Backup/Training Gun Thoughts?

[HGM22]

Should back-up or training guns (guns run hard on a range while the main gun isn't run as hard) be identical in set-up to the main gun? How much will minor differences affect training/practice between the two?

I ask because I want a lightweight AR15 but already have a Colt 6920. Will the weight difference between the two cause issues if most training/practice is done with one gun instead of the other (say 90/10 split time between the training gun vs. the other)?

If there is a real issue, would it be strange to add some weight to the lightweight to make it feel more like the Colt (I'd remove the weight for times I'd want the advantages of the lightweight)?

 

[hso]

They should have the same manual of arms and ergonomics and sights, but beyond that there's no need to make them identical.

 

[Al Thompson]

Handguns are pretty easy to duplicate, mainly due to cost - two good handguns shouldn't be more than 1300 bucks (thinking H&K VP9s).

Long gun wise, I find fairly high carryover even with fairly dis-similar platforms, though a pump shotgun or lever action rifle has manipulation needs not really present in other platforms.

ARs specifically seem to be fairly robust for crossover and one of my favorites is the S&&W M&P-15/22. Pat Rogers allows his students to run one in his AR classes as the controls are the same and ammo savings are significant. I have one and enjoy it bunches.

 

[Sunray]

You should be practicing with the firearm and ammo you intend using for whatever your purpose involves.
A Colt 6920 weighs 6.9 pounds. How much lighter could you want?

 

[Chuck R.]

For all of my "practical" handguns, I have range copies: 2 Walther PPQ-9s, 2 S&W M&P-9 5" Pros, 3 1911s, 3 ARs etc.

For me it's mostly due to shooting a coupe times a week. The guns I keep for Sd remain spotless, when I shoot hem they get cleaned. Their "range copies' might go 1500 rds before a cleaning.

I wouldn't worry too much about weight, look at the controls, trigger and sights.

For an AR training "system" I have an M&P 15-22, COLT AR6951 (9mm) and an LE6920, all set up similar. the 9mm and .223 have the same optic, light, and furniture.

Training aid:


HD carbine:



Chuck

 

[Chuck R.]

You should be practicing with the firearm and ammo you intend using for whatever your purpose involves.
A Colt 6920 weighs 6.9 pounds. How much lighter could you want?

You're of course correct, but sometimes the sub-caliber has it's own advantages. In the case of my 9mm AR, I can practice on my AR500 targets at CQB distances without damaging them. zI'd submit that there's not a wh9ole lot of difference between the recoil of my 147grn reloads versus 55 grn .223. The 9mm and .22LR can also be used at more indoor ranges. I also reload 9mm cheaper and easier than .223/5.56.

So far a lot of the HD drills I'd like to run, the 9mm gets me there.

Chuck