Second Gun? - The Firearms Forum

TranterUK · 08-22-2008, 09:27 AM

Someone once wrote, 'the quickest reload is a second gun'.

Do any members who carry for self defence carry two guns? And are they the same calibre?

oscarmayer · 08-22-2008, 09:38 AM

no comment other than you'll be shocked at the answers you receive

TranterUK · 08-22-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarmayer

no comment other than you'll be shocked at the answers you receive

Trust me oscarmayer, that will take some doing.

On second thoughts knowing this lot, you might be right.

Just for the record, where legal and able, I always carried two and tried for the same calibre.

Pistolenschutze · 08-22-2008, 10:45 AM

To be honest, I rarely carry a BUG (back up gun). The exception to that rule is when I know I'm going to be in an area with higher risk of a confrontation. When out and about here in town, I simply pack a Glock 26 or 33 on my belt, with an extra mag, and feel safe enough. On the occasions when I do carry a BUG, I tend to go for something small, light, and very concealable. Most often that is either a Smith 637 in .38 Special or a Beretta Tomcat in .32.

Tranter, I see your point about trying to match caliber, but that is not always possible, nor is it always desirable I think. There are always the old problems of concealability and portability to contend with. At what point does one get so bogged down with artillery that he or she can't function normally or even comfortably? Obviously, if any of us knew a confrontation was in the offing, we would probably be packing a short-barreled 12 gauge along with a .45 on the hip! Doing so under normal circumstances tends to cause talk though.

Marlin · 08-22-2008, 11:46 AM

I have often carried a bug, usually an S&W model 60 .38 Special on the ankle. Many years ago it was the same calibre as my carry gun, an S&W Model 15, Combat Masterpiece.

Of late, I will carry the 60 on the ankle, if I feel it necessary. However, my current carry items are either a Browning Hi-Power 9mm or a Springfield 1911 .45 ACP. That is very seldom these days, though. I carry extra magazines for either of the pistols, both in my oxygen case.....

TranterUK · 08-22-2008, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

we would probably be packing a short-barreled 12 gauge along with a .45 on the hip!

Hey Pistol, You guessed my all time favourite combo!

Good for just about any situation.

Your right about not wanting too be weighed down, I suppose it also depends on the circumstances. For example in some countries where bad people are all around and have more artillery than the army.

user · 08-22-2008, 04:32 PM

Often, yes. Primary is either a S&W J frame loaded with .38+P or a Kahr K9 with 9mm+P; secondary is either the Kahr K9 or a Kahr PM9; The handy thing about the Kahr/Kahr combination is that I can carry a couple of extra 7 round K9 magazines and they also fit the PM9, though they stick out the bottom a bit. My main thinking in carrying more than one is that it's very likely in any situation, that one hand will be better able to get to a gun than the other, resulting in a faster and more flexible response. Other possible primaries will be a Sig 226 DAK or a larger S&W revolver. As just about everybody else in the known universe has pointed out, it depends on where I expect to be and how I'm dressed.

delta13soultaker · 08-22-2008, 06:04 PM

I can say I don't often carry a BUG CCW. I guess when I fire up my heater there will be extra pistols laying on the ground though

Scattergun Bob · 08-24-2008, 11:18 PM

For 20+ years on the job I carred a BUG, airweight bodyguard, now that I am retired, I have traded in my duty pistol and BUG for a P7M8. At present I carry no other weapon besides a P7except a Al Mar folder.

There is every good reason to carry a BUG, on your weak side, just getting old and lazy.

Good Luck & Be Safe

TranterUK · 08-25-2008, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scattergun Bob

For 20+ years on the job I carred a BUG, airweight bodyguard, now that I am retired, I have traded in my duty pistol and BUG for a P7M8. At present I carry no other weapon except a Al Mar folder.

I carried an airweight bodyguard for some time Bob and thought they were fantastic, so light you could pop it into a shirt pocket.

Carrying a knife for defence is ok as long as you know how to use it.

Guardian · 08-25-2008, 09:32 AM

I do not yet carry, but I'm in the process of getting my CHL. I've spent a lot of time talking and reading about several options. What I've found, and plan to do is:

Have your primary weapon and 2 extra mags.

