Mi law stated that a firearm less than 30" was a handgun- An AUG was 29.5. With a sling and worn across the chest, it was covered ( by down coat) and you could drive with seat belt on. There would always be the tip of flash hider poking out, and 42 rd mag would " print" sometimes. Why? Because I could, and wanted to try in case there ever was a reason that I might have to do it. Now usually only 2, Sigma 40F, and 638. Be Safe,

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I BACK OUR BLUE

We aren't supposed to discuss religion here so I want to be really careful about how I say this.

To me that's the key to Shooting Padre's post it's not the gun that's the issue so much as not being sure if He's leaning more on the gun than on God. IMO that's the question he needs to resolve and that's why I recommended that he resolved it before carrying the gun.

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Retired Career Security Guard

I only carry 1 gun but the gun depends on where Im going,
Where I live and commute to work there is relatively low crime so the Model 37 is fine...Woods of NC its a 2.5" Model 66-1 ,

When I used to drive into Miami the 14 shot 9mm Model 59 with a spare mag was it.

Lets just say I have no issues with either subject. When I
say I am with the congregation of Smith & Wesson when it
comes to self defense, it was just an observation. I elect to
defend myself, whatever the circumstances, have no issues
with his or any other individual's religion. It is not I agree
an appropriate subject in any gun forum. At the same time
I won't allow anyone to use religion to criticize any person
for choosing to be armed to defend themselves or to serve
their country in combat. I have said before I would never
carry a gun unless I was willing to use it.

To put it very simply I will not allow someone to take the
high ground and question my decision I made for me and my
family to carry a gun to defend myself, nor my decision I made
to serve my country years ago in the military service. As for
me and mine there is not a "smidgeon" of doubt in my mind
regarding my decision to carry a gun. I just will not cede the
high ground.

This is a story of a man, who was a firm believer of god.

One day it began to rain very heavily. It kept raining and a big flood came.
The man climbed up on the roof of his house, and knew that he would be ok. God would protect him.

It kept raining and now the water had reached his waist. A boat came by and a guy in the boat said: “Hey, jump in. We will take you with us”.
“No thanks”, said the man. “I’m a firm believer in God. He will rescue me”. He sent the boat away.

It kept on raining and now the water had reached his neck. Another boat came by and a guy in the boat said: “You look like you could need some help. Jump in and we will take you with us”.
“No”, said the man. “I’m a firm believer in God. He will rescue me. Don’t worry about me”. The boat sailed away.

It still rained and the water now reached his mouth. A helicopter came by and a guy in the helicopter threw down a rope and said: “Hi there my friend. Climb up. We will rescue you”.
“No”, said the man. “I’m a firm believer in God. He will rescue me. I know he will”. The helicopter flew away.

It kept on raining, and finally the man drowned.

When the man died, he went to heaven. When entering Heaven, he had an interview with God.
After giving a polite greeting and sitting down, the man asked: “Where were you. I waited and waited. I was sure you would rescue me, as I have been a firm believer all my life, and have only done good to others. So where were you when I needed you?”
God scratched his confused looking face and answered: “I don’t get it either. I sent you two boats and a helicopter”.




The moral of that story? God doesn't just provide protection via divine intervention. Sometimes it's simply through the gifts he has given you, such as your ability to shoot and the prosperity to own a firearm.

There's been plenty of folks with a similar philosophy that were apparently more important in heaven.

I'll keep my fate in my hands as much as humanly possible.

I carry because I can and I don't mind.

Shorts carry.



Sure it's hot here but an extra gun don't make it any warmer.

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We are both retired, usually it is one for me and one for my wife.

Only carry issued Glock 23 on duty per agency policy. Off duty, 442 is carried as backup to any one of five belt guns I set aside for off duty. If I am dressed, I am armed. On an out of state road trip last weekend, I carried my Glock 22 with two mags and the 442 with two speed strips.

I mostly carry a 642, and can't remember the last time I carried a 2nd gun.
Living in the lowest crime county in my state has it's merits. If it weren't for the taxes and winter I'd never leave.

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Sure you did

LCP or 642. Not at the same time. Mostly LCP.

