Back Up Gun Carry - WHERE

Sigma 40 Blaster · May 26, 2008, 11:26 PM

After completing a training class this weekend I am beginning to see the value in a back up gun. I saw a Les Baer 1911 and a Glock 19 bite the dust this weekend (1000 rounds in two days), luckily these guys had extra guns of the same caliber so they were able to complete the class but our instructor posed an interesting question...What would have happened if that were the real world?

OK to get the naysaying out of the way. It's unlikely that your gun will ever break during the unlikely case you will need to use your primary carry gun. The stats are mind boggling. That's not what I'd like to ask about.

My question for those who carry a BUG where do you carry it?

My first thought was ankle holster, especially because I have a 100 mile round trip commute per day. Also I am in tight situations sometimes where bumping hips with others can be an issue. I already have a Bersa .380 that seems built for ankle carry.

In looking at pocket guns I'm not interested in a small semi-auto with a 12 pound trigger that I can only get two fingers on. I thought about a small snub for pocket carry. BUT I'd like to have a gun that I can hit reliably with to at least 7 yards if not 15 yards.

Then I also thought about a sub compact XD, Glock, MP, or PX4...maybe weakside IWB carry but that's adding another inch inside pants that don't really have that kind of room to spare.

So I am on the verge of getting an ankle holster for my Bersa but was wondering if I'm overlooking an alternative to carrying my BUG. A smart carry or anything pointing at my groin is not an option lol. I am also very leery of small of back carry.

BikerRN · May 27, 2008, 12:32 AM

I carry a S&W 442 as I find it more reliable than any "bottomfeeder" when carried on the ankle or in the pocket.

The pocket and the ankle are the two places I like a BUG, but that's just me. Soon I will start carrying three guns. One strong side IWB, one weak side OWB (Ruger SP101) and one on the ankle or pocket depending upon my dress that day.

I had a Kahr PM9 but traded it for the SP101 because it better suits my needs. I have drawn the PM9 out of my pocket on more than one occaission to find that the magazine had been partially removed from the gun by my day to day activities. That's what I mean when I say a Revolver is more reliable in the smaller guns.

I'd look at the Airweight 38 Specials if it were me and I was looking for a BUG.

Biker

Timbow · May 27, 2008, 12:41 AM

I carry a Glock 27 as a backup for the Glock 22 I carry as a duty weapon. If the 22 fails on me I can still utilize all the magazines on my belt in the Glock 27 as it is the same caliber and accepts the same magazines. I carry it weakside in my cargo pocket in a Desantis pocket holster. If I find myself in a situation I'm fighting to retain my duty weapon, I can use my right hand for retention while using my left to draw the backup which is easily reached in my cargo pocket. Also if my strong arm is injured or otherwise occupied in some way, I have a gun available to each of my hands almost regardless of the position I'm in.
I personally don't care for ankle carry as it is too difficult and slow to draw the weapon is most high stress situations.
As for accuracy, the 27 shoots nearly as well as my 22 and I have no problem making center mass hits at 25 yards. Everyone has their own system but that one works well for me.

Boris Bush · May 27, 2008, 01:05 AM

I carry mine srong side front pocket (P32).

My primary is carried over my right kidney and can be drawn with either hand.

I like strongside pocket carry because if I get that feeling or someone is too close for comfort I can put my hand in my pocket and go at it in an instant if need be.

pgg · May 27, 2008, 01:35 AM

I carry a Glock 21 for duty and a Glock 30 for backup. I utilize an ankle holster. I decided against using pocket or vest holster. I like being able to access the back up gun with either hand, I also like that it is accessed quickly in the car while my seatbelt is on.

Erik · May 28, 2008, 09:16 AM

Both your pistols went down within a 1000 rounds of each other? What went wrong?

That said, how do you dress?

I don't tie my BUG to one location, running it either AIWB, on the ankle, or in a pocket depending on how I'm dressed.

The BUG's a S&W 340.

dadofsix · May 28, 2008, 04:34 PM

My main carry is a 1911 IWB carry. The BUG is a .25 Beretta inside my left front pocket. It's small as hell but deadly accurate up to 5 yards out.

<><Peace

Avenger11 · May 28, 2008, 07:52 PM

I keep one on my strong side buttcheek, another in the weak bladder position, and another next to my heart!

Sigma 40 Blaster · May 28, 2008, 08:23 PM

Erik. My gun was fine, my XD 45c spit out those 1000 rounds in two days flawlessly, I saw other guys with quality guns have catastrophic failures (one broken extractor, the 1911 had something happen to the trigger...don't know).

I generally dress in either khakis and a pullover untucked OR shorts and a long T-Shirt untucked.

