You Carry A Second? Where?

[Piwo]

On the job carried in ankle holster until it came dislodged in a scuffle. I modified the holster to make it more secure. A few years later it came loose while in a sprint and I kicked it 20 feet ahead of me while running. From then on I carried it in my left front pocket in a homemade pocket holster. Since retirement, the only time I normally carry a second gun (generally) is during long trips or for some specific articulable reason. This is usually to arm my wife (who doesn't like to carry) or other person.
The backup is almost always a 5 shot J frame. If I am in the rare situation that I feel will need a secondary weapon, I don't go there. If I really must, my "backup" is another person or two, armed with their own gun. However, there are rare exceptions, as always.

 

[USMCshooter]

I have the option to carry BUG micro 380 in Vedder Pocket Locker, but in my environment, a micro 9 at 4:00 is more than enough. I do sometimes just pocket carry when deep concealed is required (like going to my sister's house).

 

[crc4]

Beginning in the fall with jacket weather, I carry my M49 Bodyguard in the outer pocket inside a Mika pocket holster on my strong side.

On my left side in a cross draw I have either a CZ 75B or CZ P-01 as the primary.

I've shot through many old jackets and coat pockets and never had a FTF. The same can't be said for semi-autos and exposed hammer revolvers. They do hang up when you can least afford it.

The ability to have your hand on your pistol while in your pocket that no one can see is not to be discounted.

I've never had pants pockets like Captain Kangaroo so I don't even try.

 

[robertrwalsh]

On the rare occasion I carry a back-up it is usually in a pocket holster or an ankle holster.

 

[.455_Hunter]

BUG is carried in weak-side front pants pocket. Primary is usually in strong-side front pants pocket, with reload in weak-side rear pants pocket.

 

[Onomea]

..I've shot through many old jackets and coat pockets and never had a FTF. The same can't be said for semi-autos and exposed hammer revolvers. They do hang up when you can least afford it....

Not disputing what you say by any means, but I'm curious: Do you practice shooting through old jacket and coat pockets or has your experience led you repeatedly into circumstances where it was advisable to do so?

And well paid! I'd never carry such a pricey gun, let alone two. Every man spends his money in his own way but while I'd love to have such a fine weapon as a Korth, I wouldn't t spend the money on one unless I had literally nothing else better to do with my money. And I surely wouldn't carry it.

I'd like a Korth as well. Who knows... Maybe someday? If I did have a Korth, I wouldn't hesitate to carry it. I think it's sort of like having a really nice watch or maybe an expensive pair of handmade cowboy boots. A bit of luxury, if one can afford it, to brighten up one's daily life. I also think, and have said before, that the odds of me using a carry gun in self defense are pretty small, and, if I do, I think what happens to my gun will be among the least of my concerns.

This is so true, and I am living proof. My right leg is about 35% numb and the right foot is about 70% numb from falling flat on my back from slipping on ice and landing on my Beretta 92 that I always carried in the small of back.

I preach this all the time, just don't carry in the small of back...can be bad news.

Abbreviated small of back on here results in ***..

A few years ago (?) when we were discussing small of back method of carry, and its dangers, someone commented that he thought the danger was overblown as he'd never encountered a real life case of someone getting injured in this way...

 

[crc4]

Not disputing what you say by any means, but I'm curious: Do you practice shooting through old jacket and coat pockets or has your experience led you repeatedly into circumstances where it was advisable to do so?

I first practiced shooting through jacket and coat pockets when I became a police detective. Never had to use it that way, but I did pull my Bodyguard quicker with it in a jacket pocket as my hand was already on the gun and the bad guys didn't suspect that. In those days before 'pocket' holsters, I had an old Bucheimer-Clark K frame holster I cut down so it didn't hang loose in my jacket pocket and I always knew where it was.

The Mika holster is much better and I have several of those for different guns.

Take an old jacket and try to shoot thru the pocket. You'll discover what works and what doesn't. In close quarters like elevators and crowds it offers a surprise to potential thugs.

 

[Brian Parrish]

A few years ago (?) when we were discussing small of back method of carry, and its dangers, someone commented that he thought the danger was overblown as he'd never encountered a real life case of someone getting injured in this way...

I would be very interested in this question as I feel the same suspicion. I have difficulty accepting such things at face value.

I do believe it a fact though I cannot cite it, that there was a police department training incident where a cop was pushed backwards who fell upon whatever was on his Sam Brown belt there in the back and was injured. He healed up. I am aware also that many cops are quite sensitive about the size of things that attach in the back. However, I do not share the opinion that current police training is authoritative, or even when it is, that the same things apply to the citizen defender. I am also aware of one reputable holster maker who absolutely refuses to make or sell a small of the back holster for anyone.

