Opinions on a new backup?

[DurdyBert45]

If you had to choose between Sccy cpx 2 and a Taurus Tcp, what would be the more practical choice? Trading a 22 rifle for a small backup piece and these are 2 diff offers I've had. I have owned a sccy before and it wasn't a bad carry piece and it went bang. I'm a little hesitant on the Taurus because of mixed reviews and the whole .380 price and availability factor. Anybody want to help me out with this choice? Just looking for some opinions. I know there is a difference in size on these pieces so I'm wondering if the concealable advantage of the Taurus outweighs the smaller caliber and capacity disadvantage. Thanks for any help.

 

[inspcalahan]

Sorry - no experience with either of the two you mentioned. Just by reading your words, I'd say stay away from both. The first one you mention your previous experience "wasn't bad"...wasn't bad shouldn't be in the same sentence with a gun (backup or primary). As to the Taurus, you're already "a little hesitant". When it comes to carry guns, there should be nothing but trust, confidence and comfort when it comes to it's reliability.


I'd say for just a smidge more money, look at the Sig P290 in 9mm. It'll hold 7-9 rounds depending on which magazine you use. While it's overall weight is a bit more (thicker slide to help with the 9mm), it's dimensions in height/weight are less than most .380s. It's also physically a bit smaller than the S&W Shield. It comes factory with night sights, holster and a few mags. I'm very pleased with mine. Great little 9mm that has gone bang every time with over 500 rounds now.

 

[Mule Packer]

I haven't had any experience with either of those you mentioned. But, I have a question...do you feel like you really want to trade for one of those? I mean, it sounds like you've made up your mind and you're definitely going to trade for one or the other.

I don't know the quality of the .22 rifle you are trading, but the "rule of thumb" in trading is if you trade a cheap weapon, you're going to get a cheap weapon in return. If it's a high-quality .22, like a Browning semi-auto or a Marlin 39-A Golden Mountie, I sure as heck wouldn't trade it for a Tarus or an Sccy.

I'm leaning a little towards the same opinion of inspcalahan. You might want to seriously re-think your options and perhaps go with something different. Just because it's a backup piece, doesn't mean it shouldn't be a high-quality, dependable firearm. But, like I said, I haven't had experience with either of those mentioned. Just my two cents worth...and it's probably not even worth that.

 

[DurdyBert45]

It's a Henry Lever action, just the standard model.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

This for a BUG. That means you have fallen in deep do-do and your primary didn't get you out of trouble. I suggest you get a revolver in 38 or 357. I carry an old and very reliable model 49 (no dash), 2 of my closest friends carry LCR's, my F-I-L carries a pre-production model 60. I see you are a LEO, you are more likely to need a BUG than I will, it must never fail! Sorry to harp, but I don't want to see your name among the fallen. I your department allows BUG revolvers, you may have to qualify on both, the security is worth effort. Ivan

 

[Rule3]

Well you asked If you are worried about Taurus I would think you should be more worried about Sccy. I honestly would not consider either of them but if I did I would go with Taurus.
Sccy is just another ex Kel Tec employee who moved down the road

To be honest I have not shot or owned a Sccy, just what I read. When Gun Shops in Florida do not carry them and many have stopped carrying Taurus there is usually a reason.

You want a 380 or a 9mm??

Whats wrong with the Ruger LCP?

A nice used SW snub nose?

 

[DurdyBert45]

I'm not concerned with what the Henry is worth to some of the old schoolers, it's a nice rifle but I don't have any use for another .22 and I took it on a trade so it holds no sentimental value so it's a disposable piece to me. I'm looking for a backup and these are two choices that have been given to me, I guess what I'm curious about is if anyone has used a Taurus TCP for a backup. I own a whole slew of great pistols but I have nothing that would make a good summer carry or backup for duty. I'm really not looking to spend any cash on top of a trade.

 

[doc84]

Brother,

This is life insurance that you are buying here! What is your life worth to you? To your family?

Buy a proper life saving tool!

Lots of affordable options are available as an LE purchase on your tin. You can never go wrong with a SW 642/442 or other .38 spl j frame. I carry one (442 with .148gr WC) daily.

Another option may be a smaller version of your duty gun. Not as much for ammo interchangeability as for familiarity of operation.

What ever you choose, find a way to carry it that works with your daily load out, but a LARGE quantity of training ammo, and then....wait for it....train with it! Owning/carrying a BUG doesn't make you a prepared gun slinger anymore than owning a set of wood chisels makes you a cabinet maker.

