Opinions on a new backup?

[Arik]

Neither would be an option. Ever.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Dump1567]

A lot of great info.

I don't have any personal experience with either, so I'll stay in my lane and not give an opinion.
But an internet search should reveal a ton of info. You can also read reviews from purchashers of these on Buds Gun shop website.

If you decide to carry an auto, clean and lube it regularly, as they tend to dry out and build-up lint. A revolver less so.

As far as .380 ammo, the link below states anything loaded with the XTP bullet is a winner. The author is also a fan of the Taurus. If you end-up with a .380, make sure to test your ammo choice in your particular gun. My Glock 42 worked with Precision One, but didn't function with the HPR ammo.

Final Results of the .380 ACP Ammo Quest | Shooting The Bull

 

[Buford57]

You've talked BUG and you've talked summer carry. Summer carry means primary to me. I've known a lot of officers who carried junk (see "Jennings", "Raven" and "Buffalo Arms") as a "hideout" or "double BUG" because it was "better than nothing". No, it wasn't. If you have nothing and known you have nothing you will make decisions accordingly. A junk BUG or "better than nothing" carry gun makes you act as if you have a real gun and your confidence is misplaced.

35 years ago someone who wanted me to come home at end of watch spent money she couldn't afford to replace a war trophy Browning .32 auto (good for 1 to 3 shots before jamming) with a Colt .357 snub as my BUG/ODC. Still have them both.

Get a real gun or get a sharp knife and training in its use. Please.

 

[Frizzman]

Seems like good advice you are getting here...When working in the later 70's and early 80's I was issued a M10 but my "BUG" was actually a more effective Colt Combat Commander when I wore a coat...In shirt sleeve weather, I carried a small framed snub .38. I had a little Beretta auto in .25 ACP but never considered carrying it...If you need the money for a BUG, then perhaps you should sell it and save some more money and buy a better quality pistol...Heck, I think Hi-points have a better record for reliability than either of the two you mentioned...As one person noted, if you need a BUG, you will REALLY NEED it to be reliable and accurate and something you can shoot enough to be competent with it...

 

[JaPes]

I can't speak on either pistol. I can tell you that I used to own a Taurus PT709 slim, their single stack 9mm. If that Taurus TCP has a 2-piece feed ramp, one half is on the frame the other half is on the barrel like the 709, stay the heck away from it like it could give you contact herpes.

 

[A10]

I carry a 442 in my pocket every day and it is invisible. I may carry others as primary (1911, Model 57, Model 28, or a Detective Special) but the 442 is always there, and always dependable.

Were I in the market for a 380, I'd be looking at a Smith or Ruger. I know folks who have each and are very happy with them.

 

[WC145]

I'm not going to read through all of these posts but I'll repeat what I bet some knowledgeable folks have posted - forget the junk you're considering. Sell the Henry outright and save the rest to get yourself a solid J-frame .38 like a 442 or 642. If things have gone so far south you need a BUG, you need a gun that will work no matter what, stay away from little autos and stick with a quality small frame snubby revolver.