I'm am currently struggling on deciding between the cz p09 and the Steyr l9 for a beginning 3 gun handgun. Both at a local gun shop for $470. I'm wanting a good trigger and good muzzle control. I'm sticking in this price range and I don't want to spend a lot of money on upgrades. If I get good enough at competition I'll eventually spend good money on a nicer competion gun. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.

I would go with the P09, or spend a few more and get a SP-01.   CZ is a GTG platform to run stock, and mag prices are not bad.

If you want the honest answer, NEITHER. Both are really poor choices for 3-Gun.

The P09 has a manual safety that must be applied before legal abandonment. If you forget, or if the safety gets swiped off, then you will likely be DQ'd (or at best get a hefty penalty).

The Steyr is an unpopular platform meaning that there will be zero aftermarket competition-oriented accessory support.

For your price range you can easily find a Glock 17 or S&W M&P9 (my choice). Both are dump-and-run for quick no-penalty abandonment, both are proven reliable, and both have a rich array of upgrade options. I started with a basic M&P9, then added upgrades over time... now I have a 3-Gun optimized pistol that rivals double-stack 1911 competition guns for less than 1/3 the price.

I 2nd the Glock or the MP... Better investment for what you want.

+1

If you are looking for something real cheap pick up a used Glock 17 or M&P FS 9mm. If buying something new, try out a Glock 34, M&P Pro 9mm or a XDm 5.25 in 9mm. See which one YOU like, not what I or anyone else on this board likes. All are good for 3 gun, but only YOU know what fits and shoots best for YOU.

Thanks for all the info...I'm going with the cz p09. Its got a great sa trigger, 19+1 capacity stock (no need to buy expensive baseplates for higher capacity), and I like how the slide rides inside the frame (seems to help control muzzle rise, to me at least). And as far as the safety issue goes, I'm sure I'll be fine. It seems like tons of competitors use 2011's and due just fine with the safety.

I'd suggest always dropping the mag and racking it clear then.  Too many 2011 shooters have been DQed for safeties coming off.

Why dont you be a the cool guy and get a wather p08 or a luger and trick it out?

Or you could get a 9mm ar pistol and get a sig brace :)

Fine choice on the P09.. Don't turn into another Glock homer.  Make sure you let Cajun Gun Works do their magic on it.

+10,000----and its ready to run OTB