Building a competion pistol..

J

jeepguy21

Inactive
Okay so i'm finally ready to drop some cash on a solid 9mm and then put most of the money into really building it.

Originally, I almost bought Ruger American 9mm because I found a really good local deal and it didn't shoot too bad....but then I realized their isn't much aftermarket support to I ditched that idea.. I'd LOVE a 1911 but too pricey for me right now with building to stroker motor's in 2 of my Jeep's, going through a lot of ammo with my M&P .45, work to my DD Subaru, paying my way through Hi performance auto. school and having a daughter i'm trying to really budget as best I can.

Price wise; I'm pretty set on a Springfield Armory XDM or mod 2 full size 5.25" 9mm.

I'll be doing a trigger kit, grip/extended clip, sights (most likely Vortex or Burris..depending if they fit a holster without snagging- or going with fiber optics), threaded barrel upgrade, aftermarket custom slide and some other custom goodies.

Anyone currently own a modded XD? Feedback, advice, etc would be greatly appreciated!!

Also, if anyone has any better gun selection options (reasoning please) i'm definitely open to hear hear out any alternatives etc!!! Note: I WILL NOT BUY A GLOCK....already have one from years ago and don't even shoot it. They're a dime a dozen and everyone and their grandmother has one, and yes I know they're cheap, reliable, accurate but I don't like how cheap the feel and I don't like having someone else has...just like my Jeep's/ vehicle's...I like want people don't have.

Thanks guy's!!
 
The other platform to consider is the S&W M&P series. They have some optics ready versions, etc, and there are a fair number of aftermarket goodies.

Handle them both and see which has the best feel and ergonomics. Either way, you have two excellent guns to select from.
 
I have a semi-modded XD. The trigger can be mad lighter and smoother, but does not have great quality. It just isn't very crisp. Still, the 5" XD45 is an accurate solid gun out of the box and the trigger kit helps.

Have you considered an STI 2011? They are a much better choice. Not other gun will have a comparable trigger.
 
Handgun with optics? What competition? USPSA or Steel Challenge?

If you are set on optics, then get a shorter barrel (4-ish). The longer barrel (5.25") makes it easier to use iron sights, but with a dot, you are not using the front sight, and a shorter barrel swings easier.

So: http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/xdm-4-5-osp-full-size-9mm/

An STI 2011 will be $2k, which sounds like is outside the price range. A single stack 1911 can be had for under $1k, and, with an optic, is great for steel challenge, but is not suitable for USPSA.
 
Sig p320rx w optics $750. Hard to beat. Can remove the optics or buy a caliber change kit for other competitions. Any 1911 or striker will cost you more with equivalent features.
 
What kind of "competition" are you referring to? Different classes have different rules regarding what you can/can't do to your pistol.
 
A friend has several XDs and a Powder River Custom on order, they seem good solid guns.

But first you need to be clear on what your gun is to be FOR.
A lot of the frou frou you list will provide no competitive advantage, just running up the cost and limiting your application.

A slide optic will put you in USPSA Carry Optic which they have recently opened up to 140mm magazines. The gun and gear are still Production specs, so your threaded barrel would not be allowable. Read the rules closely before you start trying to make a gun suit your personality.
https://uspsa.org/document_library/2017/APPENDIX D7_DNROI_2117.pdf
 
Martowski said:
What kind of "competition" are you referring to? Different classes have different rules regarding what you can/can't do to your pistol.
Click to expand...

Jim Watson said:
But first you need to be clear on what your gun is to be FOR.
Click to expand...

+1.

You also posted in the Competition forum that you're looking to compete and aren't sure what's available or what to get into. In this case, great, but I'd strongly recommend figuring out what game you're interested in, then shooting it for a while with a stock pistol (there are generally divisions where you don't need a race gun, and that 9mm XDM would be fine). This will give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the game and to see what mods (if any) are most beneficial. Most competitive shooters are very generous and would be willing to answer your questions and even let you shoot their gun after the match.

If you just have to build a custom pistol, I'd keep the modifications relatively simple, and make darned sure you're building a gun that's legal for the sport and division you're interested in. You'd obviously need to read the relevant rule book.
 
Look into the tanfoglio lim pro. That model can be used in the most common divisions.

With a couple hours of polishing the internals and $50 of springs, the trigger will be great. Far easier to accurately shoot a heavy gun than a light one and still fast. That model won uspsa production nationals 2016
 
I am going to get a Glock 34, do a trigger kit and an extended mag well. It will be the MOS version, anyways.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Doesn't the XDM 5.25 come with fully adjustable target sights? I would not change those.

EDIT: As noted, what type? IDPA? USPSA? Bullseye?
 
Last edited:
I'm not a competitive shooter,so take this with some salt.

I think in this vid,while Jerry Miculek appears to prefer the pistol made by his sponsor S+W, all three get positive reviews.It comes down to preference.

https://youtu.be/clZnXL7nlFo

For myself,you may disagree,the 4 in bbl S+W C.O.R.E.,machined for a mini red dot,and equipt with tall co-ax iron sights can be had for about $600.Apex will help you get a nice trigger,if necessary.

While I have an itch to buy one with a hardened Docter optic, a $235 Burris will screw in place without modification. IIRC,they have a lifetime warrantee if it fails.

As I said,I'm not a competitor, I can't tell you much.
 
. I'd LOVE a 1911 but too pricey for me right now
Click to expand...
SA 1911 Range officer, Taurus PT-1911, folks will balk at the Taurus, tell Jessie Duff that. Both are in the general price range of the XDM and M&P
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top