Revolver primary, auto backup

[HiWayMan]

Out of curiosity does anyone carry a revolver as their primary and an auto as a backup?

I've begun carrying a .45LC snub (5-shot) as primary on my strong side, and a BHP w/ detective slide w/ 13 rnd mag on my weak side as a backup. Those 5- .45LC rounds just seem to give me greater confidence than 13- 9mm. Am I completely nutz with this setup? I will say though that I can shoot that BHP better weak hand only than I can two-handed.

 

[Preacherman]

At times I've carried a S&W .357 Magnum revolver as primary, and a Beretta Tomcat in .32 ACP as a backup.

 

[BluesBear]

I used to carry a Walther/USA PPKs .380 as a BUG to my S&W M58 .41 magnum.

I knew several county police officers in the 80s and 90s who carried a .380 as a backup when they carried .357 mag revolvers.

 

[ruger357]

Whatever works for you.

 

[Imaginos]

destinova

Interesting idea HiwayMan.

It sounds to me like you are betting on the "standard" scenario of a self-defense shoot at less than 7 yards. That is a reasonable way to bet, and your snubby should be more than adequate for the purpose.

My only criticism is based on ammo compatibility.

I never liked the idea of carrying multiple handguns in different calibers. The thought of finding my self with only 5 rounds for Gun A and a whole pocket full of rounds for my missing/unservicable Gun B makes me queasy.

If I am ever in a situation where I am separated from one of my weapons, I want to be able to keep shooting as long as ammo is available.

In your case, I would look at replacing the BHP with a S&W 25 in 45 LC with a 4" bbl. That would be a nice warm fuzzy feeling.

 

[joab]

I typically caryy a .38 snub with a fullsize 1911 as a back up
I ahve been considering buying a 45ACP shrouded hammer snub for the very reasons stated above.

Also as stated above for me the snub is just more easily brought ino play and should be more than adequate in a a 21 ft attack

If it's not it should give me time to get to the big gun

 

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

Hey HiWayMan - what .45LC snub do you own?

 

[Nick96]

Well actually, yes. I've never been much of a fan of carrying reloads (haven't considered it necessary for most social situations I run in). But a lightweight .38 snub backed up with a small & light .25 or .32 auto (about the same weight & bulk as a .38 re-load) seems practical - for most of us "common folk". Of course, if you are in LE, you may wish to carry more "potent" weaponry. At any rate, a second gun seems a better practical back up than a "re-charge" for the primary weapon if carrying concealed (especially if the primary is a high cap auto).

Wasn't this practice once called the "New York Re-Load"?

 

[Ala Dan]

Much like our friend Blues Bear, I carried a German Walther
PPK/S as a back-up to my 4" Smith & Wesson model 19 while
serving as a sheriff's deputy in the late 70's.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[azrael]

When out and about in the woods or fishing...I tend to carry my 4" Ruger Security-Six .357 with a spare speedloader and a KT P3AT in my rear pocket...I also have been known to carry a NAA .22lr in a neck holster loaded with snake shot as well...

 

[TonyB]

I've toyed with the idea of having a .32NAA as back up for my SP101.....if money were no object,I'd already have it(as well as about 5 other guns I been drooling over..)