do-dads, springs, mags, etc., even Glocks (and other supposed "reliable" makes) will choke or break.

One thing to consider is not to forget the "basic" things that you would want to think about when buying any gun... find one that fits your hand. Hold a double-stack 1911/2011 and a CZ and a Glock and whatever else and see how it feels.

Open guns are not cheap. Optics, super-high cap mags, gear, etc. are all going to add $$$ to the cost. You're smart to devote this much time to researching the options. If you haven't checked out Brian Enos' website, do so, as well.

[Lycanthrope]

Open guns are not like other guns......

In Production, you can have a Glock and a CZ and an M&P and things can be about even.

When you are dealing with a 170mm magazine, a kick ass trigger, optics and comps there is only one gun that dominates. The 2011.

Period.

Sometimes you see a custom Caspian, Glock or.....well, I have heard of other guns, but never really saw them.

A decent 2011 will go 100,000 rounds easily. The rumors about 1911's are mostly false at this level of gun. I have 29,000 on my 2011 in .40. I change recoil spriongs about every 10,000 rounds.......

Yes, you can shoot Open with a Hi-Point, but the point of Open is generally pulling out all the stops. The best trigger on the planet is the 1911 and good Open guns are under 2lbs. 9mm Major, .38 TJ, .38 Supercomp, .38 Super.....all with 29+ rounds in a 170mm mag. Most are running a C-More or other reflex sight with frame mounted optics being more popular than a slide mounted sight.

Short answer....buy a 2011 from STI, Dawson, Brazos, EGW, Bedell, Triangle, GANS......and go shooting.

Lycanwoopthereitisthrope