I was hoping for some new ideas but it looks like there are only so many places to carry a BUG (sanely that is...and yes that does say SANE). So I'm almost decided on getting either a Ruger LCP or an airweight snub and carry it either on the ankle or pocket depending on my dress for the day.

Thanks everyone for the input, I at least feel a little better knowing I didn't overlook any obvious answers.

Brad Kenney · May 31, 2008, 12:06 PM

I carry a backup on my ankle while on-duty all the time. Renegade holster is my current favorite (secure, yet the j-frame model allows the handgun to be drawn without unsnapping the elastic). Carried a Glock 27 and have now switched to a light-weight j-frame 38. If you wear the lower boots, the holster rests on the upper edge of the boot and you forget it's there.

I have easily qualified on our duty-gun course every year. With practice, you will be on target to out to 25 yards without a miss. (Our course starts at 15 yards and requires 100% hits to pass).

One thing though, practice getting to the weapon. Most folks have forgotten, or are too young to have seen, one simple method to draw: Let's say you have the handgun on your left ankle, grab your pants material with your left hand while stepping back and kneeling onto your right knee. Your pants will pull up and you will have easy access to the handgun.

snolden · June 2, 2008, 04:16 PM

I carry a BUG about 10% of the time. It goes IWB at the 12:30 position. My main CCW then rides at 4:00. When I am only carrying one gun, it goes in the BUG position.

So I guess you could say the BUG is the primary while the larger gun is the BUG.

Little gun is Glock 26, main is XD45 Service

P95loser · June 2, 2008, 04:47 PM

You should look at the kahr pm9 or pm40... pocketable small, trigger, accuracy, recoil, and pretty much everything else about the gun is superior to it's 12lb trigger plastic cousins.

ISC · June 2, 2008, 05:07 PM

the glove box

Gadget · June 8, 2008, 04:17 PM

When I carry it, I keep a Kahr strapped to the inside forearm on my weak side under a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Two quick motions - 1)rip off the cuff button and 2) slide sleeve along arm to retrieve pistol. Works better with fixed-blade knives, but whatever floats yer boat.

wpcexpert · June 9, 2008, 06:23 PM

Sigma, you were asking about a small back up that was accurate. A buddy of mine just bought his wife a S&W 643 in .38 +P with the crimson trace grip. A .38 may be smaller than what you are looking for but is dead on with the laser. At about 9 yards, I was fooling around and was firing from the hip, behind my back, from above my head cocked sideways like a gheto gangster, with the 5 rounds, I could more than cover the group with a silver half dollar. More like just outside a quarter. But that's what I'm going get for my BUG.

Hard Ball · June 9, 2008, 08:27 PM

Strong side front pants pocket.

SUPERMAN .45 · June 13, 2008, 03:54 AM

My primary carry gun on my right a GLOCK21 SF, and my BUG on my left ankle a GLOCK 30. Both with the same magazine.

Stevie-Ray · June 13, 2008, 10:53 PM

P32, strong side back pocket

ActivShootr · June 15, 2008, 09:09 PM

I agree with BikerRN. A small, lightweight revolver makes a fine BUG.

FLA2760 · July 1, 2008, 06:35 PM

SW 642 weakside in pocket in a Mika rig or same on ankle when appropriate.

gvf · July 2, 2008, 01:17 AM

Nostril-carry seems to work best for backup.

Stevie-Ray · July 2, 2008, 08:31 PM

You mean if your sinuses back up?

guntotinguy · July 2, 2008, 08:46 PM

Inside paddle holster Bersa 380 on left for cross pull,other side right carry XD .45 (usually)

Bushwhacker · July 3, 2008, 07:29 PM

Primary is a Glock 30 or Glock23, BUG is a Taurus 605SS 357 mag in ankle holster or weak side IWB
2nd BUG is a AR15 M4 with laser and white light, tele-stock in the trunk

FLA2760 · July 3, 2008, 07:42 PM

deleted

May 26, 2008, 11:26 PM	#1
Sigma 40 Blaster Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: East Texas Posts: 997	Back Up Gun Carry - WHERE After completing a training class this weekend I am beginning to see the value in a back up gun. I saw a Les Baer 1911 and a Glock 19 bite the dust this weekend (1000 rounds in two days), luckily these guys had extra guns of the same caliber so they were able to complete the class but our instructor posed an interesting question...What would have happened if that were the real world? OK to get the naysaying out of the way. It's unlikely that your gun will ever break during the unlikely case you will need to use your primary carry gun. The stats are mind boggling. That's not what I'd like to ask about. My question for those who carry a BUG where do you carry it? My first thought was ankle holster, especially because I have a 100 mile round trip commute per day. Also I am in tight situations sometimes where bumping hips with others can be an issue. I already have a Bersa .380 that seems built for ankle carry. In looking at pocket guns I'm not interested in a small semi-auto with a 12 pound trigger that I can only get two fingers on. I thought about a small snub for pocket carry. BUT I'd like to have a gun that I can hit reliably with to at least 7 yards if not 15 yards. Then I also thought about a sub compact XD, Glock, MP, or PX4...maybe weakside IWB carry but that's adding another inch inside pants that don't really have that kind of room to spare. So I am on the verge of getting an ankle holster for my Bersa but was wondering if I'm overlooking an alternative to carrying my BUG. A smart carry or anything pointing at my groin is not an option lol. I am also very leery of small of back carry.

