I have nearly come to the conclusion that consolidating carry/secondary platforms (and noted some here have already done so) in an effort to maximize training and parts sharing is the way to go … or at least the way I’m gonna go.
If you were consolidating a secondary/training platform TODAY what would you choose?
I’d also be grateful to hear from those who have done so and how you’d rate your experience. Especially any unexpected caveats.
I recently did this exact thing. I opted to consolidate on the HK sidearms and I own several. I sold all of my Sigs, Glocks, and M&Ps in favor of the same or similar manual of arms. The only caveat is boredom and lack of variety, but your performance “should” improve. Mine did.
Either M&P or Glock.
For me, it is Glock. I have too much invested in Glock parts, magazines, holsters, etc. to change. If I were just starting out, I would be tempted to go with the M&P and an Apex kit. That is a pretty sweet set up.
The others are also-rans that either don’t have the built-in durability or lack the aftermarket support. The 1911 is too antiquated and maintenance requires an expert skill level most don’t have.
B_C
HKs for 9mm and 1911 for .45ACP. I’m still trying to figure out if I like the HK45/HK45 Compact enough to use these instead of the 1911.
Consolidation will definitely help if you have limited training time or a limited ammunition budget. COncentration on one platform should definitely mke you better at it. That being said, if you have tons of free-time and married a wealthy heiress, then variety is the spice of life I say.
M&P works in all the common service calibers.
If just 9 mm, then 3rd gen Glock.
Glock all the way in 9mm or 45 ACP, unless they start having problems due to quality control, which I have had no issues with up till now, but if it happens then M&P or XD would do just fine.
i did this a few years ago to all glocks
the only exception for me is a Kahr PM9…until glock makes a single stack, compact, 9mm, I’ll pocket carry the Kahr
truthfully, since I run the NY1/3.5 connector setup in all my glocks, there is very little difference between the little pocket Kahr and my glocks…
Good point, I forgot about my Kahr PM9 also, incredible little gun for pocket carry that I have over 3000 rounds of full power rounds through it and has never failed.
All 9mm Glocks for defensive use and ammo commonality and training.2 26’s,3 2nd gen. 19’s and 2 3rd gen.17’s. I keep my classic revolvers to break any monotony that might set in.
That pretty much sums it up for me.
Eh, at this point, I suppose the M&P.
Though, I carry, compete, etc. all with my M&P full-size. As of now, I see no reason to to with compacts.
I take a broader view of firearms, so no, I would not consolidate anything.
I haven’t gone to this extreme yet, as I still have non-Glock pistols in my safe. But, they’re in my safe, not on my hip or ankle. For carry use, I’m full on Glock-only now…
Regards,
Kevin
I would go with a Glock 9mm, M&P in .40 and .45. HKs are nice, but not my thing at the moment. Seeing as I will only use 9mm unless I am issued a different caliber, I’ll say Glock. If I were issued a .40 or .45 Glock and got free ammo, I’d still buy an M&Pc to use off duty. But I’ll always keep my Glock 19.
I have recently made the consolidation on the Glock, the 19 to be exact. My reasons included…
[ol]
[li]Proven, known platform. “Better the devil you know than the one you don’t” to a large extent.
[/li][li]Availability of rimfire conversions for training.
[/li][li]Availability of airsoft models for training.
[/li][li]Availability of support/aftermarket equipment (holsters, sights, etc.)
[/li][li]Relative cost. Each fully-customized Glock is still well under $1k even with grip reductions.
[/li][li]Potential for alternate calibers (specifically up-sizing to the 10mm for hogs etc.)
[/li][li]Lightweight & concealable.
[/li][li]Availability of larger & smaller sized models with identical controls & magazine/holster compatibility.
[/li][/ol]
No other platform that I know of meets these needs as they apply to my situation better, so it was an easy choice.
I understand that some take a “broader view” of firearms and like to fill up the safe with one thing and another, but whatever enjoyment I get out of owning and shooting firearms is my (rather pathetic at the moment) ability to hit the target rapidly. It’s been a long time since I was interested in simply owning firearms just to own them, or shooting them just to shoot them. YMMV
5 years ago I sold my Sigs, custom 1911s, and other handguns for Glocks, specifically 9mm Glocks.
I was able to simplify my ammo stash, holster collection, magazines, and spare parts. I appreciated the commonality of parts and accessories between my guns.
This work out well until I tried an M&P, now I have split my collection between the 2, almost equally.
With the exception of my Ruger LCR, its all Glock all the way. 19’s and 26’s to be exact…
Once I stopped buying firearms for the sake of buying firearms I went to all Glock, all 9mm.
I kept my 1911’s for fun shooting and tinkering.
About three years ago I consolidated:
Glock 19’s
M4
The 38 special jframe and a Kahr PM9 round things out for concealed carry.
Everything else was sold.
I chose M&P to consolidate on. Main reason is that I needed reversable mag release and at the time I made the decision Glock Gen4’s weren’t out yet.