Looking for a back up gun

Sounds like a job for a KelTec P32 or P3AT.

Taurus

709FS or 738FS Will IMO meet your criteria.A Ruger LCP is another option. M & P Shield also comes to mind. There are many more.

In the order that I prefer, but YMMV.

S&W 442(.38+p)

S&W 36 (.38+p)

Colt Agent (.38)

Colt Detective Special (.38+p)

Ruger LCR (.38+p)

SIG P290RS (9mm+p)

SIG P232 (.380)

Glock 42 (.380)

Ruger LCP (.380)

The Colts are no longer being made and would be at the upper end of your price range, but are very nice revolvers.

Hope this helps.

Another vote for the KT P-32. Small, light and inexpensive at ~$220-250.

If your budget is $700, then you'll have plenty left over for practice ammo.

There's probably 4-500 models that fit your needs so I can't help there.

I did want to say I had never considered how anyone could get Ruger Vaquero and thigh holster in the same paragraph. Are you talking about a tactical drop leg thigh holster? I'm wondering how that will conceal?

Seriously? You're a professional gun slinger carrying a single action revolver as your primary in this day and age? No offense, but unless you're working for a wild west amusement park it's probably time you stepped into the 21st century. In my experience as a LEO, the best back up is a small frame revolver, the best primary would be a substantial semiautomatic pistol in one of the big three calibers. Mernickle can still hook you up with some appropriate leather.

XDS, it's light and it's a 45.

have you thought about a shoulder holster?

murf

I'm with WC145 on this. You should be talking about replacing that S.A. if you are in a highly professional gun carrying job.

Barry the Bear said:

There seems to be some miscommunication, Im not a " gun fighter" This new job is for a health insurance company. Secondly Im confident in my abilities with a single action, enough talk about that part theres way too many threads on that subject. I have tried a shoulder holster however it doesnt work out that well for me.

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You're the one that inferred you'd be carrying as part of the job with the need for a BUG, so will you or won't you? If you are then, yes, you really should consider changing to a more appropriate side arm. Defending yourself and others with a gun is already difficult enough without hobbling yourself with the slowest shooting and reloading repeating handgun you can find as your primary weapon.

I would dump the "Wyatt Earp" for something modern like g26 and forget the BUG. Carrying just one handgun is big PITA therefore there is no need of complicating life any further.

PabloJ said:

I would dump the "Wyatt Earp" for something modern like g26 and forget the BUG. Carrying just one handgun is big PITA therefore there is no need of complicating life any further.

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I always carry a BUG on duty, no big deal if you do it right.

If I were 'on duty' I would carry two bugs.

Barry the Bear said:

Ok so I just got a new job , which is gonna be in a highly professional setting. I will be wearing a full suit about 90 percent of the time, I currently carry a ruger vaquero in a high ride mernickle holster on my right side. I am looking to carry a back up to the vaquero but I need something light and thin that will fit a thigh or ankle holster.

Heres my criteria:

1. Revolver or semi auto
2.must be at least .32 caliber
3. Wont print easy using the holster methods mentioned
4. budget is capped at 700
5. Must be in a black/blue finish

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Depending on how you wear your suits, a Smith & Wesson 442 might be perfect.

An M&P340 would be even better—it weighs less and shoots .357—if you can find one for under $700. I picked up mine used for $600 and it's my EDC at work.

The Ruger LCP is an option, but I would replace the factory grip with something slimmer grip for ankle carry.

Lots of subcompact semi-autos could work. My favorite among these are Sig p238 and p938. The .380 shoots ridiculously smoothly, it's only about 4 inches tall. The p938 is the same height with slightly more recoil. They're less blocky than the Kahr PM/CM9 and they both come with night sights.

Plus, you're comfortable with single action, so that's not an issue.

too many to list; you have quite an open arena.

I have been carrying a NAA 22 Magnum for about 32 years give or take . I see they make a Black Jack that would fulfill your not wanting a stainless steel light reflector . Opinions vary on caliber vs velocity. For a back up 5 shots of hollow point 22 Magnum is a good choice .

Top BUGs....

For back ups or 2nd guns, Id look at these models;
Glock 36 .45acp, S&W 638, 442, 642 J frame, Ruger LCR .38spl +P, SIG Sauer P290RS 9x19mm or P250 sub compact, SIG P239 SASII in .40 or 9x19mm, XDs, M&P Shield in .40 or 9x19mm, Kahr CM9 or CM40.
CT lasers(red or green) are a good add-on; www.Crimsontrace.com . They can help you if you are wounded or unable to aim normally(on the ground, behind cover, etc).
3 dot Trijicon night sights are worth the $$$ too. Low light or night time is when most armed citizen lethal force events occur. www.trijicon.com

To add a after market treatment like Robar NP3+, Bearcoat, Black-T, or Metalife is a good idea. Sweat, lint, crud, dirt may wear or damage a BUG if you carry it often.

Rusty

I have yet to find a BUG I like more than the basic Ruger LCP. It's light, reliable, potent (enough), and didn't break the bank.

I put a hybrid grip on mine and installed a strong recoil spring. Shoots like a dream (well as much as you would want to shoot this little monster), and it's riding in my shirt pocket as I type. I carry it in my back pocket, my coat pocket, or any place handy.

Better than a sharp stick.

Bersa 380 Thunder

BUG #1- S&W Model 442
BUG #2-KelTec P3AT

If you insist on the Vaquero, put something serious on your ankle. Over the years I've carried various Colt, Smith and Charter revolvers. I've also carried an H&K P7M8 and a Glock 19, so with a quality ankle holster, a little bigger gun is not out of the question. My suggestion is a Glock 19 or 23. At the very least a 26 or 27. Good luck on the new job!