Ideally, wed all live in an economic utopia where ammo and range time are infinite. For most of us, however, that really is "no place" we can ever go. A quote from my overpriced college texbook sums up the problem ably:
"The problem is that although your wants, or desires, are virtually unlimited, the resources available to satisfy these wants are scarce. "
Id love to be able to shoot like Rob Leatham or Jerry Michulek. That said, in my area 15k rounds of 9mm would cost me $4500. Thats not including the range time, target expense ($25 a set of IDPA targets add up faster then youd think),fuel, and hours allocated. And 15K is a fraction of what the aforementioned pros shoot.In more restrictive areas like many East Coast states, just getting the pistol and range access within the law can cost hundreds of dollars before a single shot is fired.
Where does one draw the economic balance? Especially since every person and every police agency will have differing budgetary capabilities. All the desire to be a better shooter does one no good if they cant afford practice costs.