May 28, 2008, 09:16 AM	#6
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,479	Both your pistols went down within a 1000 rounds of each other? What went wrong? That said, how do you dress? I don't tie my BUG to one location, running it either AIWB, on the ankle, or in a pocket depending on how I'm dressed. The BUG's a S&W 340. __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

May 28, 2008, 04:34 PM	#7
dadofsix Member Join Date: January 9, 2008 Posts: 36	My main carry is a 1911 IWB carry. The BUG is a .25 Beretta inside my left front pocket. It's small as hell but deadly accurate up to 5 yards out. <><Peace __________________ Political correctness is not really about sensitivity and courtesy, which require mutual respect. Rather, political correctness entails intolerance for some prejudices but impunity for others.

June 8, 2008, 04:17 PM	#14
Gadget Member Join Date: July 2, 2007 Posts: 33	Bug location When I carry it, I keep a Kahr strapped to the inside forearm on my weak side under a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Two quick motions - 1)rip off the cuff button and 2) slide sleeve along arm to retrieve pistol. Works better with fixed-blade knives, but whatever floats yer boat.

June 9, 2008, 06:23 PM	#15
wpcexpert Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 791	Sigma, you were asking about a small back up that was accurate. A buddy of mine just bought his wife a S&W 643 in .38 +P with the crimson trace grip. A .38 may be smaller than what you are looking for but is dead on with the laser. At about 9 yards, I was fooling around and was firing from the hip, behind my back, from above my head cocked sideways like a gheto gangster, with the 5 rounds, I could more than cover the group with a silver half dollar. More like just outside a quarter. But that's what I'm going get for my BUG. __________________ When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil. - Thomas Jefferson

May 27, 2008, 12:32 AM	#2
BikerRN Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2007 Location: "State of Discombobulation" Posts: 1,333	I carry a S&W 442 as I find it more reliable than any "bottomfeeder" when carried on the ankle or in the pocket. The pocket and the ankle are the two places I like a BUG, but that's just me. Soon I will start carrying three guns. One strong side IWB, one weak side OWB (Ruger SP101) and one on the ankle or pocket depending upon my dress that day. I had a Kahr PM9 but traded it for the SP101 because it better suits my needs. I have drawn the PM9 out of my pocket on more than one occaission to find that the magazine had been partially removed from the gun by my day to day activities. That's what I mean when I say a Revolver is more reliable in the smaller guns. I'd look at the Airweight 38 Specials if it were me and I was looking for a BUG. Biker

May 27, 2008, 12:41 AM	#3
Timbow Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2008 Posts: 167	I carry a Glock 27 as a backup for the Glock 22 I carry as a duty weapon. If the 22 fails on me I can still utilize all the magazines on my belt in the Glock 27 as it is the same caliber and accepts the same magazines. I carry it weakside in my cargo pocket in a Desantis pocket holster. If I find myself in a situation I'm fighting to retain my duty weapon, I can use my right hand for retention while using my left to draw the backup which is easily reached in my cargo pocket. Also if my strong arm is injured or otherwise occupied in some way, I have a gun available to each of my hands almost regardless of the position I'm in. I personally don't care for ankle carry as it is too difficult and slow to draw the weapon is most high stress situations. As for accuracy, the 27 shoots nearly as well as my 22 and I have no problem making center mass hits at 25 yards. Everyone has their own system but that one works well for me.

May 27, 2008, 01:05 AM	#4
Boris Bush Junior member Join Date: September 7, 2007 Posts: 921	I carry mine srong side front pocket (P32). My primary is carried over my right kidney and can be drawn with either hand. I like strongside pocket carry because if I get that feeling or someone is too close for comfort I can put my hand in my pocket and go at it in an instant if need be.

May 27, 2008, 01:35 AM	#5
pgg Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 138	I carry a Glock 21 for duty and a Glock 30 for backup. I utilize an ankle holster. I decided against using pocket or vest holster. I like being able to access the back up gun with either hand, I also like that it is accessed quickly in the car while my seatbelt is on.

May 28, 2008, 07:52 PM	#8
Avenger11 Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 311	I keep one on my strong side buttcheek, another in the weak bladder position, and another next to my heart!

