Choosing the Right Optics Ready Pistol for Duty and Competition

[Kayin]

I'm currently weighing options on an optics ready pistol that can mostly serve as a duty/defense sidearm but also be a competition pistol.  Obviously this has become a popular realm for new guns these days or existing lines, so I've been researching a lot of options and want your opinions on my thoughts on the options I'm looking at as well as your own recommendations or issues/praises you've had with any of the guns I'm listing.  This is not going to be a discussion about optics themselves as I'm still deciding on the weapon system first.  I'm going to list what I think are pros and cons for each gun as well as overall cost for all the options I'm looking for in my "wonder optic ready gun".  As for anyone else looking for an optics ready pistol, please feel free to use this thread as a guide to help with your own inquiry.

Also, I'm not above milling options, but since I haven't decided on an optic, I'm not including that in the discussion.  I'm also not going to be a major competition shooter anytime soon, so I've decided that an optics ready pistol with multiple plate options for different optics is the best starting point for getting me started.

Lastly, here are some important factors/prerequisites that I'm looking for:

1) Duty/Carry Weight (full steel/heavy guns not an option)
2) Magazine availability/expense (I consider $25 to be affordable, and $35+ to be expensive)
3) Aftermarket support (the main thing I want here is sights that can co-witness and trigger kits)
4) Barrel Length (I already have a compact handgun with my P-01, so I'd like something 4.5" or longer)
5) 17+1 or higher magazine capacity
6) Ergonomics
7) Reliability/track record

Option 1 - Sig P320 XFULL-RXP



Pros:

1) Pretty much a full package.  Optic already included along with sights that will co-witness.
2) Magazines are easy to find.
3) Growing aftermarket support
4) Good trigger
5) Lots of grip options
6) Uses a chassis system for the "firearm"

Cons:

1) It's a P320, not bad, not great either.
2) Plenty of magazines - but they AINT cheap.
3) Included optic is a Romeo One Pro which I've heard is good, but there are better optics.
4) The trigger is "good" but not "great".
5) High bore axis.  Not sure the P320 outside the legion is balanced that well?

Added Expenses:

The only added expense I'd include with this P320 package is the Wilson Combat grip module.

Total Cost: Roughly around $1000

Option 2 - CZ P10F OR



Pros:

1) The P10 line has a good reputation for reliability.
2) Good ergonomics/high grip.
3) Good grip texture.
4) Very good trigger.
5) Fairly affordable.
6) Decent sights included with the OR models.

Cons:

1) The huge negative is that CZ doesn't include plates for the optics.
2) Magazines aren't exactly cheap.
3) The 19+1 means a very long grip which some people don't like.
4) Not a full package, so the sights need to be changed for co-witness.
5) Barrel could be longer as 4.5 is my minimum.
6) Not all plate options are good.
7) Limited aftermarket support.

Added Expenses:

1) Plates for optics - $40 (average cost)
2) Co-witness sights - $100 (likely cost)
3) The optic - $200-300 (this is my price range.)

Total Cost: Roughly around $600 for the pistol and an extra $400-450 for everything else.

Option 3 - IWI Masada



Pros:

1) IWI has a good reputation and makes quality firearms.
2) Good ergonomics/high grip.
3) Interesting and unique plate system.
4) Good trigger out of the box.
5) Lots of positive reviews for a new gun.
6) Uses a chassis system for the "firearm" like the P320 does.

Cons:

1) Has a 4" barrel despite the slide being roughly the length of a Glock 17.
2) Magazines aren't common and can be hard to find.
3) Little aftermarket support (but it's growing.)
4) Hard to find in the current gun purchasing environment.
5) Plate system is polymer and not metal.
6) Not sure if co-witness sights are available yet.
7) Trigger reset isn't short.
8 ) New gun, no reliability track record yet despite good reviews.

