Production class opinions

I'm getting more and more interested in USPSA shooting, and I'm looking to get a new pistol soon-ish, and thought I'd combine the two. I'm looking to get one that I can use in Production class, yet still carry. I've narrowed it down to a 4th gen Glock 17, Walther P99QA, or the XDM 5.25. I'm open to other suggestions, but these have my attention so far.

Has anyone had any side by side experience with any of these? I'm leaning hard toward the XDM, but I'm concerned about the extra length for carry, and the durability of front fiber optic sight.

I already have compact carry pistols, so in reality any of these will not likely be carried much, but I think it would be kind of silly to spent countless hours training with one firearm, and not have that one with you if a situation arises.

The Glock and XDM have the advantage that they both have compact versions with similar ergonomics. I like the ambidextrous mag releases on the P99 and the XDM.

I know I'm sort of rambling, but does anyone have any thoughts?

Based on the options you have listed, I would personally go with the xdm 5.25. That is a sweet gat. However, I would get the 525 and then say an xdm compact to carry. So you can actually spec the carry gun like a carry gun and the comp gun like a comp gun (ie trigger work and what not), just my .02

The XDM is a good choice. Either that or the Glock 17.

I agree with Myers. No serious competition gun makes an IDEAL carry gun.

Myers wrote:Based on the options you have listed, I would personally go with the xdm 5.25. That is a sweet gat. However, I would get the 525 and then say an xdm compact to carry. So you can actually spec the carry gun like a carry gun and the comp gun like a comp gun (ie trigger work and what not), just my .02

That's sort of how I was leaning. From everything I've read, the bottom end of the various XDMs are the same. Like I said, it just makes sense to carry something similar or the same as what you practice with.

CZ Shadow...

You can't have it both ways....Get the Glock 17...Comp Guns not carry guns

I have a complete Glock 17 tricked out ready to go for USPSA. Think its Gen III

Having just started in the sport, I would recommend finding something common. Glock, S&W M&P, XDM. You can find holsters, mags, and parts fairly easy locally. And not have to order and wait...and wait...and wait...

Just shooting USPSA matches will improve your gun handling abilities for any pistol more than you can imagine. Get a comp gun for matches, shoot often and you will fine with most any carry gun.

Give the choices you've presented I would go with the Glock or XD. The Walther is less common and I think you'll have a hard time finding gear for it and gunsmiths that specialize in them.

I've been shooting a tricked out XD9 Service for the past year and it's done well. It feels nothing like my XD40sc due to the trigger work done. With that said I have to admit I've jumped on the CZ Shadow bandwagon and ordered it last week. The wait is killing me.

Regardless of what you shoot in the competition and what you carry, shooting USPSA will make you a better shooter period. I only shoot my carry guns (XD40 and LCP) about once a month, but my proficiency has increased exponentially.

Hmmm. I'd not even considered the CZ Shadow. I may have to check it out before I decide. I threw the Walther into the mix because I like the way the P22 and P380s feel. I had the Beretta PX4 on my list until I narrowed it down to 3.

Thanks for all the advice so far.

If possible, try before you buy. Come to a match and most folks will let you try their gun, that way you can see which gun(s) suit you best.

I know for me the Glock does not feel good in my hand and as such I don't shoot it very well, but the XD and M&P feel great in my hand and I shoot them much better.

I currently shoot a M&P 9L (5" barrel) with an Apex Competition trigger job I did myself (drop in, easy to do and only $100). The trigger is about 2.5lbs, definitely not something I would want on a carry gun, but perfect for competition.

Feel free to shoot my Shadow.

I love my xdm.

Xd357 wrote:I love my xdm.

+1


NotUndeadYet, You should stop in Gun-ho in Pass Christain, it might be kinda a haul for you depending on what part of Pearl River County you are in, but they have a XDm 5.25 you can rent and G17. Rent them both and see which one you like the best.

Good advice ^^^^^^^. It would be worth the drive.

kcin wrote:

Xd357 wrote:I love my xdm.

+1


NotUndeadYet, You should stop in Gun-ho in Pass Christain, it might be kinda a haul for you depending on what part of Pearl River County you are in, but they have a XDm 5.25 you can rent and G17. Rent them both and see which one you like the best.

That's exactly what I'm going to do. I haven't been there yet, I usually shoot at the outdoor range at Honey Island Swamp.

I don't know anything about the XDM, but you can do all your own work on the Glock. It is the easiest gun that I own to work on, and there is LOTS of aftermarket support. I can't say I've seen that for the XD...

You're right, there aren't as many aftermarket parts, but it's not like they are hurting and the quality of most is outstanding. After market trigger kits are readily available as are several OEM parts. Not to mention Springfield's warranty service is terrific. The after market triggers are remarkable. If you ever want to try my Springer Precision tuned XD with their trigger job just let me know.

http://www.pistolgear.com
http://www.powderriverprecision.com
http://www.springerprecision.com
http://www.xd-hs2000.com
http://www.canyoncreekcustom.com
http://www.barsto.com

and for all other inquiries:
http://www.xdtalk.com

I had springer precision do the trigger job on my XDm....You're welcome to try mine if you would like but mine is a 40. (I personally feel .40 minor power factor is softer than 9mm) You can order the parts yourself and install them but I would recomend sending it to them so you'll a better finished product...Their trun around is about week or less.