I guess I will throw my .02 worth in. My husband
got me started in IPSC about 4 yrs ago. I shoot a
Colt 1911. There are other pistol sports out there
such as IDPA and sillouhette. You can look up other
sports by going to the individual web pages or by going
to Shooters.com.<br><br>I have tried both a 9mm and
40 caliber Glock. I don't know which models, but I
didn't care for either one. The handling difference from
my 1911 to a Glock was immense as far as grip and
trigger. I know many people who love their Glocks, it is
simply a case of personal taste.<br><br>No, an airgun is
not even close as far as kick, however, to start out
with, I would actually go for a .22. Starting small
will help with handling, comfort and flinch. I did not
start out with a small pistol, I went straight to .45,
but my husband is a great teacher and I kind of new
what to expect. However, a .45 is not the chosen
pistol for this sport. IPSC is more speed oriented then
IDPA, so most everyone goes for a 40 cal or 38 super in
either open (dots) or limited (iron sights), again this
is just personal taste.<br><br>As far as
discrimination in IPSC, all the men I have met have been
absolutely wonderful. Here in MN they would like to see more
female shooters in the sport. There may be one or two
that are a bit "macho", but like anywhere else you
just ignore them. I have not met anyone in the 6 clubs
we shoot at that have the "good ol boy" attitude.
All have been willing to help, they have great
patience in their teachings. Believe it or not, the women
have been stand offish, but as we get to know each
other that changed quickly.<br><br>Since you mentioned
IPSC, USPSA in the states, that must mean there is a
gun club near you that carrys this style of shooting.
Get in touch with someone from that club and get an
invite out to watch. You will see many types of
shooters. Intense, fast, slow, easygoing, young, old and in
our area an elderly lady that shoots each course with
her cane! Do the same with IDPA. Each style of
shooting has its own set of ideas and rules. I prefer IPSC
to IDPA due to the round count. I like longer
courses of fire and being challenged in the speed area.
IDPA is more towards accuracy and one uses a carry gun
holster and pistol vs a "race gun". You will here some
people belittle each sport, but I have always felt to
each his own and as long as they are enjoying their
selves, who cares!...<br><br>Good Luck......LB