Welcome to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week we talked about some of the dangerous distractions we have to face on a daily basis when it comes to our phones. If you missed last week’s article and want to check it out, be sure to click the link here. When it comes to carrying and training, we can often get distracted by other styles of firearms as well as different action types if we decide to buy something new. It happens all the time, but what most don’t think about is the amount of proficiency lost due to switching around from one gun to another. I certainly know some of you are like me where you enjoy buying various action types and moving around from one system to another. This poses a few problems so let’s take a closer look at carrying and training with similar firearms.
Concealed Carry Corner @ TFB:
This is considered a terrible combination to practice at the range and carry.
The Problem With Switching Between Different Actions
if you’re anything like me, you have a number of different firearms in your collection. Whether that’s a single-action 1911, double-action/single-action pistol or striker-fired pistol, there’s a good chance most of you own one of each. I have gone to Academi Training’s facility a number of times down in Moyock, NC. One thing I just realized recently is the fact that every time I have a different gun for testing or to shoot for a course.
There’s never been twice where I have the same firearm to consistently train with. As a result, whenever I do their shooting competitions the day before training, I have always landed in the 8-13 range when it comes to ranking. I am consistent with the firearms but I never become fast enough to get into the top positions. Now you may look at this and say it doesn’t apply to carrying concealed but it very much does. This same concept happens to people who will go to the range and shoot something completely different than their carry guns.
The Main Issue
I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people shooting entirely different systems than their carry guns the majority of the time. I have even been guilty of shooting a single action only 1911/2011 for my range gun but I will often times either carry a double to single action or striker-fired firearm. If you’re shooting on a regular basis, there’s a good chance you’re proficient with your carry gun, it just may not be your best-performing gun out of everything.
The real problem is if you only get to the range every 2-3 months. If you shoot different handguns without putting in practice on your main carry gun. This is one of the biggest issues I see with people who carry a concealed firearm. My own father loves taking out his 1911 for range day, but carries a micro double action only concealed carry. He rarely practices with it other than to make sure it’s zeroed and as a result, he won’t be as proficient as he could be.
Sticking To Similar Systems
Over the last 3 months or so I have started shooting similar full-size variants of the guns I will typically carry. This can be pairing something like a Glock 17 with something smaller like the Glock 43 or 48. I’ve noticed the SIG P320 line is fairly consistent with the P365 line as well with similar trigger weights and overall feel. Keeping it consistent across the board with a big and little brother situation makes it much easier to shoot the smaller carry version more efficiently. These models tend to be the same action style as well so it’s always good to keep as much consistent as possible.
Just switching to the same action type with similar triggers can drastically improve your shooting overall at the range with adequate practice. Even the larger Glock 21 in .45 ACP has a very similar feel and break to the smaller Glock 43X and 48 models which gives you reps on the trigger manipulation even though they are different sizes and calibers. For most shooters, taking out their smaller carry gun to the range isn’t the most exciting proposition but it’s an important one.
No matter what you decide to shoot at the range for most of the time, it’s always important to get out there and train with the gun you carry for the vast majority of the time. The minimum round count should be 100 rounds every 2 months at the very least. Having a larger-sized variant of your carry gun will help transfer training on certain aspects but nothing beats actually training with your carry gun some of the time.
Overall Thoughts
The world of firearms can definitely be exciting with an unlimited amount of options for choices. If you carry on a daily basis though, using different actions at the range without practicing your carry gun can land you in trouble if you ever have to use it in a self-defense situation. Like I said earlier, if you shoot a decent amount every month, you should be proficient enough to be dangerous no matter what handgun you have. For most people though, training oftentimes gets put on the back burner.
If you don’t shoot your carry gun a ton, it’s always good to try and find a big brother variant of your carry gun to at least get similar trigger manipulations as well as an understanding of what the gun feels like when firing. Just switching to similar firearms will allow you to have some level of transferrable knowledge to your carry gun. What do you guys think about shooting similar guns to your carry guns? Do you think it matters to train with the same action type or do you think any training helps your shooting skills? Let me know in the comment section below. If you have questions about concealed carry or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeopeator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.
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