I don't have a high risk job nor engage in high risk activities. Walking my dog is about as risky as gets. For me, carrying two or more guns and a bunch reloads all the time is something I'd consider hobby carry.

Agree 100%. I have a higher risk job, and off duty I still only carry one gun with some extra ammo. Under stress, I like everything streamlined and simple. Luck favors the prepared, so I prepare by having a gun and enough bullets to stay in the fight. Extra guns and tons of gear is just stuff that has the potential to end up flying all over the place if you are chasing someone /being chased; that extra gun is just something you'll have to maintain control of when the bad guy wraps up with you and feels your Small of Back/Shoulder/IWB rigs. I have actually had an ankle holster break and drop a gun while involved in a stressful incident. Again, just my opinion. Your experiences may vary.

I know it's probably not something most people would do but I carry a backup for a second reason. My wife does not currently have a CCL. I carry a backup so that if things really, truly went sideways I could hand it to her. They may charge is both with something but if it keeps us alive it was worth it.

She is getting her permit this spring. My mother and my wife are going together, like my dad and I did.

I find myself carrying only one gun off-duty more and more. On our recent vacation, I carried my Model 13 concealed on my belt with the Model 37 pocket carried on the drive down and on the way back. Once at our vacation destination, the Model 13 went into the gun box, and I carried the Model 37 concealed on my belt. Maybe it's after carrying all the cr@p on my duty belt at work, I'm just tired. Now, they plan to sent us to Taser® class and issue them to us. Running out of room on the belt. ("Cruiser" type holster for the Model 686, two double speedloader cases, handcuff case, 26 inch collapsible baton carrier, Mk3 pepper spray case, and radio. The Model 37 rides in a pocket holster (shared with a 220 lumen flashlight) with a speedstrip in another pocket. Smart phone in one shirt pocket and an old-fashioned notebook with waterproof paper in the other. If I fall into the river, I might not ever come up.

Thinking about a Model 38/638 to join the Model 37 off duty...

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

[QUOTE=Droid;136580838]Just curious how many out there actually carry a backup. I don't right now because I carry a Glock 19 and spare mag.. Do you carry in case your primary fails? In case aggressor takes it? I've thought about adding the lcr as a backup, but don't want to turn in Burt Gummer.


Depends on if I wear my shirt inside or outside my belt.

If outside a 357 at 1:00 o'clock and a 32ACP in right hip pocket.

If inside the 32ACP only.

I never leave the house without at least one of them.

djh

Just one. Yiogo

It's the accessories that make the man.

From looong habit I nearly always have two. These days my primary is usually the M&P357. The backup is usually a J-frame or Colt Detective Special, but have also used a 386NG or Colt Police Positive, newer model.

When I - ahem - had the body type for it, I carried two Sig 228s or 229s in shoulder holsters. I seem to have added some girth since retiring, making that rig also retired.

In training I have seen a person eject a perfectly good magazine during a scenario. Carry a spare, of course, but sometimes, as I understand Jim Cirillo said, the best reload is another gun. I have also watched someone draw and inadvertently throw the gun away. Most embarrassing if you don't have a backup. Then, I saw the floor plate pop off a magazine, dumping the rounds in the dirt. Grabbing gun number 2 was the fastest solution under fire.
Just my 2 cents.

I carry one on me and have two within the car.
one in a position I can reach if I get held up at the car door and one at the trunk.

can't be too careful here in florida

I normally wear a 4" Mod. 66. On rare occasions, I wear a 2.5" Mod. 66 as a New York reload.

I always carry a J frame in my front pocket. If I choose to carry a bigger gun, I find it easier to carry the j frame, then to carry a reload for the big gun. Sometimes I carry two j frames. Ed

