How many carry a BUG?

[Grayfox]

The latest Back Up Gun thread got me to thinking.
I can understand a LEO carrying a back up gun. After all, their job is to go looking for trouble. It makes perfect sense for them to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
But does the average citizen really need a BUG? Yeah, I know, poop happens and it tends to happen at the worst possible time. For most of us, that's why we carry a gun in the first place. A little paranoia can be a good thing. It can keep you alert and prepared. But how much is too much?
Personally, I have never felt the need to carry a BUG. In fact, my goal is to never have to use the one gun I have. Situational awareness and avoidance are my top priorities.
But from the fairly regular appearance of BUG threads, its pretty obvious that some folks consider a BUG necessary.

So, just out of curiousity, how many of our non-LEO members carry a bug?

 

[lrrifleman]

When I carry, I carry a handgun manufactured by established companies, either: S&W, Colt, Mauser, or Ruger. My handguns are made of steel and walnut (except the 439 has an aluminum frame), not plastic or polymer. I closely inspect the handguns at the time of cleaning, and I make a point of looking for the start of failures in the respective parts.

My carry rotation includes a:
- S&W model 36-6,
- S&W model 439,
- S&W model 686+ (3"),
- Colt Government Model 45,
- Colt Trooper MKIII,
- Ruger Commander 45, or
- Mauser HSC.

What I elect to carry depends on the mission of the day, and my gut instinct. I have the utmost confidence in the sidearms I choose to carry, and while I carry quality factory loaded ammo, I like to think that the Achilles heel in my defense is my ammo.

 

[Ranger514]

No BUG for me since I retired from law enforcement, although I will carry a snubby revolver when hunting. I've never gotten the hang of trusting my fellow man, and some of the excuses for humanity I've run across in the woods have reinforced that opinon.

 

[cptrick3]

Only days I go to the range. Today I had three guns with me. My normal carry, a Shield 9mm and two 1911s to shoot. One in 45APC the other in 22lr.

 

[chief38]

Being NON LEO I never carry a BUG. That said, IF I WAS a LEO I would ALWAYS carry one.

 

[Jim1392]

Only when I was on the job. I carried a S & W model 60 no dash snubby. Now I figure my Shield 9mm loaded with the 8 round magazine and the 7 rounder in my weak hand pocket is enough for anything I'll be getting into today. If I switch off to my 640 Pro I'll be carrying two extra speed strips also in my weak hand pocket.

 

[SAFireman]

Well, it depends....

When out hunting - I always have a pistol on me.

When traveling - there is always a 2nd in my traveling bag

There is always something in my truck - rifle, shotgun

If out with the wife - she always has something tucked away for a rainy day

At work - have a BUG locked on console of work vehicle and/or desk drawer

So yes....mostly always another option within reach

 

[KSDeputy]

Sometimes I carried a PPK back up pistol. I always carried a Gerber boot knife.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

If I was a drug dealer, LEO, or participated in high risk activities that would make sense. But I'm not and I don't. Speaking only for myself, I'd consider carrying multiple guns hobby-think run wild.

 

[BAM-BAM]

No never have....... but some mornings recently after watching the news......

makes me want to grab a second extra magazine for the 3913........

Or consider a 6906 or Beretta 92 Compact,,,,, w/ at least one extra magazine.

If as a civilian one "feels the need to daily carry" a BUG......IMHO it should be a long gun with at least a 20 round magazine ....... or two!!!!!!

 

[Arik]

Almost never. I can count on one hand the number of times I had 2 guns on me.

Situational awareness and avoidance can only go so far. A lot has to do with your lifestyle. For example, I don't like to sit home and I don't like quite places. I like to go out and have a good time and i mean more than just out to dinner.



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[Arik]

When I carry, I carry a handgun manufactured by established companies, either: S&W, Colt, Mauser, or Ruger. My handguns are made of steel and walnut (except the 439 has an aluminum frame), not plastic or polymer. I closely inspect the handguns at the time of cleaning, and I make a point of looking for the start of failures in the respective parts.

My carry rotation includes a:
- S&W model 36-6,
- S&W model 439,
- S&W model 686+ (3"),
- Colt Government Model 45,
- Colt Trooper MKIII,
- Ruger Commander 45, or
- Mauser HSC.

What I elect to carry depends on the mission of the day, and my gut instinct. I have the utmost confidence in the sidearms I choose to carry, and while I carry quality factory loaded ammo, I like to think that the Achilles heel in my defense is my ammo.

How'd you get a carry permit in NJ?

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[haywood]

I carry Two of these most days.

 

[Zebra War Wagon]

Not being a LEO or security professional, I would have no reason for a BUG. In fact, I routinely just carry a J Frame with no extra ammo, however, if I do carry extra ammo, it's just a couple speed strips for 10 more rounds. If I do have an occasion to go into the rough side of a particular town, I will strap on my Glock 32 and have 2 extra magazines to boot. But, still no BUG!

 

[badge 851]

I carry two J-frames every waking moment of every day; speed loaders and speed strips also.

 

[Whitwabit]

I've never felt the need to carry two on my person's .. that being said I do carry an extra 15 round spare magazine most of the time .. especially when were traveling ..

and while traveling I usually have my P238 with me in a case if a smaller carry weapon is needed due to cloths being worn .. my normal carry is a 40 Compact or a Px4 Sub-Compact ..

 

[Donn]

This is a well traveled road, strong opinions on both sides. All I can say is I've CC'd almost ten years and have never had to draw my weapon in anger, much less seen the need for a second gun. We can "what if" this one into next year. Fact is, the average Joe or Josephine going about their daily business only needs one firearm. Besides, if I ever am involved in a shooting incident, I'll have enough on my plate. I don't need to justify why I'm carrying two guns to the authorities. And I really don't need to see how Mr. Bad Guy's attorney would frame that in court.

 

[The Big D]

Nope!

Never have...including 30.5 years of crime fighting.

Never had any need for one whatsoever, either.

Cannot imagine any situation in which I would need one in the future.

Be safe.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

For 40 years this year I have carried legally in S.C.. My personal rule is..carry every step, shoot every day. I always carry 2. I guess that makes me a hobby-think gone wild times Pi. I do not suggest this for anyone and I am not judging or naming anyone who chooses to do differently. I am disheartened when I see somebody post things that are insulting to people who simply choose to live their life different from yours. 1..2..3..8, carry what YOU want. There is probably a number that anti gunners would label us all for owning more than one gun..Maybe hobby think gone wild?? We must all seek our own solution, whatever your is, I don't care. All I ask is the same. Or you could just call names.

 

[gamboolman]

I CCW G-26 and a spare 17 rd mag
Microtech OTF