Top 10 Competition-Ready Handguns: A Complete Guide for Precision Shooters

When looking for competition-ready factory handguns, it’s essential to understand what each model offers in terms of performance, reliability, and features. Here’s a list of the 10 Best Competition Ready Factory Handguns along with detailed information to help you make the right choice:

1. Smith & Wesson M&P9 Competitor

• MSRP: $999
• Features: This pistol features a 5-inch barrel, metal frame, lightening cuts in the slide, and green fiber optic front sight. It is optics-ready and comes with a flat-faced trigger, providing a lower and crisper pull. Its replaceable backstraps and oversize magazine well make it a top contender for competitive shooting.
• Why Choose It?: Offers a great blend of weight, ergonomics, and precision at an affordable price.

2. Dan Wesson DWX

• MSRP: $1,999
• Features: Combining elements of the 1911 and CZ 75, this pistol is known for its impressive trigger system and aggressive checkering for an ergonomic grip. It has red anodized grip panels and a matching trigger with a 19-round magazine.
• Why Choose It?: A beautiful, full-size steel pistol that pairs excellent aesthetics with performance, perfect for those who favor both CZ and 1911 features.

3. Shadow Systems DR920P

• MSRP: $1,100
• Features: This “Glock-style” pistol features a compensator, suppressor-height sights, and optics-ready slide. It has a flat-faced trigger and an aggressively textured slide and frame. It uses 17+1 capacity Glock magazines, making it compatible with Glock holsters.
• Why Choose It?: Affordable, competition-ready, and requires no further modifications.

4. CZ Shadow 2

• MSRP: $1,349
• Features: This competition pistol features an all-steel frame, a 4.89-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and a smooth double/single action trigger. It is highly customizable with adjustable grips and backstraps.
• Why Choose It?: Known for its accuracy and low recoil, the CZ Shadow 2 is a favorite in competitions.

5. SIG Sauer P320 X-Five Legion

• MSRP: $1,000
• Features: The P320 X-Five Legion comes with a 5-inch match-grade bull barrel, adjustable rear sights, and a Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight. It also features a tungsten-infused frame for better recoil control and comes with three 17-round magazines.
• Why Choose It?: Offers exceptional balance and recoil management, perfect for competitive shooters.

6. Walther Q5 Match Steel Frame

• MSRP: $1,499
• Features: This full-sized, steel-framed competition pistol has a match-grade barrel, a great trigger system, and is optics-ready. It is also compatible with popular optics mounts.
• Why Choose It?: Known for precision and balance, the steel frame adds weight for better recoil control.

7. Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS

• MSRP: $700
• Features: The Glock 34 Gen 5 is the most popular choice in USPSA and IDPA competitions. It has a long 5.31-inch barrel, modular optic system (MOS) ready for sights, and a wide magazine release for faster reloads.
• Why Choose It?: A reliable and affordable option for competitive shooters.

8. Tanfoglio Witness Stock II

• MSRP: $1,200
• Features: This Italian-made pistol is highly customizable with various calibers and comes with competition-specific features like an adjustable rear sight, a squared trigger guard, and a competition hammer.
• Why Choose It?: Offers smooth operation with customizable options, making it a strong contender for IPSC and USPSA shooters.

9. Heckler & Koch VP9 Match

• MSRP: $1,100
• Features: The VP9 Match has a 5.5-inch barrel, adjustable rear sights, and optics-ready capability. The slide has lightening cuts to reduce weight, and it comes with interchangeable backstraps and side panels for custom grip.
• Why Choose It?: Well-built and durable, the VP9 Match offers precision and modularity.

10. Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Precision

• MSRP: $700
• Features: With a 5.25-inch hammer-forged barrel, fiber optic front sight, and a fully adjustable rear sight, the XD-M Elite Precision is designed for top-tier competition use. It also has a meta trigger system for a crisp trigger pull.
• Why Choose It?: Provides accuracy and smooth performance at a competitive price

These handguns are designed to provide reliability, accuracy, and ease of customization right out of the box. Choosing the right one depends on your preferences in weight, grip, and trigger feel, but each of these models delivers excellent performance for competitive shooting.