As for a BUG. I plan on carrying an ankle holster with a .380. Right now I have a Bersa Thunder for this job but it jammed a lot on me and if I'm not able to fix the problems with that, I will be getting something else. The Kel-Tec would be a great option because it is tiny and would be hard to find and easy to conceal and walk around with. But, it's not a very reliable gun.

I plan on trying several options and adapting a system for me, which as I'm sure you read is the key. It has to be practical and something you can do EVERY DAY. So if something doesn't work, I'll change it.

I really like the idea of a BUG because in the event I'm taken off guard they could easily find my .45 in my belt. Most mugger's aren't very educated and are acting out of desperation. Therefore I think if they found my .45 they would probably figure that's all I had. So when they're not looking I grab my BUG.

Just my opinion, and remember, I haven't carried a concealed gun one minute of my life in the real world. So take it with a grain of salt.

sabashimon · 08-25-2008, 10:26 AM

Usually, but not always, I will compliment the HK45c or SA Marine Corps Operator on my hip, with a S&W 637 on my ankle (extra mag on my weakside, and speedloader in my pocket).
I train hard with the snubby, and keep it loaded with Buffalo Bore 125gr. Gold Dots.

TranterUK · 08-25-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabashimon

Usually, but not always, I will compliment the HK45c or SA Marine Corps Operator on my hip, with a S&W 637 on my ankle (extra mag on my weakside, and speedloader in my pocket).
I train hard with the snubby, and keep it loaded with Buffalo Bore 125gr. Gold Dots.

Serious kit, as I would expect.

I tried an ankle holster once but could just not get on with it. Seemed to leave me out of balance. Perhaps I should have tried one on each leg?

On the other hand I knew a drugs police officer in San Francisco who loved them. I still have an image in my mind of an incident that left him hopping down the middle of the road on one leg trying to grab the pistol as the suspects car drew away.

Pistolenschutze · 08-25-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabashimon

Usually, but not always, I will compliment the HK45c or SA Marine Corps Operator on my hip, with a S&W 637 on my ankle (extra mag on my weakside, and speedloader in my pocket).
I train hard with the snubby, and keep it loaded with Buffalo Bore 125gr. Gold Dots.

A good choice of weapons, Shimon. I too am particularly fond of the little 637, ample power (assuming good ammo) in a very small, very light package. If I need deep concealment, that is nearly always my choice, usually carried in an IWB holster. Personally, I've never cared for an ankle rig to be honest. I find them too hard to get at in an emergency. To each his own though, as they say.

sabashimon · 08-25-2008, 02:04 PM

To both Pistol and Tranter, I agree that an ankle rig is not optimal, however as a back-up, I like it better than another piece on my belt, a shoulder rig, or just dropped into a pocket. It does take practice, and I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for disdaining this particular option......it just works for me

If however the situation dictates deep cover, and it's my sole carry, I'm certainly not above carrying the snubby in an IWB, and have.
Stay safe

Scattergun Bob · 08-25-2008, 07:14 PM

TranterUK - I made an error, I meant to say that I carried no other weapon besides a P7-M8 and a knife. Sorry

I agree, I carry a knife as a tool, if necessary it is a better defense that a empty hand.

Good Luck & Be Safe

Ursus · 08-26-2008, 01:42 PM

Sometimes, I do carry a back-up

kilogulf59 · 09-07-2008, 04:08 AM

Rarely anymore however in the past and depending upon the circumstance, yes. Initially they were a .45 automatic and a .38 2-inch 5-shooter.

Later I went over to the standard equipment philosophy and weapons types and calibers matched.

redhart · 09-15-2008, 06:42 PM

If the situation calls for it, I have a S&W .38 Chief in back pocket(have pocket holster)

kilogulf59 · 09-16-2008, 07:35 AM

Thinking out loud here but I'll bet the 2-inch .38 revolver is the No.! backup gun...

Pistolenschutze · 09-16-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilogulf59

Thinking out loud here but I'll bet the 2-inch .38 revolver is the No.! backup gun...

I have no doubt you are correct, Kilo. It simply doesn't get much better than the snubbie for that purpose.