Added Expenses:

1) Co-witness sights - $100 (if available)
2) The optic - $200-300 (if not bought with package deal)

Total Cost: Roughly around $450-$500 for the pistol and an extra $400 for everything else. (if available)

Option 4 - Canik TP9SF



Pros:

1) Canik firearms has really grown into a popular brand.
2) Lots of firepower.
3) EXCELLENT trigger out of the box.
4) Magazines are affordable.
5) Long barrel
6) Is clearly packaged/designed to be a competition gun without the added expense.
7) Ergonomics/grip is good.
8 ) Has package options with Vortex optics.

Cons:

1) Caniks are known to be finicky with non-NATO spec 9mm ammo.
2) Reliability record is "okay".
3) The longevity of Canik guns is questionable.
4) The plate system removes the rear sight. 
5) Co-witness may only be possible through certain optics with a rear sight included (like a JPoint.)
6) Limited aftermarket support.
7) This particular gun is more competition oriented than duty oriented.
8 ) High bore axis similar to the PPQ.

Added Expenses:

1) Co-witness sights - ?? - only front sight can be changed when using optics
2) The optic - $200-300 (may be more if trying to get an optic with a rear sight of sorts)

Total Cost: Roughly around $500 for the pistol alone (around $750 with an optic package).  Need more info on co-witness sights if its possible.

Option 4 - Canik TP9 Elite Combat/Elite Combat Executive



Pros:

1) Canik brand is popular and easy to find even in the pandemic craze.
2) Lots of firepower.
3) EXCELLENT FLAT trigger out of the box.
4) Magazines are affordable.
5) Bonus threaded barrel.
6) Has many upgraded parts from Salient Arms.
7) Ergonomics/grip has a magwell.
8 ) Has package options with Vortex optics.
9) Can work as a compact handgun or something bigger with the extended mags/threaded barrel

Cons:

1) Caniks are known to be finicky with non-NATO spec 9mm ammo.
2) Reliability record is "okay" but getting better.
3) The longevity of Canik guns is questioned often, credible or not.
4) The plate system removes the rear sight. 
5) Co-witness may only be possible through certain optics with a rear sight included (like a JPoint.)
6) Limited (but growing) aftermarket support.
7) Comes with a holster that doesn't look like garbage.
8 ) Higher bore axis similar to the PPQ or VP9.
9) Threaded barrel has a less common thread pitch.
10) The gun is technically a compact size with a longer barrel via threading and extended magazines.

Added Expenses:

1) Co-witness sights - ?? - only front sight can be changed when using optics
2) The optic - $200-300 (may be more if trying to get an optic with a rear sight of sorts)

Total Cost: Roughly around $750-$800 for the pistol alone ($900+ with an optic package).  Need more info on co-witness sights if its possible.

Alright, lets put an pause here while we're discussing Canik pistols.  One additional concern I have is whether or not Canik will eventually import the much superior Canik TP9 METE pistols to the US.  If you don't know what those are, feel free to look them up, but they're basically police/military only guns for Turkey and other nearby countries they have contracts with.  Here's some photos to drive home why these versions are SOOOO much more desirable:





See what I'm seeing?  Look at the full line.  I think all of them have optic plates WITHOUT removing the rear sight.  I assume they have other upgrades, but that's the most important thing to me.  Now, let us move on...

Option 5 - Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Pro C.O.R.E. 2.0



Pros:

1) Long track record of reliable handguns
2) The C.O.R.E. line is a premium line of M&P handguns.
3) Much improved trigger over the normal models.
4) Magazines are affordable and easily found.
5) Bonus options for slide porting and barrel porting
6) Good aftermarket support.
7) Has a more "sandpapery" aggressive grip than the 1.0.
8 ) Comes with good sights that appear to co-witness.

Cons:

1) The "improved" trigger is still the hinge style that people don't like (myself included.)
2) I'm personally not a fan of the more aggressive grip texture.
3) Priced a bit higher because it's a premium line.
4) Some of the improved features should already be in the normal guns (like the trigger).
5) I'd almost certainly want to change the trigger.
6) Not a lot of publicity or reviews for these guns.

