i was at my local gun shop, and someone who acctually knows quite a bit about guns said you can never reach your full potential unless you stick to one specific type of handgun. i am halfway decent with both my glocks and 1911's, but he said i could be so much better if i only used one type. d you all feel that this is true? or is it once you become good you should be able to shoot any you pick up?
One Gun Type?
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Probably true if carried to extreme in practice.
The old saying:
Beware the man with one gun cause he probably knows how to use it.
But what would be the fun in that?
I have about every type of pistol & revolver action made, and enjoy shooting them all too much to settle on just one type.
rc
The old saying:
Beware the man with one gun cause he probably knows how to use it.
But what would be the fun in that?
I have about every type of pistol & revolver action made, and enjoy shooting them all too much to settle on just one type.
rc
Fumbler
Member
There's a little truth to that.
I know a guy who shoots in local IDPA style matches and shoots like a freakin machine with his Glocks. That was all he would shoot, only Glocks.
Then, S&W came out with their M&P autos and he sold all his Glocks and switched to only the M&P...and now he shoots those like a machine.
He won't mix up the guns he shoots and he gets good results.
Like rcmodel, there are too many platforms that I like, so I may never find out if that info is true for me.
I have noticed it a little. I've had times when I only shot my Sig 228 in competition without shooting anythign else and I will get shoot it better. However, if I shoot all my guns in the same quantity at the same time then I wonder if I'd get really good at all of them...
Makes you say "hmm...I've gotta find more time and ammo."
I know a guy who shoots in local IDPA style matches and shoots like a freakin machine with his Glocks. That was all he would shoot, only Glocks.
Then, S&W came out with their M&P autos and he sold all his Glocks and switched to only the M&P...and now he shoots those like a machine.
He won't mix up the guns he shoots and he gets good results.
Like rcmodel, there are too many platforms that I like, so I may never find out if that info is true for me.
I have noticed it a little. I've had times when I only shot my Sig 228 in competition without shooting anythign else and I will get shoot it better. However, if I shoot all my guns in the same quantity at the same time then I wonder if I'd get really good at all of them...
Makes you say "hmm...I've gotta find more time and ammo."
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I believe if you gave Jerry Miculek or Rob Leatham a modern DA revolver, a 1911, a Glock, and a cap & ball Colt Navy, they would beat you with all of them, every time.
It's the man, not the machine!
rc
It's the man, not the machine!
rc
Muddflap
Member
Those guys probaby shot more than a couple hundred rounds a month to get that good too.
I have several Sigs, all DA/SA. It gives me a little variety, but they all function the same. It's a personal choice I made, and I'm comfortable with it. I have tried other guns, at different times, I just can't make it work for me. Although I do lOK with my Kahr with that long trigger pull.
I have several Sigs, all DA/SA. It gives me a little variety, but they all function the same. It's a personal choice I made, and I'm comfortable with it. I have tried other guns, at different times, I just can't make it work for me. Although I do lOK with my Kahr with that long trigger pull.
I don't buy that for one minute. I know personally that my 1911 shooting got dramatically better a long time ago when I supplemented it with DA revolver shooting.
In lots of other scenarios, which are closely akin to shooting in that they involve hand/eye coordination, balance, and muscle memory, it benefits you greatly to experiment with different tools and learn the subtleties of each one. You then learn faster and have more appreciation for your favorite one, and use it better. I have sailed with professional sailors racing large yachts, and they stated the best education was in little one man dinghies. I've talked and skied with professional skiers who explain how important it is to practice on different, non-race terrain and with different style skis. This goes on and on with motorcycle racers, horse back riders, automobiles, etc.
I recall reading an article a few years ago where Rob Leatham was squeezing a .44magnum revolver bear hunt in Maine in between some Steel Challenge ( or some type) of events. So clearly he's not buying it! I've seen Miculek compete in multi-gun events and he gives nothing away with other platforms.
I think what I would call a "good" or better shooter has the skill basket to pick up a gun, and within a few shots shoot it as well as an "average" shooter who has shot that one gun his whole life. They will have the requisite knowledge about grip isolation, trigger finger isolation, body tension, balance, etc. to quickly figure out that gun's quirks and to master them.
earlthegoat2
Member
I suppose you could say one action type too. Such as DAO. Or SAO. I like them both but I suppose you can understand what I am saying. You can use a DA revolver and a DAK Sig and it will be close to the same. Same thing with a SAO 1911 and a Hi Power and also probably a LDA Para since their DA is so light.
