J frame as LE backup

[lawandorder]

Started in LE in 1976 and served..........

....... with three different departments ( and a couple SOs unpaid while took 2 yrs out to finish degree ) and retired in 2017. During those years was never without a backup.

I was guilty of trying a few different platforms and brands in the eternal quest for the perfect secondary weapon ( ran into a lot of non trustworthy sm semis) but kept coming back to the J frame Smith. Always steel because I shoot J frames a lot.

Tried many carry methods over the years but primarily pocket. Loved winter because it rode in my jacket pocket on the advice of an older Officer. I am positive that lots of folks I met on traffic stops thought I was pretty careless for having my gun hand in my pocket, little did they know.

The award for the longest tenure, going on 25 years, goes to an early 649 .38 Special that has been enhanced by Cylinder & Slide.

J frame, never leave home with out one.

 

[KarmannGhia]

I've been in uniform patrol for over ten years now. I carried my 642 for about six or seven years as my BUG in my uniform left front pants pocket (weak hand side). Never had issues with qualifing with it or carring it on and off duty. My Ruger LCP has replaced it for the last three years due to its flat profile. I still love and shoot revolvers, but the fatter I get, the flatter I like my carry guns. Old age sucks.

 

[reccpd101]

I've been in uniform patrol for over ten years now. I carried my 642 for about six or seven years as my BUG in my uniform left front pants pocket (weak hand side). Never had issues with qualifing with it or carring it on and off duty. My Ruger LCP has replaced it for the last three years due to its flat profile. I still love and shoot revolvers, but the fatter I get, the flatter I like my carry guns. Old age sucks.

That's funny, unfortunately you ain't seen nothing yet !!!!

 

[snowman.45]

Almost always carried a M60 for back-up. Also for off-duty for many years.

 

[BigBoku]

I just recently retired after 27 years on the job.

I started my career as a NYC Transit Cop which was merged along with the NYC Housing Police into the NYPD In 1995 (Better known as the Hostile Takeover).

Not being held to the NYPD Stainless DAO Revolver standard which started in 1987 my first off duty/backup was A really nice old flat Latch model 36 that I found in a LGS. A few years later I bought a brand new 1994 "Fourth Series" Colt DS which I carried for about five years until it was replaced by my no dash 640 that I still have and carry.

I always felt it was the best of both worlds having a semi auto service weapon and a revolver as a backup.

Unfortunately off duty revolvers have not been an option in the NYPD since 1997.

Stay safe!
BB

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I carried a nickel-plated S&W Model 37 in an ankle holster or pocket holster for a while backing up my S&W Model 13-3, 65-1, or 686-6. Bought a 642-2 to replace it and, Saints be praised, we were authorized uniform pants with cargo pockets. The 642-2 rode there until I traded off the 37 for a 12-2, then the 12-2 rode in the cargo pocket opposite the 686-6. My last week of work two years ago, I cleaned the 686-6 for turn-in and carried my old friend the 65-1, in absolute violation of the rules and regulations. I was the last of the revolver toters in my agency. The 642-2 is now my granddaughter's. The 13-3 is now my son-in-law's.

 

[ejr10mm]

No BUG is authorized at my place. Off duty my 340MP is always in my pocket.

 

[keith44spl]

Back in the "Good OL' Days"..........With S&W revolvers and Super Vel ammo.

.

 

[snowman.45]

Back in the "Good OL' Days"..........With S&W revolvers and Super Vel ammo.

.

Yep, remember it well. Mine was a 28-2 in a Bianchi copy the Burns and Martin front break with front wrap around strap and speed strips (later, speed loaders), and a Model 60 for back up and off-duty.

 

[usmc2427765]

Starting in 1972, I carried a dehorned m 37 in either an ankle holster or in my uniform trouser front pocket. My lovely bride reinforced the trouser pockets to accomidate the revolvers extra size. In winter, which is very short in South Texas, I carried it in my jacket pocket. Some of the officers I worked with would carry either a Browning or Colt 25 app as a backup. The only problem was they would not carry it "cocked and locked" because they did not trust the safety.

 

[heeter3]

My son who is a detective Sgt carries one to back up his .40 pps.

 

[jimmyj]

BUG- S&W "J" Frame .38spl
replaced with Charter Arms .44spl (service revolver was a S&W M29 )
replaced with a Glock M42 (please don't tell the administrators)

Now disability retired- Glocks with 2 extra magazines

 

[Doug M.]

No BUG is authorized at my place. Off duty my 340MP is always in my pocket.

*
That's disgraceful. You have command officers who should be given a Loudermill hearing, a trespass notice, and a boot in the seat of the pants. At best, they are not getting good legal or safety advice. That should generate a safety grievance through whatever process you have, and a complaint to the state analog to OSHA.

 

[ruger 22]

I was not LE but in my work I carried a BHP backed up by a model 36 for over 40 years. Now in retirement I pocket carry a 649-2.