B/U gun?

[phantomson9]

I was curious what you guys carry as a B/U. I was thinking about a 5 shot but some guys I work with have said they are going to go to the M&P shield. What are your thoughts?

[NuGunner]

I was curious what you guys carry as a B/U. I was thinking about a 5 shot but some guys I work with have said they are going to go to the M&P shield. What are your thoughts?

I tried a G42 for a while but fell back to my S&W 442. Came down to the idea that a back up gun should be a "can't fail me now" gun. So with that said, if one were to try to take it out of battery somehow, a constant trigger pull can keep it going vs having to rack it and then pull the trigger. My thoughts on the matter.

[phantomson9]

My thoughts exactly. That's why I was leaning more towards a 5 shot. Just not sure what to get. Thank you for your reply.

[CBR_rider]

I used to carry a semi-auto, but have gone back to a revolver. It (just about) always works and according to some; the ammunition choices are a bit better.

[phantomson9]

Thank you CBR_rider

[IlDuche]

I go wheel gun. Look at the LAPD Ezell Ford shooting. Coroner's report showed a muzzle imprint in his back, news reported official as saying "not from a semi automatic." Jam it in, will still function. Can't argue with real world examples. It may be a little wider wherever you carry it, but manageable.

[phantomson9]

Very true IlDuche......do you carry in a pocket or ankle?

[Petro6golf]

I carry a bodyguard 380 semi. Only cause its slip and fits in the pocket easier. Id love a wheel gun but its too bulky.

[Poohgyrr]

::::: Can't argue with real world examples. It may be a little wider wherever you carry it, but manageable.

Right. The 5 shot S&W J frames have worked in real life for what, 50 years? And to be honest, the extra 5+ pounds around my gut is more of a problem than the few ounces or width of the 5 shot 38/357 from S&W.

The old Colt D frames (6 shot Detective Specials & Cobras) are basically the same size as the S&W, but no longer made and it can be hard to find a gunsmith who knows the design.

The new Ruger LCRs look promising but are very lightweight revolvers. Revolvers use weight to dampen recoil, and the new super lightweight wheelguns can kick like a mule.

That said, the 9mm Shield has advantages too. If you're comfortable with the 380, the new Glock has basically no recoil.

And other concerns like medical, legal, or financial can be really important.

It's your money and life, buy what you think will work best for you.

Like I posted, I think my gut is more trouble than a five shot 38. And load good ammo and practice.

[1911su16b870]

The S&W air weights kick like mules in 357. Makes shooting a 15 round qualification painful. Interesting piece from USCCA on revolvers.

I like the autoloaders in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. I don't care for ankle carry unless its around one of my 8-in Danners.

[ls2monaro]

I carried a 5 shot j frame for years. Recently switched to a g42 and love it. Way more accurate, easier to shoot, and the thin profile makes it much easier to conceal.

Every back up gun has pros and cons obviously. Everyone seems to like the out of battery reason to carry the revolver, but in real world testing I found if someone is fighting for my gun an easily accessible fixed blade knife is a much better option.

I carry this one strategically placed where I can grab with my off hand:

http://www.benchmade.com/products/176-178

I've been doing krav maga training for a good while now and we practice gun retention/transition to back up options all the time where I train. Hands down the fixed blade knife is the fastest and easiest way to address a threat in close encounter. Try grabbing that 5 shot revolver off your ankle when someone is trying to take your gun, I've never seen it done and that's with cops who train for this on a consistent basis.

Just my opinion, whatever you choose please train with it so you can be proficient.

[phantomson9]

Great points made by everyone. I really appreciate the replies.

[1CavScout]

I carried a G27 on a vest holster for years. I started out with a P230 on the ankle, but after it fell off one night in a foot pursuit I went away from ankle carry. If you get zippers put in your shirts you can get to a vest holster failry quickly. I also liked that I could use my G22 mags in the G27.

[malpasowildlifer]

S&W 640 & Sig P239 in 357 Sig.

[IlDuche]

Phantomson- I got it on my vest, set up for off hand draw. .38 +P.