I recently purchased a Glock 23 (.40 compact, normal sights, extended slide release) as my first weapon. This obviously makes me quite green. I chose it for concealed carry, home defense and enjoyment. To gain proficiency and comfort with the weapon, I started shooting IDPA (2 matches) and USPSA (1 match). I think the bug bit me and I'm starting to get pretty enthusiastic about it. I've been doing some research about both shooting types and I've come to the conclusion that while I can shoot USPSA with the G23, to eventually be "competitive" (my current skill level precludes that) I will need to invest in a different setup. I also realize that my excitement is currently exceeding both my skill level and budget. I'm a small (5'9, 150) guy with little prior handgun experience, which makes me tend to shy away from the .45 (bought the .40 for CCW knockdown power) in favor of the 9mm. However, I think this can be overcome with experience.
My question is, where do I think about going from here? The G23 should be fine for IDPA with little modification, but I am seriously considering purchasing a 9mm conversion barrel and corresponding mags (G19) to reduce the cost of ammo and gain a little accuracy bump (I don't reload and can't afford to make that investment right now, so I'll just shoot less). Is this a good idea or should I just continue with the .40 and perhaps upgrade the barrel at some point? Also considering an extended mag release and a stainless steel guide rod and IMSI spring from TopGlock. And if I wanted to get REALLY serious about IDPA in the future, I'm guessing the G34 would be a logical choice or some sort of 1911. Are there any other modifications that I could make to the G23 for shooting IDPA?
I've come to the conclusion that modifying the G23 to shoot USPSA would be extremely costly and likely impractical. I think most modifications that I would consider would rapidly place me in a class in which I would be horribly outgunned (just getting an extended barrel would not allow me to shoot production, and compensating automatically places you in open). So might as well get a new gun, eventually. I'm guessing the concensus is a "1911" in .45 for USPSA. But, by whom? Who all makes reasonably priced, but high quality "1911's". I'm thinking that I might as well save up for a Kimber. Apparently the 1911 platform does not work well with 9mm, but it's cheaper. Are there any legitimate weapon choices in 9mm for USPSA? Is a Glock (probably 34) an option for even semi-serious USPSA?
What class should I consider in USPSA? Obviously, start in production but the fact that a compensator automatically puts you all the way up into Open is a little frustrating. I'm also not a huge fan of the "optical sights" on handguns, looks kinda goofy to me. So I'd like to shoot a compensated pistol that is largely otherwise stock.
Before all you Glock haters start jumping on me, I bought the G23 for utilitarian reasons. It was the right gun at the right price for my primary needs. I am by no means a devoted Glock fan. I have gripes, but it works. It's probably the best completely utilitarian gun on the market. I would personally liked to have a H&K (for tactical/operational reasons in the future) or a Kimber as I sense those are probably the two best guns on the market, but I'm still learning so...educate me.
My question is, where do I think about going from here? The G23 should be fine for IDPA with little modification, but I am seriously considering purchasing a 9mm conversion barrel and corresponding mags (G19) to reduce the cost of ammo and gain a little accuracy bump (I don't reload and can't afford to make that investment right now, so I'll just shoot less). Is this a good idea or should I just continue with the .40 and perhaps upgrade the barrel at some point? Also considering an extended mag release and a stainless steel guide rod and IMSI spring from TopGlock. And if I wanted to get REALLY serious about IDPA in the future, I'm guessing the G34 would be a logical choice or some sort of 1911. Are there any other modifications that I could make to the G23 for shooting IDPA?
I've come to the conclusion that modifying the G23 to shoot USPSA would be extremely costly and likely impractical. I think most modifications that I would consider would rapidly place me in a class in which I would be horribly outgunned (just getting an extended barrel would not allow me to shoot production, and compensating automatically places you in open). So might as well get a new gun, eventually. I'm guessing the concensus is a "1911" in .45 for USPSA. But, by whom? Who all makes reasonably priced, but high quality "1911's". I'm thinking that I might as well save up for a Kimber. Apparently the 1911 platform does not work well with 9mm, but it's cheaper. Are there any legitimate weapon choices in 9mm for USPSA? Is a Glock (probably 34) an option for even semi-serious USPSA?
What class should I consider in USPSA? Obviously, start in production but the fact that a compensator automatically puts you all the way up into Open is a little frustrating. I'm also not a huge fan of the "optical sights" on handguns, looks kinda goofy to me. So I'd like to shoot a compensated pistol that is largely otherwise stock.
Before all you Glock haters start jumping on me, I bought the G23 for utilitarian reasons. It was the right gun at the right price for my primary needs. I am by no means a devoted Glock fan. I have gripes, but it works. It's probably the best completely utilitarian gun on the market. I would personally liked to have a H&K (for tactical/operational reasons in the future) or a Kimber as I sense those are probably the two best guns on the market, but I'm still learning so...educate me.
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