Skills translate between calibers?

[mongoose33]

I've been following the threads about self defense and the value of different calibers w/r/t stopping power, and have a newbie question about using different weapons.

I bought a 9mm Service, reasoning that the cheaper ammo would allow me to afford to shoot enough to develop skill better and faster. I'm happy w/ my progress, and do a lot of dry-firing exercises to ingrain good habits. So shot placement (as opposed to stopping power) is the name of my game.

But all the talk about stopping power, about whether a 9mm is enough, makes me wonder if practicing with one weapon like the 9mm produces skills that easily translate into other calibers with more stopping power, like a .40 or .45.

I still have much learning to do, and skill to develop, and the only way I can afford to do that is shoot the 9mm.

Suppose I also bought a .40 or .45. Would the skills I'm developing w/ the 9mm mean I could shoot the .40 or .45 much less, but still expect to use it effectively if the SHTF?

I've shot a .45 (a LEO friend's Glock), was surprised that the recoil isn't unmanageable for me, and I was nearly as accurate as I am w/ the 9mm.

Anyway, for those who have both 9mm and a .40 or .45, do the skills translate easily? Can you mostly practice w/ a 9mm and expect to shoot the .45 about as well?

Thanks!

M.

PS: There's just no *end* to what one wants to buy with these things, is there?

[AZXD]

The bug has bitten you
But don't let caliber war's and the suggestion that originate from them cloud your judgement. If you're happy with the 9, there is no reason to rush out and buy another caliber.

I've never heard anyone say you need a 45 because some other round is ineffective and then folow that up with go ahead, shoot me, I'll prove it to you.

IMO,
Yes the basics translate. Beyond that it is weapons familiarity. If you understand the function of a brand/model/type you're pretty much there as it relates to clearing jams and such.

[tomfoolery]

I carry a full size 1911 (.45) or a bersa thunder (.380)....two very opposite calibers. I think the basic skills translate over, practice with both and get used to the triggers on both. Practice your draw, grip, and overall stance/mechanics.

The accuracy loss from one gun to the other shouldnt be noticeable....all guns are made to be relatively accurate. Its the shooter that makes them more or less accurate.

[xdfan80]

I agree. The skills that you learn will carry over to any other caliber. Sure, recoil will be a little different with other calibers but that shouldnt change the basic fundamentals of shooting.

[ForTehNguyen]

just read the Department of Justice Handgun Wounding Factor study, in the conclusion they make no explicit recommendation for caliber.

Penetration is most important followed by shot placement, if these cant be improved then caliber size is the next in line.

[m9fan]

Originally Posted by xdfan80

The skills that you learn will carry over to any other caliber. Sure, recoil will be a little different with other calibers but that shouldnt change the basic fundamentals of shooting.

[opskmallory]

+10 or whatever it is. Trigger control, sight picture, and all that stuff will carry over.

And if your game is shot placement, like you said, then caliber wont' make a huge difference. It might take an extra round or two in the chest or in the head, but as long as you can hit your mark, you should be fine.

After having owned several .40 guns, I added a 9mm XD to my collection a month or two ago. I'm more than confident that my XD-9 can stop a bad guy, as long as I do my part.

[NDB_MN]

From my experience, sighting and muscle control definitely carry over from one gun to another. It takes less time to get "used to" a new weapon each time for me.

I would actually contend that the biggest factor in shooting accuracy between one weapon and another isn't the caliber but rather the grip and feel of the gun. (this is one reason I don't shoot Glocks - the grip feels unnatural to my hands)

I just don't see recoil as affecting your first shot and you said placement was the name of your game. If you line the sights up, touch the trigger off smoothly, and aren't gripping the gun like a wet noodle, the recoil shouldn't be a factor.

[ForTehNguyen]

no different than being able to drive good in one car then getting in a different car and driving it

[spamlovr]

The basics hold true.

As far as caliber wars, carry what you feel confident in, and practice, train, take classes/courses, compete if you like, but strive to make hits under stress. When the smoke clears, the one that can make quality hits with what they have should be The Winner.