Training with one Platform

I like guns, just like the next guy.  As shooters, there is an inclination to acquire gear.  It seems boring to use only one kind of gun when we have so much to choose from.  Between all the Glocks, M&Ps, Staccatos, Walthers, and every other great thing, gotta have’m all, right?

The problem remains that the ergonomics and triggers on all different handguns are, indeed, different.  While the principles of shooting remain the same no matter the pistol being used, the ergonomics, grip angle, grip thickness, controls, length of trigger pull, and the trigger itself, remain different.  Thus, to maximize your performance, focusing on a single pistol platform, for extended amounts of time, with extended training effort spent, is in order.

Many push back and claim, “I shoot anything well and it makes no difference.”  I find, consistently, that those who say that shoot at a mediocre level, not at a high level, and when you perform at a mediocre level you won’t see much difference.  When pushing to the highest level possible, the familiarity of the pistol in your hand makes a significant difference.  If not, why do even USPSA grandmaster competitors spend months at a time, and thousands of rounds, transitioning to a different pistol, and then stick with that pistol for extended periods? 

I revisited this principle myself, again, this past year.  The Glock 19/26 pistols are my home base, as they are my preference for carry and defensive purposes, so I spend most of my training time and ammo on that platform.  However, over the past several years, I have spent time with the Walther Q5, which I love, and which served as my gateway into true proficiency with red dots.  After training with the Q5, as well as my usual Glock 19, simultaneously, for the first half of this year, I am now back to training exclusively with the Glock platform.  Almost immediately, I see a slight, but noticeable, uptick in my performance with the Glock.  There is something to this.  

When pushing for the pinnacle of your speed and accuracy, focus on one gun platform for extended periods.  if training with multiple platforms, simultaneously, there will be some degradation of your performance.  Even top competitors focus on a single platform for long durations.  I would submit that the average concealed carrier spends far less time training than that.  Why hold yourself back?  Do you prioritize playing with multiple toys, or improving performance?  Pick one.  As with much in life, we can’t have our cake and eat it too.  

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For the ammo I use for training, go to: https://www.ammoman.com/9mm-blazer-brass-124-grain-fmj-5201-1000