I'll share a friends story. While walking his dog two guys were walking down the street behind his business. One kept walking, but the other came up to him, pulled a pistol out of his pants and demanded his money. My friend said okay, but all I have is a twenty. He reached into his right front pocket and pulled out a 9mm. The bad guy thought he was reaching for the twenty. My friend fired three shots. All missed the target, but the bad guy took off running. Next he turned to look and the second bad guy was running toward him...fired three shots again. All missed again, but bad guy 2 also took off running. HERE IS THE POINT. If the pistol had been anywhere else my friend would have likely gotten shot attempting to get his gun. So, if you can only carry one gun, it should be a mouse gun in your front pants pocket. Here s another good point. I purchased a DeSantis pocket holster, but it only covers up the bottom of the BG 380... the handle of the pistol still prints. I would recommend the Recluse holster. (www.recluseholster.com) It covers up the entire pistol. It looks like you have your wallet in your front pocket. It's completely smooth on the outside. I also carry a full size S&W 40 in an elastic belly wrap holster. It tucks under my left arm without any printing. When I think I'm in a questionable area or situation, I just unbutton my top two buttons. I always wear an under shirt and a button up shirt. With the top buttons undone, the pistol can easily be drawn. Several companies make the belly wrap holsters or you can make your own. Some of the belly wraps have two gun pockets. One is used if you carry your gun in the front, and the other pocket faces the opposite direction if want to carry the gun in the small of your back inside your waistband. Hope this helps.

I carry 1 gun and for the last 10 years or so it's been in my front pocket. Usually it's a mouse gun, Kel Tec 32, but sometimes it was a J frame 38, until I recently sold it. Other times, if I'm going somewhere more risky which is rare, it's an IWB 229 or G19. I've even carried a 629 mountain gun with laser grips and lower power Corbon loads in a Kramer IWB horsehide holster that actually makes the gun pretty easy to conceal although the weight tends to be an issue. It's a nice feeling carrying that gun, its my favorite. A few decades ago I carried a PPKS IWB everywhere and it disappeared in a cheap Uncle Mikes low riding nylon holster, no printing at all. I can't find those low riding holsters that don't add any thickness to the gun anymore. I keep one in the car and 3 in the house, in strategic spots in various rooms. My first carry gun was a Beretta 950BS in a little IWB leather holster at 10 o'clock when Florida first became a shall issue state. Couldn't even feel the gun when I carried it but drawing it was pretty slow. The heat and humidity in south Florida limits our choices compared to locations where jackets are common. We have about 5 or 10 "jacket days" a year here, although I don't bother with one. For me, front pocket carry is definitely the way to go, for comfort and for exactly the reason Sneaky mentioned above, especially since cargo shorts and pants are so common here so I don't mind the loss of a pocket to the gun. I'm on the fence about what sub compact pocket 9 to buy currently.

Be sure to check out the Walther PPS. I love mine. With the 6 round magazine I can pocket carry it in a MIKA's holster. Ed

The PPS looks good from what I've just read. I prefer that style of mag release like on my HK USP. I use my index finger. Tennifer finish, ergonomic grip that resembles my metal EAA Witness that fits my hand better than any semi I've held. Clean exterior like a Glock. Only concern I would have is weight in a pair of cargo shorts pocket. My PPKS isn't pocketable for me due to weight.

That's some fairly strong advice and simply wrong based upon my personal experience.

I was a LEO for 30.5 years and worked mostly in large, urban, big city environments. I can count the number of times I carried a gun in a pocket on one hand. And I carried 99.9% of the days in my employment and since retirement almost 9 years ago. I carried a j-frame most of my off duty time...and was required to carry off duty. I now carry a j-frame in my retirement.

I have never carried more than one handgun. Yes, I have been engaged in on duty and off duty enforcement actions and have drawn a gun in 'emergency' situations many times whilst in mufti. On all occasions my handgun was holstered strong side IWB or OWB. Never, ever in my pocket. Here's my point, you might recommend 'a mouse gun in your front pants pocket,' but please don't believe that's the only way a person should carry. (Please bear in mind that many women's attire does not have a front pants pocket.)

Be safe.

[QUOTE=Sneaky;138062957]... HERE IS THE POINT. If the pistol had been anywhere else my friend would have likely gotten shot attempting to get his gun. So, if you can only carry one gun, it should be a mouse gun in your front pants pocket..../QUOTE]

I'm retired and live in a good area as is the little city I live near. I always carry a S&W Model 37 in my pocket in a Galco pocket holster and one speedloader.
If I go to Flint, Michigan I may also carry a 1911 as I'll leave the J frame in my pocket. Summer time not so much relying on just the 37 alone.