Added Expenses:

1) New Trigger (Probably an Apex) - $80-$200 - Lots of options here, so I can't give a defined price.
2) The optic - $200-300

Total Cost: Roughly around $700-$750.  Ported barrel model the most expensive.  Additional cost of $400-$500 for optic and new trigger.

Option 6 - Glock 17/34 MOS Gen 5 (or Gen 4 - maybe)



Pros:

1) Super reliable and the best record on this list.
2) Aftermarket support all other gun manufacturers are envious of.
3) Fairly easy to find despite the pandemic insanity.
4) Magazines are affordable and found EVERYWHERE gun accessories are sold.
5) Most popular pistol brand for police in the U.S.
6) If a true SHTF happens, Glocks will still be everywhere.  May even find a magazine in the dark corner of an alley - who knows?
7) Gen 5 Glocks have...front slide serrations?!
8 ) Every holster company starts with...you got it - a holster for a Glock 17/19.

Cons:

1) Dated design and very minor changes each generation.
2) NOT the most popular grip angle.
3) Often needs stipple "surgery" or grip tape.
4) THE FACTORY SIGHTS ARE CRAP!
5) The factory trigger - although improved for the Gen 5 models, still begs for an upgrade.
6) Priced far higher than a lot of competition with less perks/options.
7) Egros - you love it, adapt to it, or hate it.
8 ) Still blocky in looks, very simple and nothing fancy.
9) Glocks are the only gun to give me slide bite.

Added Expenses:

1) New Trigger (Probably an Apex) - $50-$200 - Honestly haven't looked into triggers yet, so wide price field here.
2) The optic - $200-300 (may be more if trying to get an optic with a rear sight of sorts)
3) Glock co-witness sights - $60-$100
4) Grip stippling?  Not me, but I'll add $15 for grip tape.

Total Cost: Roughly around $800 for the 34 which is what I prefer.  Additional cost of $450-$600 for the extras I listed.

Option 7 - FN 509 Tactical



Pros:

1) The 509 series is reliable and FN has a good record overall.
2) Decent aftermarket support.
3) Fairly easy to find despite the pandemic insanity.
4) Good sights from the factory.
5) Interesting rear sight...guards...spoiler?
6) Comes with a threaded barrel.
7) Good grip that's fairly aggressive.

Cons:

1) No long slide option, barrel is only longer because of the threading.
2) For me, something about FN polymer looks and feels more "plastic" than other guns.
3) The grip is a little overly aggressive for me.  Would use the less aggressive grip panels for sure.
4) The magazines are expensive and compete with Sig for absurd cost.
5) The trigger is "articulating" or hinged like the M&P.  Pull is okay.
6) Expensive!

Added Expenses:

1) New Trigger - Eh...I can tolerate for initial ownership.
2) The optic - $200-300

Total Cost: Roughly around $800-$900 for the gun alone.  Additional cost of $200-$300 for the optic.

And...that's all I'm listing for what I'm considering.  I realize there are other options like the PPQ, VP9, etc.  For the PPQ and VP9...well, I felt the Canik guns were a much better deal for a lot less money (namely since the Canik TP9 guns are Walther P99 clones of sorts.)  As for the VP9 - it's H&K and always, always expensive.  The new VP9 Long slide with optics options is great, but it's brand new, stupid expensive and I'll be lucky to see one this year.

Another option I thought about including is the SAR 9X Platinum which is the nifty "optics ready" model of the SAR 9.  Not saying the gun isn't interesting, but the mounting for the 9X model is very weird and unorthodox (only accepts micro red dots through mounting holes DIRECTLY on the slide.)  That VP9 grip it stole tempts me though...

