Carrying a backup gun? Why or why not?

[Maccabeus]

... no revolver in the holster. Drew my backup Model 60 from the ankle holster and away we went . . .

Well, that's much better than a squadmate who responded solo under similar circumstances. He just formed his hand into the classic pistol look, gripped it with his other hand as if holding an actual gun and "aimed" at the suspect shouting for him to drop his weapon. Thanks to poor lighting and some divine intervention, it all worked out. I think he would have preferred a BUG.

 

[85V65Sabre]

^^^^ Now that's a OH **** moment.[emoji15]^^^^

 

[Maccabeus]

... Your gun IS your backup...

This is my view, too.

When I carried for a living, I always had a BUG on duty.

Sometimes I Carry a BUG when hiking in the woods/mountains that could be a quick reload or a pass off to my wife.

Otherwise, no. I travel in safer circles when no one is paying me to go elsewhere.

 

[Maccabeus]

^^^^ Now that's a OH **** moment.[emoji15]^^^^

That's what he said. But what do you do? He was right up on the guy, jumping out of the patrol unit, and reaching to draw when he came up empty. So, he faked it.

 

[85V65Sabre]

That's what he said. But what do you do? He was right up on the guy, jumping out of the patrol unit, and reaching to draw when he came up empty. So, he faked it.

I would have probably done the same thing in that situation.

 

[Kifaru]

If you're having a hard time deciding, my suggestion would be to try it and see. Can you access your BUG faster than you can reload your primary and get it into action? Can you access your BUG while running, seated or other odd positions? Can you carry a BUG/holster combo that won't drive you nuts after an 8-10-hour day? Where would you carry your BUG? If you are in a car for long periods of time or otherwise seated for most of the day, an ankle rig makes some sense. There are times when your primary might not be appropriate, a crowded social function where you may be bumped or hugged unexpectedly. A BUG in an ankle rig or belly band would be nice if you had to lock your primary in the car. Everyone's situation is going to be different. If you decide a BUG is right for you, just be sure to train with it as much if not more than with your primary.

For myself, there are times I've ended up carrying a BUG because of sheer laziness: bundling up to go outside on a cold day and slipping a J-Frame in my jacket pocket while not bothering to remove my now barely accessible primary--in effect turning the primary into a backup.

 

[Bastogne71]

No, I don't carry a BUG but sometimes carry a second gun. Last week the windchill here in sunny Virginia was 6. So when I had to go outside in a tightly buttoned up parka, a second pistol went in the parka pocket where I could access it.

 

[badge]

That makes two of us, dwever. If you ever meet that guy, let us know

I DO know a guy,...... Sheriffs Deputy in South Florida. Armed Robbery of a Fried Chicken joint. His backup was shot and killed, a personal friend of mine. He was wounded in the wrist and as the Armed Robbers were attempting to finish him off, no witnesses you see, he was unable to reload his S&W 659, he hid behind a large dumpster and drew his BACKUP revolver, a 5 shot .38 and was able through return gunfire, drive them away. They were apprehended by the Maryland State Police. He survived.
You don't want to carry a second. Don't. I have and always will. That's me. **** happens very fast and it doesn't always turn out well for the good guy's. Just my thoughts.

 

[CH4]

I carry six myself. A OWB on the strong side, IWB on the weak, a dual shoulder rig like Depp wore in Public Enemies, a small of back, and an ankle holster with three spare mags for each one. Seriously, unless you're an on-duty LEO or high profile security, one and a reload is enough.

^^^^^^^^^^^
Exactly!

I find these threads wildly entertaining.

I always carry, but usually one handgun, maybe with one reload. Everyone has their reasons - from armageddon to simply justifying ownership of multiple guns.

I base my choice of carrying one handgun on nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, which includes working in Afghanistan and similar locations (where I was also required to carry an m4). In fact, for the first seven years of my career I carried a 686 with two speed loaders (18 rounds) and never felt undergunned.

I can't seem to recall, where in the past 100 years a non LEO was involved in a sustained firefight that required a reload, let alone multiple reloads and/or the use of a bug. In fact, the chance of a LEO having to do this is exceedingly small. Some of you folks must live in some pretty tough neighborhoods. Seems like many non LEOs carry more firepower than off duty LEOs, however if carrying every gun on your permit to go grocery shopping makes you happy, then go for it. I guess too many is better than none.

 

[keith44spl]

I've always carried a second gun....On or off duty.

One open and one concealed. But if thing keep going the way they are...
I might just build myself a left hand matching holster to boot.


.

Cause I'm un-ashamed...And sometime rather ostentatious


.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've always carried a second gun....On or off duty.

One open and one concealed. But if thing keep going the way they are...
I might just build myself a left hand matching holster to boot.


.

Cause I'm un-ashamed...And sometime rather ostentatious


.

Ever see "The Outlaw Josey Wales" ????