May 28, 2008, 08:23 PM	#9
Sigma 40 Blaster Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: East Texas Posts: 997	Erik. My gun was fine, my XD 45c spit out those 1000 rounds in two days flawlessly, I saw other guys with quality guns have catastrophic failures (one broken extractor, the 1911 had something happen to the trigger...don't know). I generally dress in either khakis and a pullover untucked OR shorts and a long T-Shirt untucked. I was hoping for some new ideas but it looks like there are only so many places to carry a BUG (sanely that is...and yes that does say SANE). So I'm almost decided on getting either a Ruger LCP or an airweight snub and carry it either on the ankle or pocket depending on my dress for the day. Thanks everyone for the input, I at least feel a little better knowing I didn't overlook any obvious answers.

May 31, 2008, 12:06 PM	#10
Brad Kenney Member Join Date: June 9, 2000 Location: DFW area, Texas Posts: 40	I carry a backup on my ankle while on-duty all the time. Renegade holster is my current favorite (secure, yet the j-frame model allows the handgun to be drawn without unsnapping the elastic). Carried a Glock 27 and have now switched to a light-weight j-frame 38. If you wear the lower boots, the holster rests on the upper edge of the boot and you forget it's there. I have easily qualified on our duty-gun course every year. With practice, you will be on target to out to 25 yards without a miss. (Our course starts at 15 yards and requires 100% hits to pass). One thing though, practice getting to the weapon. Most folks have forgotten, or are too young to have seen, one simple method to draw: Let's say you have the handgun on your left ankle, grab your pants material with your left hand while stepping back and kneeling onto your right knee. Your pants will pull up and you will have easy access to the handgun.

June 2, 2008, 04:16 PM	#11
snolden Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2006 Location: N. E. AZ Posts: 387	I carry a BUG about 10% of the time. It goes IWB at the 12:30 position. My main CCW then rides at 4:00. When I am only carrying one gun, it goes in the BUG position. So I guess you could say the BUG is the primary while the larger gun is the BUG. Little gun is Glock 26, main is XD45 Service

June 2, 2008, 04:47 PM	#12
P95loser Member Join Date: September 2, 2005 Posts: 20	You should look at the kahr pm9 or pm40... pocketable small, trigger, accuracy, recoil, and pretty much everything else about the gun is superior to it's 12lb trigger plastic cousins.

June 2, 2008, 05:07 PM	#13
ISC Junior member Join Date: August 5, 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,982	the glove box

June 9, 2008, 08:27 PM	#16
Hard Ball Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 1999 Location: California Posts: 3,925	Strong side front pants pocket. __________________ "I swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemeis domestic or foreign WHOMSOEVER."

June 13, 2008, 03:54 AM	#17
SUPERMAN .45 Junior Member Join Date: June 27, 2006 Location: ASIA Posts: 5	My primary carry gun on my right a GLOCK21 SF, and my BUG on my left ankle a GLOCK 30. Both with the same magazine.

June 13, 2008, 10:53 PM	#18
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	P32, strong side back pocket __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.

June 15, 2008, 09:09 PM	#19
ActivShootr Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2007 Posts: 1,040	I agree with BikerRN. A small, lightweight revolver makes a fine BUG.

July 1, 2008, 06:35 PM	#20
FLA2760 Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2005 Location: Hernando County, Florida Posts: 574	SW 642 weakside in pocket in a Mika rig or same on ankle when appropriate. __________________ STEVE, NRA LIFE MEMBER; Member GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA What part of "shall not be infringed" does the Democratic Party not understand?

July 2, 2008, 01:17 AM	#21
gvf Junior member Join Date: July 30, 2006 Posts: 1,226	Nostril-carry seems to work best for backup.

July 2, 2008, 08:31 PM	#22
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	You mean if your sinuses back up? __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.

July 2, 2008, 08:46 PM	#23
guntotinguy Member Join Date: May 9, 2008 Location: Las Vegas,Nevada Posts: 97	Inside paddle holster Bersa 380 on left for cross pull,other side right carry XD .45 (usually)

July 3, 2008, 07:29 PM	#24
Bushwhacker Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 1999 Location: Somewhere in USA Posts: 323	Primary is a Glock 30 or Glock23, BUG is a Taurus 605SS 357 mag in ankle holster or weak side IWB 2nd BUG is a AR15 M4 with laser and white light, tele-stock in the trunk __________________ Tiro per divertimento, tiro per la sopravvivenza _____________________________________________ No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms. Thomas Jefferson: Draft Virginia Constitution, 1776

July 3, 2008, 07:42 PM	#25
FLA2760 Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2005 Location: Hernando County, Florida Posts: 574	deleted __________________ STEVE, NRA LIFE MEMBER; Member GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA What part of "shall not be infringed" does the Democratic Party not understand?