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J frame as LE backup
- Thread starter Collin642
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I’m not LEO but, I worked at several gun shops over the years and knew plenty of LEO’s that carried J-Frame backups. Also Retired Officer’s and Sheriff’s that carry J-Frames as EDC. I read enough books by Evan Marshall, Jim Cirillo and Massad Ayoob ,to name a few, to have learned why it is a good idea to carry a backup. I normally carry Two J-Frames but, years back going through a few semi autos I always had a 442 in my pocket. When your behind a gun counter and questionable looking people come in, it was comforting to casually put my hand in my pocket.
Lonestar57
Member
I'm retired but during my uniform years I carried the J framed S&W 940 in a ballistic vest strap holster under my non-dominant arm. Worked very well for me. I still have that little gun.
I carried a blued 49 from 1975 until 1995. In 1995 I picked up a 649 and carried it until retirement. It's usually with me now almost everyday 15 years later.
I usually carried it in an ankle rig as my 2nd. It was always with me off duty.
I usually carried it in an ankle rig as my 2nd. It was always with me off duty.
back in the 70's, as a deputy in bullhead city,az. carried a charter .44 spec. in my boot and a smith model 66 on my belt.did the same in lake havasu when we carried colt ,1911's in .45 on out belt. with a female cheif, she was kick *** good..............
elpac3
Member
carried my 5 shot chief special in a Bianchi shoulder holster under the jacket in the winter and under the shirt in the summer and used a Bianchi thumb break belt holster for off duty
I have carried a J-frame almost every day of my adult life since 1980.
There is one in a Galco ankle glove right now
It started with a 38 Special Model 60 but changed to a Chiefs Special Target in 1986 when Ashland released them.
When the J-Magnum was introduced in 1996 I switched back to a Model 60 to get the 357 Magnum.
Today, as most days in recent years, it is a Model 340.
I have been waiting for Smith & Wesson to release a J-Magnum Chiefs Special Target but I stopped holding my breath
Over all that time, I did carry a Colt agent for a very short time and even a Colt LW Double Eagle Commander. There have been a couple of 940s and 640s as well, but they were mostly pocket carried
There is one in a Galco ankle glove right now
It started with a 38 Special Model 60 but changed to a Chiefs Special Target in 1986 when Ashland released them.
When the J-Magnum was introduced in 1996 I switched back to a Model 60 to get the 357 Magnum.
Today, as most days in recent years, it is a Model 340.
I have been waiting for Smith & Wesson to release a J-Magnum Chiefs Special Target but I stopped holding my breath
Over all that time, I did carry a Colt agent for a very short time and even a Colt LW Double Eagle Commander. There have been a couple of 940s and 640s as well, but they were mostly pocket carried
Scharfschuetzer
Member
blues7
Member
I carried a J frame as backup from 1983 to 1995 or 1996 when I made a Glock 26 my backup gun (on ankle).
Now I carry a J frame as my walking around gun from home.
Now I carry a J frame as my walking around gun from home.
mckenney99
Member
I started out carrying a 2in model 64 in an ankle holster, great gun but it got to be too heavy every day. Found a model 49 and thought I had found the holy grail and then Smith came out with the 649. I Carried that 649 as one of my approved backup weapons until I retired. After retiring I sold that 649 as I normally carry a 1911, but now like many, I regret selling it.
I have carried a j frame on my ankle my whole career.First a model 38 until my daughter wanted it.Then a 638 I have worn out two ankle holsters over time.I have also been known to carry a three inch model 37 in my offside pocket in a Mika pocket holster.
Marshal Tom
Member
Never carried one as a bug in summer but in cold weather I often carried one in my left hand jacket pocket, I am a lefty so that I could put my hand on it in my pocket and never reveal that I had a weapon on the subject. i often carry one now retired around the place for short walks and occasionally when running to town. M&P 340.
dubshooter
Member
442 pro series loaded with Gold Dot 135gr short barrel as my BUG
Rodan
SWCA Member
I carried a 442 for a few years and switched to a Kahr PM9 around 1999. Last year I 'retired' the Kahr and replaced it with an M&P Shield in 9mm. I'm debating putting the Kahr back on duty, as it's a little smaller than the Shield.
Tom Kent
US Veteran
I carried a model 60 as a BUG for the last 20 years I worked. When I was on the street it rode in an ankle holster when I was off duty I had two or three holsters that fit on my belt that it lived in. Now I am retired and a 3"model 36 gets the nod.
Loyaljeeper
Member
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I have carried, and still do, a j frame as a bug, off-duty, and as primary during undercover ops.
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My 642 rode in a vest holster or ankle glove from about 2000 until my retirement in 2017. At this moment it sits within arms reach.
StrawHat
SWCA Member
When I was in LE, we were issued a 4” K frame, either a Model 19 or Model 10. I also carried a Model 3913 under my shirt in a holster attached to the straps of my vest. It helped me get home on three occassions.
Kevin
Kevin
