Looking to start action pistol competitions like USPSA or IDPA? You don’t need a specialized or highly customized competition gun; a reliable pistol with good sights and a decent trigger pull will do. Features like aggressive texturing or an oversized magazine well are personal preferences.
The key is finding a gun that YOU shoot well.
Custom-built pistols are excellent but often costly and time-consuming to obtain. These out-of-the-box, competition-ready options cater to different budgets and ensure you’re ready to compete right away. Here are 10 to choose from.
1. Springfield Armory DS Prodigy
The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy is an affordable entry into the double-stack 1911 world. The 5-inch model is ideal for competition, featuring a 9mm single-action-only semi-auto design with flush 17- or extended 20-round magazines. It boasts a replaceable polymer grip on a steel frame, an optics-ready slide, and can come with Springfield’s Hex Dragonfly optic.
The sights and trigger pull are excellent, making it a competitive choice. Upgrades are easy with standard parts, and it’s cost-effective compared to other custom guns. The iron-sighted Prodigy is priced at $1,499, with the optic-included model at $1,699, both including a 17- and a 20-round magazine.
Top Reasons to Consider the Springfield Armory DS Prodigy:
- Affordable entry into double-stack 1911 world.
- Optics-ready slide and excellent sights.
- Cost-effective compared to custom competition guns.
2. Walther PDP Match
The Walther PDP Match Full-Size is a top choice for competition, offering everything you need without breaking the bank. This polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm is an upgraded version of the PPQ, known for its reliability and outstanding factory trigger pull. Every PDP model is optics-ready, making it ideal for USPSA or IDPA.
The full-size Match model features a 5-inch barrel, enhanced trigger pull, aggressive frame checkering, removable mag well, and extended 20-round magazines. Available in both polymer and steel frames, the polymer version is more budget-friendly. Until you reach higher competition levels, the polymer model is a solid choice, allowing you to invest more in ammunition.
Top Reasons to Consider the Walther PDP Match Full-Size:
- Outstanding factory trigger pull and reliability
- Optics-ready with enhanced competition features
- Budget-friendly polymer frame option with extended magazines
3. Ruger SR1911 Koenig Competition 1911
The Ruger SR1911 Koenig Competition 1911 is a remarkable choice for competitive shooting. Initially, it may have been underrated, but further use proves its worth. Doug Koenig, a professional shooter, popularized using 9mm in major matches for its higher capacity and lower recoil, despite scoring penalties for non-center hits.
The Ruger SR1911 offers everything you need in a competition pistol without the high cost of a custom 1911. Available in 9mm or .45 ACP, it features a stainless-steel frame and slide, fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, and a checkered grip. With its excellent fit and crisp trigger pull, this pistol is a solid investment at $2,849.
Top Reasons to Consider the Ruger SR1911 Koenig Competition 1911:
- Excellent Value: Offers custom-quality features at a lower price.
- High Capacity and Low Recoil: 9mm option provides an edge in competitions.
- Premium Features: Stainless-steel frame, fiber optic sight, adjustable rear sight, and checkered grip ensure top performance.
4. CZ-USA Shadow 2
If polymer handguns aren’t your preference, the CZ Shadow 2 could be the answer. Derived from the CZ 75, this double-action/single-action (DA/SA) 9mm semi-auto is tailored for competition. Sporting a 4.89-inch barrel, full-length frame rail, beavertail, undercut trigger guard, and improved sights, it offers enhanced performance. The “Black & Blue” model, featuring blue anodized grip panels, adds a stylish touch. With flush magazines holding 17 rounds, it’s both practical and sleek.
Priced at $1,099 for the standard version and $1,299 for the optics-ready model, it’s an attractive option. CZ’s pistols are revered for their accuracy, reliability, low bore, and minimal recoil, thanks to their all-steel construction. The Shadow 2 excels with its excellent single-action trigger pull and solid factory configuration.
Top Reasons to Consider the CZ Shadow 2:
- Superior accuracy and reliability.
- Stylish “Black & Blue” model with blue anodized grip panels.
- Competitive pricing for a high-performance competition pistol.
5. Glock 34
The Glock 34 is a top choice for competition shooters, known for its reliability and performance. This 9mm handgun extends the barrel of the G17 to 5.31 inches, providing a longer sight radius. A weight-saving cutout on the slide reduces recoil by maintaining the same weight as the G17, despite its longer barrel.
With a low bore axis, it minimizes muzzle rise, making it easier to shoot accurately. The trigger pull is improved with a 3.5-pound connector, resulting in a 4-6 pound pull. Available in various generations and configurations, the G34 is affordable at around $600 and widely accessible.
Top Reasons to Consider the Glock 34:
- Longer barrel and sight radius enhance accuracy.
- Reduced recoil due to a weight-saving slide cutout.
- Improved trigger pull and widespread availability.