Anyway, let me know your thoughts and feel free to offer your recommendations.  I've been putting A LOT of research into these kinds of guns, so I hope the info I shared and what everyone else will share will make this a good resource of information for these optics-ready pistols.

[AZ_CZ]

Excellent breakdown. I just went through this, but I wanted a compact carry so it made my choices simpler. I like my P10C but didn’t like all the variables of trying to convert it over. Didn’t want the optic ready model because I don’t want a mounting plate system. Went with the Sig 320c RXP. Yeah, trigger is so-so compared to my tuned CZs, but acceptable for a carry gun. You can save some money on the 17 rnd mags buying ACT-MAG. Basically they are unbranded factory mags. Greg Cote has them for  $23/each. Found them cheaper a few weeks ago and bought several. I have been shooting holosuns and vortex red dots with 2moa dots so the 6moa Pro dot was a big difference. Like it a lot. The X-ray sights that come on the RXP model are excellent, perfect cowitness. Turned off the red dot for a few mags and they are very easy to pickup. Only upgrade I made to the gun was Talon rubber grip tape. Have it other guns and like the texture.

[Kayin]

Excellent breakdown. I just went through this, but I wanted a compact carry so it made my choices simpler. I like my P10C but didn’t like all the variables of trying to convert it over. Didn’t want the optic ready model because I don’t want a mounting plate system. Went with the Sig 320c RXP. Yeah, trigger is so-so compared to my tuned CZs, but acceptable for a carry gun. You can save some money on the 17 rnd mags buying ACT-MAG. Basically they are unbranded factory mags. Greg Cote has them for  $23/each. Found them cheaper a few weeks ago and bought several. I have been shooting holosuns and vortex red dots with 2moa dots so the 6moa Pro dot was a big difference. Like it a lot. The X-ray sights that come on the RXP model are excellent, perfect cowitness. Turned off the red dot for a few mags and they are very easy to pickup. Only upgrade I made to the gun was Talon rubber grip tape. Have it other guns and like the texture.

So are those magazines reliable, drop freely, etc.?  I've looked into the ETS mags for the P320 and by all accounts those magazines are horrible.  I wish Mec-Gar would make mags for them, but I know Sig likes to hold on to their accessories so they can sell them at a premium.

[M1A4ME]

Won't go through the whole list.  I only own M&Ps, FNSs and CZs.

It's got to be reliable.  The pistol and the optic.  Depending on what you're doing at the range accuracy and reliability may not be as important as they could be if you need to protect yourself or your family.

Cost?  What is cost compared to your life or the lives of your family?

Parts availability, holsters, etc. need to be considered.

Carry?  Open or concealed?  Harder to really conceal a full sized pistol vs. a compact (P07 or P09?  I carry a P07, tried the P09 and hated it).  Even if you carry a compact you can carry the full sized pistol magazine(s) as spares/backups.  I've got a 12 shot magazine in my .40 P07 and a 17 shot (mag with a +2 base) P09 magazine in the mag. holder IWB on the opposite side.  Mags in the pouches in the door pocket in the car/truck are also 17 shot P09 magazines.

I'm not sure how the 509 compares (the way it is designed/functions) vs. the FNS pistols.  I have some FNS pistols.  I really like a lot of the features.  Long list of "goodies" they designed/built into those pistols.  But a nice trigger isn't one of them.  If the 509 is simliar to the FNS then you'll need to get used a trigger different than any of the others.  Not necessarily bad, just really different.  And accuracy, as compared to my CZs, is lacking.

The M&Ps.  I have too many of them.  Only two shoot good enough to suit me.  In spite of the aftermarket triggers and barrels, they won't keep up with the CZs.  Maybe I've just been unlucky.  Love that Apex trigger.  Love the way they fit my hand.  I like the way they look.

Glock?  Sorry, nothing I've done to mine makes me shoot it better than my CZs.