You guys out west have it easy!

 

[Double-O-Dave]

My EDC used to be a fully loaded Model 642 with a fully loaded 8 round speed strip, and a folded lockblade knife in a pouch on my waist around the 9 o'clock position. That all changed a few years back when I was walking our two small dogs and were approached by a pair of Boxer dogs that had gotten off of their leashes.

Stupid me, I had one leash wrapped around each hand, and I could not get to either handgun or knife - or there would have been blood shed. After that encounter, I got my head out of my backside and started paying attention to the world I was in. My EDC became a Model 38-0 and a Model 638-1 both equipped with CT LG-405 laser grips. I usually carry one in my front pants pocket, and the other in either a shoulder holster or a belt holster so I can access at least one revolver with either hand. I also added a small flashlight to join my folding lockblade knife in a small belt pouch, and my cell phone, along with the fully loaded speed strip.

Man, I hate carrying all of that stuff just to walk the dogs, but once you've had a little adventure, it kind of, or should, change your perspectives.

Regards,

Dave

 

[CO_Kid]

My carry gun IS my backup gun when I'm on duty. Off duty I've only ever carried one gun unless it is to/from work. I carry a full size 357 to and from along with my 442 since I don't leave it at work

 

[85V65Sabre]

^^^^^^^^^^^
Exactly!

I find these threads wildly entertaining.

I always carry, but usually one handgun, maybe with one reload. Everyone has their reasons - from armageddon to simply justifying ownership of multiple guns.

I base my choice of carrying one handgun on nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, which includes working in Afghanistan and similar locations (where I was also required to carry an m4). In fact, for the first seven years of my career I carried a 686 with two speed loaders (18 rounds) and never felt undergunned.

I can't seem to recall, where in the past 100 years a non LEO was involved in a sustained firefight that required a reload, let alone multiple reloads and/or the use of a bug. In fact, the chance of a LEO having to do this is exceedingly small. Some of you folks must live in some pretty tough neighborhoods. Seems like many non LEOs carry more firepower than off duty LEOs, however if carrying every gun on your permit to go grocery shopping makes you happy, then go for it. I guess too many is better than none.

I'm glad that you are entertained.

I don't look down on someone because they choose to carry one gun or even no gun.

I would appreciate if you would not look down on me or others because we choose to carry more than one gun.

If I was to "carry every gun on my permit to go grocery shopping" I would not have room for the groceries.

 

[keith44spl]

I've been in some rough country....

Some times the security of a couple extra ounces is worth the trouble to stay outta trouble.

I haven't changed a flat tire in years....But, I don't leave my spare tire & jack behind neither.



.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've been in some rough country....

Some times the security of a couple extra ounces is worth the trouble to stay outta trouble.

I haven't changed a flat tire in years....But, I don't leave my spare tire & jack behind neither.



.

Wasn't making fun...... seen some of your rigs.......and pictures of you with them.......

but when I read your post (#50) above..... I just got a mental image of you with a double gun rig and a shoulder holster under your vest!!!

All carrying something starting with a .4

 

[LOBO]

G19 in an aiwb with a 442 in my rf pocket.

pretty interesting read below,

The Back Up Gun

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Here is the argument, or disagreement or exception, or whatever someone chooses to describe it.

It's your butt dude. You have two hands....figure it out. Is it inconvenient? Is it impractical? Yes, till your *** is in a jam.

The cheapest advice you'll ever get, from someone who worked among the meanest most vicious monsters on this planet, carry a back up, live and go home. One is good, better than a knife. Two is better, than your life. Lefty told you so. Peace.

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[keith44spl]

Wasn't making fun...... seen some of your rigs.......and pictures of you with them.......

but when I read your post (#50) above..... I just got a mental image of you with a double gun rig and a shoulder holster under your vest!!!

All carrying something starting with a .4

Fun is what we have the most of around these parts!

And yes, if'n I'm head'd in to injun country...
I'll be packing a couple of sidearms and totin a rifle.

PPPPPP.....Pre-Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

You'd be surprised at how folks react to you cutting down their crop of MJ....


Oh, I have got one of them there shoulder holsters too....


.

 

[comtedeloach]

Why or why not? Weight, ammo difference, having to dress for two guns not just one, double the chances of printing, etc, etc.

Look, if you take the extremist view of guns reliability, technically you have to buy a new gun, shoot it to destruction, buy another one, rinse, repeat, repeat, repeat, etc. It's a point of view that tacitly admits you don't have confidence in the pistol you picked to carry.

Myself, I picked the pistols I have the most confidence in and have done enough testing with them to give me confidence that if I have to use them they will go bang and hit what I am aiming at. Could they still fail? Yes. But I have done everything reasonable to ensure that they won't fail. All you can do is all you can do. At some point you have to take the field with the one you have the most confidence in, and work it from there.