6. SIG Sauer P320
If the Glock G34 is the seasoned veteran of competition pistols, the SIG Sauer P320 emerges as the modern contender, boasting enhancements across the board. Among the myriad P320 variants, the P320MAX stands out as a top-tier choice for competition, crafted by world champion shooter Max Michel.
Notable features include a tungsten-infused grip module for enhanced weight and reduced recoil, a 6-MOA ROMEO3MAX optic with an expanded window, improved slide serrations, and a removable magazine well. With a 5-inch bull barrel and a flat, skeletonized trigger, it offers consistent performance. The package includes four 21-round magazines. The P320’s factory trigger pulls surpass those of Glocks, often eliminating the need for adjustments. Priced at $1,599, it’s a competitive deal, featuring an optic and ample magazines.
Top Reasons to Consider the SIG Sauer P320:
- Crafted by world champion shooter Max Michel
- Enhanced weight and reduced recoil with tungsten-infused grip module
- Includes a 6-MOA ROMEO3MAX optic and four 21-round magazines
7. Staccato XL
Staccato, formerly known as STI, has emerged as a powerhouse in the firearms industry. Renowned for their wide-body 1911s (“2011s”), they’ve seamlessly transitioned to Staccato, offering factory pistols that bridge the gap between high-end factory and true custom guns. Among their offerings is the 9mm Staccato XL, tailored for competition shooters. Boasting a long 5.4-inch barrel and flush 17-round magazines, it provides an extended sight radius and ample firepower.
The pistol features an optics-ready design, a removable oversize magazine well, and a 2.5-pound trigger pull. Despite its base price of $3,599, Staccato’s borderline custom options allow for additional personalization, making it a top contender for serious competitors.
Top Reasons to Consider the Staccato XL:
- Exceptional build quality and performance bridging high-end factory and custom guns
- Optics-ready design and 2.5-pound trigger pull enhance competition readiness
- Customization options available for further personalization
8. Shadow Systems DR920P
The Shadow Systems DR920P revolutionizes “Glock-clone-style” handguns by incorporating modern features while maintaining Glock’s renowned reliability. As a top contender for out-of-the-box competition readiness, the DR920P boasts an integral compensator, suppressor-height sights, an optics-ready slide, and a flat-faced trigger.
Its compatibility with Glock-style holsters, aggressively textured slide and frame, and match-grade, spiral-fluted 4.48-inch barrel make it perfect for competitive shooting. With a capacity of 17+1 rounds and a weight of 21.5 ounces, it offers versatility and maneuverability on the range. Priced at around $1,100, the DR920P stands out as an affordable option requiring no additional upgrades for competition use.
Top Reasons to Consider the Shadow Systems DR920P:
- Incorporates modern features into a Glock-style layout while maintaining reliability.
- Integral compensator and match-grade barrel enhance performance.
- Compatible with Glock-style holsters and competitively priced.
9. Smith & Wesson M&P9 Competitor
Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P9 Competitor, a dedicated competition variant of their reliable M&P pistol lineup. Renowned among shooters of all levels, the M&P series combines reliability with durability. The M&P9 Competitor, featuring enhancements like improved sights and trigger pulls typical of the M2.0 models, boasts a metal frame for added weight and reduced recoil, complemented by a gray Cerakote finish.
With a 5-inch barrel, lightening cuts on the slide, and a green fiber optic front sight, it’s optics ready and equipped with an oversize magazine well. The Performance Center’s craftsmanship shines through in the refined trigger system, offering a flatter-faced trigger and four 17-round magazines included, all for an MSRP of $999.
Top Reasons to Consider the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Competitor :
- Enhanced trigger system with a flatter-faced trigger and lower/crisper pull
- Metal frame design for increased weight and reduced recoil
- Optics ready with a green fiber optic front sight and lightening cuts on the slide
10. Dan Wesson DWX
While not explicitly marketed as a competition firearm, Dan Wesson’s full-size DWX boasts features ideal for the sport. It combines the renowned trigger system of the 1911 with the robust barrel lockup and reliable grip of a CZ 75, promising exceptional performance. Visually striking with red anodized grip panels and a matching trigger, it exudes style.
Utilizing affordable CZ P-09 19-round magazines, this all-steel pistol offers both capacity and reliability. Its ergonomic frame features aggressive checkering for enhanced grip, while the fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight ensure precise aiming. With a trigger pull akin to the 1911’s standard, the DWX delivers on responsiveness. Despite the development time, its quality justifies the wait. Priced at $1,999.
Top Reasons to Consider the Dan Wesson DWX:
- Fusion of 1911 trigger system with CZ 75 grip and reliability
- Visually appealing design with red anodized grip panels
- Utilizes affordable CZ P-09 19-round magazines
What Do You Think?
How do these handguns compare to custom-built competition pistols in terms of performance, reliability, and overall value for money?
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.
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