For those who carry two handguns....

[el Godfather]

Dear THR:
Do you carry both guns of the same or different? If different then what are factors you consider in choosing the two handguns?

 

[Armor Snail]

One full sized service style pistol(CZ75 or S&W 10-6) and a pocket .380 (TCP) in my front weak side pocket.

It just works for me. Can't explain it.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

If I carry two it is always a with a BUG like the G42 or an upcoming Beretta Pico if it works out. So I'll carry a higher cap 9mm as a CCW and back it up with a hideout .380 or .32.

The factors are simply a last ditch back up to my main carry pistol...If I can only conceal a small gun like a Ruger LCR I have not carried a back up.

VooDoo

 

[Hometeached1]

Mine are normally different, them being a full size S&W 3rd gen (4567) or compact (Shorty 45 MK2) with a J-frame as a BUG. Some times it's a 2" K-frame with the J-frame still as a BUG.

The reason being I carry the pistols as a primary is that they are easier to shoot plus they are easier/faster to reload as well as carry spare ammo. The J-frame since it's impossible to limp wrist and I can use it to arm another capable person with no need to explain how it works.

And I shoot the J-frame best of all the pocket guns I've tried plus I carry it on my left side so the magazine release could activate with a pistol. The 3rd gens because I shoot them very well and they are very easy to carry since there slim.

 

[el Godfather]

Why isn't magazine interchangeability not a factor? For example a full/compact glock with subcompact, HK full size and compact, etc. I would think being able to use a larger magazine in subcompact in case primary weapon is compromised would be an added benefit.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Why isn't magazine interchangeability not a factor?

I think mag sharing is a good idea if you can/want to carry two pistols as a New York Reload or can hide/carry two pistols of that size but I'd rather have a high cap primary 9mm and back it up with something easy peasy to hide and carry....My primary is generally a Beretta Px4 SC or a Glock 26. Carrying say a Beretta Px4 compact and an SC as a backup or a Glock 19 as primary and a G26 as backup would be cool but I'd likely be positively clanking with guns and mags and carrying a lot of extra stuff.

It's cool if you can pull it off but that's too much firepower for me to justify carrying.

VooDoo

 

[Onmilo]

The Navy SEALS have a saying,
"Two is one and one is none."
As such those guys tend to carry both a long gun AND a handgun.
Compatibility of the two weapons isn't so much important as having that second weapon available in case of failure or loss of the primary weapon.

The same concept applies to the BUG (Back Up Gun).

One has to finish the fight still breathing in order to win.

 

[bikerdoc]

My wife carries and we are usually together. Does that count.

 

[AK103K]

I normally carry a Glock 17 with a 26 as a back up. I also carry a double reload of 17 mags.

The mag compatibility, as well as the guns basically being the same gun function wise, goes a long way. The smaller 26 can become another 17, with a simple mag change, that can be handed off to those like my wife, and a buddy or two, who refuse to carry their own on a regular basis.

The 26, while smaller than its big brother, has the same sights as the larger guns, shoots like a full size gun, has a decent capacity with its factory mag, and can easily carry its own weight as a primary, if need be.

As far as it being "a lot of stuff", its really not any different than carrying anything else. If you use the right gear, its very easy and quite comfortable.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I usually carry a .38 Special J frame but sometimes I'll carry an additional J frame in .357 Magnum. The extra ammo I carry is also .38 Special so it can be used in either gun and the speed loaders fit both J frames. If I carry a full size .357 Magnum revolver instead of the J frame the spare ammo is still .38 Special so it can be used in both revolvers. (but not from the same speed loader of course lol)

I do like the idea of common ammo but there are times I'll carry a 1911 but the .38 Special still rides in my pocket as always...

 

[Evil Monkey]

two pistols? Really?

If you need to carry two pistols, might as well drive around in an IFV.

 

[el Godfather]

Evil Monkey
two pistols? Really?

If you need to carry two pistols, might as well drive around in an IFV.

Well there are a lot of people who do carry two. There are also lot of trainers and specialists out there who teach and advise carrying two guns.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I carry my CZ75B and either a 9mm M&P Shield or a .380 Russian Makarov. Usually how it goes is I already have either gun in my pocket and just throw on the CZ75B.

 

[Rock185]

I carried two different types, in different calibers. Primary was .45ACP, 2nd. weapon was either .38 Spcl. or 9MM. My choice of types and calibers was subject to policy, and in the case of the second weapon, the fact that I wanted it to be smaller and lighter but at least .38 Spcl. or 9MM caliber............ymmv

 

[bannockburn]

If I am carrying two guns typically it's going to be one full size (Commander), and one back-up (P238).

 

[Arkansas Paul]

If I'm carrying 2 guns, it's because I'm on the way to my deer stand. Then I'm open carrying my .30-06 and carrying a Ruger Blackhawk OWB.

Wait a minute, that's not what we're talking about is it?

 

[Onmilo]

For those that think carrying two guns is overkill, quite a few women here in Illinois carry their primary pistol in their purse and carry an NAA mini revolver tucked on their person just in case some idiot manages to snatch their purse...

 

[huntsman]

I always have my LCP in pocket and lately I've also been taking a P-11 with IWB when I head for civilization, if I had another LCP I'd try carrying both but for now it's just a thought.

 

[xXxplosive]

New York Reload........absolutely.

One on the belt and one in the pocket ...........

 

[Big Shrek]

This is all I need...just 6.





Why?? Why not?? Gang members typically come in PACKS...might as well treat 'em like Coyotes.

 

[qwert65]

Usually carry two guns but no reloads, figure it's quicker to just pull the other pistol

 

[RainDodger]

Back in the day when semi-autos weren't what they are today and we were required to carry American-made revolvers, I carried a 2.5" S&W Model 66 in a paddle holster, and sometimes a 2" S&W Model 60 in an ankle holster as a "very last resort" backup.

(I still have both of them. I can attest to the fact that it is totally reasonable to qualify with a 2" barrel at 25 yards, not that that has anything to do with the OP's questions... but hey, it brought back memories!)

 

[ArchAngelCD]

two pistols? Really?

If you need to carry two pistols, might as well drive around in an IFV.

So let me guess, you live in a state where it's not legal to carry a second handgun...

Not everyone need to carry a BUG but there are MANY stories telling of a BUG saving a life or two. Personally I rarely carry a BUG but I see no reason not to if you feel the need.

How about this? A full size .357 Magnum on your hip while out in the woods or fishing loaded with full power ammo and a J frame in your pocket loaded with shotshells for snakes.

 

[ku4hx]

RE: "two pistols? Really? If you need to carry two pistols, might as well drive around in an IFV."

Gotcha. Never a need for any kind of backup: handgun, data on your computer, life insurance, that second round, buffer funds ...

 

[Bobson]

Just out of curiosity, what is the purpose behind carrying a second gun? Here's the list of reasons I'm able to come up with:

1. NY Reload - Legitimate in it's own right.
2. Increased capacity - You could have simply carried spare mags or speed-loaders.
3. Catastrophic mechanical failure of your primary firearm - It gets hit by a bullet, or the slide spontaneously shatters or something.
4. Suppose you're carrying two guns and a mugger approaches you. He "makes" your carry due to printing or whatever, and demands you drop the gun. You comply - except he doesn't know you're also ankle-carrying a BUG! - Sneaky, sneaky.

Anything I missed?