Recently, I put together a training program on backup
gun strategies for law enforcement officers and had the opportunity to teach this class a few times. While the fo- cus of my presentation was on the advantages of a backup gun (BUG) for police officers, it certainly got me thinking about my current situation. Does a BUG make any sense for responsible citizens? Or, is that just a little too far over the line? After giving this issue some serious thought, I’ve come
to the conclusion, if one is good, then two is even better. If I feel the need, a small handgun in the pocket backs up my primary pistol carried on the belt. While attempting to blend into the crowd, I’ve also found that a pair of small, yet reasonably powerful handguns can often be carried more discreetly than a single, full-size piece.
Up-And-Down The Ladder My basic carry gear consists of a handgun, folding knife
and a small tactical flashlight. Depending on the time of the year or clothing worn, the handgun is either a compact pistol or short-barrel revolver. My folding knife serves pri- marily as a utility tool, although it could be a lifesaver in an emergency. Along similar lines, the small flashlight is used for routine “illumination” tasks. Light can also be used to locate and identify potential problems. If there is a need to go “hands on,” a small flashlight makes a very effective impact weapon. The community I reside in is relatively safe and violent
crime is extremely rare. As I no longer beat the bushes to look for bad guys, the
above listed equipment serves me very well as long as I don’t stray far from home. Road trips, however, require a little more attention to detail. When venturing into the unknown, other gear comes
into play. My handgun, flashlight and folding knife re- main part of the picture, but OC spray and a backup gun become part of the mix. This gives me greater flexibility when dealing with lesser threats, plus another ring of safe- ty if things really get ugly. So, why a BUG? My reasons for carrying a second gun
are exactly the same as when I was a law enforcement of- ficer. Your primary gun may be taken from you, suffer a catastrophic malfunction, or simply run out of bullets. Most defensive scenarios are resolved with a few shots be- ing fired, but your event may be the exception to the rule. Having a readily accessible second gun may prove faster than reloading your primary piece. Your backup could also be used to arm another capable individual who hap- pens to be without their own gun.
Bug Options For most of us, a small, relatively powerful handgun re-
mains the best choice for a backup. Left to my own design, medium-bore service cartridges, such as the 9mm and .38 Special, strike a good balance between power and control- lability, particularly in a small, lightweight handgun. Sev- eral of my associates have come to favor the .380 ACP, but I would consider any of the lesser pocket-pistol cartridges inadequate. Remember, if things have gotten so bad that I’m using my BUG, I would prefer something that is going to shut my opponent down ASAP. My BUG of choice remains an S&W M638 Airweight
Bodyguard. I find a small-frame revolver more tolerant of sand, lint and other debris that might tie up a pocket pis- tol. This is a valid consideration, since my BUG is carried in the pocket or on the ankle.
WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 79
Snub revolvers drawn and then pressed up against the assailant and fired to stop the bad guy from continuing his potentially lethal attack.
The good guy uses his legs to buck the assailant forward, temporarily stopping the attack.
Ankle holsters aren’t the best choice
for a primary handgun, but have merit for carrying a BUG. In this scenario, a responsible
citizen is sepa- rated from his gun and taken to the ground by an assail- ant, wielding a steel bar.
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