Looking for a BUG

[ObsidianOne]

I'd like this gun to be versatile as a back up gun, able to be carried on an ankle holster, possibly be a pocket pistol, but also be reliable.
Anyone own an LCP or an LC9? I know a dealer in town that I can buy the LCP for $290 NIB. I'm thinking about picking up a back up gun, but I'm torn between a few options.
As far as the LCP goes, I love it's small size, perfect pocket pistol, but I'm not sure I trust .380 as a self defense round, .380 seems to be a little bit more expensive, and it doesn't have a manual safety. As a pocket pistol, that worries me.
I like the LC9, though it's a little bit more expensive, I haven't heard a single negative thing about it. Accurate, lots of nice features, including the fact it's only an inch bigger in height and length compared to the LCP, but for 9mm, it only has a 7 round magazine.

I'm also considering a snub nosed .357, but I can't seem to find one for a decent price.
Any suggestions?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Forget the ankle holster. IMO, they are uncomfortable and impractical.

Give one of the alloy framed snubs a look for a good front pocket gun. I prefer the Colt Agent/Cobra. You get 6 shots in about the same sized package as the other maker's 5 shooters.

 

[ObsidianOne]

I would still like the option of using an ankle holster, should I want to use one. I've never tried one, but that is what I have heard.

What kind of price range would I be looking at?

 

[Ala Dan]

My friend, Colt Python Elite has some darn good advice that he has given~!

 

[WC145]

IMO your BUG should be a gun that will most likely work under the worst of conditions. Because of that I always suggest a revolver. Bud's has a great deal on new S&W 642s right now.

As far as ankle holsters go they're not my first choice but they have their place. I'm a LEO and a respiratory therapist. When I'm on duty I carry my BUG (a custom 9mm S&W 360J) in my off hand cargo pocket. When I'm in the hospital wearing scrubs my gun and carry choices are limited by my attire. My BUG becomes my primary and an ankle holster has proven to be the best carry choice for me in that situation. Would I rather be carrying a 1911 on my belt? Sure I would but we don't always get to have what we want.

 

[Yo Mama]

Forget the ankle holster. IMO, they are uncomfortable and impractical.

This! You really don't want to mess with ankle, you're going to pocket carry if possible. A good pocket holster is only 20 bucks, and you're set.

Check into the keltec pf9.

 

[hiker44]

My S&W 642 has never failed to function, is reasonably accurate for the short barrel, has a wonderfully smooth action, is easy to clean and has never, ever had a stovepipe jam -- never! I also carry a Kel-Tec P11. It is a nice compact gun, and the extra long, creepy double action trigger is the best safety I know of. Under duress, I doubt I would ever notice that part. It conceals very well.

 

[Patriotme]

Sturmgewehre (spelling?) on YouTube has a geat channel and an interesting review of the LC9.
I don't think I'd carry a backup gun unless I was in law enforcement or seriously expected trouble. It's hard enough carrying one gun, ammo and a knife. This is especially true as the weather is warming up.
I had the good fortune to meet a guy shooting a LCP last week. We spoke a bit, traded guns for a few mags and I really enjoyed shooting the LCP. I'm not a .380 guy and haven't owned one in probably a decade. I shoot a few times per month and usually bring a family member so ammo costs are a big factor for me. This little LCP really had me thinking about buying a .380 again. I carry a CW9 most of the time and once in a while I'll carry a J frame S&W but I can really see how the LCP will disappear into a pocket no matter what you're wearing. I really really don't want to have to start buying .380 though. Decisions, decisions.
The Ruger owner evidently was trying to save a buck too since he picked up some Tulammo (Tula) at Walmart for his LCP. It jammed about every round. He said that the pistol was very reliable with everything else that he uses. I think that the Tulammo would be a good choice for malfunction clearing drills though. Slip one into a mag every now and then.
The LCP was suprisingly accurate and the recoil wasn't at all bad. Based on my limited experience with this pistol I would recommend giving it a look for a CCW or BUG.

 

[txhoghunter]

If your budget permits, consider a Sig P238

 

[PcolaDawg]

The LCP is a great pocket pistol and is truly a gun you can take with you anywhere that CCW is legal. And the .380 does pack an impressive punch, imo.

As to the ankle holster, I've got one and I occasionally use it, but mainly just to prove to myself that I can. With a gun that fits perfectly into your front pocket, an ankle holster is a bit superfluous, imvho.

If you're interested in a snub nose, you owe it to yourself to check out the S&W 642. Great little concealable snubnose that can handle plus P ammo. It's not as easily concealable as the LCP, but it can fit in your front pocket and is a great carry option.

Let us know what you decide upon!

 

[joe_security]

If your budget allows, consider the Kahr P380. Real sights.

 

[bbuddtec]

Yeah, ankle holster seems to be more of a back-up option, in the sense that if you can't or it is uncomfortable for other carries, then ankle might be the option. (read last ditch carry).

maybe there should be draw from ankle holster drills... hmmmmm

 

[ObsidianOne]

I appreciate all the great input guys, thanks
I'm not dead-set on carrying in an ankle holster, but I'd also like it to be an option if I ever choose to do so.

bbuddtec, Massad Ayoob addresses the upside and downsides of ankle holster carry, as well as showing drills in his concealed carry guide book.

 

[Cop Bob]

BUG Guns and Ancle Holsters

1st your fears on the .380 round, worry not, WITH THE RIGHT AMMO... it will more than do the job..

On the LCR, looks like you have already made up your mind over the safety features of this model.... It is your choice, your gut... go with it..

Someone mentioned Revolvers for reliability..... OH HECK YEAH.... He is Spot flippin on... especially if...

A word about ankle holsters.... Ouch... wore one for YEARS... with J frames, and my ever trusty Walthers PP and PPK's.. They are a pain... the ONLY way I found them to be tolerable was to tuck it in the top of a Boot, specifically a western style loose top boot.. At work I wore a Nocona Style#1211 Highway Patrolman. most comfortable, but not near as comfortable as a Rocky Tactical.. and with those, forget and ankle holster...

I like revolvers for backup carry because back up guns are usually carried in places that HOARD dust, dirt and bellybutton lint... they are dust magnets... Most all revolvers work dirty and work well dirty..

If you are going with an ankle rig, please do yourself a favor and go polymer or Aluminum, or Titanium alloy mix....

the Ruger LCR is a really good choice... just take a look at one...Now I am a Smith & Wesson ADDICT... I have been threw all the 12 step programs, revolver rehab...etc..etc..but I keep going back.... I'm sure I will be buried with one...

But the other day I was looking around at a Gun Shop.. and I saw this weird, but well made revolver laying there... and I asked the fatal question.... "Sir, may I take a look at that?"

Bottom line It was the the LCR.. Polymer/Alloy frame combo, Titanium Cylinder, SS Bore liner... and DANG..... right outta the box a nice trigger! AND Crimson Trace makes a Lazer grip for it..!!!!

I bought the darn thing... was up at my place in the sticks and ran a box of wads thru it... dang it shoots well.... little spicy with the +P's but show me a small pocket hog that isn't... it is well worth a look...

 

[GCBurner]

I tried an ankle holster for my Walther PPK for a while. After a week or so of wearing it on a daily basis on my left ankle, while doing a considerable amount of walking around, I developed a pain in my left knee that took a long time to get rid of. I wouldn't use it again if I was going to have to be walking around very much, I switched to an elastic belly-band holster that fits out of sight under my pants or shorts. It's easier to get to, as well.