It’s said, “Beware of the man with one gun, he probably knows how to use it.” Far too many times I have students who carry one gun, train with another and practice with a wide variety. Your best performance is always based on repetition. More repetitions with your pistol or rifle are always better than having a few reps with a plethora of weapons.

The pistol you carry every day should be the one you train and practice with. It doesn’t have to be the very same pistol. Ideally, you have two identical pistols. One is used for training and practice, a “range” pistol. Although you maintain it, there is some abuse and mistreatment; it gets shot a lot. This pistol’s twin is your “carry” weapon. It’s shot enough to ensure it functions properly. “Properly” includes checking reliability with your “carry” magazines – yes, you need two sets of magazines – and the defensive ammo you’ve chosen. This is the package you carry. Other than occasional range sessions to confirm function, it’s reserved for actual life and death confrontations.

An advantage we have today is that the same platform is offered in a variety of sizes. You have the option of a full-size pistol – perfect for home defense - and mid-size and compact versions that are ideal for concealed carry. The same is true for caliber. Even Glock offers a .22lr version of their most popular design, the 9mm Glock 19.

Consistency is key for learning and application. The more you work with any tool the more skillful you become. Using the same tool all the time – again, training, practice and carry – provides the greatest number of repetitions, increasing the learning curve. With familiarity you know immediately, by feel, when something’s not right with your weapon. A stoppage or malfunction feels one way, different from when the slide locks back on an empty magazine. The way you grip the weapon, acquire the sight picture and press the trigger is the same, shot after shot. This is true of all your related gear, too. Consistency in holster – design and location of carry - is mandatory for proficiency. With enough proper repetitions you’re operating the weapon at a subconscious level. It’s not something you have to focus or concentrate on.

Don’t get me wrong. You need to be familiar with all types of firearms. There’s no golden rule that says you’ll always have your favorite weapon when violence arrives. Should it be necessary to acquire a weapon during the fight it will be nice to have some familiarity with how to operate it.

Fighting is problem solving at high speed. The less the conscious mind has to think about the more it can focus on stopping the threat. Having to consider which pistol you’re carrying that day, or where it’s located, is going to distract you, decreasing efficiency. The fight is likely only going to last a few seconds. Fractions of a second become important. Consistency develops familiarity and confidence. Instead of thinking, “Oh no, am I ready?”, you’ve got the confidence necessary for victory.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.