Thoughts on consistent manual of arms

[SigLaw]

What do you guys think about keeping a consistent manual of arms on your handguns. I am thinking of buying something new, just because, and I started thinking maybe I should try to get the collection more alike in terms of how they operate. What do you think?

Current guns:

Glock 17
CZ 75b (da/sa)
Sig 220st (da/sa)
PT745 (dao)
SW1911

 

[wally]

I take an opposite tack, I want experience with all manner of guns operation since if the SHTF I may need to use whatever I can get my hands on, either from a fallen comrad or enemy.

But in a perfect world they'd all operate like a 1911

--wally.

 

[gc70]

I have consolidated to 1911s and TDA Sigs. Two ways to operate a gun are enough for me to try to remember.

 

[10-Ring]

I'm of the opinion that the less there is to remember, the better. If the need ever came up, I'd like to think all my guns would feel natural & operate as necessary and operating my guns would be the least of my worries

 

[ChuckB]

It's well established that, under extreme stress, one reverts to how one practiced. If you practice with one gun, or a single style, you're much less likely to make a mistake. As a civilian, I don't think about having to use the weapon of a fallen comrade. In warfare, perhaps, but not at home. Besides, in battle most or all fighting men and women will have the same type of arms.

Chuck

 

[Mulliga]

The only time I'd worry about something like that is if you carry two guns at once, or if you own two identical guns with different operating systems (say you own both a Type 1 USP and a Type 7 USP). Even then, it's not like a split second delay in taking off the safety or jerking the trigger slightly for the DA will preclude you from defending yourself - you can usually imagine far worse happening in the real world (it would probably take more time to draw in a restaurant booth while someone is seated very close to my right side, for example).

As long as you put in practice time with all of them, of course.

 

[Kor]

Well...my current (ahem) justification for purchasing guns is to acquire and become familiar (as opposed to proficient) with a representative sample of all the major, historically significant service weapons. Thus, I own Smith, Colt and Ruger DA revolvers, one 1911, one SIG, one Beretta 92F, one CZ75, one Hungarian PPK-clone, one Norinco Tokarev, one Nagant revolver, one CZ82, one XD, and 3 Glocks...you get the idea.

However, I limit myself to carrying guns with the most simple manual of arms(i.e. aim, pull trigger, repeat) - my Kahr K40, my Glocks, my XD, and my S&W Centennials. I personally feel that this approach minimizes my chances of causing a cerebral disconnect that would keep me from putting my carry gun into action.

 

[BevrFevr]

+1 for wally.

if you are a civilian and things may come down to the split second on the draw then you need to move to the other side of the tracks, stop selling crack, etc.

As to the guys that specialize in only one type of action, life is too short. I for one want to learn as many as I can. Will I be able to out shoot barney that only shoots 1911's and practices his draw every day? probably not. Can I put two to COM and one to the pelvis of jimmy the meth head with virtually anything I own, or he owns, or my neighbor etc. ? Probably.

not too many guys out there meeting at high noon to test thier draw and aim any more. Oh wait, that didn't ever really happen that was just put in the mind of millions by tv. Ain't it wonderful.

If you are a cop, different story though, you might want to stick to one gun and practice your draw.

my 2 cnts -bevr

 

[SigLaw]

Thanks guys, great answers.

 

[BullfrogKen]

As a civilian, I don't think about having to use the weapon of a fallen comrade.

As an armed citizen, I might have cause to use a gun taken or picked up from my assailant.

Our Study Group practices a manual of arms that we can use for nearly any autoloader. Reloads are done without using the slide stop, instead by reaching over the top after the mag is inserted and grasping/releasing the slide. The motion is the same as that for the TRB drill, so it reinforces that set of skills.

I prefer not to become hardware specific. I love my 1911, but I'll use whatever is appropriate to the circumstance, including a little Colt D frame revolver.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I find that all the different MoA for different handguns are easily remembered if you use them all regularly. It's the feel. I've never tried to use a decocker on a 1911 or click off the safety on a Glock. Granted, I've never been involved in a defensive shooting and so cannot comment from that veiwpoint (adrenaline, tunnel vision, et al)

 

[possum]

I think that I as well as alot if not most of the people on this site are very capable of picking up any weapon and would be able to use them effectivly, all handguns are pretty easy to figure out and if you don't get it right away it wouldn't take long. i have used all sorts of different weapons, and do here and there when i shoot other peoples guns that are different from mine. but i keep my collection to guns that I am really good with since that will be what I am using in a defensive situation. so in the future when i have half a dozen xd's it won't be because i want to keep them all the same or similar but because that is what I am good with and what I am most deadly with.

 

[CHEHALIS]

Ive of the opinion that the more the merrier

However at work the primary and backup are both 1911's no mix and match plus the OACP will run off the primary's mags for Quals which means less crap to drag to the range

 

[Autolycus]

I like the same system for carry. I feel that it makes the most sense for me. I prefer a DAO system for carry. I have to practice with it more to feel better about it but once I get some trigger time I will feel better with it.

I also feel that a back up gun should operate the same way as the primary. It makes things less complicated for me.

But for range time I think it does not matter. If I plan to carry something I do not normally carry I feel it is better to practice with it first.

As a side note I am aslo a big supporter of interchangable magazines. I like the idea a lot. I would not carry a Glock 19 and then carry a DAO revolver. I like the same manual in all aspects of the carry guns.

I plan to carry an HK P2000 and a P2000sk as my back up gun. Both will have LEM triggers and the same manual of arms all the way through.

But once again for range time have fun and familiarize yourself with other guns. It cant hurt.

 

[4719]

I went to all Sig DAK's and DAO Smith snubbies. I want everything to work the same - for all the reasons that have been stated so far. Here's my current battery:

Sig P226 DAK
Sig P229 DAK
Sig P239 DAK
Smith & Wesson 638-2
Smith & Wesson 340PD

Of course, you can go all 1911's or whatever. When it comes to guns that could be used in defense - keep it simple.