Co-witness sights?  If you can't use the red dot you've got to use the front sight.  Some feel you don't need a rear sight if you can see the front sight through the red dot lens.  I haven't tried it myself.  I don't care where the front/rear sight are in the lens of the red dot.  On my CZs they are right in the bottom of the lens, not the center, where the red dot would be most of the time I use it.  So what?  Don't need to see the front sight/rear sight in the center of the lens, I just need to be able to see them and properly align them.

Made my decision years ago.    I keep buying/trying other brands of pistols and find myself putting them in the safe while I keep carrying that old P07.

Good luck with your new pistol/optic.

[Kayin]

I love CZ's too but outside the P10 series that requires expensive milling work on a lot of pistols that are over $600 easy (unless you do the P07 as you mentioned or the P09, but I don't like their grips.)

I already have a P-01 Omega btw, but I'm looking for a full size optics ready pistol.  I have a proven and ready compact gun already to go but I'm exploring options outside CZ for a full size OR pistol.

Ideally, CZ would update the SP-01 Phantom and make an OR version but they clearly think their hammer-fired polymer guns should only be the P-07 and P-09.  I've also seen Phantoms around but they are stupid overpriced for a polymer gun.

[larry8061]

Excellent breakdown. I just went through this, but I wanted a compact carry so it made my choices simpler. I like my P10C but didn’t like all the variables of trying to convert it over. Didn’t want the optic ready model because I don’t want a mounting plate system. Went with the Sig 320c RXP. Yeah, trigger is so-so compared to my tuned CZs, but acceptable for a carry gun. You can save some money on the 17 rnd mags buying ACT-MAG. Basically they are unbranded factory mags. Greg Cote has them for  $23/each. Found them cheaper a few weeks ago and bought several. I have been shooting holosuns and vortex red dots with 2moa dots so the 6moa Pro dot was a big difference. Like it a lot. The X-ray sights that come on the RXP model are excellent, perfect cowitness. Turned off the red dot for a few mags and they are very easy to pickup. Only upgrade I made to the gun was Talon rubber grip tape. Have it other guns and like the texture.

So are those magazines reliable, drop freely, etc.?  I've looked into the ETS mags for the P320 and by all accounts those magazines are horrible.  I wish Mec-Gar would make mags for them, but I know Sig likes to hold on to their accessories so they can sell them at a premium.

Mec-Gar does, I have them for the 250.

[larry8061]

Anywhere you list for a pro or a con, not popular or anything else that involves another persons opinion does not matter - they aren't using the gun. This is a lot like buying a race car - I want to go faster..........ok, how much money do you have?  Magazine price is the least of your worries.....are they AVAILABLE? If you are serious about competing.....WHAT FITS YOUR HAND THE BEST or, can be made to fit your hand best?

I think a couple of your criteria are indeed headed in the right direction.  Aftermarket support and "let's make this better", parts availability.  The 320 is popular enough there is some after market gear, work being done on it is typically Sig itself or Gray Guns.  Glock, because everything is plastic a lot of people make replacement parts (they have to) no, I am not a Glock fan boy.  Some of the guns you mention are indeed good guns made by very competent manufacturers.  Now, who works on them and who has parts for them? If today the magazines are hard to find then forget about getting them when the SHTF.

I have a tough time thinking you are going to find a better built gun, for the money than a CZ.  2 INCREDIBLE options for parts AND service as well as support here as well as support over the phone: CZ Customs and Cajun........ I truly can't imagine you are going to find better back-up than those two - certainly not Sig.
If you can find a model that uses a "common" chassis, then magazines are everywhere and at multiple capacities.

You could also decide whether you want a hammer or a striker...........safety, no safety, DA, DA/SA or SA? Curved trigger/flat trigger, what kind of "iron" sights?
I think for competition your barrel length requirement is a good idea, it helps a great deal in sight radius.  Is there/are there holsters available for the gun when you are done fixing it up? Some of those guns are going to be harder to find a holster for than others as is, then add some doo dads and it gets even harder.

