VALUE GUIDE: COMPETITION HANDGUN RANKINGS |
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GUN NAME |
ISSUE |
GRADE |
COMMENTS |
Colt Gold Cup National Match O5870A1 45 ACP, $1190 |
May 2019 |
A |
Our Pick. The National Match Colt is the most accurate handgun tested by a considerable margin. |
SIG Sauer Traditional Match Elite 1911T-45-TME 45 ACP, $1050 |
May 2019 |
D |
This pistol needed a little help out of the box. That said, the SIG is accurate and handles well. |
Glock G34 Gen5 MOS PA3430103MOS 9mm Luger, $710 |
Apr. 2019 |
A |
The Glock 34 has good features, and we feel that the Gen5 guns are the company’s best yet. |
Springfield XD(M) 4.5 9mm Luger XDMT9459FDEHCE, $505 |
Apr. 2019 |
A |
Our sole complaint was we had trouble loading the magazines to capacity. |
CZ-USA CZ P0-9 91620 9mm Luger, $402 |
Apr. 2019 |
B |
Best Buy. This isn’t the competition pistol you are looking for, but it is a good personal-defense handgun. |
FNH FNS-9L Longslide 66725 9mm Luger, $570 |
Apr. 2019 |
B |
Heavier trigger. Accuracy wasn’t as good as the other handguns. |
Glock G35 Gen3 PI3530103 40 S&W, $560 |
July 2018 |
A |
Tested with a Double Diamond Threaded Barrel, $160, and Magpul PMAG 27 GL9, $22. |
S&W PC M929 170341 9mm Luger, $1189 |
Sep. 2017 |
A |
Had all the bells and whistles one would expect in a S&W Performance Center competition revolver. |
Springfield Armory 1911 RO PI9129LP 9mm Luger, $704 |
Sep. 2015 |
A |
For the dedicated target shooter, we think the Range Officer is the better choice. |
Springfield Armory Loaded T’gt PI9134LP 9mm Luger, $873 |
Sep. 2015 |
A |
For the tactical shooter, the practical advantages of the stainless Loaded Target make it a better buy. |
S&W Champion Model 625-8 JM 160936 45 ACP, $979 |
Jan. 2015 |
A- |
We would not hesitate to purchase the 625-8 JM and use it in competition. It was a pleasure to shoot. |
Ruger GP100 Match Champion Revolver 1754 357 Mag., $899 |
Dec. 2014 |
A- |
The double-action trigger as delivered was smooth and light enough to satisfy most competitive shooters. |
S&W Pro Series 686 SSR 178012 357 Mag. Revolver, $999 |
Dec. 2014 |
B+ |
The 686 SSR is pretty much ready to go for IDPA Stock Service Revolver competition. |
H&K P30L Variant 3 Long Slide M730903L-A5 9mm, $1108 |
June 2012 |
A- |
The “light” LEM Variant 1 would be our choice for competition. |
Glock G34 Gen 4 9mm Luger, $649 |
June 2012 |
A- |
The grip frame provided greater stability, in our view, and felt recoil seemed more consistent, too. |
S&W M&P 9 Pro Series 178010 9mm Luger, $670 |
June 2012 |
B+ |
Overall, we liked the natural point and handling characteristics of the M&P9 Pro Series pistol. |
CZ USA SP-01 Shadow Custom No. 91029 9mm Luger, $1200 |
Feb. 2012 |
A |
With the DA trigger all but melted into the single-action chain of fire, this is an exciting gun to shoot. |
CZ USA 75 CTS LSP 91710 9mm Luger, $1450 |
Feb. 2012 |
A |
We would have liked this pistol more if its DA trigger felt as light as the one on our SP-01 Custom. |
Springfield Armory XDM 5.25 Competition 9mm Luger, $865 |
Feb. 2012 |
A- |
Friendly grip, great sights, easy-to-work-on recoil system, a bag full accessories, a great value. |
Glock Model G34 9mm Luger, $679 |
Feb. 2012 |
B+ |
The G34 fits perfectly into the Practical Shooting scene. |