Originally Posted by
NightFighter
So, would the .003" rearward movement place the M&P (barely) into the SSP classification?
Any suggestion on what handgun is best to start IDPA?
Yes. The design of the M&P barely makes it a double action.
The XD is fine to start with in IDPA. For shooting ESP division the .45 will put you at a slight disadvantage because of additional recoil. If I were you I'd start with it in CDP division.
If you wanted to start in SSP I'd recommend a Glock 17 or S&W M&P9. If you'll be reloading I'd recommend a M&P40 as you can actually load it to shoot softer than a 9mm and still make power factor (125pf).
The equation for power factor is bullet weight (in grains) times velocity (feet per second) divided by 1000.
So take a factory 9mm 115gr load (like Winchester white box) 115gr doing 1150fps makes 132 power factor.
Handloaded .40 S&W 200gr doing 650fps makes 130 power factor
or
180gr doing 700fps makes 126 power factor (I'd bump it up to 725fps for 130 power factor to more safely make it for cold days myself).
(both are very soft shooting softer than factory 9mm).
Chief Armorer for Elite Shooting Sports in Manassas VA
Chief Armorer for Corp Arms (FFL 07-08/SOT 02)
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