In the words of Chuck Yeager, "It's the man, not the machine." Pistols, along with all other firearms, are simply the interface we need to deliver our cartridge of choice.
Pistols are significantly more difficult to master than either rifles or shotguns, because they have the least support when fired. Further, what works well for one person may not work well for the next, as hand size, body type, visual acuity, etc. vary for each individual. Everything is a compromise, there is no such thing as a perfect firearm.
I teach my students to focus on developing the fundamentals first. Once you have progressed enough to pass whatever standards best apply, you will better be able to select the best tool for the job. Strive for mastery, and remember collecting tends to delay or even stunt progress.
The best way to develop within your budget is to find an excellent instructor or coach who is passionate about teaching. Consider attending competitions as a spectator (many are open to the public). This will give you opportunities to meet and learn from some of the finest people in your area, I'm always learning every time I make it to an event. Also, as a spectator you will not have the stress or tunnel vision you may sometimes develop as a competitor.
To develop you will need to learn how to dry-fire. Dry-fire drills are essential, much more so than range time. I am routinely able to take absolute beginners from a home firearm safety class to passing a 50 round LE qualification test with a score of 96% or better, sometimes with their first 50 rounds ever fired from a pistol. This is the result of one or two sessions involving several hours of dry-fire drills.
Range time is precious. Live fire is fun! However rounds expended without working towards a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, and timed are still rounds wasted. Always record your results in a range or training journal.
What would I buy? Something that challenges me as a shooter and helps me focus on the fundamentals.
- a design that lets me grip up high under the slide like a 1911, S&W M&P, or a CZ.
- an excellent 4-6# trigger with a clean break, and discernible reset
- tall, well defined iron sights, preferably black. S&W M&P pistols come with great iron sights.
- a high quality holster that lets me get an excellent firing grip before the pistol starts to leave the holster.
- a stiff, quality belt that keeps the holster from shifting, allowing for a smooth, consistent draw stroke.
Wait, not a simple "buy this" response? You expressed an interest in training and competition, these require that the firearm functions as part of a system.
What do I use?
Duty Sidearm/Competition- S&W M&P 45 4.5", TLR-1s, Safariland 6360 (mid-ride), Safariland dual mag carrier, 1.75" Wilderness Instructor Belt w/ polymer/kydex insert.
IWB EDC- S&W E-Series 1911SC (45ACP), CompTac Minotaur, CompTac IWB spare mag carrier, 1.75" C-clips, 1.75" Wilderness Instructor Belt w/ 5-Stitch reinforcement.
Summer Appendix Carry- Sig 938 (9mm) in custom kydex using CompTac 1.75" C-clips and raven concealment vanguard claw.
Winter Appendix Carry- CZ P-01 (9mm) in custom kydex using CompTac 1.75" C-clips and raven concealment vanguard claw.
The M&P has a BEC trigger, the CZ has a modified trigger and thin grips, otherwise everything is stock. I've found the above has worked well for me over the past 10 years, be patient and you will find systems that work for you without dumping thousands in a collection or "budget" dead-ends.
