How many non-LEOs carry a backup weapon?

[rmagill]

I am considering the possability of purchasing a sub-compact auto or a small revolver as a back-up gunat some point in the future so I am curious how many non-LEOs carry a backup gun. If you do, what kind of primary and backup gun do you carry and how do you carry your backup gun? Thanks in advance.

[wun_8_seven]

i carry a kel-tec p3at in my pocket all the time.

[ODD1]

Don't know if you would consider this a back up gun.

I carry IWB. Sometimes when weather dictates I have a coat. When it is cold I button it up. ;)

Those times a J frame or Kahr goes in my front right hand coat pocket as a second gun.

Not really back up more like quick access gun.
I would not go lower then 9mm or 380. Only becasue that is what I have, nothing against 380, I just have guns that fit the niche in a larger caliber.

[pointfiveoh]

I might when I have the cash to buy one. Right now I'm working off my p226 :D

[20cows]

The little Davis 32 acp derringer is finding its way into the watch pocket of my jeans fairly often.

[ahenry]

I don’t think the need is really there for a non-LEO to carry a backup gun. That’s not to suggest that non-law enforcement shouldn’t or anything, just that I think the reasons law enforcement should don’t really apply to non-law enforcement.

[Mannlicher]

often carry a snubbie Smith in an ankle or pocket holster, as well as the 1911 or a Smith revolver in a belt holster.

[Rojoe67]

One firearm is enough for me and my limited hide pockets and such...... I must admit I am in and out of a vehicle a lot of times in a 8-10 hour working day..... I have yet to find a comfortable 100% of the time compact and hoster or carry device. I know if I was an active LEO my answer would likely be different........ Just me......To each his own and if you can do it and be comfortable go for it.... what could it hurt....?

[Greenfurniture]

I've got a second and sometimes a third weapon at the ready.

[perception]

As soon as money allows i will also have a bug.

[Blind Tree Frog]

Not allowed to in NC for concealed carry (dunno about open though), so if I'm carrying my gun concealed I'm not carrying anything else gun wise.

[Duxman]

For the added extra weight of a BUG, its much more economical to carry a spare magazine or 2.

Besides I figure if you are in a situation where you empty your primary weapon, reload, empty it again, and have to switch to your BUG: You are in deep, deep, Doo-Doo. :eek:

That BUG is not going to make that much of a difference then. Unless its an Vulcan 20mm Cannon with 10,000 rounds of ammo.

[KP345PR]

When it's just me, i carry my Ruger and my XD40 subcompact as a backup. When i'm with the woman, she carries her P99. Better a backup shooter than a BUG, IMO

[STEVE M]

Depends on what I'm doing, where I'm going and who I'm with. If I'm out and

about on my own, on foot (mostly) then no. If I'm with the wife (who doesn't

carry but can shoot) yes. If I'm traveling or going to be in a car a lot then

yes. An ankle holster is much easier to get to than a IWB under a shirt, under

a seatbelt.

[W Turner]

I carry a jframe in my weak side front pocket opposite my IWB carry gun.

The reason? I don't remember where I read it but I remember reading that hand injuries are very common in shootings because people tend to tunnel in in the threat (weapon) first. I would hate to be involved in a self-defense shooting and my only weapon be put out of commission.

Besides, the jframe is so easy to carry, it's not like I am going out of my way.

W

[ATW525]

It depends. I've taken to using Smartcarry most every day, and often if I go out shopping or what not I'll throw my Beretta on my belt. So, I might be packing two guns but it's not a common occurance (many times I leave smartcarry at home and just pack the Beretta). When I do pack two guns, though, my BUG is usually a FM High Power Detective, soon to be replaced with a P228.

[IZHUMINTER]

For the added extra weight of a BUG, its much more economical to carry a spare magazine or 2

I agree. With all the other stuff I'm carrying (cell phone, knife or two, SureFire, wallet, etc.) it's a heck of a lot easier to slip in a mag than a backup gun. Besides, I'd rather have 8 more rounds of .45 than 6 of .380.

[Garand Illusion]

If y'all want to carry 2 or 3 guns that's fine -- I've definitely got nothing against that.

But to me ... as civilians our situation is different from a cops in uniform. I've known quite a few cops, and I've never known a cop working in civvies with a concealed weapon to carry a bug. I'm sure it happens, but I've never known it.

Most cops carry a backup gun because they have to carry their primary open. And since their job forces them to occasionally wrestle with bad guys, their biggest concern is they'll lose their primary and their backup is all they have left.

The other thing is ... since I'm not out looking for trouble, for me my one and only gun IS a backup weapon. My primary weapon is my brain, watching for problems and avoiding violence whenever possible.

Can't imagine taking the responsibility/liability of a 2nd weapon for the 1 in a million chance I'll ever even have to draw.

As for the person who had a second primary when he wore his long coat -- I can certainly understand that. I might do the same, but I don't have a coat that restrictive.

[OBIWAN]

This is much like the mousegun discussion...or even the spare mag discussion

The decision is mostly about convenience and probability

What is the probablility of needing a weapon....and how inconvenient is carrying the second weapon/magazine/full-size pistol.