Publius1688
Member
I was at the range Sunday afternoon, and a guy was giving me almost the exact same story--all he shot was Glocks, and he said the reason I was having trouble with my S&W (groups) was that I was shooting my Walther sometime, my S&W sometime, etc.
I was polite and nodded.
Frankly, maybe it is true. But, honestly, who cares? This hobby is about having fun, and who wants to shoot the same old thing every weekend? Not me!
I was polite and nodded.
Frankly, maybe it is true. But, honestly, who cares? This hobby is about having fun, and who wants to shoot the same old thing every weekend? Not me!
I don't think it hurts at all to shoot a lot of different types, especially for fun.
But I think from a defensive or sport angle where you are trying to get peak performance, it probably doesn't hurt to have consistency for the best muscle memory, because with muscle memory you can DO faster than your brain can think to do.
With that said, I shoot different kinds of Glocks but stick with Glock for the consistent trigger, grip angle, and controls. I think in a sport like IDPA/IPSC where .1 of a second can make a difference, having that muscle memory edge could be helpful.
With all that said, a good shooter can shoot anything well - but they will probably perform most consistently with what they practice with most consistently.
But I think from a defensive or sport angle where you are trying to get peak performance, it probably doesn't hurt to have consistency for the best muscle memory, because with muscle memory you can DO faster than your brain can think to do.
With that said, I shoot different kinds of Glocks but stick with Glock for the consistent trigger, grip angle, and controls. I think in a sport like IDPA/IPSC where .1 of a second can make a difference, having that muscle memory edge could be helpful.
With all that said, a good shooter can shoot anything well - but they will probably perform most consistently with what they practice with most consistently.
May be somewhat true but who cares? I drive a car and ride a motorcycle and have no illusions about driving either to their full potential. I shoot for fun and enjoy different types of firearms. I shoot well enough to suit my needs and do not have the youth, desire, time or money to undertake the effort required to become extremely good or highly competitive.
BCRider
Member
Early on I think shooting a lot of different guns can help you learn faster. But once you've got those early lessons out of the way I would have to say I agree with that guy.
One of the guys that runs a local range has shot for years. He firmly maintains that when he gets serious about IPSC every couple of years that he must only shoot the one gun he'll be using in the matches. He may shoot some rifles or even test a different gun here and there but for the quick draw fast instinctive shots he only shoots that one gun and shoots it a lot. He says it's the only way to get "in the zone" and gain that little bit extra.
Yeah sure, Jerry Miculek or Rob Leatham could easily beat us even if they switched guns at the moment before they go against us. But could one of them switch and go against the other shooting his regular match gun? At that level the little things count. It's those little things that the guy in the store was talking about and it's what my range owner is talking about. When you're good you're good but to get that last couple of percent you need to focus and that means not jumping around from gun to gun when you aren't gaining anything from it but fun. Winning isn't about fun, it's about winning.
Having recognized this I should add that I own and shoot a wide variety of guns and shoot in a few different varieties of matches for fun each month. Obviously I'm not scheduled to be the next world IPSC or trap champion....
One of the guys that runs a local range has shot for years. He firmly maintains that when he gets serious about IPSC every couple of years that he must only shoot the one gun he'll be using in the matches. He may shoot some rifles or even test a different gun here and there but for the quick draw fast instinctive shots he only shoots that one gun and shoots it a lot. He says it's the only way to get "in the zone" and gain that little bit extra.
Yeah sure, Jerry Miculek or Rob Leatham could easily beat us even if they switched guns at the moment before they go against us. But could one of them switch and go against the other shooting his regular match gun? At that level the little things count. It's those little things that the guy in the store was talking about and it's what my range owner is talking about. When you're good you're good but to get that last couple of percent you need to focus and that means not jumping around from gun to gun when you aren't gaining anything from it but fun. Winning isn't about fun, it's about winning.