If the price is a tad high with everything on the front end can the purchases be made over time to get to where you want to go?

You have plenty of time........you won't be able to buy ammo for about a year! LOL

Good luck,

Larry

[Kayin]

Anywhere you list for a pro or a con, not popular or anything else that involves another persons opinion does not matter - they aren't using the gun. This is a lot like buying a race car - I want to go faster..........ok, how much money do you have?  Magazine price is the least of your worries.....are they AVAILABLE? If you are serious about competing.....WHAT FITS YOUR HAND THE BEST or, can be made to fit your hand best?

I think a couple of your criteria are indeed headed in the right direction.  Aftermarket support and "let's make this better", parts availability.  The 320 is popular enough there is some after market gear, work being done on it is typically Sig itself or Gray Guns.  Glock, because everything is plastic a lot of people make replacement parts (they have to) no, I am not a Glock fan boy.  Some of the guns you mention are indeed good guns made by very competent manufacturers.  Now, who works on them and who has parts for them? If today the magazines are hard to find then forget about getting them when the SHTF.

I have a tough time thinking you are going to find a better built gun, for the money than a CZ.  2 INCREDIBLE options for parts AND service as well as support here as well as support over the phone: CZ Customs and Cajun........ I truly can't imagine you are going to find better back-up than those two - certainly not Sig.
If you can find a model that uses a "common" chassis, then magazines are everywhere and at multiple capacities.

You could also decide whether you want a hammer or a striker...........safety, no safety, DA, DA/SA or SA? Curved trigger/flat trigger, what kind of "iron" sights?
I think for competition your barrel length requirement is a good idea, it helps a great deal in sight radius.  Is there/are there holsters available for the gun when you are done fixing it up? Some of those guns are going to be harder to find a holster for than others as is, then add some doo dads and it gets even harder.

If the price is a tad high with everything on the front end can the purchases be made over time to get to where you want to go?

You have plenty of time........you won't be able to buy ammo for about a year! LOL

Good luck,

Larry

I'm hoping to get some deals on potential optics from Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday deals.  I suspect there might be Black Friday deals for the guns themselves but I'm not going to bank on that this year.  If Biden wins I'll definitely want one of these before the end of the year, but if Trump is re-elected then I go with my original plan of buying the gun with my tax return early next year (and hopefully after a Shot Show 2021 that may reveal even better options in this category.)

Also, I'm not discounting CZ's, and I've already mentioned that I own and love my CZ P-01.  But I've been wanting to get into optics for a couple years now and I'm looking beyond the CZ catalog, namely with the hammer-fired guns because A) They're expensive right now and B) CZ has no lighter weight full-size guns outside their two polymer frame options (the P-09 and the discontinued SP-01 Phantom).

As for CZ's P10 series...I just don't get why the plates are sold separately.  To me that is a rather GLARING negative and missed opportunity on their part to be competitive with other brands who all include plate options for their OR pistols.

Anyway, I'd be willing to listen to any options you think are available for the Phantom as I much prefer that polymer option over the P-09.  I'm looking at a rear dovetail plate option for the Phantom that might work well without milling, but I need to research it more.  I'd also honestly prefer a plate system or milled slide instead of the dovetail route, but believe me I am looking at everything.  Having the Phantom would work great because the magazines for it would work in my P-01.

[2morechains]

My first optic gun was a P10C that I had milled for a Trijicon RMR red dot.  This was before the optic-ready P10Cs were available, but no regrets.  Jagerwerks did an exceptional job on the milling plus lower 1/3 co-witnessed BUIS.  This was primarily intended to be a home defense/carry gun but I did compete with it for about 6 months while I was making the transition from iron sights to a red dot.  What I like about the direct milling is it puts the dot lower to the bore, which helped with the transition. 