My own experience: I was wearing a 1911 in a Don Hume DAH small of the back holster as I was going up to the front door. I tripped and whatever was in the bags I was carrying went flying. Falling off the porch, I landed on my back on the holster!! I suffered irreparable damage to some of the eggs that were in the bags. I got up and immediately checked the firearm for scratches. The gun was fine, and the holster was not scratched either because it was protected by my jacket. I did not learn anything from this incident. I did eat scrambled eggs soon after.

I liked the DAH holster as a way to conceal a duty sized weapon under a Levi's jacket. Once however, I found that the car seat wiped off the ambidextrous safety causing me to carry that time cocked and unlocked, condition zero! I am pretty stupid you probably have already figured, but I know better than that. I took it to my gunsmith (a super 1911 guy) who was shocked and upbraided me for using such a holster. But he agreed to replace the safety and begrudgingly accepted what I explained about the jean jacket. With a Milspec safety that never happened again.

Please correct me Onomea or anyone, I enjoy learning.

 

[WardenRoss]

I won't appendix carry anymore.

I've told this before.....I was appendix carrying and had to do a quick bend-down movement to grab something at my feet. That pistol bruised my small intestines.

Immediate excruciating pain. This pain lasted for weeks. Could hardly wear a belt or put any pressure in that area.

That's all I've got to say about that.


,

 

[Brian Parrish]

Very sorry.

This is so true, and I am living proof. My right leg is about 35% numb and the right foot is about 70% numb from falling flat on my back from slipping on ice and landing on my Beretta 92 that I always carried in the small of back.

I preach this all the time, just don't carry in the small of back...can be bad news.

Abbreviated small of back on here results in ***..

I saw this after I had written my comment about this subject. I try to be lighthearted about most things, but had I not missed your words I would have taken a different tone. I fell on the ice once and the first thing to hit was the back of my head. I will never know how long I was unconscious. Lower back injury is a serious and complex issue. Is this type of risk really necessary?

There are those using this style honestly because of shoulder impingement issues that affect their draw from a strong side holster. OK do what ya gotta do. But shoulder issues must be addressed regardless of what holster style is used. There are more than a few who choose appendix carry for this same reason. A striker fired pistol carried AIWB is a serious risk for different reasons. I think these forms of carry can be justified but we must address posture problems and upper body flexibility.

Respect and thanks to you BKLooney!

 

[crc4]

There are those using this style honestly because of shoulder impingement issues that affect their draw from a strong side holster. OK do what ya gotta do. But shoulder issues must be addressed regardless of what holster style is used.

My strong-side shoulder doesn't move up fast enough to draw from a holster like a pancake anymore. I can draw from a holster that is dropped (below level) from the belt, but those remain somewhat difficult to conceal.

I went to a cross draw several years ago and love it. I would never carry appendix or IWB, but a shoulder holster is great.

A cross draw is faster inside the car and doesn't require contortions to present nor clothing to pull up out-of-the-way before I grip the gun.

 

[Norton 750]

Every fight I have ever been in or around ended up on the ground. And there is no way I would want something on my spine knowing that. Your mileage may vary, but I would not carry small of the back for love nor money.

 

[F224]

J-Frame, left front pocket. High cap 9, Appendix area.

Exactly the same for me, but both guns are on the right side.

 

[CH4]

For problems outside the car, I am in agreement with Old cop.

Inside the car, seatbelted, I believe that left ankle (right hand draw) is best. Even outside the car, it may often be best when seated.

I still find getting to an ankle holster or OWB/IWB while seated in a car is slow and awkward. My primary mode of carry has been a shoulder rig for many rears. If I do carry a BUG, it's at my 4 o'clock.

 

[moosedog]

When I go down to Detroit I bring a Glock 19 in a shoulder rig, a Ruger LCP or S&W model 49 in pocket and another Glock in the car.

 

[oldiegoldie]

when i'm going into Chicargo:

 

[haywood]

Just heading out

 

[6518John]

I am surprised no one "carries a .32 gun in their pocket for fun and a razor in his shoe."

 

[bushmaster1313]

As a law abiding resident of the People's Republik of New Jersey I am new to carrying a weapon and feel quite secure carrying a Sig P365 in a front pocket holster. If I ever thought I needed two guns I would add a rifle or shotgun at the ready.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I am surprised no one "carries a .32 gun in their pocket for fun and a razor in his shoe."

i would, but I've never owned a .32 or a straight razor.