Backups?

Mike11b · April 2, 2002, 11:50 AM

Part of this question is grounded in a lame excuse to go out and buy another pistol, so understand that up front!!!

What is you ideal back up pistol? I've heard the 2" 5 shot revolver (in its many variants). Personally - I'm thinking about a backup that uses the same ammo as my primary (.45 ACP). If I go that route, my choices are:

1. A 3 " 1911 (Defender, Compact, Ultra Carry, etc.)
2. Sig 245 (Kind of big for the back up role though)
3. Glock 30 or 36
4. Bond Arms Defender

Or do I stick with a J frame or Charter Arms Undercover??

Kermit · April 2, 2002, 11:59 AM

My S&W mod 60 has served me well over the years. I've tried to replace it a couple of times & just find myself going back to it. For me, it's ideal

croyance · April 2, 2002, 01:39 PM

If you are already using a 1911, the 3" barreled 1911 can use the same magazine, I believe. I don't think a spacer is actually neccesary for use, though you may end up with pinched skin. In a real like situation I like the idea of interchangable magazines.

As an excuse to buy a gun, I'd get one that is different from what I already have.

Ala Dan · April 2, 2002, 02:27 PM

May I suggest sticking with the small Smith & Wesson
J-frame's; ie: 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 042, 60, 638, 649, etc.
If you re-read the many previous thread's, you will find
that a lot of TFL's membership prefer to carry one of
these or their variant's as a "back-up" weapon. I like
the small vintage type model 60 .38 Special; also known
as the "Chief's Special", as I prefer the opition to thumb
cock this all stainless steel firearm.

Some member's prefer the Ti's and Sc's, from Smith &
Wesson. While very comfortable to carry, they are a
booger to shoot.

And other's like Taurus and
Rossi revolver's as well. My wife's stainless, 2" barrel
Rossi .38 Special with it's square butt is a very nice
little gun; and she's never had a problem with it. And
the price was right; as I think her total bill was $208,
back in late 1994? So, my friend the choice's are many.
I suggest going to a rental range and trying a few of
these various makes and model's before you decide.

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

KSFreeman · April 2, 2002, 03:21 PM

The problem is that there is no magic sword. There are pluses and minuses to all weapons. People will shoot best what they like best.

Thus, I recommend you go to a gun show handle all that the dealers allow you to handle. Go to a rental range or borrow from buddies. See what you like and dislike.

I like the Kahr P9 as it is flat but biggish (easier to draw and fight with). YMMV.

Christopher II · April 2, 2002, 03:38 PM

My first choice would be an exact duplicate of my primary sidearm. Needless to say, this doesn't work for everybody. Failing that, I'd look for a smaller version of my primary (ex. Glock 19/Glock 26, Colt 1911 5"/Colt Officers, etc.)

Shoot a bunch of different guns, pick one that you can both handle and conceal well. Rental ranges are your friend.

- Chris

dr smith · April 2, 2002, 03:40 PM

I do not carry a backup handgun. My usual CCW is CZ 75B, in 9 mm. Carrying a small revolver (J Frame or similar) as backup for a pistol is logical.

April 2, 2002, 11:50 AM	#1
Mike11b Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2002 Location: Delaware Posts: 139	Backups? Part of this question is grounded in a lame excuse to go out and buy another pistol, so understand that up front!!! What is you ideal back up pistol? I've heard the 2" 5 shot revolver (in its many variants). Personally - I'm thinking about a backup that uses the same ammo as my primary (.45 ACP). If I go that route, my choices are: 1. A 3 " 1911 (Defender, Compact, Ultra Carry, etc.) 2. Sig 245 (Kind of big for the back up role though) 3. Glock 30 or 36 4. Bond Arms Defender Or do I stick with a J frame or Charter Arms Undercover??

April 2, 2002, 02:27 PM	#4
Ala Dan Member in memoriam Join Date: August 13, 1999 Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu Posts: 6,116	Greeting's- May I suggest sticking with the small Smith & Wesson J-frame's; ie: 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 042, 60, 638, 649, etc. If you re-read the many previous thread's, you will find that a lot of TFL's membership prefer to carry one of these or their variant's as a "back-up" weapon. I like the small vintage type model 60 .38 Special; also known as the "Chief's Special", as I prefer the opition to thumb cock this all stainless steel firearm. Some member's prefer the Ti's and Sc's, from Smith & Wesson. While very comfortable to carry, they are a booger to shoot. And other's like Taurus and Rossi revolver's as well. My wife's stainless, 2" barrel Rossi .38 Special with it's square butt is a very nice little gun; and she's never had a problem with it. And the price was right; as I think her total bill was $208, back in late 1994? So, my friend the choice's are many. I suggest going to a rental range and trying a few of these various makes and model's before you decide. Best Wishes, Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.

April 2, 2002, 03:21 PM	#5
KSFreeman Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2001 Location: Lafayette, Indiana--American-occupied America Posts: 5,418	The problem is that there is no magic sword. There are pluses and minuses to all weapons. People will shoot best what they like best. Thus, I recommend you go to a gun show handle all that the dealers allow you to handle. Go to a rental range or borrow from buddies. See what you like and dislike. I like the Kahr P9 as it is flat but biggish (easier to draw and fight with). YMMV. __________________ "Arguments of policy must give way to a constitutional command." Payton v. New York, 445 U.S. 573, 602 (1980).

April 2, 2002, 03:38 PM	#6
Christopher II Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Germantown, MD Posts: 2,349	My first choice would be an exact duplicate of my primary sidearm. Needless to say, this doesn't work for everybody. Failing that, I'd look for a smaller version of my primary (ex. Glock 19/Glock 26, Colt 1911 5"/Colt Officers, etc.) Shoot a bunch of different guns, pick one that you can both handle and conceal well. Rental ranges are your friend. - Chris __________________ "There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him." – Robert Heinlein "Contrary to popular belief, your vote does not matter, and you cannot make a difference." - Bob Murphy, "Picking Neither of Two Evils" My PGP Public Key

April 2, 2002, 03:40 PM	#7
dr smith Member Join Date: December 21, 2001 Location: Europe Posts: 28	backup I do not carry a backup handgun. My usual CCW is CZ 75B, in 9 mm. Carrying a small revolver (J Frame or similar) as backup for a pistol is logical. __________________ Dr Smith

April 2, 2002, 11:59 AM	#2
Kermit Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: California Posts: 3,020	My S&W mod 60 has served me well over the years. I've tried to replace it a couple of times & just find myself going back to it. For me, it's ideal

April 2, 2002, 01:39 PM	#3
croyance Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2001 Posts: 3,604	If you are already using a 1911, the 3" barreled 1911 can use the same magazine, I believe. I don't think a spacer is actually neccesary for use, though you may end up with pinched skin. In a real like situation I like the idea of interchangable magazines. As an excuse to buy a gun, I'd get one that is different from what I already have.