Most 3 Gunners run either an STI 2011 or a Glock 34.
Why? I have never seen one used for 3 gun/multigun. A 4" barrel? With a relativly low round mag unless there are aftermarket mags I dont see it. AND litteraly never have.Others may not use them, but a Walther P99 is worth looking at. Its a great gun, just lousy marketing. I
The best suggestion is to take what you have to a match. Any match. A USPSA match will give you the same feel for the way a handgun will fit your needs for 3Gun. There is a Indiana Multigun match Sunday, in a few hours, at the Wildcat in Lafayette. Its a ways away for you but you could also go to the local club in your area Riely for USPSA etc and ask around. Ask for Joey, he is the cute guy. He covets my new SIG and has my old X2.Trying to figure out what's the best gun out there for 3 gun.. I'm in between a glock 34 Springfield xdm hk p30l and a decent 1911.. Any suggestions?
Actually 9 is all you need since there is no power factor unless you go heavy metal. IF you use the same pistol for USPSA or the weak sister IDPA then cal will matter. USPSA 9mm is minor unless you go big so to speak. Buying a specific handgun for 3 gun is a a 9 all the way. IMO. Which you get for free and may not be worth what you pay for it.Anything 9mm or above with 5 mags. Nothing else really matters.
Why? I have never seen one used for 3 gun/multigun. A 4" barrel? With a relativly low round mag unless there are aftermarket mags I dont see it. AND litteraly never have.
I have a bunch of Walther OEM 15 round magazines, a couple of 16 and 20 round magazines also. I'm not sure where you get the "relatively low round mag" comment. I've been using my P99 for IDPA, USPSA, and 3-gun for years as well as my primary carry gun. Its been as reliable as any gun out there. I've also used Glocks and 1911's. Overall the Walther has been the most reliable.
I agree you don't see them that often but I consider that more of Glock, Sig's, SW marketing over the years followed by some Kool-Aid drinking. The P99 does cost more than the others. I consider the quality of the gun to be better. I personally like the ergonomics and controls of the P99. Many people don't care for the mag release, but this is more of a training issue. I find it much quicker and easier with the release on the trigger guard vs. the side.
I'm guessing you are confusing the P99, with the PPQ, PPS, and PPX. A Glock 17 barrel length is just over 4.01".