USMC-03 · 09-16-2008, 01:08 PM

My primary carry piece is a Walther PPK in .380 with 2 spare mags and a IWB holster. If the situation warranted, the PPK would go to the back-up role and my S&W 645 at least 2 spare mags would be primary in pancake holster. I'm using the heaviest basic JHP bullets available in both. I need to look into an ankle holster for the PPK.

rondba · 09-16-2008, 10:35 PM

Springfield Champion on my hip with two extra mags on my off side. S&W snubby on left ankle with two speed strips. Beretta 32 in right pocket with no reload. If that can't fix any social problem I encounter, then I need help.

08-22-2008, 09:27 AM	#1
TranterUK Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 5,103	Second Gun? Someone once wrote, 'the quickest reload is a second gun'. Do any members who carry for self defence carry two guns? And are they the same calibre? __________________ DVC - Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas - Accuracy, Power, Speed. The light at the end of the recession tunnel IS a train coming the other way! -->

08-22-2008, 09:38 AM	#2
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: Second Gun? no comment other than you'll be shocked at the answers you receive

08-22-2008, 10:45 AM	#4
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Second Gun? To be honest, I rarely carry a BUG (back up gun). The exception to that rule is when I know I'm going to be in an area with higher risk of a confrontation. When out and about here in town, I simply pack a Glock 26 or 33 on my belt, with an extra mag, and feel safe enough. On the occasions when I do carry a BUG, I tend to go for something small, light, and very concealable. Most often that is either a Smith 637 in .38 Special or a Beretta Tomcat in .32. Tranter, I see your point about trying to match caliber, but that is not always possible, nor is it always desirable I think. There are always the old problems of concealability and portability to contend with. At what point does one get so bogged down with artillery that he or she can't function normally or even comfortably? Obviously, if any of us knew a confrontation was in the offing, we would probably be packing a short-barreled 12 gauge along with a .45 on the hip! Doing so under normal circumstances tends to cause talk though. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

08-22-2008, 11:46 AM	#5
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Second Gun? I have often carried a bug, usually an S&W model 60 .38 Special on the ankle. Many years ago it was the same calibre as my carry gun, an S&W Model 15, Combat Masterpiece. Of late, I will carry the 60 on the ankle, if I feel it necessary. However, my current carry items are either a Browning Hi-Power 9mm or a Springfield 1911 .45 ACP. That is very seldom these days, though. I carry extra magazines for either of the pistols, both in my oxygen case..... __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

08-22-2008, 04:32 PM	#7
user Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern piedmont of Va. and Middle of Nowhere, West Virginia Posts: 1,013	Re: Second Gun? Often, yes. Primary is either a S&W J frame loaded with .38+P or a Kahr K9 with 9mm+P; secondary is either the Kahr K9 or a Kahr PM9; The handy thing about the Kahr/Kahr combination is that I can carry a couple of extra 7 round K9 magazines and they also fit the PM9, though they stick out the bottom a bit. My main thinking in carrying more than one is that it's very likely in any situation, that one hand will be better able to get to a gun than the other, resulting in a faster and more flexible response. Other possible primaries will be a Sig 226 DAK or a larger S&W revolver. As just about everybody else in the known universe has pointed out, it depends on where I expect to be and how I'm dressed.

08-22-2008, 06:04 PM	#8
delta13soultaker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Depends on Uncle Sam's whim every 3 yrs. Posts: 2,948	Re: Second Gun? I can say I don't often carry a BUG CCW. I guess when I fire up my heater there will be extra pistols laying on the ground though __________________ Never say die! "A nation who forgets its defenders is soon forgotten itself." "A good shot must necessarily be a good man since the essence of good marksmanship is self-control and self-control is the essential quality of a good man." – Theodore Roosevelt

08-24-2008, 11:18 PM	#9
Scattergun Bob Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5	Re: Second Gun? For 20+ years on the job I carred a BUG, airweight bodyguard, now that I am retired, I have traded in my duty pistol and BUG for a P7M8. At present I carry no other weapon besides a P7except a Al Mar folder. There is every good reason to carry a BUG, on your weak side, just getting old and lazy. Good Luck & Be Safe __________________ "First, with the most, Wins" Regards, Scattergun Bob Last edited by Scattergun Bob; 08-25-2008 at 07:11 PM..

