“When I got my permit the instructor said to fire 3,000 rounds before you are really competent. I would append that by saying you need two or three times as many dry fires as you practice at the range.”
Sound advice. I’ve been shooting for over 40 years, and with my kids for the past 20 plus years. There is absolutely NO substitute for solid skills practice and PRACTICAL simulations. I encourage folks to find a local IDPA group and get involved in their shoots. The scenario shooting model is excellent for developing skills that more closely approximate real life situations than you will ever get when just occupying a shooting lane at your local range.
As far the choice for a .45 cal semi... I really like the Chas Daly that I carry. It’s cheap enough that you don’t fret over every potential ding, and yet the classic 1911A1 construction gives you a great platform for add-ons and custom work, if you choose. I did a basic trigger job on this one, fitted a new barrel bushing, added a stronger extractor, and replaced the factory grips with hard rubber grips (Pachmyrs I had laying around). It’s been completely reliable for well over 7,000 rounds. Fits like a well worn glove.
The Kimbers and Springfields and the custom guns out there are very nice. However, for affordable reliability, I’ll take the Chas Daly.
Thanks for the advice about IDPA. I don’t remember seeing Chas Daly at the gun shows. I will look for them.