Looking at an old K22 box last weekend got me to wondering, does anybody shoot companion guns? You know, on the lid of the K22 box it says something like "Companion gun to the K32 and K38". The idea being, I suppose, that since all three calibers were built on the same K Frame, the K22 could be used as a training or practice gun for the two larger calibers.
Here is a picture of my 4" 617 and 686 that I take to the range together, does anybody else do this with different caliber guns?
The concept of companion guns, or understudies, as noted firearms author T.J. Mullin coined the term in his excellent book "Training the Gunfighter," is an excellent way to get good practice.
Examples are:
1. Model 10, 13, 15, 19 or the stainless equivalents, being paired with the Model 18
2. Model 581 or 586, or stainless equivalents, being paired with the 617
3. Model 36, 40 or 49, or stainless equivalents, being paired with Model 34, 63, 317, 43C or similar
4. 1911 being used with a 22 conversion, and this also applies to the Beretta 92 Series, Glock, CZ75, SIG Sauer 220, 226, 228 and 229 series, and others.
5. The US Military used many thousands of the Ruger Government Model version of the 22 Auto as trainers, and for other purposes. The 22/45 Model might even be better as its grip is designed to be like the 1911. Of course, the grandfather of them all is the S&W Model 41, which is designed to duplicate the grip feel and weight of the 1911.
6. Cowboy action shooters need not feel left out as Ruger's 22 Single Six is a great understudy for the Vaquero and the Model P Colt Single Action Army.
Unfortunately, many agencies bought into the idea of training with nothing by duty ammunition. This policy, in my opinion, is poorly thought out. Yeah, I know all about liability issues since I am an attorney myself, but a shooter can get much more practice with 22s and become a better shot, thereby lessening the agency's liability. Of course, full power ammo can and should be used for familiarization and qualification.
This concept was at the heart of Bill Jordan's sales pitch to Carl Hellstrom when Jordan suggested that the ideal peace officer's revolver would be a Model 15, chambered in .357 Magnum, with shrouded ejector rod, in which 38s would be used for practice and magnums for qualification and carry. Times have changed, yes, but the concept is still sound.
With the economy the way it is and with ammunition prices through the roof, S&W is missing a huge market by not offering a dedicated 22 in both the compact and full size versions of the M&P pistol. Such units are available for the Browning High Power, Beretta 92, the Colt 1911, the CZ75, the Glocks, the SIG Sauer Classic line, and perhaps others.
Thus, the 22 understudy has a place in today's training environment, and any shooter is wise to make much use of the 22s available for training.
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