Should I carry a back up gun?

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megatronrules

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I've been wrestleing with this debate for awhile now and need some advice from you guys on this one. FWIW I used to carry a back up gun when I lived up north and worked in bail enforcement,but then I guess there was a "reason" then. To be honest I don't feel like I need to carry a bug just walking around going about my daily routine but then again I figured something like a 340pd or a 642 woulden't be to over intrusive no more than my cell phone anyways. Basiclly no one knows I carry and my brother who also carries everyday says I'am paranoid for wanting to carry a bug. He carrys my keltec P3AT as a primary in the summer here.

So whats your opinion on this who here carrys more than one gun? I know the chances of me ever needing a gun are very slim but my main thing with the back up gun thing is this,most guns work fine right up until they don't work anymore! I've read countless time where a service weapon worked fine at the range last week and failed right when it was desperately needed murphy's law I guess. I've heard that "if you carry a glock you don't need another gun,they never fail" I say bull???? to that anything man made and mechanical CAN FAIL! this isn't paranoia its fact. So do you think the 340pd or642 would make a good bug?
 
Carry half a backup gun - one half weakside gun, one half BUG. Or one half seated-access, one half BUG.

Seriously, an ankle gun is great once you have all the other needs satisfied, because it is so easily accessible when seated, even in a car, where your primary weapon is often tied up by your clothing or seat belts. A weak-hand gun is also a good idea.

One or both of those can be your BUG. If you're smart enough to carry one gun, you're smart enough to carry two or three.
 
I carry a revolver as my primary and as soon as I get another Kel-Tec P32 I will carry it for a back up either the 605 and P32 or two P32s. You mentioned not needing it just walking around but remember anything can happen anytime anywhere.
 
Something like a Kel-Tec in the pocket is very nice. I usually don't cary a spare mag so having that BUG in the pocket is a nice feeling.
 
Geez...lighten up. I agree with your brother. You are paranoid. I worked with an officer who carried five weapons during work; a service gun, shouldered gun, ankle gun, a wrapped knife to a boot and another in his pocket. Granted it was the inner city, but he was weird!
 
When Timmy came to work that day, he set a record. Two Glocks in opposing thigh rigs, Witness 45 one hip, Bersa 380 other, Smith 38 under one arm, and under the other arm, a slung AK47 with 75 round drum and flare launcher, all under a big leather trench coat....the boss made him leave most of the hardware in the vault during that work day....I'm serious.
 
So whats your opinion on this who here carrys more than one gun? I know the chances of me ever needing a gun are very slim but my main thing with the back up gun thing is this,most guns work fine right up until they don't work anymore!
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It doesn't matter what someone else thinks. It doesn't matter what one "needs" or doesn't need. If you are being safe and responsible, do what you want! If you want to carry a BUG to make you feel better, do it. I personally have never had a problem with my Glock 27, so I feel comfortable just carrying it and a spare magazine.

Again, do what you want. It doesn't matter if I think you are being paranoid or think you are a gun nut. If you can safely and lawfully carry a BUG and you want to, do it. You are responsible for your safety, not me, so you make the decision and anyone who doesn't like it can deal with it.
 
I'd say go with as many guns as you can afford, and can comfortably carry.

A "backup" gun can either back up your primary gun, or turn a formerly unarmed friend/coworker/spouse/etc. into armed backup.
 
Seems like you could try it for awhile, and see if it is comfortable. If you're inclined to do it, and it is comfortable, then, hey, why not?

I'm tempted to try carrying two, myself. But I'd need to buy something appropriate for the second one. Oh no. ;)
 
I decided not to carry a bug on my person. I do carry a backup gun in the car locked in a quick safe. I like the idea of having something to fall back on.

What makes it worse is I have these reoccurring nightmares where someone is trying to kidnap my wife but when I pull my carry gun it just clicks and won't fire!!! Even after I try to clear it the damn thing still won't work! :banghead: I know there are plenty of times when a bug in the car won't do much good, but the chances of ever needing it are so minute I just can't see hauling around the extra weight.
 
Soon I plan to pick up a kel-tec p3at to use for a BUG and probably hot weather carry.... you know the days when you have a pair of nylon shorts... a tank top and a pair of sandals....
 
Kimber .45 IWB strong side.

Tauras .44 special in ankle holster.

Got two mags for the .45.

Am I paranoid, no. Am I a person that has been attacked before, no. Am I just looking for a fight, no.

All I am is a person that believes that it's up to him to protect his life, his familys lives, and even the lives of those who don't wish me to have guns. It's a duty as a human being.

Wayne
 
I have been attacked a few times. Carry the bug after dark. That's when the serious goblins come out and odds are they won't be alone.
 
Armoredman, sounds like timmy was prepared. I think we can all take a lesson from him when it comes to preparedness. ;)
 
I typically carry a snubbie in my strong side pocket; vehicle also carries "backup" in the form of either a BHP or a Kimber Ultra CDP (with 2 spare mags, whichever I'm using at the time), and either a 12 gauge pump or a "carbine-ized" Enfield No. 4. I've ordered an ankle holster from NAA to accommodate my .22 WMR mini, and may well carry it as a BUG. Negligible size, weight & bother, better to have & not need, etc., etc., etc. . . .
 
I carry a HK P7M8 strong side (OWB) and a Beretta 3032 INOX weak side in front pocket.

I may take off the P7 at home but the bug is always with me.
 
Having a BUG in the weakside pants (or jacket) pocket makes it possible to put your hand on it unobtrusively if you get that feeling, but don't want to expose your primary. Having on the weakside make it reachable if your strong hand is somehow immobilized or otherwise occupied.

The ankle is a fine place for another BUG, since it's much easier to get while seated than a pocket or belt carried pistol.

Three is a good number, I think.
 
When clothing permits a 1911 IWB and a PM9 somewhere else (usually ankle). I have 2 spare mags for each. Just picked up the ankle rig so I'm trying to get used to it but so far its fine. I'm also considering a P3AT for those days when I'm forced to have the Kahr as a primary.

I am not inconveinced by this setup at all. The PM9 mags disappear in a pocket.
 
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