Having recognized this I should add that I own and shoot a wide variety of guns and shoot in a few different varieties of matches for fun each month. Obviously I'm not scheduled to be the next world IPSC or trap champion....
gwnorth
Member
Personally, I don't think it matters for most. The simple reason is that for most shooters, even if they did focus on just one gun, they still would not be able to shoot enough to maximize their potential with even that one gun.
The reason guys like Jerry Miculek are as good as they are is because they have spent years and years and years, shooting every day. They probably put more rounds downrange in a month then many shooters will in a lifetime.
Pick one gun if you want, but if you really want to compete with the best, you'd better be shooting a few hundred or more rounds a day, every day. And plan on doing that for a long, long while to hone those skills. At which point, low and behold, it probably no longer matters what the gun is anymore as you simply can shoot better then just about anybody, with just about any gun.
The reason guys like Jerry Miculek are as good as they are is because they have spent years and years and years, shooting every day. They probably put more rounds downrange in a month then many shooters will in a lifetime.
Pick one gun if you want, but if you really want to compete with the best, you'd better be shooting a few hundred or more rounds a day, every day. And plan on doing that for a long, long while to hone those skills. At which point, low and behold, it probably no longer matters what the gun is anymore as you simply can shoot better then just about anybody, with just about any gun.
easyg
Member
This might very well be true, but then you you have to ask yourself:
Do you want to be a great shooter when using one specific gun, or a really good shooter when using nearly any handgun?
I would rather be the guy who can grab any handgun and shoot respectably well than the guy who can only shoot one specific gun well.
BigGuy52
Member
Diversity is more fun. I can shoot fairly well with any of my guns. I like the idea that I can pick any type of gun, and be able to hit a target with some accuracy. I admit I'm no sharpshooter, but I have fun just shooting in general.
BCRider
Member
What we're seeing here is the difference between those of us that enjoy this sport because of the diversity it offers versus those that are using a gun as a tool to well at a single event. I notice that the answers are all biased towards the "fun" and broader skill basis but that there's no replies from folks that shoot seriously in one type of match. And by seriously I mean they are focused on one match, one gun with the goal being to win.
Is there anyone out there reading this thread that HAS shot for a season or two in this manner? Where you focused on that one gun and shot with it daily or at least every other day? We're not seeing any replies of this nature that can confirm if this helps find that last little bit.
I think this can extend to using a handgun for self defense as well (THIS should turn the emotions up a notch now that I've brought out the SD aspect). If shooting one gun a LOT helps imprint the feel and function to where it can be shot naturally well in a variety of situations then it seems like it's worth putting a few hundred practice rounds a week thru the SD gun for a few months. For that matter it would seem to make sense to get TWO of the same gun and shoot one a LOT and the other some to ensure ongoing functionality. Meanwhile the goal would be to try to wear out the practice gun using it not just standing and punching paper but taking in different events that force you to move around and shoot against the clock with it in lots of scenarios be they IPSC, IDPA, PPA, local club speedsteel events or anythng else you can come up with that tests your ability to move and shoot or even to just shoot from various positions in lots of situations. Shooting in matches adds that extra bit of adrenaline of competition. It'll still not be much compared to the shot of adrenaline during an SD situation but it's a start. Even to the point of forcing yourself to shoot in events where it's raining and you know you'll be adding a whole lot of discomfort. The idea being you want to make it so natural to use that you don't even think about it so when you need it all the actions occur naturally and accurately. Seems like that would be worth spending some solo time with one gun or a couple of exact copies of the same gun.
This doesn't mean you'd give up shooting everything else but rather that for a season and at regular intervals after you'd focus on that one SD gun and shoot it far more than the others to achieve and maintain that oneness with it. Perhaps to the point where you would ONLY shoot that one gun (or its copy in matches. The rest of the collection then would only be shot fun where there's no stress or in occasional matches.
Whach'allthink-o-dat?
Is there anyone out there reading this thread that HAS shot for a season or two in this manner? Where you focused on that one gun and shot with it daily or at least every other day? We're not seeing any replies of this nature that can confirm if this helps find that last little bit.
