[Chaplain Scott]

OK, last night in the Academy, we used the integrated training system that projects life-sized images and plays interactive scenarios and records shots fired/shot placement (it was calibrated for 15 round glocks). All of us were sucked right into the scenarios, they are very realistic--I found my heart pumping, etc. I was fortunate to run four different scenarios, not all of them were deadly force---BUT of the ones that were, here are my take-aways:

(1) the need to shoot came FAST, FAST, FAST

(2) While I shoot paper targets well, when trying to shoot somebody coming at me with a knife or gun, I was focused on the target and not the sights---I managed to shoot the attackers and stop the threat, but shot placement was not all that good.

(3) I shot WAY more than I thought I would (about six-seven rounds each time I was forced to fire).

(4) While I love my 1911s, realizing that I would have almost shot my gun dry was pretty sobering.

(5) I am thinking about the unthinkable--buying a Sig 226/229 in .357 or .40, trying to balance more Magazine capcity with better performance than the 9 mm. (Glocks are fine weapons, but I just don't like the feel in my hand)

I am open to thoughts, insights, etc

 

[Brad426]

Keep the 1911's... once the magazine capacity is 7 you'll have no need for the evil high-capacity Sigs. And better 8 rounds of .45 (let the caliber wars begin!) than fewer rounds of a lesser caliber.

Seriously, though... I don't think the 9mm is a poor defensive round in any way, even if I am a .45 ACP guy.

 

[xXxplosive]

I love my 1911's......but, it's hard to argue with my Glock 30sf and 10 + 1 rounds of .45acp......That's Some Serious Business.

 

[packinnova]

OK, last night in the Academy, we used the integrated training system that projects life-sized images and plays interactive scenarios and records shots fired/shot placement (it was calibrated for 15 round glocks). All of us were sucked right into the scenarios, they are very realistic--I found my heart pumping, etc. I was fortunate to run four different scenarios, not all of them were deadly force---BUT of the ones that were, here are my take-aways:

(1) the need to shoot came FAST, FAST, FAST

(2) While I shoot paper targets well, when trying to shoot somebody coming at me with a knife or gun, I was focused on the target and not the sights---I managed to shoot the attackers and stop the threat, but shot placement was not all that good.

(3) I shot WAY more than I thought I would (about six-seven rounds each time I was forced to fire).

(4) While I love my 1911s, realizing that I would have almost shot my gun dry was pretty sobering.

(5) I am thinking about the unthinkable--buying a Sig 226/229 in .357 or .40, trying to balance more Magazine capcity with better performance than the 9 mm. (Glocks are fine weapons, but I just don't like the feel in my hand)

I am open to thoughts, insights, etc

My only thoughts on the bolded (and keep in mind this is coming from a NON-LEO perspective) is that I tend to have a more natural point of aim with my 1911's than I do with my glock(ie my sights are not necessary under 20 yards or so and again on PAPER TARGETS and not the kind that shoot back). That said, i've still been carrying my glock for a while now. It's a balancing act...

 

[WHEC724]

My only thoughts on the bolded (and keep in mind this is coming from a NON-LEO perspective) is that I tend to have a more natural point of aim with my 1911's than I do with my glock(ie my sights are not necessary under 20 yards or so and again on PAPER TARGETS and not the kind that shoot back). That said, i've still been carrying my glock for a while now. It's a balancing act...

It truly is a balancing act. There's a 1911 in a gun safe in my bedside drawer. I'm carrying a 5-shot snubby as I type this.

However, in June I'm going on an annual motorcycle trip that I take by myself. I calculate a greater chance of meeting trouble in numbers, so I'll be carrying a G19 with G17 spare mags.

You lays your money down and you takes your chances. :dunno:

 

[NONAME762]

OK, last night in the Academy, we used the integrated training system that projects life-sized images and plays interactive scenarios and records shots fired/shot placement (it was calibrated for 15 round glocks). All of us were sucked right into the scenarios, they are very realistic--I found my heart pumping, etc. I was fortunate to run four different scenarios, not all of them were deadly force---BUT of the ones that were, here are my take-aways:

(1) the need to shoot came FAST, FAST, FAST

(2) While I shoot paper targets well, when trying to shoot somebody coming at me with a knife or gun, I was focused on the target and not the sights---I managed to shoot the attackers and stop the threat, but shot placement was not all that good.

(3) I shot WAY more than I thought I would (about six-seven rounds each time I was forced to fire).

(4) While I love my 1911s, realizing that I would have almost shot my gun dry was pretty sobering.

(5) I am thinking about the unthinkable--buying a Sig 226/229 in .357 or .40, trying to balance more Magazine capcity with better performance than the 9 mm. (Glocks are fine weapons, but I just don't like the feel in my hand)

I am open to thoughts, insights, etc

I am not LE nor do I portray LE on Netflix. That said I would love to run a course like that sometime, even just ONCE before I cash in. OK it's on the Bucket List. I'm sure my results would be a real eye opener.

BTW OP thanx for being a Sky Pilot when you were in. I availed myself of one of you guys a time or 2 when I was in.