If you truly thought you wer going in harms way...and couldn't carry a rifle....you would likely carry a spare weapon.

But since you have not actually had to defend yourself.....you convince yourself (often incrementally) that a second weapon is not needed

[UT_Air_Assault]

When I'm going to the ranch in my truck, my Sig 220 becomes my BUG and my folding stock AK-47 w/30 rounds of HPs becomes my primary :D
Woe be unto those who try to carjack me/steal my farm equipment.

[S.E.R.T.SGT]

Sorry to say, but I am a LEO, and this would be a good question to ask of LEO as well. I can tell you on my shift, I am 1 of about 2/3 officers that carry a BUG. It boggles my mind, I was actually shocked how many officers I worked with that DO NOT carry BUGs.

[ATW525]

I don't know... even as a non-LEO this thread has started me thinking that at the close ranges that many self defense shootings occur at, it could be a real possibility that a bad guy might decide that lunging at me and trying to wrestle my gun away is the best course of action for his survival. In which case I'd very much like having a second gun I can suprise them with, especially since at 5'10", 160 lbs I'm not a very big guy and probably wouldn't win a wrestling match for my primary.

[azrael]

SERTSGT,
That doesnt surprise me one bit...

anywho...
Winter and fall carry I use 2 guns...A p-11 on the belt and a p3at/p32 in my pocket...

Summer I just use the P3AT w/spare mag and a folding knife (CRKT)

NC gets REALLY hot in the summer...P3AT is all I can conceal and not die from Dehydration :D

[Wraith]

Does a Colt 1911 count as a back-up for a Colt 1911? ;)

[alpineman]

I don't carry a BUG. I do, however, have a blade at all times & spare mag when I carry.

[gb_in_ga]

"I don't carry a BUG. I do, however, have a blade at all times & spare mag when I carry."

Yep. That's me. No BUG, extra mag, knife. I've also got a belt Leatherman and a keychain micro-Leatherman, but the defensive potential of those are minimal. I may get me one of those little NAA mini-revolvers one of these days, though -- better than a knife in a last ditch, close contact range encounter, anyway. Really more supplemental to the knife, I'd never go anywhere (except to the airport, sigh) without the blade.

[wayneinFL]

If I really feel threatened, I carry a snubby as a back up to a Glock carried IWB.

For daily life, I just carry the backup in a pants pocket.

Considering the slim odds of ever being forced to use any gun, I can't see lugging two guns around everywhere I go. But if someone else wants to, fine by me.

[Doug.38PR]

I carry a .38 Colt Official Police 4 inch as a primary gun at 3-4 o'clock on my belt holster under my coat or under my left arm in a shoulder holster and a .32 Magnum H&R Smith & Wesson 2 inch Model .431PD in my left pocket in a pocket holdster. I also have a nice little pocketknife as a third option.


As for extra ammo (I know you didn't ask this, but a few other people mentioned it), I carry 2-4 speedloaders for my .38 (two on my belt in front of my gun in a pouch and two either on the other side of my should holster strap or in my right pocket. For my .32 I carry 2 speedloaders in my right pocket. All in all I carry 36-48 rounds on me. I'd say that's more than enough. If I ever need anymore than 12 rounds or even 6 then odds are I'm going to die anyway.

[MEDDAC19]

Based on some of these responses, me thinks the fabled mall ninja is close! :D

[axslingerW]

with 14+1 capacity in my primary, I don't even carry extra ammo. If I needed more than that I wouldn't be there. I don't usually carry in daylight, or busy places, but I work alone during early morning hours and have witnessed an armed robbery and missed 3 others by just minutes. Thats just in the last 8 months. I am currently seeking other employment.

[9teen11spv]

I do. I always have my Seecamp on me, as well as another gun.

[hummelsander]

I carry an extra clip when I do carry...and that is often...but don't think I really have a need for a BUG. :D

[hummelsander]

Oh, I hate knives...sends chills up my spine just thinking about them...I've seen up close what they can do...just grosses me out.

[Benzene]

One might carry a BUG not only because one might envisage having to pump out more than 5-8 rounds, but because guns are machines that are liable to fail (regardless of price or name-brand). Even 2 such "machines" could fail - in which case blame it on DESTINY! :)

[poortrader]

I'm just curious how many of you have actually had to draw your primary weapon. Personally, I don't feel a need for BUG because I don't plan on getting into a firefight with anyone or anybody. I am very comfortable with the weapons that I carry otherwise I wouldn't own them. I practice at the range at least twice a month. I know if I can't hit the BG in 2-3 rounds, I'm going to be screwed.

And if you did carry a BUG, the police would think that you were planning to be gunning for the the BG.

[STEVE M]

When I carry a BUG it is for one of the following reasons:

I'm with my wife or daughter (both of wich can shoot, but neither of

wich carries concealed.)

I'm going to be driving a lot. It's very hard for me to reach my SIG from

under my shirt and seatbelt, but very quick to reach the 642 on my ankle.

(Also I prefer the J frame for anti carjacking use. Less for someone to grab,

no brass bouncing around inside a car, still fires with a bent wrist/ bad hold.)