Back up carry guns (BUGs)

[defender2000]

I am feeling the need to get a back up carry gun but I am torn between getting a wheel gun or a pistol. Revolvers are far less prone to malfunctions than pistols, and they are available in magnum calibers. On the other hand, pistols carry more shots.

Sometimes I use my XD45 compact as a back up gun but it's weight makes it a bit unpractical for back up carry. So I am thinking about getting either a .357 snub nose, or a Glock 27. In a way carrying the Glock 27 would be ideal because I can use my G35 mags in it, and I carry the G35 often. I am also thinking about using a G23 in a back up role. The Ruger SR9 and SR9C appear to be good candidates but I have fired either one yet. So my question is, In your opinion, what would be a good choice for a back up gun? And what carry positions are ideal for BUGs, ankle, small of the back, pocket, etc.

[3per]

It's gonna boil down to your personal preference, that being said, mine is a Kahr PM9 in a Smart Carry.

[HiredGoon]

IMHO...I would avoid small of the back carry for any firearm. Too risky if you would fall on your back... injury to spinal cord. You don't want a heavy piece of metal jammed into your back

[defender2000]

IMHO...I would avoid small of the back carry for any firearm. Too risky if you would fall on your back... injury to spinal cord. You don't want a heavy piece of metal jammed into your back

I agree. That's another reason I stopped carrying my XD45 like that. I don't want to even think about what would happen if I was rear ended in my car while I was carrying it.

[harold63]

You are basically ruling out a semi. There are a few super light snub nose .38's that are good, or the .357. Unless you are a LEO, do you really need a backup gun? Get a good ammo that is not known for failures, dehorn the pistol you have so it is less prone to failures (or let a smith do it), and just carry a spare mag. I don't worry about my carry pistol. It is tested and runs like a top. If I carried a BUG, it would go inside the waistband, right in the small of my back.

[27hand]

It's all in what you would be comfortable with (except the SOB carry as was covered).

Here are the same old pictures I always post on these BUG threAds (sorry to those who have to look at them repeatedly).

I personally like a thinner single stack 9mm for backup. My choice was a Kahr P9 Covert which I ankle carry

,

pocket carry


and sometimes IWB carry.



I liked the P9. It has a 3 1/2" bbl and a grip as short as the PM9 which makes concealment easier for me. I carry 2 spare 7 round mags in my front pocket with no discomfort.

Kind of a bad pic on size comparison between my G23 (primary) and the Covert BUG



Revolvers all have those BRT's which seem to stick out too much IMO but try a few different guns and good luck on your choice.
One more thing. If you choose to carry a Bug, practice presentations with it AND shoot it. Small frame guns are not as easy to practice with (shorter sight length,lighter/more felt recoil).

27

[Emptymag]

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(snip)
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Revolvers all have those BRT's which seem to stick out too much IMO...
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Big Round Things?

Gotcha. I never knew the correct terminology for those things.

[CHEMICAL]

Big Round Things?

Gotcha. I never knew the correct terminology for those things.

lol..........



Revolvers are less prone to malfunctions? That's hardly the case with a reputable gun these days. There's stuff that can go wrong with them just like any other gun.

[CHEMICAL]

I agree. That's another reason I stopped carrying my XD45 like that. I don't want to even think about what would happen if I was rear ended in my car while I was carrying it.

That soft thing called your seat would probably cushion you.

[victory]

I had zero problems concealing a glock 26 in a Galco ankle glove.

Ankle carry is a good option for a BUG if you do a lot of driving as it is very easy to access from a seated position.

Only negative is when you put on shorts in the summer you loose your BUG spot and one leg will look bigger from the ankle weight.