I think this can extend to using a handgun for self defense as well (THIS should turn the emotions up a notch now that I've brought out the SD aspect
). If shooting one gun a LOT helps imprint the feel and function to where it can be shot naturally well in a variety of situations then it seems like it's worth putting a few hundred practice rounds a week thru the SD gun for a few months. For that matter it would seem to make sense to get TWO of the same gun and shoot one a LOT and the other some to ensure ongoing functionality. Meanwhile the goal would be to try to wear out the practice gun using it not just standing and punching paper but taking in different events that force you to move around and shoot against the clock with it in lots of scenarios be they IPSC, IDPA, PPA, local club speedsteel events or anythng else you can come up with that tests your ability to move and shoot or even to just shoot from various positions in lots of situations. Shooting in matches adds that extra bit of adrenaline of competition. It'll still not be much compared to the shot of adrenaline during an SD situation but it's a start. Even to the point of forcing yourself to shoot in events where it's raining and you know you'll be adding a whole lot of discomfort. The idea being you want to make it so natural to use that you don't even think about it so when you need it all the actions occur naturally and accurately. Seems like that would be worth spending some solo time with one gun or a couple of exact copies of the same gun.This doesn't mean you'd give up shooting everything else but rather that for a season and at regular intervals after you'd focus on that one SD gun and shoot it far more than the others to achieve and maintain that oneness with it. Perhaps to the point where you would ONLY shoot that one gun (or its copy in matches. The rest of the collection then would only be shot fun where there's no stress or in occasional matches.
Whach'allthink-o-dat?
I do, at least when I can get to the matches, for the past two years, they're all over the surrounding states, but I do make it up to CMP to shoot rifle.
Yep, XD 40 3" and XD40 4", both are my carry guns with nothing added. Practice 3 day per week, every week from April to Oct. After that it's winter. I ran out of bullets for reloading this season so I had to cut down some, but generally I shoot around 10,000 per season. This year I ran out after 5,500. I also shoot in the monthly rifle competition with my 10B. It's more fun because the front site covers most of the target bull, I use the SWAG method on that one.
Forgot to mention, I've never come in 1st. There are some guys that have about everything you can think of on their handguns and they generally hit the indoor ranges in the winter. I can't afford it.
ByAnyMeans
Member
Personally I shoot my Glock the most as well as my home defense shotgun and AK. It's also the only guns I run any sort of drills with but I still have a bunch of other guns I enjoy taking along when the mood strikes. Diversity is the spice of life.
raskolnikov_22
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Well what if you get separated from the 1911 or whatever you spent decades training with and have to make use of a revolver instead? I'd rather have experience with all the common makes, models, and calibers so I'll be confident using whatever is available if things go south.
Practically speaking, the fine distinction between good enough and expert is insignificant.
Practically speaking, the fine distinction between good enough and expert is insignificant.
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I acctually use to shoot my G19 almost exclusivly and got really good with it. i had other guns and was decent enough with them. but out of the blue i picked up a springer Loaded 9mm and shot it better than my glock! it made me question the whole "one gun" theroy. but if i shot this Loaded for the next year exclusivly would i be able to pick up my G19 and still do as good as i previous did?
mljdeckard
Member
I have carried MANY guns extensively. I have settled on the 1911 and I don't see myself changing. BUT,
I think there is also something to be said to having enough knowledge and experience that you could pick up most of the world's handguns, in the dark, recognize the grip and controls, and know how to use it. I can honestly say, you would have to get creative to hand me a gun that I don't know how to use. Battlefield pickup, assisting someone who's wounded, wrestling a gun away from an attacker, there are many situations where you might need to use something besides your EDC.
I think there is also something to be said to having enough knowledge and experience that you could pick up most of the world's handguns, in the dark, recognize the grip and controls, and know how to use it. I can honestly say, you would have to get creative to hand me a gun that I don't know how to use. Battlefield pickup, assisting someone who's wounded, wrestling a gun away from an attacker, there are many situations where you might need to use something besides your EDC.
sarduy
Member
i get his point of view...
if you change type of handguns "Glock, 1911, revolvers" you may take longer to get used to them until the point that you act with muscle memory, for example my friend shoots he's g22 and that's all he got when it comes to pistols i give him my 1911 he aimed at the target then BAMG he wasn't expecting the gun to go off "because the trigger pull is way different" the other thing was the safety... he forgot to lower the safety 2 or 3 times... hehehe.... he was shooting good but it was a different system.