 

[Rule3]

Your Henry is worth more than those 2 guns.

Are you saying the only way to do this is to trade your rifle for something?

For $300 or less you can get a new Ruger LCP 380. Most popular small gun sold. They work and are backed by Ruger.

I have one in my right front shorts pocket anywhere I go. Rem Goldens Sabers 102gr bullets. If a I can wear a long tailed shirt I will carry a bigger holstered gun

 

[DurdyBert45]

Perhaps I am being a bit too hasty, I don't want to be without a backup now that I've sold off my glock 27, just curious if anyone knew enough about the TCP to trust it. Its made here and serviced here as well. It also comes with a lifetime warranty that follows the gun from what I understand.

 

[doc84]

Taurus does not have a reputation that I would, given the choice, trust my life to. Sccy is, I'll be kind here, an unproven unknown. I know that the j frames in .38 spl. and G26s just plain work. They reliably fire calibers that meet FBI testing standards. They have a strong customer service system (parts and service available quickly) behind them. They have quality accessories (mags, holsters, speed loaders, etc) available for them. They are available at reduced price through LE dealers. I know that I'm a freak show about this stuff but it is all about saving our lives.

 

[CoMF]

Sir,

I hope this does not sound "snobby," but I concur with the other posters on considering slightly more expensive but more reliable options like the ubiquitous S&W J-frame snub in .38 Special, or a compact autoloading pistol (e.g. S&W Shield, "Baby" Glock, etc.) from a major manufacturer in the same caliber as your duty sidearm. I think you will not regret the purchase. If finances are a concern, don't hesitate to ask your local firearms dealer about LEO discounts and perhaps a layaway plan.

 

[DurdyBert45]

I appreciate it fellas, I can wait and get another good piece I was just trying to see what I could get for a 22 rifle that I didn't want.

 

[Rule3]

Taurus only makes 2 guns in the USA If I recall is is the T32 and one of those pop up barrel Berreta clones in 22 lr

Regardless, Yes they have lifetime warranty but that is how long you wait to get your gun back from them

With so many small pocket, back up guns available IMHO there are far better ones. Heck even the lowly Kel Tec in 32 or 380 is made here and they have great customer service, They will either send you the parts (the firing pin spring ejector are all held in with the Franken (outside bolt) easy to replace the whole guts. Or if you send it they pay the shipping Taurus does NOT. If you have to send a gun to Taurus that is $50 or more for a $200 gun.
I would buy the KT over the Taurus.( I did and then Ruger made a better one)

Narrow it down, What caliber and do you want a semi or a alloy revolver. The semis are flat and easy to hide. But some guys just like revolvers. A 380 has about as good a ballistics as a regular 38 special. Not going to get into a ballistic battle. For a back up it's get off me. Either will work.

The North American Guardian is a true double strike and works every time it is solid stainless so it is heavy. The Seecamp 32 is tiny and it works every time but expensive,

Go here and on the right click the pdf chart which shows the size and weight of most Mouse Guns

L.W. Seecamp Co., Inc. - Frequently Asked Questions

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

If you want a light and thin pocket .380 get an LCP.

10 years from now there will be a moment where you mutter to yourself..... I should have kept that Henry.

 

[shouldazagged]

Another vote here for a J-frame, preferably with a concealed hammer. It is as nearly totally reliable as it's possible for a handgun to be, and that's exactly what I want if my ancient bum is on the line. Nothing less.

 

[DurdyBert45]

Well it is not a for sure thing. I like the Henry but if I could part with any of them it would be that. I may just hold out for a bit and buy something that has a better reputation. Thanks for all the responses folks. I like to hit the threads and get a general consensus on pieces and categories I'm not familiar with. I've never owned or carried a pocket sized bang bang and need to research them a bit more before I make a snap decision.

 

[straight stick]

J frame S&W, many options to choose from; steel, blue, nickel, stainless, airweight. It is concealable, reliable and powerful for it's size.

 

[doc84]

Enter this phrase in to google. Go to the link and read the article written by Dr. Gary Roberts.

BUG's: .380 ACP vs. .38 Sp

 

[jack the toad]

Taurus does not have a reputation that I would, given the choice, trust my life to. Sccy is, I'll be kind here, an unproven unknown.

Kinda what I thought.
I'm not a hater but I do have an opinion. I'd find something else to trade for.