If when I started out buying handguns in the late 80's, I'd built my dream battery, it would have been a P226, two P228's, and a P225, maybe throw in a 4" and a 6" GP100. If these were the only handguns that I was rocking 35+ years later, I'd be good to go. I would probably do something "sacrilegious" and have all of those West German Sigs cut for Trijicon RMR's by now. Being in my late 50's, and red dots for me are not a "trend" or "fad" but a value added. as little as six years ago, I was indifferent to them. Maybe throw in a couple retro style M4's with a removable carry handle, and the A2 FSB, (though they're still getting an optic), and I'm more than good to go for what I want and need.

I carry a Kimber K6xs most of the time. Or a P239 DAK in 357 Sig. And, I’m good. I also have a P365. Amazing bit of engineering.

There is a P365 Facebook page. It’s obvious that Sig knows nothing about building guns because you will rarely see a stock P365. And everyone has to post pictures of their latest creation and the only thing left on there, that’s actually Sig, is the serial number. They will the proclaim it is now, “Perfect!”

New frame. New barrel. New slide stop. Ported. New striker. New trigger. Red dot. Flashlight.

It’s either a bragging contest, or people who are convinced, they can buy skill and proficiency. And the majority of that money and energy should have been put towards ammo and, practice.

The thing that’s more valuable to me is being able to scale for what I need. A Gen 1 G17 allows me to do none of that.

Whether it is training and expending time and money practicing or buying gear that makes it easier to achieve your shooting goals, you are buying performance.

I could not shoot as well with a bone stock G17 as I can with my Legion X5 that has a red dot, GrayGuns trigger and hi cap magazine.

Why? I’ve had eyeglasses since I was in 5th grade, and I’m now 65. I’ve got arthritis in my right index finger, you know the one you use to pull the trigger. It’s faster to pull the trigger again than change a magazine. If silencers weren’t so long I’d have one on my carry gun (I hate comps).

Because I’ve shot those early Glocks poorly due to hand fit, iron sights and trigger. Because even the W German P226 I own had a double action trigger pull over 15 pounds.

I’m just an average Joe Schmoe, but I feel I can cover just about any of my needs with a regular old Gen 3-4 Glock.

No comp, no GPT, no RMR, no WML, no forward serrations, don’t need the accessory rail, etc. I’d be happier if it had a decent set of steel sights on it but I can do my part to get the job done.

YMMV