08-25-2008, 09:32 AM	#11
Guardian Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8	Re: Second Gun? I do not yet carry, but I'm in the process of getting my CHL. I've spent a lot of time talking and reading about several options. What I've found, and plan to do is: Have your primary weapon and 2 extra mags. As for a BUG. I plan on carrying an ankle holster with a .380. Right now I have a Bersa Thunder for this job but it jammed a lot on me and if I'm not able to fix the problems with that, I will be getting something else. The Kel-Tec would be a great option because it is tiny and would be hard to find and easy to conceal and walk around with. But, it's not a very reliable gun. I plan on trying several options and adapting a system for me, which as I'm sure you read is the key. It has to be practical and something you can do EVERY DAY. So if something doesn't work, I'll change it. I really like the idea of a BUG because in the event I'm taken off guard they could easily find my .45 in my belt. Most mugger's aren't very educated and are acting out of desperation. Therefore I think if they found my .45 they would probably figure that's all I had. So when they're not looking I grab my BUG. Just my opinion, and remember, I haven't carried a concealed gun one minute of my life in the real world. So take it with a grain of salt.

08-25-2008, 10:26 AM	#12
sabashimon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PNW/Israel Posts: 672	Re: Second Gun? Usually, but not always, I will compliment the HK45c or SA Marine Corps Operator on my hip, with a S&W 637 on my ankle (extra mag on my weakside, and speedloader in my pocket). I train hard with the snubby, and keep it loaded with Buffalo Bore 125gr. Gold Dots. __________________ "We sleep safely in ours beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." George Orwell "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." Thomas Paine Last edited by sabashimon; 08-25-2008 at 10:27 AM..

08-25-2008, 02:04 PM	#15
sabashimon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PNW/Israel Posts: 672	Re: Second Gun? To both Pistol and Tranter, I agree that an ankle rig is not optimal, however as a back-up, I like it better than another piece on my belt, a shoulder rig, or just dropped into a pocket. It does take practice, and I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for disdaining this particular option......it just works for me If however the situation dictates deep cover, and it's my sole carry, I'm certainly not above carrying the snubby in an IWB, and have. Stay safe __________________ "We sleep safely in ours beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." George Orwell "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." Thomas Paine Last edited by sabashimon; 08-25-2008 at 02:10 PM..

08-25-2008, 07:14 PM	#16
Scattergun Bob Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5	Re: Second Gun? TranterUK - I made an error, I meant to say that I carried no other weapon besides a P7-M8 and a knife. Sorry I agree, I carry a knife as a tool, if necessary it is a better defense that a empty hand. Good Luck & Be Safe __________________ "First, with the most, Wins" Regards, Scattergun Bob

08-26-2008, 01:42 PM	#17
Ursus Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: El Salvador, Central America. Posts: 1,030	Re: Second Gun? Sometimes, I do carry a back-up __________________ SI VIS PACEM, PARABELLUM.

09-07-2008, 04:08 AM	#18
kilogulf59 Former Guest Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 177	Re: Second Gun? Rarely anymore however in the past and depending upon the circumstance, yes. Initially they were a .45 automatic and a .38 2-inch 5-shooter. Later I went over to the standard equipment philosophy and weapons types and calibers matched.

09-15-2008, 06:42 PM	#19
redhart V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: east coast Posts: 83	Re: Second Gun? If the situation calls for it, I have a S&W .38 Chief in back pocket(have pocket holster)

09-16-2008, 07:35 AM	#20
kilogulf59 Former Guest Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 177	Re: Second Gun? Thinking out loud here but I'll bet the 2-inch .38 revolver is the No.! backup gun...

09-16-2008, 01:08 PM	#22
USMC-03 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of the Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,825	Re: Second Gun? My primary carry piece is a Walther PPK in .380 with 2 spare mags and a IWB holster. If the situation warranted, the PPK would go to the back-up role and my S&W 645 at least 2 spare mags would be primary in pancake holster. I'm using the heaviest basic JHP bullets available in both. I need to look into an ankle holster for the PPK. __________________ Let not the rifles of good and free men be reforged into plowshares, but may they rest in a place of honor; ready, well oiled and God willing unused. For if the price of peace becomes licking the boots of tyrants, then "To Arms!" I say, and may the fortunes of war smile upon patriots. - Fortes Fortuna Javat -

09-16-2008, 10:35 PM	#23
rondba Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arlington TX Posts: 33	Re: Second Gun? Springfield Champion on my hip with two extra mags on my off side. S&W snubby on left ankle with two speed strips. Beretta 32 in right pocket with no reload. If that can't fix any social problem I encounter, then I need help.