Carrying a backup gun? Why or why not?

[Kanewpadle]

I'm unaware of any verified instance of a civilian needing more than one firearm in a sd situation.

Most civilians have a hard time learning to handle one gun quickly and accurately ( reliably drawing and hitting a target in 1 1/2 seconds timed) without introducing the problems associated with learning to use a 'backup' effectively as well.

Carry as many guns as you want: just don't imagine more equals improved self defense. There is no evidence ( outside zombie fantasies ) that more than one handgun is useful.

He we go with the elitest attitude again. I thought we were done with that? What would you think if I said MOST cops don't know what their talking about in regards to concealed carry?

 

[Kanewpadle]

I'm not getting in the debate.

I've concluded based on my experience that 1 gun and 2 reloads is what works for me.

If I owned one of the little pocket .380s I might consider carrying a second gun but I wouldn't go out and buy one just for that purpose

Smokey, carrying two guns isn't for everyone. And I respect their decision.

Carrying two is a pain. BUT, it can be a huge advantage depending on how you do so.

My wife and I just got home from dinner. I was carrying a Glock 19 IWB strong side and a SP 101 in my jacket pocket on the opposite side. My wife likes to walk on my right which is my strong side. My left hand is in the pocket with the SP 101. I'm immediately armed and nobody knows.

At dinner I sat facing the door. Jacket off but next to me in the booth. Can't reach the SP 101 as easy but now the Glock is easily accessible.

Like I said, it's not for everyone. It's not about firepower or lack thereof. It's more about attitude and giving yourself more options. IMO more options means giving myself a better chance to prevail.

 

[Savvy]

As a LEO I patrolled with a backup.

Off duty, and now as a retiree I feel comfortable with one gun, but now with some added 'perks' to make me feel more secure.

Ive always spent time thinking about 'what if' scenarios. I dont see it as fantasizing, but as part of training and preparedness.
As such, my thought process has expanded from the usual possibilities of victimization to something unfortunately more in vogue - the multiple assailant terrorist/mass murder scenario - while at the mall or some other venue.
Its because of this that I have taken to feeling more comfortable with my higher capacity 9 than my 45, usually with a 2nd mag.
Its also why Ive attached a light/laser combo now. A strobe light to hopefully disorient a close attacker and buy me that split second, and a laser to among other things make possible perhaps a longer shot from cover at a scumbag toting a heavy weapon looking the other way - anything to help my older eyes in a high stress situation.

Ive found that this extra equipment makes me feel more secure and prepared than a second gun.

Still, things the way they are, it cannot hurt to have a lightweight backup in the pocket. We are so lucky to have the choices nowadays that we do, might as well support the hobby. Buy another gun today!

 

[walkin' trails]

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


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.

The one civilian incident that comes to mind was an LA area jewelry store owner who was the victim of several violent armed robberies. He went to multiple handguns stashed around the store after his first fight where his single stack pistol, I believe a P220 ran dry. He moved up to several higher capacity semis and ended up needing them in the nest go-around. This occurred back in there late 80s- early 90a.

 

[Faulkner]

A backup can also serve as a pass-off weapon. In my circle of family and friends, not many carry (trust me, I work on them to change this), but many do own and shoot. If we're out and about and something happens, it'd be nice to have some support.

That's an interesting concept. I'm thinking if they're not comfortable enough to carry I'm not sure I'd be willing to pass one of mine over to them.

 

[Motorsporting]

That's an interesting concept. I'm thinking if they're not comfortable enough to carry I'm not sure I'd be willing to pass one of mine over to them.

Clearly you'd have to know the person. I have absolute confidence in passing off a back-up to my brother or friend whom both took advanced pistol handling classes with me, but for whatever crazy reason, don't carry. Here's some conversation from two people more experienced than myself about passing off a back-up gun.

Passing Off a Backup Gun | Active Response Training

 

[Kanewpadle]

That's an interesting concept. I'm thinking if they're not comfortable enough to carry I'm not sure I'd be willing to pass one of mine over to them.

After thinking this over some I don't think I would either. It would be my luck that they would run the other way with my gun!

The other thing that comes to mind is tactics. I don't want to get shot but I certainly don't want to get shot by someone using one of my guns. I feel comfortable giving my second to my wife but she knows she is to stay where I tell her until all is clear or help arrives.

 

[Cal44]

I feel comfortable giving my second to my wife but she knows she is to stay where I tell her until all is clear or help arrives.

You're lucky. My wife rarely does what I tell her.

More likely she would want to call time out so we could have a 10 minute debate about what to do.

 

[wsr]

I'm unaware of any verified instance of a civilian needing more than one firearm in a sd situation.

Most civilians have a hard time learning to handle one gun quickly and accurately ( reliably drawing and hitting a target in 1 1/2 seconds timed) without introducing the problems associated with learning to use a 'backup' effectively as well.

Carry as many guns as you want: just don't imagine more equals improved self defense. There is no evidence ( outside zombie fantasies ) that more than one handgun is useful.

Not to be a cop basher but LEO's as a whole and big city cops in particular are hardly the ones I would hold up as paragons of good or safe gun handling...not saying there aren't plenty of extremely competent LEO's but it's not a group wide characteristic kinda like with "civilians"

Pocket carry without a holster
Mexican carry of striker gun
Use of cheap flimsy pouch type holsters...check the off duty holster selection at any police supply shop

All practices that seem to be prevalent with LEO's

 

[KYBHOTBS]

I never OC. My 12 year old son even shakes his head when he see someone OCing. First time he saw someone OCing he spotted him first and we followed him around for 2-3 minutes and he never knew we were there. We walked off a little ways and I said what do you think about OCing? His reply was Daddy I could have taken his gun at anytime. I CC 1 1911 Govt. 10mm and 2 extra mags. I have sever back problems and can not carry a billfold so I carry a small backpack. Inside is a full sized M&P 9mm with extra mag. Cold Steel Spike in my R front pocket along with a Tactical Pen and fixed to the left strap of the backpack is another Cold Steel Spike. This is my EDC. When I put my clothes on of the morning my 1911 in put on right then and doesn't come off until I take my clothes off. Clint Smith has a saying 2 is 1, 1 is none, 3 is better. And I have been CCing for the better part of 30 years.