As I read you title and post I was reminded of the Jocko Willink quote/mantra "Discipline equals freedom". I have always read that quote within the framework of time management and it is absolutely true in that regard, but you post shed a bit more enlightenment on that statement for me. Maintaining the discipline to put in the rigorous training to become an expert in any given field pays in many dividends and one of those is "freedom". For instance, in the context of your long-range training the discipline to put the thousands of hours in to master your skill has now given you the "freedom" to take shots most only dream of and the "freedom" to know how effective you would be in protecting yourself and your loved ones should an horrific situation as in the Ukraine should ever knock at your door.
I would consider myself an expert at pistol and short to mid-range rifle as far as firearms and shooting is concerned and I feel fairly confident in my level being at or very close to the expert level with U.S. criminal procedure (i would hope so after 24 years..lolol) and constitutional law and case law as it pertains to law enforcement as well as search as seizure.
Oh yeah, I'm glad you called this out, the freedom aspect, because it's totally true. Knowing what we know, having the confidence we do, gives that freedom as you say, even if it's just the freedom to feel confident in a crisis. That's important because most are not, become immobile or run around ineffectually and that doesn't get shit done. Jocko knows his shit man.
I'm good with a handgun, good enough that I'd not want to face myself were that possible, but it's the long gun at long range where I feel most comfortable. I believe having a good working knowledge of both is very important and I've always worked hard to ensure I don't let skills decline in one, in preference for the other. It's like preppers...Many focus on food storage and forget about comms, medical, navigation, security, mobility etc.
Best to know a little about a lot...Even better to know a lot about a lot.