GOOD WITH ONE GUN? GOOD WITH ALL GUNS?

[HOUSTON RICK]

Shooting any gun skillfully will translate somewhat to all guns, but deep expertise with any given gun will require skillful practice with that specific gun; otherwise I could not justify so much range time for each gun with my spouse.

 

[Marshal Dillon]

First off, great thread!

I used to work for the Secret Service - protection for 43, our current, sitting president. I spent the majority of my trigger time during that period of my life with my issue weapon - SIG 229 chambered in .357 SIG.

While I truly believe shooting one gun consistently and often is the way to go for self defense and protection purposes, I also believe that inherently sound firearm handling techniques are leveragable across multiple platforms.

That said, since I'm a gun nut, I shoot a myriad of weapons quite often. However, I tend to go back to one for the majority of my self defense and protection duties because, much like you I'm sure, we all have favorites.

I was shooting yesterday at a relatively relaxed outdoor range in PA. An older gentlemen next to me was watching me shoot. He kindly approached and asked if I would shoot his .44 MAG Smith & Wesson revolver. I'm more of an autoloader fan but welcomed the opportunity, as I hadn't shot a revolver in years. I took 5 shots and hit a 5 gallon drum 3 out of 5 times (barely missing the 2) at 150 yards freehand. This was proof enough for me that trigger control and gun handling skills are portable to other platforms.

Anyway, best of luck. I say shoot often and achieve your own personal objectives with whatever you like to shoot.

 

[Spotteddog]

Thanks for your hard work Marshal!
I sure wish you could thank your former boss personally for me. He's kept my family and I from getting our collective asses blown off for 7 years now.......NOT BAD!!!!!

 

[Dude]

It all depends on whether you are a collector/recreational shooter or a social worker . . .

If I were a police officer or in a similar profession, I think I'd stick to the guns that I'd have a high probability of using in a social situation. I'd focus on my duty guns and know a little about other guns so that I could clear one confiscated from a bad guy.

But, thanks to the service and efforts of those who do serve, I have the freedom and luxury of being a collector and recreational shooter. I have one workmanlike pistol dedicated for home defense and the rest of my arsenal ranges from obscure and interesting to simply fun and economical to shoot.

Of course, if the country ever needs a fat bastard brigade filled with servicable 92-year old Mausers, I'm ready. I think I have a bayonet around here somewhere.