Thoughts on a back up to my primary

[Erocksmash]

Howdy,

Sitting here thinking... I would like a back up to my primary(9mm summer,10mm winter), an absolute last ditch gun...

It will reside in the boot or jacket pocket or back pocket..

Must be a revolver...

Calibers/models.

.22lr/43c
.22WM/351c
.38/49 or 649 bodyguard old model
.38,.357/640 pro

I'm leaning more toward the 640pro because or the magnum power(as a backup), but the .22MAG is just so light and 7 shots vs 5.....

Thoughts/opinions/experience much appreciated

Thanks
Erik

 

[SAFireman]

I have a 351c....it is extremely light, and carries 7 rounds of 22 Mag. If you do you job, it will do just fine. Plus, it is No Lock! and big dot front sight.

 

[Erocksmash]

I have a 351c....it is extremely light, and carries 7 rounds of 22 Mag. If you do you job, it will do just fine. Plus, it is No Lock! and big dot front sight.

That's what I was thinking... I'm sure it has to weigh far less than the 640...

 

[SAFireman]

That's what I was thinking... I'm sure it has to weigh far less than the 640...

Erik,

I think that it would be a pleasure to carry all day on an ankle (won't make you run in circles!) or pocket (maybe on body armor somewhere...)

I want to say loaded is like 11.3oz? it is scary light....almost like it is made of plastic (even though I KNOW that it is NOT ) Feels like a kids cap gun, shoots like a house-a-fire

 

[ContinentalOp]

I would suggest the 642-1, or 442-1 if you prefer a black finish.

They're lightweight enough to be carried in a pocket (pants or jacket) or ankle holster. They're reasonably controllable with .38 Special, a little more challenging with +P but not too bad unless you're recoil sensitive. Lots of grip options for J-frames that can balance concealability and controllability for your needs. Also, they're not too expensive. It's been a while since I've looked at prices, but I imagine if you shop around you may be able to find a new one for ~$400 or less.

While a .357 Magnum snub may give you an increase in power, depending on the load chosen, it also comes with more muzzle blast and recoil, which can affect your ability to deliver quick follow-up shots if necessary. There are also some limitations with the type of bullets you can use with the scandium guns as some loads may cause bullet pull, potentially tying up the gun if it's bad enough. The steel guns don't have this issue, but for some people they may be too heavy for pocket or ankle carry.

Personally, I try to avoid small-caliber rounds for self defense. A two-round increase in capacity isn't worth it, IMO.

FWIW, my usual EDC is a Beretta PX4 Compact, but I also carry a 642-1 in an ankle holster as a BUG. So far, no real issues (well, I sometimes bang my ankle gun against my car's door sill when getting in and out of my car). I've also carried my 642-1 as a primary/only gun in an IWB belt holster and, albeit rarely, in a pocket holster.

Just my opinion.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The best carry gun that I know of is the S&W Model 340PD Airlite, light enough not to impede carrying all day long and loaded with 5 357 rounds.

 

[Ranger514]

I carry a 642 just about everywhere. Fits in a pocket holster, tucks away, but is readily available. I've never ankle carried, but the Airweight frame lives up to its name. It's +P rated, and no lock PC models are available. I changed out the PC grips on mine for inexpesive rubber Hogues. Suits me fine for an EDC or a backup.

 

[mikerjf]

If you need your backup it's likely to be up close, so I'd vote for 38sp over 22. The 642 seems like the sweet spot.

And if you're set on the 22, I'd go with 22lr over 22 mag. The report and flash on the mag is potentially damaging to you, with the 22lr you get super-cheap practice and 1 more round.

 

[cmj8591]

If you need your backup it's likely to be up close

If you need a backup, it's a pretty good chance you have already lost.

 

[jimmyj]

Backup

In by gone era of Law Enforcement it was considered a good plan to have a "Backup" the same caliber as your primary

 

[Inusuit]

If you need a backup, it's a pretty good chance you have already lost.

You don't lose until you give up. Lots of reasons a backup will keep you in the fight.

 

[L-2]

Re: Post_1,
I got a bit lost with "must be a revolver" but then the "659" was an option. A S&W 659 is a larger 4" 9mm semiauto. I first typed "compact" in my description of the 659, but to me, it's really full-size.

Perhaps the OP meant another model, instead of a 659 (and discontinued approx. ~1988).

If not a semiauto Glock, I've carried a 642, or sometimes a 640 as a BUG to a full-size Glock 22gen3 or 17gen4. I wasn't too concerned with my BUG matching my primary pistol's caliber, even though I sometimes did choose a semiauto, instead, which did match the primary pistol's caliber.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The super light 337PD is a great last ditch back up. Just 11oz and +P.38 rated.............

 

[KalamazooKid]

The best carry gun that I know of is the S&W Model 340PD Airlite, light enough not to impede carrying all day long and loaded with 5 357 rounds.

This. My standard reply to all of these threads.

 

[Erocksmash]

This. My standard reply to all of these threads.

I really like that one, but 8 beans new that's steep ha!

 

[Erocksmash]

Re: Post_1,
I got a bit lost with "must be a revolver" but then the "659" was an option. A S&W 659 is a larger 4" 9mm semiauto. I first typed "compact" in my description of the 659, but to me, it's really full-size.

Perhaps the OP meant another model, instead of a 659 (and discontinued approx. ~1988).

If not a semiauto Glock, I've carried a 642, or sometimes a 640 as a BUG to a full-size Glock 22gen3 or 17gen4. I wasn't too concerned with my BUG matching my primary pistol's caliber, even though I sometimes did choose a semiauto, instead, which did match the primary pistol's caliber.

Sorry I ment model 49/649

 

[H Richard]

If you want a airweight J Frame but with 6 rounds, check out a 432PD, in 32 H&R mag. 13 oz empty, 16 oz fully loaded.
(with Culina boot grips)

 

[cjtraining]

My BUG was a j frame model 37 from 1968 to 2015. It still goes with me if I leave the house.
.

 

[fmflorida]

This information comes from a friend of mine but I feel its relevant.

He carries a backup gun for 2 reasons, 1) in case his primary goes down and 2) in case he needs a "buddy" in the fight.

His reasoning was at the time the US was having issues with active shooters/terrorist and he figured its always better to have 2 guns facing the threat.

As we all know there are lots of "gun guys/gals" who love guns but dont carry so his thinking was "hey its all going to hell may as well get some help"

He was carrying primary a 1911 (forget the make) and his backup was a S&W 642 either in a pocket or ankle holster.

I think if you are gonna carry a backup you may as well carry the "biggest" you can in your case, given the options you gave, a 38/357 because if you HAVE to use your backup something MAJOR has gone wrong either a malfunction/run out of ammo and you certainly dont want to be facing a threat with a smaller/less powerful round.

That said, Im certainly not volunteering to be shot at with a 22LR or WM......but Id pick the larger 38/357.....plus a speed strip with 5 extra rounds weighs nothing and you can toss that in your pocket.

Just my thoughts.

 

[lawandorder]

I know quite a few folks that have 357 snubs.

I know very few that carry 357 magnum ammo in them.

Of the few who do carry snubs loaded with 357 ,don't believe any of them practice enough with those loads to become competent. Jmho.