Several features make a good competition handgun. The pistol must be chambered for the ammunition used in a specific competition. Ideally, it should be lightweight and support accessories like optics. Depending on the competition class, opt for a more extended slide. It allows for a broader plane for iron sights and faster action cycling.
Flared magwell
While many guns come with standard mag wells, there are also several aftermarket options available that offer better performance. These magwells feature a flared design to make magazine insertions easier. The wider opening creates a more decisive funneling action to guide the magazine home, making reloads faster and more reliable. Flared mag wells are an essential upgrade for competition-level pistols, as they help reduce the time needed to reload and return to the shooting position. In addition, they reduce the muzzle rise and allow shooters to re-acquire their sight picture quickly after firing. However, it is essential to remember that a flared magwell will add additional weight to the gun. It needs to be carefully balanced with the improvements it offers. It is recommended to consult with an experienced shooter before adding this accessory to competition handguns.
Match-grade barrel
When competing in match shooting, you need the absolute utmost accuracy. It means your gun and its parts need to be high-quality. It’s true of the barrel, which must be expertly fitted to the slide. However, beware of barrels that are labeled match grade and don’t meet specific standards. If a barrel is labeled “match,” it should be oversized on the hood and lower lug, and the first lug recess should be machined differently from 2 and 3. It will ensure that the barrel fits appropriately, which leads to better accuracy.
Furthermore, it will reduce the likelihood of irregular chamber dimensions and excessive runout. A quality match-grade barrel will also have a higher precision rifling and be made from a more durable material than standard production barrels. It will reduce harmonic whipping and be less affected by heat over time. It is essential if you’re planning to use your handgun for competition.
Light Trigger
The trigger is one of the most critical components in competition shooting. A light trigger allows the shooter to control the weapon more efficiently and ensures the gun is ready for a shot when needed. It also helps to reduce the movement between shots, allowing for faster and more accurate performance. Another benefit of a light trigger is that it can help to reduce mistakes such as accidental discharges. It can be a significant problem for competitive shooters, as even a slight jar or vibration in the holster could cause the gun to fire without intention.
A light trigger also makes reloading more efficient, which can save critical seconds during competitions. It can also allow you to shoot more rounds quickly, essential for maximizing your score.
Milled slide
The slide of a competition pistol should be properly milled for red-dot mounts. This process reduces the reciprocating mass of the gun to allow for lighter recoiling ammunition and allows shooters to tune their guns for maximum reliable operation. However, some pistols with milled slides have cuts that border on skeletonizing the slide, which can compromise the gun’s structural integrity and cause it to fail in use. The Sig Sauer P320 XFive Legion features a milled slide that’s tapped for red-dot optics. The 5.5-inch stainless steel barrel is durable and chambered for the full range of competition ammunition. At the same time, the modular wrap-around grip system adjusts palm swell and trigger reach to accommodate a variety of hand sizes. The Sig also has a low bore axis and outstanding balance, which make it ideal for rapid, precise shooting. Its light trigger helps with accuracy, and its pre-tensioned striker spring allows for positive ignition of lighter-weight match bullets.
