- Handguns
- April 22, 2025
Best Handguns for Competition Shooting
If you’re stepping into the world of competitive shooting—whether it’s USPSA, IPSC, IDPA, Steel Challenge, or 3-Gun—you need a handgun that’s built for speed, accuracy, and consistency. While shooter skill is always the most important factor, the right competition handgun can elevate your performance and help you shave seconds off your time.
Let’s take a look at best handguns for competition shooting that are trusted by pros and amateurs alike.
1. CZ Shadow 2
🔹 Caliber: 9mm
🔹 Capacity: 17+1 (depends on magazine)
🔹 Barrel Length: 4.89"
🔹 Weight: 46.5 oz
🔹 Capacity: 17+1 (depends on magazine)
🔹 Barrel Length: 4.89"
🔹 Weight: 46.5 oz
Why It Dominates:
- Ultra-smooth double/single-action trigger
- All-steel frame with excellent balance and weight
- Minimal recoil and superb ergonomics
The CZ Shadow 2 is a favorite in USPSA Production Division and IPSC. It’s fast, accurate, and absorbs recoil like a champ—ideal for shooters who want precision and speed right out of the box.
2. Sig Sauer P320 X5 Legion
🔹 Caliber: 9mm
🔹 Capacity: 17+1 / 21+1 (depending on magazine)
🔹 Barrel Length: 5"
🔹 Weight: 43.5 oz
🔹 Capacity: 17+1 / 21+1 (depending on magazine)
🔹 Barrel Length: 5"
🔹 Weight: 43.5 oz
Why It Dominates:
- Tungsten-infused polymer frame for reduced muzzle flip
- Flat X-series trigger for crisp, short reset
- Optics-ready slide and flared magwell
The P320 X5 Legion brings innovation to the striker-fired world. It’s competition-ready out of the box and performs like a custom gun with modularity that fits many divisions.
3. Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS
🔹 Caliber: 9mm
🔹 Capacity: 17+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 5.31"
🔹 Weight: 23.1 oz (unloaded)
🔹 Capacity: 17+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 5.31"
🔹 Weight: 23.1 oz (unloaded)
Why It Dominates:
- Long slide improves sight radius and accuracy
- Factory-cut MOS (Modular Optic System) for red dots
- Reliable, consistent Glock platform with endless aftermarket support
If you’re looking to shoot Carry Optics or Production, the Glock 34 is a top-tier choice. With proper tuning and a red dot, it’s a competition beast with affordable mags and upgrades.
4. STI/Staccato P
🔹 Caliber: 9mm
🔹 Capacity: 17+1 / 20+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 4.4"
🔹 Weight: 33 oz
🔹 Capacity: 17+1 / 20+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 4.4"
🔹 Weight: 33 oz
Why It Dominates:
- 2011-style platform with exceptional accuracy and control
- Tuned trigger and smooth cycling
- Popular among tactical shooters and 3-Gun competitors
Staccato (formerly STI) pistols are race-ready handguns used by law enforcement and competitors alike. The Staccato P is incredibly flat-shooting and built for high-speed performance.
5. Walther Q5 Match SF
🔹 Caliber: 9mm
🔹 Capacity: 15+1 / 17+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 5"
🔹 Weight: 41.6 oz
🔹 Capacity: 15+1 / 17+1
🔹 Barrel Length: 5"
🔹 Weight: 41.6 oz
Why It Dominates:
- Precision-machined steel frame for balance
- Excellent stock trigger—one of the best in striker-fired pistols
- Optics-ready with lightening cuts and race-style design
The Q5 Match SF is Walther’s flagship competition pistol and is praised for its accuracy, trigger, and competition-ready features right out of the box.
Final Thoughts
In competitive shooting, speed, consistency, and accuracy are king—and these handguns deliver on all fronts. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just getting started, investing in the right competition pistol can help you shoot faster and more confidently.
Always choose the firearm that fits your shooting discipline, hands, and skill level. And don’t forget—practice, dry fire, and proper training are just as important as the gun itself.