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.
How many guns do you carry?
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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.
She is getting her permit this spring. My mother and my wife are going together, like my dad and I did.
elm_creek_smith
US Veteran
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...
Thinking about a Model 38/638 to join the Model 37 off duty...
djh1765
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Alpha Sierra
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tinman931
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It's the accessories that make the man.
Harkrader
Member
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.
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.
Owen49
Member
I normally wear a 4" Mod. 66. On rare occasions, I wear a 2.5" Mod. 66 as a New York reload.
Need to carry 2
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'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.
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Stevewins
Member
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.
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eveled
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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
Stevewins
Member
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.
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.
Brian41
Member
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.
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.
Bundesheer
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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.
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.
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Bundesheer
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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.
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.