A different but similar experience happen to a co-worker that used a SW revolver for 15 years at the range, he shoot the G17 fine but on one occasion he hit the mag release and "down the magazine goes", he had he's hand on the side of the weapon and not at the bottom to catch the magazine. beause he's not use to it.
another thing, and this one happen to me, i was used to the great 17 rounds that fits in a g17 but when i loaded the 1911 and shot the first mag "8 rounds" i feel like something was missing...and the frist thing that crossed my mind was "that's it?", sure something was missing, the extra 9 rounds that i used to shoot before a magazine change. i'm very used to both systems now and my mind knows when i have 8 or 17 rounds but that comes with time and experience.
it's when you change from a sedan car to a pick-up truck and to a coupe car with a manual transmission..sure you know how to drive it just different with every car, but i'm sure you feel way better with your Harley Davidson that you have drove every day for the pass 2 years
Working at the range I get to shoot a lot of different handguns and rifles. The general problems seem to be jambs and sights are off 
99% are the shooters not the guns.
I'm a die-hard XD fan but I have to admit I did have the opportunity to shoot a couple of SIG 229's and I did like the "feel" of it more so than many of the other handguns I've shot. Shooting the .40 seemed to be smoother for some reason, and bringing back on target seemed a little quicker. I was tempted but decided not to get one. I'm comfortable with the XD's and they shoot well enough. Besides it's easy to get barrels and spare parts when I need them.
99% are the shooters not the guns.I'm a die-hard XD fan but I have to admit I did have the opportunity to shoot a couple of SIG 229's and I did like the "feel" of it more so than many of the other handguns I've shot. Shooting the .40 seemed to be smoother for some reason, and bringing back on target seemed a little quicker. I was tempted but decided not to get one. I'm comfortable with the XD's and they shoot well enough. Besides it's easy to get barrels and spare parts when I need them.
I think it's helpful to shoot a bunch of different models when you get started to find out what you like the best.
I am kind of stuck on Glock, although I haven't decided my favorite model yet. The 17 I shoot marginally better than the 21SF, but I would have the marginally better ballistics of the 45 rather than the 9mm.
As to:
I really wonder about statements like that and how forward thinking it really is. I don't think anyone is saying don't be familiar with many makes and models, but at a point, you should just focus on one.
Why would you be seperated from your 1911? Are you bugging-out and forgot to take it with you? Is it not at your bug-in location? Do you not have enough ammo for it?
What kind of event would have to transpire to lose your 1911 but be able to find a revolver?
Anyway.... especially with a platform like a 1911, I would think it would be VERY good to focus just on it. Why? Well, your Sig's controls are different. Your Beretta's safety is opposite of the 1911. The Glock doesn't have a safety and the trigger is entirely different. Under stress, you want muscle memory to come to your aid not against you. If your muscle memory is with a 1911, you draw your Beretta acting under stress on muscle memory, and put it on safe.... well....? That's not good.
But I really think anyone who can shoot a 1911 really well shouldn't have a problem figuring out how to work a DA revolver.
I am kind of stuck on Glock, although I haven't decided my favorite model yet. The 17 I shoot marginally better than the 21SF, but I would have the marginally better ballistics of the 45 rather than the 9mm.
As to:
I really wonder about statements like that and how forward thinking it really is. I don't think anyone is saying don't be familiar with many makes and models, but at a point, you should just focus on one.
Why would you be seperated from your 1911? Are you bugging-out and forgot to take it with you? Is it not at your bug-in location? Do you not have enough ammo for it?
What kind of event would have to transpire to lose your 1911 but be able to find a revolver?
Anyway.... especially with a platform like a 1911, I would think it would be VERY good to focus just on it. Why? Well, your Sig's controls are different. Your Beretta's safety is opposite of the 1911. The Glock doesn't have a safety and the trigger is entirely different. Under stress, you want muscle memory to come to your aid not against you. If your muscle memory is with a 1911, you draw your Beretta acting under stress on muscle memory, and put it on safe.... well....? That's not good.
But I really think anyone who can shoot a 1911 really well shouldn't have a problem figuring out how to work a DA revolver.
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