That's correct. Go to this link and the info for USPSA (other run and gun styles of shooting are similar). Page 83 has the Production Division gun rules and that is the type of equipment you will probably start with. An XD or a Glock is a good place to start. I think the rules are in place because the steel targets are designed to be safe with most modern defensive rounds.
http://www.uspsa.org/rules/2010Handg...sProof3web.pdf