I'd like to also carry a long arm in my vehicle but in Michigan they must be unloaded and in a case or trunk. I just don't have a good place in my Trail Blazer to hide a gun case and wouldn't want it visible.

There are knives and lights small enough that one of each, together, would take up no more room than a Zippo. Heck, there's a Swiss Army Knife WITH a built-in light!~

If I am behind suitable cover, I hope I have the presence of mind to simply reload. Otherwise, I agree.

I will chide you as a former LEO, LOL. Please try and secure hidden guns outside the sight of offenders. Trunk of the squad, maybe? Unload and put in the map-pocket, or center console? I realize that many know about BUGs/Hideouts, but not ALL do....

I believe I cycled through my 45B AIT in early 1988. Any shot you were there?

Gotta LOL at that. BUT! I think the first statement will likely inspire a miscreant to probe you more, thinking you may be a soft target. I've taken to a firm/loud "I can't help you", or "I'm NOT interested" when anyone remotely raising my alert-level approaches me. IOW, I'm not going to be a mean ogre to the Girl Scout hawking cookies in front of the grocery store.

I carry one primarily in case of the failure of, or somehow being disarmed of, my primary gun(PG).

Have you considered what you would DO, with your PG if you went for your BUG as a 'reload'? Would you holster it empty, or stick it in your waist or pocket? Toss it down? IMO, that amount of time could be used to reload it. Afterall, the PG is the one you should be carrying spare ammo for. Do you carry your BUG to be truly fast and accessible? IOW, like twin belt or shoulder rigs, or in the weak-side front pocket? IMO, ankle, bellyband or vest strap carry will come up short vs. a reload. However, it can work well as the Alternate Gun (AG).

Let's say you just ditch your PG and go for the BUG. You've ran your PG dry, which is already a serious situation. Why give up the gun you most likely carry a reload for to grab one(very likely to be) smaller in both size and power and incompatible with the reload for your PG? Even if you are super-high-speed, and carry a reload for your BUG, you are still giving up the accuracy, power and familiarity of your PG.

In revolvers, an excellent battery is a Ruger Six series with .357, backed by a M12 K-frame, and a D-frame Colt (if you want a 3rd gun). K-loaders with .38s, obviously. They WILL work with the Ruger with most .38 loads, but NOT the longer Mag cartridges.

Normally I carry only one gun on me.
But if I go into real problem zones, sometimes you cant avoid it, I sure have than a back up on my angle.

Last time a friend came from Virginia with the Greyhound and arrived at 8:00 p.m. Sure I picked her up at the station but:
I had a 9 mm loaded with Hornady in the IWB and a H&R 32 S&W Long back up on my angle. I know is not the big bang revolver but it bites if necessary.

I'll think, being aware what going on around you and know where you go is the Key.
Social daydreams and talking problems nicely away doesn't help at all.
As long the police is not willing or the city is not spending the manpower to secure common areas as such, like Greyhound stations you go into condition orange and better have a plan B.

Opinion off.

In the Car or Boat I have besides my ccw in the IWB that I carry 2 addional guns.
Boat. A SD9ve right behind the cabin door and a Beretta SX4 under the Motor Hood.
Car - a SD9ve between the driver seat and the center console and a Ruger SR 9 on the trunk door of my SUV. I have to go for groceries often at night times (work) and can't often find a spot directly on the entrance or directly on a light-pole.

My liberal neighbors lady and anti gun activist asked me with a cheap smile; she never heard that someone were attacked on our WalMart parking lot.
OK to make sure - I asked in the Police Station 4, how many violent attacks happen in 2013 on this particular Store.
Answer: 74. That's almost 1.5 attacks every week.
She can keep her good carma and I keep my guns access ready.

I wish I could reach my ankles without taking an Aleve an hour earlier. Think of the Tin Man.

I am carrying as soon as I put my pants on. When I walk out the door I have two on me. The where varies. What I carry changes frequently. Usually a J frame and the second gun is liable to be a G42. I use IWB holster if I can. When I find a K frame IWB that I like I will be carrying a 12-2 snub more often.

I did not buy a ship load of revolvers to sit in the safe. I want to carry each of them occasionally just on principle!

Mr Trolleyguy
I like the scenery view.