TexasCHLforum.com

Is there a generally agreed upon philosophy regarding handgun selection before seeking advanced training? The popular training centers' web sites have equipment lists that are somewhat generic, but it seems like customized 1911s are the most popular platforms for those taking things seriously enough to seek those levels of training. Although I have had my CHL for a few years now, it seems like my handgun selection lacks cohesiveness consistent with selecting and training with a specific platform, and I want to remedy that before moving forward.

I subscribe to the "one is none, two is one" school of thought and would like to have two identical handguns for concealed carry and advanced training so that there's no confusion with how the one that's currently in my holster works. It would be a significant challenge to acquire a Wilson, Ed Brown, Les Baer or comparable 1911 but completely out of the question to get two of them and have any hope of going to Gunsite, Thunder Ranch, or even many of the more local training centers. Is having two handguns set up exactly the same a reasonable approach?

I recognize that you get what you pay for, but it's hard to believe that there's not a choice out there that doesn't involve buying a pair of $2,000 to $3,000 guns. Do Glocks make the grade for advanced training? Sigs? HKs? XSs? If so, are there any immediate reliability or other issues to address? I don't want to be a liability to any class I attend by having a weapon that can't stand up, and I certainly don't want to have something I can't count on when I really need it.

The answers may be obvious for some, but I am trying to make the best decision and appreciate any input.