I am looking for suggestions for a stock pistol that can be used by someone that wants to try all the various competition types (IDPA, USPSA, 3 gun, etc) just to do it casually.

If it turns into something more, it would be nice if it is a pistol that is easy and somewhat economical to upgrade to try the other competition classes.

I have a 229 in .40 that I could use, but I am thinking something larger but possibly 9mm would be better suited for this. Economical ammo is a big plus. All my other pistols are smaller.

It may be time to finally buy a Glock. G17 maybe?

There are so many divisions within USPSA and IDPA that almost anything can be made to work, at least starting out.
And I recommend starting out with whatever you have on hand that is reasonably suitable, no sense spending money on a new purpose built gun and then finding out you didn't like the sport.

Your P229 .40 and some Atlanta Arms .40 Minor ammo (I gather you don't reload.) would get you into USPSA Production and IDPA SSP. Probably be ok in 3 gun, too.

Thanks. I reload. I just figured leaving brass would eat into a lot of the savings.

Most club level matches, you can scrounge brass after the event... just not during.

you can run anything to start. Me personally I think the two choices that have long term legs are a G17 or a 1911 because you eventually will decide on a path of what you like and those are the two that have the most aftermarket support to make something specific. When I first started I ran a 226 in .40 because it was what I had. I never felt like the gun was a barrier to having fun and learning. I'd just go with your 229 and get a feel for what kinds and style of matches/classes you like and then you will have a baseline to evolve your equipment.

Easy...

Glock 34.

I would consider a P320 or P320 X5
X5 can shoot production, Limited Minor, Carry Optic in USPSA, or SSP or ESP in IDPA.

The Glocks are popular but on the decline a bit, but the P320 and variants are gaining in popularity

Budget? If you want something new, IDPA rule out my first suggestion, which is a CZ Shadow 2. USPSA Production with a double action first shot and then single for the rest. Also can be used SAO and larger mags for Limited minor. Works well for 3 gun too.

There may be a more IDPA friendly CZ that would be similar.

For a more budget option, I’ve been shooting my Sig P320. It works for all and I feel has a better trigger than a Glock which I started with.

Or as was mentioned load 40 minor and shoot the 229.

I would suggest uspsa production class (I shoot limited) for the simple fact the gun you have will work and you can load .40 to minor power factor and have a soft shooter.I feel that idpa is too restrictive with the rules and usually frustrates new shooters an gives them a bad first experience.I would say you will have more fun at a uspsa match.jmho and happy to give any more advice

quote:

Originally posted by John3200:
Easy...

Glock 34.

THIS.

I used to think this and shot a G34 for years. But eventually I figured out that I shot a G17 just as well and then when I went to a red dot figured out that barrel length doesn't matter so I moved to a 19x. A 17MOS is a pretty good compromise. Does everything well, can do optics if you want etc. etc.

I think the P320 is a strong contender for that purpose, unless you are dead-set on shooting GSSF (Glock Sport Shooting Foundation).

If you're just doing it "casually" then I'm sure you already have something you can use.

Your P229/.40 will put you into "major" for scoring in USPSA, for "production." It will absolutely be "legal" for IDPA, and the rules for pistols are so loose in 3-gun, you're good to go there too.

If you want to be a little less casual, a Glock 17 or better yet, a Glock 34, and if you've already got one a Glock 19 will do. You can use your regular mags for IPDA, and then extended mags for USPSA "limited" and 3-gun. For example, I'm a little less than casual with USPSA, and I currently shoot a Glock 19, with a mix of regular mags with a Taran Tactical 5 round extensions, and Magpul 21 round P-mags, in "limited." If I miss the monthly USPSA match, and shoot IDPA, I simply bring my standard 15 round Glock 19 mags. I just accept that I'm being scored "minor" in USPSA.

Long story short, if you're just doing this "casually," then simply use something you've already got. Unless you spend some serious time, money, and effort, in getting VERY good, and are being not at all "casual," the pistol (and other gear) you choose will not be a factor in how well you do.

Good luck, stay safe, and have fun.

Single most versatile Glock for games, if you reload, is a Glock 35 MOS. In USPSA it is effectively a four divisions gun if you can load to major and minor power factors, with some disadvantages but quite competitive and certainly not prohibitive for a casual shooter. It can also play well in 3G, IDPA and GSSF.

In 9 mm, as mentioned by many above, a MOS version of G17 or G34.

Very interesting. I like the 40 but had no idea it was as popular for competition allowing for major or minor classes.

quote:

Originally posted by jbourneidentity:

quote:

Originally posted by John3200:
Easy...

Glock 34.

THIS.

truth

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:
Very interesting. I like the 40 but had no idea it was as popular for competition allowing for major or minor classes.

.40 is the dominant caliber in Limited/Limited 10 due to the combination of power factor and mag capacity, and Limited is one of the most popular divisions. .40 is less popular in Production simply because people usually start in Production due to ease and lower cost, especially for a factory 9 mm ammo, and generally stay with 9. Same for carry optics where 9 would have some capacity advantage over 40.
However, some folks feel that 40 shoots softer than 9 when both are loaded to the same minor power factor, and purposely select 35 over 34. I've even seen Tanfoglio shooters using 40 minor in Production. Add to the fact that .40 can be shoot in both minor and major in a Single stack, using same mags and a gun, and all of the above makes for .40 to be the most versatile gamers' caliber. But, again, you have to load your own.

If you want a gun that takes more effort to shoot, that takes spending money in the aftermarket to make it shoot halfway decently, the Glock 34 is certainly your gun.

It’s 2019. There are much better out of the box choices. No other gun out there requires you to hold it a certain way to make it hit POA/POI. Google “my Glock hits left”

G17, G34/35, Xdm 5.25

quote:

Originally posted by The_Watcher:

quote:

Originally posted by jbourneidentity:

quote:

Originally posted by John3200:
Easy...

Glock 34.

THIS.

truth

This is how I went for a range/race gun. Shoots like a dream.

I really like the looks of the CZ Shadow 2 and, looking at this target behind my desk, where I've one ragged hole shot with a 75B for the first time, that would be the way I might go. But at $600 for the G34 and $1200 for the Shadow 2, I'll take the Glock.

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
If you want a gun that takes more effort to shoot, that takes spending money in the aftermarket to make it shoot halfway decently, the Glock 34 is certainly your gun.

My G34 shot just fine for me right out of the box. Still does.

When I was doing pin shooting I could knock 'em down nearly as fast with my G34 as I could with my Ruger Mk II. Difference was tenths of a second in aggregate times.

Note: I'm not a major/serious competitor. Never was, 'cept for back in my handgun metal silhouette days.