Why Rotate?

[Wingmaster]

I have read a lot of threads where people mention having a gun in their carry "rotation".

I am having a hard time understanding having more than one carry gun. I have a few guns that are suitable for carry, but only carry one of them.

My thinking is that if I am in a high stress situation I don't want to have to think about what I need to do or what gun I have. I want to have my gun out and ready as quick as possible.

How many of you have a "rotation" of different carry guns and what is the reason behind this?

Thanks
Wingmaster

 

[jmace57]

The only thing I can imagine is the weather and the way the person dresses. One carry for Winter and something different for Summer. I carry the same (S&W 642 year round).

 

[haywood]

I have several Snubs and One 4" Revolver that I like. For years I have been rotating Two at a time with the Snubs. Sometimes I want a 7 shooter sometimes 5 shooters. Sometimes 357 some times 38. Lately I am carrying a 7 shot 357 4" gun with 2" 5 shot 38 as a second gun.

 

[bigwheelzip]

1. Urban carry/slacks - 9mm Shield

2. Urban carry/Skirt and Dress - .380 P238

3. Rural/Woods walk - .357 3inch 686Plus

 

[Old cop]

The rotation thing never made sense to me. I've been involved in deadly force confrontations and I did not have time to think about what I was doing, I reacted to my training and fortunately came out okay. My EDC is currently an M&P .380, but not before I put in considerable range time with it.

 

[APS]

I feel that those who rotate based on whim rather than a practical reason think of CCW as something "neat to do" rather than something to be taken seriously. And that's their right, of course. They may be more likely to have an accident though.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Most of the year, I pocket carry an LCP.

In very cold weather, I carry a 6906 to counter layers of heavy clothing.

I know my way around both.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I carry one of these

and one of these.

 

[gscrasher]

Most firearm trainers would probably say something like "same gun, same place, all the time".

I myself am guilty of occasionally varying the gun, and even the location--OWB vs IWB and pocket. It would probably help to do a half dozen practice presentations with an unloaded gun before leaving the house.

 

[Smoke]

I decided about 6 months ago to stop “rotating” carry guns and limit myself to either an M&P Shield or an M&P 9. (Since changed to an M&P 9C)

Hick’s Law postulates that the more variables you add to the decision making process the longer it takes you to make a decision and act on it. So if I add variables by carrying different guns in different locations in different types of holsters with varying levels of retention all I’m really doing is adding to the menu options I have to go through in my mind before acting in a self defense scenario. My brain has to answer a series of questions before I can even start to draw my firearm.

Eliminating variables makes anything a human does more consistent and reliable. By definition if I’m in a self defense situation I’m already behind the curve. Every step I have to take to prepare to and defend myself is an opportunity for something to go wrong. Every step or decision that I can eliminate increases the odds in my favor.

It's my belief that the more I practice with my carry gun the better I'm going to be with it under stress. The fewer variables in my equipment the faster I'm going to draw, the less chance of a mistake or hesitation, and the better my chances of survival. I have completely eliminated the variable of what I'm carrying, where, or how. It's always exactly the same. I'm better prepared to defend myself as a result.

That said, (IMO) Having different guns for different circumstances is not the same as “rotating” your carry guns. As I’ve stated before I switch off between one of two guns depending on circumstances and my concealment needs.

90% of the time based on my circumstance I can dress in a way that that accommodates a full sized gun so I carry the M&P9. When I have to dress differently or I’m sitting around the house and I don’t want to carry a full sized gun I carry the 9C but in either case I’m carrying two almost identical guns

To me “rotating” your carry guns is a mood thing. Like “I’m bored with my 1911 so today I’m going to carry my GLOCK” and for me mood has nothing to do with carrying a gun.

I also don’t switch based on any threat assessment. If things are so tense that I’m questioning if I have enough gun I don’t go. Of course the exception would be that I probably wouldn’t carry a 9mm if I were going into the mountains where I literally might encounter a bear.

 

[joe44va]

M438 for urban carry, M69 woods and waters. Both with speed loaders.
Same guns, different sizes.

 

[Hapworth]

Multiple proficiencies isn't unheard of.

 

[Protected One]

I decided about 6 months ago to stop “rotating” carry guns and limit myself to either an M&P Shield or an M&P 9. (Since changed to an M&P 9C)

Hick’s Law postulates that the more variables you add to the decision making process the longer it takes you to make a decision and act on it. So if I add variables by carrying different guns in different locations in different types of holsters with varying levels of retention all I’m really doing is adding to the menu options I have to go through in my mind before acting in a self defense scenario. My brain has to answer a series of questions before I can even start to draw my firearm.

Eliminating variables makes anything a human does more consistent and reliable. By definition if I’m in a self defense situation I’m already behind the curve. Every step I have to take to prepare to and defend myself is an opportunity for something to go wrong. Every step or decision that I can eliminate increases the odds in my favor.

