So far we have used the Glock 19A. I believe that was the model. A S&W semi too, I forget all the following models, but it is the civilian version of the service pistol. A CZ Shadow and a STI. The STI is a 1911 version in 9mm.

Only shot most of these with ten or twenty rounds each so no real comparison so far, but disliked the Glock and the S&W so far. The CZ and the STI were preferable. The CZ has the advantage of being double action as well. The STI is reportedly preferred a lot by the users at the club.

The Glock 19A is a special version made by Glock for Australia. Instead of the muzzle being flush it extends slightly to lengthen the barrel to make it legal under Australia's silly minimum barrel length laws, in the "A" version. I never knew before that after 1999 when the Aust gov't tried to ban a lot of handguns, they purposefully set a minimum barrel length to try to ban almost all handguns then in use.

Also used Ruger revolvers in .357 Mag/.38. Not sure which model. And also some very well used .22 RF's.

When the range reopens I will go for some practice and competition sessions and try them some more. As most of the course has been completed the club allows this until the paper licence is issued and then eventually the photo ID licence which will be probably well into February, March or April. Then SA law requires a new licensee wait six months before purchasing their first handgun, and reportedly they take up to three months now to issue a permit to acquire. I will be seeing how much trouble I have with the "purpose of use" justification seeing I have a fair few long arms and well above their belief at what is a reasonable maximum. Of course ANY long arm can not be used for handgun club use target competitions ... so if any REASONABLE consideration it should not be a problem. We are reportedly limited to a maximum of one new handgun per year of licence so any additional ones will take a long time to acquire.

In most of Australia a handgun can only be owned and used by civilians for target shooting, ie club use.

Regarding multiple calibre and barrel handguns, I believe legally currently in SA this is not a problem. So am interested in that option. Having a semi auto handgun that can take eg a .22 RF barrel and magazine would be good for cheap practice. But only if its primary use is still the main objective.

I will probably rationalise my existing long arms a bit to remove any that I really don't use and/or want. But only after careful consideration ie if they need some disposed of to acquire a new one, then they may come in handy to remove.

We tried to get calibres permitted in amendments in the new law being propsed for IPSC above 9mm in the recent Ministerial meeting, but I can tell you it fell on very deaf ears. I was told by separate Police sources the cops in charge don't like civilian shooters to be better armed than they are ...