One vs. Many

[killifornia]

For handgun proficiency is it better to have one manual of arms or a variety?

I know on these forums people like to tout such and such gun has little creep or the trigger breaks smoothly or the reset is very short. Even though I have quite a bit of experience with rifles I find that handguns are a bit different for me. I don't really notice any of the attributes as much since I'm so focused on aiming. However accuracy results do seem to bear out factors like break, creep, reset, etc. The guns with better triggers do seem to be more accurate for me.

I've met some new shooters and they typically can only afford one gun and most choose the glock 17 or 19. Two of them who've put at least 1000rds through their guns can shoot pretty good groups. If they use my guns though then their accuracy goes to crap and they struggle to put 5rds in a 6" group at 10yds. My accuracy isn't too bad but I always get a flier that opens my grouping up to 4".

So it seems like it's better to stick to one gun and master that then perhaps move to another or better yet just stick to that and maybe switch up calibers? I have a variety of handguns but wonder if I should switch to one manual of arms to attain proficiency or will that come later on as more experience is gained?

Do you guys prefer one manual of arms because it's easier to master?

[hossb7]

Collecting guns is one thing, but if you're continually moving from platform to platform you'll never "master" them.

Picking one quality gun and buying 2-3 duplicates (one to CCW if you can, one for training, one as a backup in the safe should the first two be unavailable - either evidence or parts breakage) is the best way to becoming proficient.

[RSC]

I believe it's good to be able to adapt to different systems. I prefer to be competent with all of them and not to be too specialized. If that means I have to live with my groups spreading out another inch, so be it.
The longer you shoot, the less the differences between systems matter.

[rm1911]

Variety is the spice of life. There are lots of toys. There are lots of tools. Have plenty of toys. But have the right tools for the job.

So, buy as many platforms and calibers as you want. Shoot em all and have lots of fun. Whatever you decide is "the gun" you will stake your life on, spend more time with it, and quality time too. Train. Just don't "shoot".

Playing with many won't take away from mastering "the one".

[WASR10]

If you enjoy shooting, and love guns, go with many different platforms and calibers. If you are training for proficiency, find one platform and caliber and stick with it.

[chairmnofthboard]

My thoughts: You need to be proficient with anything, everything, strong hand, weak hand, hot, cold, wet, dry, and what not.

Just my thoughts.....Then again I don't compete.

[stormvet]

Everyone is different, some can only master one, others have no limit. My limit is two, I shoot single action and striker. I had DA/SA also but going between the three was no bueno. Sold all the DA/SA, very comfortable and proficient with the remaining two. But you have to train and practice with both, if you don't have the time or founds stick with one.

[Novak77]

I'm for shoot as many as you can as often as you can. If you have a carry piece or HD gun make sure you take that out often too.

[Saym14]

Is it better to be able to shoot a two inch group or perform el presidente in 10 seconds or less ?

[30LPI]

I'll use Hickock45 as an example of proficiency. I'm using him because he is readily accessible to any one with an internet connection - maybe even more so than any competitive/sponsored shooter. He's an easy target. (Pun intended.)

Forget your opinions about who or what you think he represents. At the end of the day, he's just a guy with years of competitive shooting experience. He's shot a lot of handguns and he seems to shoot all most anything well. This goes against the "one gun to proficiency theory." What's happening?

He has such a high level of training and experience with handguns that most of his actions are completely subconcious. He isn't focused on the mechanics of operating the particular gun, he's focused on the act of hitting the target. He has become so efficient in that act that the gun doesn't seem to matter. The ability to correct mistakes, grip, stance, breathing all fades into a smooth, subconcious, singular action. Hit the target. This starts with practice but not just practice. Perfect practice. It's something most of us won't do.

I've been trying to train past the point of proficiency with one gun so I can be sufficient with many.

[penguinofsleep]

There are 2 pistol platforms I currently consider myself much more proficient at than others, but I can shoot a wide variety of platforms at a functionally proficient level (i.e. I feel like I could pass most basic shooting proficiency tests if I were just handed the gun). However, I've found that in learning other platforms and being able to shoot others well enough, I've gotten better at shooting my own pistols. I've also become a better shot in less than ideal conditions. Similar to the above post about Hickock45, but to a much lesser degree.

I didn't learn the other platforms with the intention of improving my shooting skills though, I simply learned them and shot them b/c I like guns.

[shakyshoot]

Shooting for me is about 80% recreation/sport and about 20% self defense. I get the most enjoyment out of shooting a DA/SA semi auto for a while, switching to a single action revolver for a while, then maybe a striker fired pistol for a while. So for me, that takes precedence over doing what's going to make me a master of any one firearm. I can probably hold my own with any of them though. (as long as it doesn't involve a shotgun and a flying bird)

[John Joseph]

For serious fightin' tools, the ideal compliment is having a pair and a spare.

[uhlan1]

I'm not an "operator", don't feel I need to master a singular platform, just be proficient in what I do shoot. I compete in different venues which call for different firearms. I believe in backups, my main, CZ Custom Shadow, I have backup models for. But I also like to collect and don't desire to spend my money duplicating every gun I compete with. So I acquire different guns I can compete with. variety keeps things interesting for me.

Not being an operator and no fantasy of "going pro", I am perfectly content not mastering a single platform but being proficient with whatever is in my hands, both, weak, strong, moving, stationary, whatever.

Do I win matches? No. But I do finish fairly strong and have a great time doing it. and what I have found is i can shoot any handgun fairly well, which is way better than 95% of gun owners and 100% of criminals.

[uhlan1]

Is it better to be able to shoot a two inch group or perform el presidente in 10 seconds or less ?

The El Presidente, the Mozambique or many other drills, no question. With something like the Mozambigue I don't really care exactly where I put two in the center zero and one in the head, just that they're in there and how fast.

great drills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RD_Hqt2Z-A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8QrWm3Acc0