StefVanHauwe

Correct, see timestamp 1:21 of this video:

I've been shooting since the end of 2018 in IPSC Open Division, and have 3 open guns, of which 2 are identical (1 I only use for matches, the other one is my primary training gun & also the back up for my primary match gun, and another open gun for training only, which I use to rotate with the other training gun), shot hundreds of matches, and did have to switch to my identical back up gun 4 times due to serious issues (hammer drop, broken frame link, cracked slide, loose ejector). I agree with alot that other competitors have stated above: 1) It really all depends on your personal/financial situation, your passion/dedication and your specific shooting/competiion objectives 2) As Charli stated, especially in Open - Major - Division, but also in Standard - Major - Division, for example, the guns will fail for sure. Having a back up garantees you can quickly restart and you still have a gun to train or use in future matches, because you'll indeed need time to figure out what's wrong and have the broken gun repaired by yourself or a gunsmith, hoping all required parts are easily available. 3) Fellow competitors I know, whom do not want to invest in an identical back up gun, try to solve most common issues with a bunch of spare parts (springs, sping leaf, sights, fiber optics, trigger, recoil spring, etc.) they always bring with them, which did help them out already. But if your slide cracks, the gun is out of order ... Also, witnessed myself: trying to repair your gun during a - major - match is a pain in the b*tt and seriously increases stress and messes up your mental game.

I'm an Open and PCC division shooter. Depending on how serious and motivated you are in competing, reloading IMO is a must to tune the ammo to your specific gun/PCC.

Fyi: Steve Anderson holds courses on the topic.

Check out my YT-playlist of 3rd party videos on Physical Training for PS:

Check these out:

I have R3XL's on my 3 open guns, and all 3 have the same issue ...

I've already called upon Kita Buse, and was pleased with her approach and pricing. I think Mason Lane, Ben Stoeger, Tom Castro also offer thses type of services.

There's not really a wright or wrong. IMO a very individual and personal choice and always the shooter's preference. Personally I favor 2011 open guns. I have 2 BA SAS 2 Bullesteros and 1 UR, all in 9 mm major. I have also shot the Czechmate in 9 mm major several times. I just prefer the 2011 system, working and grip(angle). There are several OD shooters in my club, who swear by their Czechmate, with which they have little issues and also shoot well.

Try them all for approx 25-50 shots each to experience how the gun behaves in recoil and also how it feels to you. Take notes. Mounting striped paper and filming the gun from the side can also give you valuable information on recoil.

There are lots of good coaches you can send your training and match videos to, for them to pay to analyse with voice over, drawings, etc.