On Duty Back-up Gun?

[SinnerBoy]

Any recommendations for a back-up gun while on duty? Ankle or pocket holster? Primary gun is 1911 in .45. Thanks.

[P5Ret]

Depends on what the department authorizes. Ankle holsters have always been a pia for me, and I never liked them. I had a holster attached to my vest that worked well for me. To me holster choice was always personal, I did have the good fortune to work for a department that allowed our personal choice of holsters within reason.

[mej16489]

Pocket carry (weak side) S&W 442/642

[Ron-Solo]

For years I carried a S&W Model 60 Chief's Special 2" in either a pocket holster or ankle holster. Ankle holster wasn't secure enough for my liking and I know too many guys that it caused circulation issues in their leg. Later I carried a S&W 669 9mm in my pocket.

Stainless is the way to go for a BUG that will be in a pocket. I know a lot of guys that had rust problems with blued revolvers in their pocket.

The S&W "J" frame revolvers are well built and reliable.

[Notorious]

Off side pocket carry of either a J frame, LCP, or Taurus Slim. All are great pocket carry guns. Not a fan of ankle carry for duty.

[ak_in_ca]

Galco Ankle Glove with a SW 642 if you dont go that way Ive seen some guys wear an IWB under their sam brown so the handle is accessible.

[yzErnie]

I don't dicuss in an open forum where I have it but either a Kahr PM9 or LCP or Beretta 21A.

[CalCop]

strong side front pocket carry Glock 27. Kahr or Beretta Nano if trying to go lighter.

[Notorious]

Galco Ankle Glove with a SW 642 if you dont go that way Ive seen some guys wear an IWB under their sam brown so the handle is accessible.

I used the ankle glove off duty with low cut shoes but with duty boots, you have to get the boot extension strap and you have to cut your pants extra wide like bell bottoms to get access. Just ugly.

[SinnerBoy]

Thanks everyone for the valuable advice.

[retired]

Like Ron, I carried the Smith as my backup gun and in my pants pocket. I never carried it in an ankle holster on duty. The reason I did not was due to knowing of two deputies who were involved in a fight with a suspect for their duty gun. They were unable to reach their ankle gun during the fight and only after fighting to their utmost, where they able to overcome the suspect and cuff them.

That was the day they both stop carrying on their ankle and as a result, I do not recommend them. Just my 2 cents.

[Calm Down]

S&W 340pd, Speer Gold Dot .357 158gr, off side cargo pocket.

[Spdjunkie]

Another Vote for:
- S&W J Frame Airweight: 642
w/ An Extra Speed Strip

^ Lightweight, Dependable, Alum. Frm /SS Barrel/Cyl.

[003]

The baby browning in .25 cal will fit inside a second cuff case. I carried one that way for years. My second set of cuffs was in my brief case on the front seat. Worked for me.

[Armed24-7]

I carry a hammerless S&W 2", 5 shot in my back pocket in a leather sleeve. Ankle holsters are hard to get to and if you have to run, you stand a fair chance of losing that gun. I use to carry two backups and I put the other one in my vest.

If you end up in a situation where you are going to need to use your backup, it will likely be because you are in a fight for your life and if that is the case, you will probably be making a contact shot. But many different scenarios are possible.

If you have someone on top of you and your backup is your only option, you want to be able to easily get to it. Same goes if you do not have someone on top of you. Try to think of every possibility when you make a decision onn where to keep your backup and what type of gun to use.