Second optics gun was a straight up competition gun (USPSA Carry Optics) with a Trijicon SRO.  I sent a CZ Shadow 2 off for milling and slide lightening (this was back in 2019 when there was a weight limit on Carry Optics division).  Fire4Effects did the milling and also did a first rate job positioning the optic as low as possible.  I’ve shot it for over a year and love this combo, so much so that this summer I sent them another Shadow 2 so I have two competition guns set up the same way.  As this is a pure competition gun I removed the front sight and rely just on the SRO red dot. 

Fourth optics gun is a Sig P365XL.  This was my first pistol that was already optic-ready and I added the Sig Romeo 0.  This is a pure carry gun, though I have shot a few outlaw CCW matches with it.  Nice thing about the Romeo 0 is it allows use of the stock front sight.  This was by far the cheapest gun to swap over to an optic, just remove the plate and buy the red dot. 

I’ve got friends who shoot Sig P320 X5 Legions and just added a red dot (one of the Sig Romeo’s).  Works fine, and is probably cheaper than going the route I did with milling my Shadow 2s.  I considered getting one of those, but prefer the S2 over the X5 Legion (personal opinion). 

But for EDC I prefer the lighter P10C or more concealable P356XL.   

[Claymore504]

For striker fired duty I would go with the M&P M2.0 Optics Ready LE only model in the ling below. My second choice would be the P10F.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/mp-9-m20-optics-ready-law-enforcement-only

However, I prefer DA/SA so I would go with the LTT Elite RDO!!!

https://www.langdontactical.com/92-elite-ltt-with-rdo-slide/

[Kayin]

For striker fired duty I would go with the M&P M2.0 Optics Ready LE only model in the ling below. My second choice would be the P10F.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/mp-9-m20-optics-ready-law-enforcement-only

However, I prefer DA/SA so I would go with the LTT Elite RDO!!!

https://www.langdontactical.com/92-elite-ltt-with-rdo-slide/

I've seen the Landon Tactical setups and I'm wondering if they'd do the millwork on a Beretta clone like the Girsan Regard Gen 4 (this model is the only one with a front sight that can be changed).  By all accounts a good clone that would cost a good $200-$300 less than the Beretta.

[Earl Keese]

Are you actually looking for a duty pistol, as in for professional use? Or do you mean for personal/home defense?
 Not sure why you want longer barrel/slide for a pistol intended for optics use, there's little if any benefit. Unless you just want it, and that's fine too.
 I carry a milled P10C and haven't found another platform that's superior, or at least superior "enough" to make me switch. It also sees frequent match use, and has yet to hold me back in any way.
 I briefly owned a TP9 SFX, and it was a fine gun. Great package to start out with, but again no reason for me to switch from the P10C. I believe that this is the only gun on your list that comes with multiple optic mounting plates, but be aware- they're made of aluminum and are somewhat delicate. The included holster may be passable for the Uncle Mike's or Serpa crowd, but not for competition or serious EDC. You get what you pay for. This is a great gun to dip your toe in the competition scene and merits serious consideration.
 I've spent considerable time shooting P320's, including the standard compact, x-carry pro, and X5 Legion. The std was meh, ok. I hated the X-Carry grip. The X5 Legion I liked far more than I expected to. It's probably the best deal out there for a competition ready package.
 I think it really comes down to how a gun fits your hand. Any duty pistol will require trigger and sight upgrades for competition use, period. Either that, or you're using competition to train for self defense/duty so you're focused on learning to maximize proficiency with your carry gun. In that case, you can keep the gun equipped for it's intended purpose. Lastly, passing on a pistol because mags are $35 instead of $25 or because it doesn't come with an assortment of mounting plates is just unnecessarily limiting your options. Ammo is the real expense if you're serious about shooting anyway. Buy the gun that calls to you when you pick it up.


 

[huskyfever03]

34mos

[bulldozer3]

Whatever you decide, buy a non- optics ready  and get it milled.  More secure, lower, and you can put the rear sight forward of the optic.

Get it milled for the RMR. Holosun and a few others use the same footprint.