It's my belief that the more I practice with my carry gun the better I'm going to be with it under stress. The fewer variables in my equipment the faster I'm going to draw, the less chance of a mistake or hesitation, and the better my chances of survival. I have completely eliminated the variable of what I'm carrying, where, or how. It's always exactly the same. I'm better prepared to defend myself as a result.

That said, (IMO) Having different guns for different circumstances is not the same as “rotating” your carry guns. As I’ve stated before I switch off between one of two guns depending on circumstances and my concealment needs.

90% of the time based on my circumstance I can dress in a way that that accommodates a full sized gun so I carry the M&P9. When I have to dress differently or I’m sitting around the house and I don’t want to carry a full sized gun I carry the 9C but in either case I’m carrying two almost identical guns

To me “rotating” your carry guns is a mood thing. Like “I’m bored with my 1911 so today I’m going to carry my GLOCK” and for me mood has nothing to do with carrying a gun.

I also don’t switch based on any threat assessment. If things are so tense that I’m questioning if I have enough gun I don’t go. Of course the exception would be that I probably wouldn’t carry a 9mm if I were going into the mountains where I literally might encounter a bear.

Very well stated, and in my opinion thats the way everyone who's serious about ccw should view the subject.
I think that if the likellyhood of having to actually use the firearm were MUCH higher people would re-examine the practice...for exactly the reasons you stated.

Multiple proficiencies isn't unheard of.

True. Yet if the time spent becoming proficient on a second gun was applied to training with the first gun instead then the shooter would be even more proficient with it.

 

[Smoke]

Multiple proficiencies isn't unheard of.

Fastbolt did a really good post on exactly that a while back and if I could remember where it was I'd post it here.

That said the last time I went to the range I went through the most of the class with my M&P9 and switched to my 6906 toward the end.

The first time I shot the 6906 I could feel the difference in the trigger between the DA first shot and the SA second shot and it was enough to stop me for a second because I thought the trigger was broke.

Would that have happened in a real fight? I have no idea but I'm not willing to chance it. I want to stay with one platform for carry.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I have read a lot of threads where people mention having a gun in their carry "rotation".

I am having a hard time understanding having more than one carry gun. I have a few guns that are suitable for carry, but only carry one of them.

My thinking is that if I am in a high stress situation I don't want to have to think about what I need to do or what gun I have. I want to have my gun out and ready as quick as possible.

How many of you have a "rotation" of different carry guns and what is the reason behind this?

Thanks
Wingmaster

IMO, your thinking is rational and correct, even including asking the question. "Rotation" is ridiculous. Carrying the same gun all the time is theoretically ideal, and practically a great choice if you can do it. Sometimes weather and resulting clothing dicate some differences from the ideal. Others have discussed this above.

Be happy that your head is on straight.

 

[shouldazagged]

Same gun, same right front pants pocket, all the time. I did that even when I had guns I could have rotated (I no longer do) because it just made me more comfortable. It still does.

 

[Ballistic147]

My wardrobe is primarily made up of cargo shorts and a t shirt. Even in the winter I wear shorts unless I will be outside for an extended period of time.

That being said, my carry "rotation" if you want to call it that consists of 3 guns. First is a Taurus TCP that is pocket carried 100% of the time I am wearing pants. It is super concealable and can go anywhere I go. It is inside my right front pocket in a pocket holster always. It works anywhere that being completely undetected is a necessity.

Next is my M&P Shield 9mm. This one is carried IWB and can be concealed with as little as a pair of shorts and t shirt. Under certain conditions it may print just a little from time to time but for the majority of non CCW folks it is not noticeable.

Last is my M&P 40c. This one is carried IWB mostly in cooler weather with a jacket or hoodie and also when I'm wearing a t shirt under an untucked button up shirt. This one is very hard for me to conceal under just a t shirt but in situations with just a little extra clothing it can go undetected.

I am completely confident in all 3 and equally proficient with them as well. Of course, I'm the least accurate with the TCP however at SD distances I can easily keep it center mass. Basically, the Shield and 40c are in theory identical guns, only slightly different in size. So in the end, I carry the most gun possible for the type of clothing I'm wearing and depending on how far under the radar I need to be.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Well, I carry a revolver most of the time but have no problem CC a 1911 in any flavor.
It does depend on weather conditions and if it's IWB or OWB CC.
Yea, one gun sounds right all the time but does it matter if the revolver is a 38 or 44 or a 45?
I don't think so....

 

[Wingmaster]

All very good points and thanks for the replies.

I don't get to train as often as I would like but I do shoot at least one day every 2 weeks. Thats why I will stick to my model 60. I shoot it every time I go to the range and feel a lot more confident with it than I do with my Shield or any other option I have.

I guess I shoot it enough that it just comes natural to draw it and shoot.

Thanks again for the replies
Wingmaster

 

[spearcrow]

Well I'm just thankful that everyone gets to do what they wish. I enjoy many different brands, style, calibers, etc. Consequently, I also enjoy carrying and using them. I personally wouldn't want to just carry one of them 365 days a year. To each their own, but I'll continue to rotate mine