Diversification or Consolidation

[Ronin.45]

I don't get enjoyment from a particular caliber. I enjoy what I do with it. That's the great thing about competition, it doesn't really matter what caliber you shoot.
I guess if my only interaction with my guns was to work up loads, sight them in, and plink in the yard, I might be more into diversity.

[David]

I'm glad I've embraced both aspects. I've consolidated my HD firearms to Glock and PCC's that take Glock mags (have to credit Bmeyer for the idea). But I've diversified so that I have have multiple options in terms of service calibers. And I'd like to diversify a bit more with a 45acp platform at some point.

[Bmyers]

My main plan home/prepper plan is consolidation. I do have other firearms because 1) I enjoy firearms; 2) different firearms serve different purposes.

Yet as David pointed out, my main plan is based on 9mm in Glock platform which includes PCCs that take Glock 9mm mags. When it comes to defense we have standardized on this platform. Our GHB, EDC bags, and other preparations are all based on this format. Knowing that our biggest need is SD, we have things setup to meet this need.

Yet, just last Saturday I had the shotgun with me because I needed some critter control at the farm. Just because I have consolidated doesn't mean I don't have other tools in the toolbox.

[David]

Yet as David pointed out, my main plan is based on 9mm in Glock platform which includes PCCs that take Glock 9mm mags. When it comes to defense we have standardized on this platform.

I always go back to that conversation we had awhile back on this topic and credit you with helping me arrive at the decision to make Glock (mainly in 9mm) the go-to HD firearm I've decided on. It makes a lot of sense for how I view our HD plan.

I'm still glad I have the Sig and the HK's and the role I see these pistols playing. In the next several months I may see about getting into a 45acp like I commented earlier. This would give me access to most of the main line service calibers in semi-auto pistols. Right now isn't prime time of course for either adding a new platform or caliber, but half the fun is looking for that deal. And their still out there, just have to wait and be patient. I'm still going back and forth on whether to get a 45acp platform in Glock or HK. Both have their unique advantages. Both would do an excellent job. A lot may depend on what deal presents itself first.

[bdcochran]

I address things not from the perspective of experimenting, reloading, entertainment.

For what you are discussing, you simply should want:
1. something that goes bang when the trigger is pulled,
2. something that another member in your group can use without going through a shtf learning curve,
3. something that is available,
4. something that is somewhat economical - buying critical spare parts for each item and trying to figure out not having boxes of parts sitting around,
5. something that is immediately available in the configuration you want when you sense that the unit may be needed soon without having to go to garage and put the item back in the configuration you want.

When you are retired, suffering any kind of disability whatsoever and fully understand that your adult kid or wife doesn't have your interest or skill level, that is how you might approach the question.

One person I respect, who understands guns and ammunition beyond my informational and skill level, in HIS situation, got rid of all of his handguns except two of the same model and owns only CCI white box in that caliber. One size does not fit all. He otherwise has no family with which to deal.

[Gnepig]

Over the years I have been getting into a consolidation state of mind with a single caliber in mind for movement/ evasion/ defense so as not to have to carry several different kinds of ammo= so I have a lot of stock in 9mm for this.
This doesn't mean I don't have other stuff for home defense, hunting, collection and fun- just not as much diversity as when I started.

[David]

As I've mentioned in the new gun thread, I purchased an HK USP 45. This is the first 45acp I've had in years. I also mentioned I couldn't remember what the last .45 was that I owned but I remembered this morning that it was a Sig P250. That was a pistol I should have hung on to because it was a very smooth shooter and a nice overall platform. That's been maybe three years ago give-or-take? Anyway, it is nice to be back in .45.

This puts in the inventory four of the mainline semi-auto service calibers (9mm, 40 S&W, 357sig and 45acp). Those are the ones I'd consider the most prevalent and in widespread use. An argument could be made for the 10mm but since I decided on HK instead of Glock I will forego the 10mm on the list (in favor of the 45 Super).

Although we've discussed the very valid choice of consolidation of a caliber and stacking deep, I chose diversification. I think that has a valid logic to it that I've seen in our current situation. 9mm right now is hard to come by and expensive when you find it. But I've been able to pick up 40 S&W, 357sig and 45acp for just about pre-panic pricing (and even a bunch of .380). Now those calibers are getting hit hard as well but it seemed like 9mm was the first and still the hardest hit. That seems typical, 9mm is widely popular and the most used service caliber. If you've already stacked deep then no worries, just ride it out. Which I figure will be another 9-12 months before it calms down. Hopefully sooner.

Although 'stack deep' has a different amount attached to it, I feel pretty comfortable with my inventory of 9mm followed by 40 S&W. The 9mm is my main caliber followed by the 40 S&W. I have a somewhat comfortable amount of 357sig and 45acp but I'll work on both as the opportunity arises. And if I find 9mm/40 S&W at non-gouger pricing I'll add to that as well.

Anyway, I said all that to say I'm glad I picked up a pistol in 45acp.

[Bmyers]

My wife likes her 45. She takes to an occasional match to show the boys that girls can shot big guns too.

[David]

My wife likes her 45. She takes to an occasional match to show the boys that girls can shot big guns too.

Glock 21?

[Bmyers]

Yes, Gen 4. She has been looking at Glock 20 to add to her collection also.