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[larry8061]

Anywhere you list for a pro or a con, not popular or anything else that involves another persons opinion does not matter - they aren't using the gun. This is a lot like buying a race car - I want to go faster..........ok, how much money do you have?  Magazine price is the least of your worries.....are they AVAILABLE? If you are serious about competing.....WHAT FITS YOUR HAND THE BEST or, can be made to fit your hand best?

I think a couple of your criteria are indeed headed in the right direction.  Aftermarket support and "let's make this better", parts availability.  The 320 is popular enough there is some after market gear, work being done on it is typically Sig itself or Gray Guns.  Glock, because everything is plastic a lot of people make replacement parts (they have to) no, I am not a Glock fan boy.  Some of the guns you mention are indeed good guns made by very competent manufacturers.  Now, who works on them and who has parts for them? If today the magazines are hard to find then forget about getting them when the SHTF.

I have a tough time thinking you are going to find a better built gun, for the money than a CZ.  2 INCREDIBLE options for parts AND service as well as support here as well as support over the phone: CZ Customs and Cajun........ I truly can't imagine you are going to find better back-up than those two - certainly not Sig.
If you can find a model that uses a "common" chassis, then magazines are everywhere and at multiple capacities.

You could also decide whether you want a hammer or a striker...........safety, no safety, DA, DA/SA or SA? Curved trigger/flat trigger, what kind of "iron" sights?
I think for competition your barrel length requirement is a good idea, it helps a great deal in sight radius.  Is there/are there holsters available for the gun when you are done fixing it up? Some of those guns are going to be harder to find a holster for than others as is, then add some doo dads and it gets even harder.

If the price is a tad high with everything on the front end can the purchases be made over time to get to where you want to go?

You have plenty of time........you won't be able to buy ammo for about a year! LOL

Good luck,

Larry

I'm hoping to get some deals on potential optics from Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday deals.  I suspect there might be Black Friday deals for the guns themselves but I'm not going to bank on that this year.  If Biden wins I'll definitely want one of these before the end of the year, but if Trump is re-elected then I go with my original plan of buying the gun with my tax return early next year (and hopefully after a Shot Show 2021 that may reveal even better options in this category.)

Also, I'm not discounting CZ's, and I've already mentioned that I own and love my CZ P-01.  But I've been wanting to get into optics for a couple years now and I'm looking beyond the CZ catalog, namely with the hammer-fired guns because A) They're expensive right now and B) CZ has no lighter weight full-size guns outside their two polymer frame options (the P-09 and the discontinued SP-01 Phantom).

As for CZ's P10 series...I just don't get why the plates are sold separately.  To me that is a rather GLARING negative and missed opportunity on their part to be competitive with other brands who all include plate options for their OR pistols.

Anyway, I'd be willing to listen to any options you think are available for the Phantom as I much prefer that polymer option over the P-09.  I'm looking at a rear dovetail plate option for the Phantom that might work well without milling, but I need to research it more.  I'd also honestly prefer a plate system or milled slide instead of the dovetail route, but believe me I am looking at everything.  Having the Phantom would work great because the magazines for it would work in my P-01.

The easy answer is the plate is not included because some people don't want it and pay for it, and 2. what set of holes are they pre-drilling? So you aren't going to buy a CZ because you don't like their marketing?  I would not begin to offer ideas on what to buy......I have what I wanted and am too old and tired to try and keep up with, CZ, CZ Custom, and Cajun.....my current effort is being put into learning how to make the most effective use of what I have.  Based on what I see on here Phantom options go on for days and I am quite confident that if part/detail A is not to your liking CZ Custom of Cajun would be more than happy to take your money and dial it in for you. Conversely the P-01 mags will work in your new Phantom!

Canik and FNS make at least good guns and they are probably better than that. Where are you going to get a lot of "go faster" parts and back up help for those?
My thoughts are I hope the gun you decide upon is available when you want it.