Do You Carry a Backup or Just a Primary?

[Crunker1337]

I have heard that a good choice is a auto, with a smaller version of the same auto as backup that way you can use the same magazines. For instance a 4" GLOCK, then a baby GLOCK with an extra magazine or two, both kept loaded. I can't really imagine any reasonable situation that would require more than that.
I personally would stick with the above combination, plus maybe a knife/multitool.

 

[grimjaw]

Normally only carry a primary, although a backup might be in the vehicle on long trips. Any place where I feel I'd need more than one gun, I try not to stay too long.

jm

 

[Floppy_D]

Just my P229. I'm not opposed to the idea of a BUG, but I have no reason to doubt my primary. VHinch: All English Kings Drink Beer?

 

[Rexster]

No back-ups, but I do carry more than one primary.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Primary with 1-2 spare mags and a backup.

 

[Shadan7]

Depends...

...on how you want to define things. I always have either a R9 (small 9mm) or a 642 in my pocket. Sometimes I have a somewhat bigger autopistol elsewhere, also. But I don't consider any of them a BUG, really. Usually one's enough (with a reload), but I don't mind having the second on hand just in case. If that makes me paranoid, so be it.

7

 

[sdj]

If I am going out where I might meet old friends, I'll carry a bigger gun, but never more than one these days.

Just one, no reloads. Where I live, I'd sooner see a P51 land on Main Street than I would a gunfight.

 

[VHinch]

Floppy_D-
Something like that

Semper.

V

 

[doc2rn]

Around here...

Living outside of Topeka Ks we seem to draw a seedier element from KC. We had 7 shooting/ drive by just today, so I always carry a BUG usually a 642 to compliment my G32. I'm sure it is more than I'll ever need. I think the general rule is 3 shots in 3 seconds, for most gunfights so I carry 18.

 

[Gator]

I am an ordinary civilian, not a mall ninja, wannabe cop, or closet Rambo. When I am out of the Republik of Illinois, and in a State where my permit is valid, I carry one five shot S&W revolver, and consider myself adequately armed.

 

[The Ruckus]

I believe the idea of needing a BUG is a little ridiculous. One time at a gun show, I heard a vendor attempt to explain he keeps a pocket gun with his full size carry handgun to pretend like he's getting his wallet and distract him with it while we grabs his full size...I mean seriously....

 

[Big Boomer]

for work, I only carry a primary (xd-45) and a 1 backup mag.

While "off the clock" I usually pack my sp101 as a bug and quite a few rounds for both.

I keep wanted them to frisk me as I leave some of those gouge your wallet electronics stores thinking I have stuffed some dvds or something in my pants, purely to see their face when they ask me to "raise my shirt".

Now if that actually happened I would most likely get pissed, but it's this dream I keep having hehe

 

[AStone]

642 only most times, no reload, no backup.

Ditto.

I live in a small city. Mostly hang pretty close to work/home (by necessity).
So, extra fire power is within feet of where I spend most of my time.

 

[repo]

I live near Topeka too. I never heard anything about 7 shooting in one day, where did you get that news? The last shooting I heard of was the CHL holder who shot himself in the buttock outside some bar in North Topeka. It is not all that bad, I have never felt that threatened here, most of the violence is gang related in the east side. The only incident that really stuck in my mind was the man who was murdered in front of his family at a car wash a few years ago. I don't carry a backup or an extra mag but I do carry a knife.

 

[shooter1]

sdj,
Glad someone got it!
str1

 

[Ala Dan]

Yes, I carry a BUG~! Primary is usually a .45 ACP Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry;
and the BUG is for the most part, a KEL-TEC P3AT .380~!

 

[Mad Magyar]

he keeps a pocket gun with his full size carry handgun to pretend like he's getting his wallet and distract him with it while we grabs his full size...I mean seriously....

Now that's funny....
BTW, did he have a pot-belly, stained shirt & bad-teeth? If so, I know the guy....

 

[TimM]

I believe the idea of needing a BUG is a little ridiculous.

Ruckus,

Can you validate your statement?

I can see several valid reasons to carry a BUG. Just because you personally don't feel the need for one in no way makes the practice or idea of carrying one ridiculous.


[size=+2]If you have to fight, fight to win![/size]

 

[ACP230]

Most often I carry one S&W 649 in a front pocket in a pocket holster.

In winter I often back it up with another 649 or an M38 in a jacket pocket.
It's easier to get to the gun in the jacket, at times, than the one in my pants pocket.

Occasionally I've backed up the 649 with a Beretta 21A in an ankle rig. It's easier to reach than a gun in a pocket holster when seated in a car.

Arming another who isn't carrying is a good reason to carry a BUG too.

 

[Koos Custodiet]

Duuuuudes!

I live in South Africa. We have just about the highest violent anything rate in the world, at present.

I carry one gun. A 6 shooter.

I've been, on occasion, *very* glad that I had it with me. But I've never been in a situation where I had to pull the trigger on someone.

I think the awareness (no condition white when you're carrying) is much more important than the firepower. And the chance (even for me, at least six times more likely than most of you guys to get in a bad situation) of needing a backup gun is just soooo low.

OK, having said that, I'd not mind an NAA mini belt buckle. If I could get a licence for the thing. But then I'd probably carry the primary a whole lot less...

 

[Gator]

...awareness (no condition white when you're carrying) is much more important than the firepower.

Now there is an important statement! Situational awareness is paramount. You are better armed when in condition yellow and carrying a revolver, than you are in condition white, no matter how many guns you have.

Dankie, Meneer Custodiet

 

[JesseL]

I usually only carry my primary and a knife, but some of these posts criticizing the need for a BUG seem a little poorly thought out.

I know a lot of people that seem to think that carrying one handgun (or even just a knife ) is a mark of paranoia, silly, or a rambo mentality.

Some people wear a belt and suspenders, some keep multiple fire extinguishers in their homes, and some carry multiple firearms. Denigrating anyone for being over prepared is hypocritical at best.

 

[Mad Magyar]

But I've never been in a situation where I had to pull the trigger on someone.

Poignant point....Even Mas Ayoob after being in law enforcement for many years and has been one of the most quoted authorities on this vary subject for 4 decades; admits he has never fired on anyone. The threat of his gun & a strong voice command took care of business....
The point: statistics. The vast majority of LEO's who are in the business of "perp-control" have never discharged their weapon in the line of duty...Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report.... As civilians, we become almost a non-statistical entity....
Again, for me, carrying just one & knowing what to do with it: nuf-said...

 

[10-Ring]

Several months ago, I started to play with the idea of carrying a back up gun...for me, it was the beginning of a long, rough road. I went through so much just trying to decide on a primary piece that now that a BUG has entered the picture, I'm a basket case
I think that for me, at this moment in time, I will not have a BUG, but probably have a taser at the ready just in case

 

[Hardtarget]

I already feel like "Batman" ...what with all the stuff I carry. Besides my primary and a reload, there are all the keys, light,two knives, phone, wallet. I don't know how to deal with a hideout or back up gun.

Mark.