Backup Gun Choices (thinking small)

aaaaa said:

I like the pocket AR/AK but single shot. I guess a pocket semi-auto is at least one shot guaranteed and likely about 5-6 more unless a malfunction.

If I get a Derringer for range play then it has to be 9mm, not hand-pummeling 45 cal.

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Traditional derringers are pretty uncomfortable in .38spl- I surmise 9mm is similar. Shot a .22 Magnum derringer once as well and it wasn't too bad. I imagine .32ACP might be reasonable as well.

If you want an excuse to buy another gun, buy whatever floats your boat.

What I would do...make the 686-Plus your primary, and the 642 *is* your backup.

If you have .38 Specials in the 686, you can share ammo if you have to.

Once upon a time two cops surrendered their guns. They were kidnapped and driven to Bakersfield where the kidnappers planned to kill them.

Neither had a backup. Makes one wonder if it could have ended differently.

As others have suggested, either another 38 snub or a LCP 380 would be preferred over a derringer of any caliber.

Bond Arms .45 Rowdie

The Kel-Tec P32 holds... what, arounds seven rounds of 32acp?

It's smaller and lighter than almost anything else except an NAA. (I can't hit anything with my NAA.)

The various 380's are just a little bit larger/heavier.

I've carried this KelTec PF9 in 9mm for over 10 years in this Galco Pocket Holster, either as a BUG or my primary carry when I cannot carry my 4" 1911 IWB. It is reliable and accurate. I also carry another magazine in the opposite pocket.....just in case!!

I have a KelTec P3AT, Colt Mustang, and a SIG P 238 to choose from for back-up. I can go with a Kahr CM9 or one of two S&W J frames as my primary or else go with the Model 649 and use the 638 as a back-up.

I loved my Tomcat. But the safety failed. The detent came out and the safety went floppy. If it had failed Without notice it would have caused my death. I won’t carry a pocket pistol with a safety anymore. If I absolutely wanted a derringer I would go with the new bond arms stinger. In 9mm or 380 but you could just about pack an LCP in the same space.

IMO derringers have been antiquated by the large amount of quality smaller guns in calibers like 9mm, 380, etc., regardless of the caliber the derringer in question might be in. Those things are probably best used as a conversation piece. Could one of those things be effective in a scenario at contact distance? Absolutely. The problem with scenarios is that they often run in lockstep with a choreography, and the real world just tends to happen however it happens, with the enemy having a significant say in how things unfold. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to me to use a derringer or similar gun for anything over a more modern design holding 6 or more rounds, weighing the same or less then the derringer, and being inherently more accurate and easy to fire.

DeepSouth said:

As the owner of a Double Tap 45 I can tell you everything you’ve heard about the recoil is bull, it’s actually much worse.

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I think the first two seconds of this video tell you everything you need to know...

For the past several years I carried Two revolvers daily. The last five years it has been a pair of J-Frames. A lightweight J-Frame is always in my pocket. Just this winter I inherited a M&P Shield 9. I was so impressed with how I shot it and how it handles I’ve been carrying it in my belt with the J-Frame in my pocket.

I've been looking at the NAA Pub in .22 Magnum for a deep backup. A Kahr .380 is my every day every place pocket gun with a larger iwb semi.

.455_Hunter said:

I like the NAA products for BUGs. I know that runs afoul of "expert" opinion, but I don't really care- they work for me and meet my carry needs.

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Have you ever actually used an NAA in self-defense?

Backup to my Kel-Tec PF9 was, for over a decade, a P32. Last year, I switched the belt gun for a Taurus G2C, and the backup for a Ruger LCP-MAX. These are my first carried striker-fireds, and were both first tested on the same day.

I've been wanting to one day ditch the belt gun altogether, which would make the LCP-MAX become the primary. Its backup would be a NAA Mini in .22LR, which I have taken to carrying in my jeans watch pocket, butt to left (I'm left-handed), hidden behind a cell phone pouch.

It's also possible I might be able to make the P32 work as a backup to the MAX. I didn't get rid of either of the Kel-Tecs.

Night Rider said:

Have you ever actually used an NAA in self-defense?

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Drawn, cocked, but not fired. How about you? What have you used in your sage experience?

I really don’t know of a smaller and lighter gun that has as much power as the Ruger LCP. I have had one for 10 years. Reliable and not hard to shoot. Even with the original sights which have been addressed it’s a contact to 7 yards accurate enough gun. Safe for pocket carry. It’s my shorts and flip flops summer gun. If you cannot hide one your not trying. Nothing against guns like the NAA’s but 7 .380’s will beat 5 .22’s any day!

Not knowing your hobbies and where you like to spend your time I would recommend a few.

I like to hike so in areas with lots of snakes I like the Bond Arms Rowdy 45/410. Shot shells work on two legged snakes also. It is handy for a Truck/Car conceal Carjackers don't stick around after the first shot.
A second 642 or 442 offers the same manual of arms and flexible carry position options.
If you want to carry a reload it can be used in both.
I have a LCPII it is my little-little gun. If you can only carry one gun it is a smaller option than your 642.

I have had a couple NAA Mini’s. They were fun to play with when camping or at the Range. I carried them as a backup at times. Then I got to thinking, as rare as it may be that I would need to defend myself, what if….. What if my J-Frame actually ran out of ammo? What if my wonder nine broke. Do I really won’t to rely on that little NAA.? I decided no. I would at least want my J-Frame and a reload. Again, I realize I probably will never need a gun. I got my carry license in 2004. Since that day I have carried Two handguns most of the time. I learned to dress around my guns. When I buy clothes I try them in pockets to make sure my pocket J-Frames with recoil absorbing grips fit. The waistband accommodate a holster and gun. Shirts made to wear out cover everything on my belt and in my pockets. I decided I will live the CCW Lifestyle. So far so good and I hope I never need a gun. Oh, I’m also a member of CCW-SAFE. Again I hope I never need it.

There are quite a few usage reports of NAA minis. Can you find one where that happened? It's a typical cliche for small guns.

.455_Hunter said:

Drawn, cocked, but not fired. How about you? What have you used in your sage experience?

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In my "Sage" experience the odds of ever actually needing a gun (apart from work) are almost nil. I have better odds of dieing from RABIES than I do of needing a back up gun.

So I can think of things I could carry that would be much more useful than a second gun. OC for instance, medical a water bottle.

That said, if displaying your NAA mini was sufficient deterrent to stop the attack then yes, "it worked". If you'd had to actually fire it you very likely would have found out a .22 is a poor self defense choice.