I remember a few months ago some author asking pretty much the same question, they didnt have any options though, just asked for suggestions.
choosing a back up gun for a private detective
- Thread starter mg357
- Start date
I remember a few months ago some author asking pretty much the same question, they didnt have any options though, just asked for suggestions.
Easyrider49
Member
M&P 340 in a front pocket
The back story is important. An ex cop would probably carry a 36, if his dad was a cop it might be his old Detective Special flat latch. A fan of Marlowe (watching one right now) would probably have a Colt 1905 in .32 or .380. A modern guy, Gulf War vet, would most likely be carrying semiautos, both as a primary and bug. JHMO.....
I have been a Private Investigator for a long time. My primary carry gun is usually a Glock 23 or 27 for a semi-auto. There have been times I have carried them both. The Glocks are usually carried in times when the case was particulary dangerous. I.E. the bad parts of town during surveillance, or during an undercover where if my true identity was discovered bad things could happen.
If I'm carrying a revolver it is usually my S&W M66-1 2 1/2" if I'm in a Magnum mood. For a .38 it's either my 2" M15 or 2" M12.
Backup is always my M340PD, carried in my left (non dominant side) pants pocket. Plus I always have a good knife available.
Jim
If I'm carrying a revolver it is usually my S&W M66-1 2 1/2" if I'm in a Magnum mood. For a .38 it's either my 2" M15 or 2" M12.
Backup is always my M340PD, carried in my left (non dominant side) pants pocket. Plus I always have a good knife available.
Jim
getoff
Member
m36, or a 442 with crimson trace, like mine!
photoman
Member
Ah yes. It is about time for the semi-annual, "I'm writing a book and my shamus needs a gun" thread... Ugh...
Photoman44,
I realize that mg357 asks this question about every three to six months, but what harm does it do?
Mg357 likes the 3" Model 60 and he likes to write short fiction stories. Maybe he get around to writing the stories and maybe he doesn't. Either way, I always enjoy reading the various responses from Forum members.
SuperMan
Member
I did 25 years in LE and the followed that by 5 as a PI... The big difference between being a PI and a LEO is that if the SHTF you will probably have no back up...and if you need a backup gun you are going to need it very badly...
Instead of carrying a Mouse Gun as a backup I carried a backup identical to the primary... The two "sets" I had were a pair of Colt Commanders in .38 Super or a night sighted set of S&W 6906s.
The primary was worn in a strong side belt holster and the backup was IWB butt forward behind the left hip.
A PI with a set of guns in shoulder holsters would be "eye catching"....
Bob
Instead of carrying a Mouse Gun as a backup I carried a backup identical to the primary... The two "sets" I had were a pair of Colt Commanders in .38 Super or a night sighted set of S&W 6906s.
The primary was worn in a strong side belt holster and the backup was IWB butt forward behind the left hip.
A PI with a set of guns in shoulder holsters would be "eye catching"....
Bob
So maybe the answer to mg357's question is both.
G.T. Smith
US Veteran
I'm going with the M36 2". I don't have one but I do have a model 37 no dash airweight that is very easy to conceal.
Keep on keepin' on mg!
Peace,
Gordon
Keep on keepin' on mg!
Peace,
Gordon
I carried S&W J frames for over 30 years in my pockets, holsters and on my ankle.
Thats why I would choose the Ruger LCP. Small, DA only and it fits in your pocket.
It is lighter and less bulky than a J frame airweight, plus you have an extra shot.
Thats why I would choose the Ruger LCP. Small, DA only and it fits in your pocket.
It is lighter and less bulky than a J frame airweight, plus you have an extra shot.
Sportsterguy
Member
Without a doubt the classic 36. Goes bang evertime and easy to pack and conceal in an ankle holster. Carried mine that way for years.
Armyphotog
Member
Broadside seems to have if figured out. As a detective fiction writer, a lot depends on how accurate you are in depicting a private detective. Most modern gumshoes work strictly on domestic situations and don't really need to tote a firearm. Most would be more at home with a digital camera, given their line of work.
SuperMan is the only one, I believe, who kept in mind one obvious question when asking about a backup, namely, what's the primary? I am not a private detective, but I have often given consideration to the primary when choosing a backup. I think that it's worth considering.
mkk41
US Veteran
I'd give him a High Standard .22 mag derringer in a wallet holster.
YeshuaIsa53
Member
I remember that knife Clint Eastwood stuck in that guy's leg just about as much as any backup gun in any movie. Leave it to me to be different...
fishcreekrim
Member
S&W 640-1 357
Forget the firearms!
A good pair of "Run Away and Hide" shoes.
A good pair of "Run Away and Hide" shoes.
elm_creek_smith
US Veteran
Oops! Sorry, I guess that would be a bit much.
ECS