WHEC724= Hey Whec is that Snubby you're wearing today happen to be a Ruger LCR? Oh and BTW..."You lays your money down and you takes your chances is right up there with Gallavantin' Brother!!:blink:

 

[Hoplyte]

Chaplin Scott, I am going to say this, Glock folks don't get angry, I own a few my self. There are other guns out there. Many base their grip on the 1911 grip angle and have higher round counts, S&W M&P, FNH, Springfield Armory, etc. Try them out and see what works for you. I find my FNS-40 fits my hand better than my Glock 23. Best wishes in finding a gun that works for you.

 

[Chevy-SS]

..... (Glocks are fine weapons, but I just don't like the feel in my hand)...

Try a "Grip Force Adapter". This changes grip angle slightly and makes a Glock feel almost identical to a 1911.

-

 

[bigsky109]

I also don't like the way the Glock feels in the hand. I like the 1911 feel much better. I bet you would like the feel of the S&W M&P and get it in the .40cal. Much more capacity than the .45 and you aren't sacrificing anything in "stopping power"

 

[TX expat]

One thing I'll add is don't beat yourself up over the lack of accuracy. Going from standing in front of a static paper target and introducing the variables that you experienced is going to expose a major difference in how you've shot in the past vs. dynamic events in the 'real world'. Any shot that stops the threat and doesn't injure any other parties is a 'good' shot.

 

[Secret Spuk]

I've also trained with a similar system... I think they called it FATS (firearms training simulator)

The first few times I did it with six, and five shot revolvers, later I did it with Glock 19 pistol. I have to say there wasnt much difference in the results. If anything the equipment taught ne to take my time and get hits... IN A HURRY!. I guess that because I trained with the revolvers, when we went to the Glocks I was just as stingy with my ammo. I'd say that the 1911 is no better or worse than any other gun, other than personal preference.

 

[Easy8]

Add me to one that wood love to try the training you went through. Back in the 60 - 70's the training at Fort Gordon was limited to range time an how to drive a jeep without tipping over being older an not going into marginal areas my snubs keep me company. But I am trying to get a .44 sp for a project gun, I would like to put that into the rotation.

 

[Mike1956]

OK, last night in the Academy, we used the integrated training system that projects life-sized images and plays interactive scenarios and records shots fired/shot placement (it was calibrated for 15 round glocks). All of us were sucked right into the scenarios, they are very realistic--I found my heart pumping, etc. I was fortunate to run four different scenarios, not all of them were deadly force---BUT of the ones that were, here are my take-aways:

(1) the need to shoot came FAST, FAST, FAST

(2) While I shoot paper targets well, when trying to shoot somebody coming at me with a knife or gun, I was focused on the target and not the sights---I managed to shoot the attackers and stop the threat, but shot placement was not all that good.

(3) I shot WAY more than I thought I would (about six-seven rounds each time I was forced to fire).

(4) While I love my 1911s, realizing that I would have almost shot my gun dry was pretty sobering.

(5) I am thinking about the unthinkable--buying a Sig 226/229 in .357 or .40, trying to balance more Magazine capcity with better performance than the 9 mm. (Glocks are fine weapons, but I just don't like the feel in my hand)

I am open to thoughts, insights, etc

Yes, we shoot to stop the threat. I plan on 5-6 rounds per when doing FonF. I enthusiastically and wholeheartedly recommend the M&P full-sized.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I have a FNH FNX-45 that I really like. It has fifteen plus one capacity in .45 ACP and I got it for under $600.00.

 

[cn262]

I have used the 300 degree video system at Gander Mountain and found it helpful and surprising since in a few scenarios someone would come out behind a car on the complete opposite side and really take you by surprise. I would guess that the system you used was similar but better.

My first Force on Force experience was eye-opening. The first time I was hit I just stopped, and the next few times afterwards I would empty the gun (Airsoft) too fast - just kept pulling the trigger. It only took a couple of scenarios to improve, but it wasn't what I expected because it's not how I practice.

My last FOF experience (Commonwealth Criminal Justice Institute in Fredricksburg, VA - a truly incredible experience) was just as eye-opening. The scenarios were far more realistic and faster (even though they said they weren't going full speed), and used Simunition guns with FX marking cartridges - something you feel much more than Airsoft. The whole "Fast, Fast, Fast" comment completely resonates with me after that. It was amazing how much I felt I improved after two days and 20 hours, but it also pointed out the gap between where I thought I thought I was relative to someone who is truly good.

The net-net is that the way I practice now is different than just a week ago, and I'm consider switching my G27 spare mags with G22 mags (which are a little tougher to conceal) because of the extra 50% capacity. More is definitely better, especially when there are multiple attackers or you are in an area that you cannot easily leave / escape.

 

[OldVet]

Caliberwise, while I love a .45, also own 9mms, have shot .357 Sigs and .40s, I wouldn't hesitate to use any of them. I'd even put .22 downrange if that's all I had, and with no reservation. My P226 is a fine gun for home use and duty, but a bit big for concealed use. My son carries a p229 and even though I know he's wearing it OWB, it's hardly noticeable. Fo rwhat you're going into, either would serve you well--in any caliber.

 

[1MoreGoodGuy]

You should look at the Springfield XDM in .45 which will give you 13 + 1.