Back It Up

By Paul Rackley (RSS)

August 03, 2011

Two guns are one, one gun is none. This saying has bounced around for years on gun forums as the reason to always carry a backup gun. Some self-defense advocates on the forums even take it further and claim that three guns are two.

While I’m not sure I completely understand that one, unless they’re talking about the rifle I keep in the truck, I am a large advocate of backup guns. Of course, I don’t currently have one, but that is not entirely my fault. A few years ago when Ruger came out with the LCP, I bought two. One was purchased as a compact purse gun for my wife, while the other became my backup. That was until I let my mother-in-law shoot one of these little guns.

Since then, I’ve been without a backup gun, but I’m considering getting another LCP, especially since there is now a NRA version of the LCP and it counts toward the Ruger Million Dollar Challenge to Benefit NRA.

Do you carry a backup? If so, what is it, and what do you recommend I look into getting as a backup and why? I've got a prize for the person with the best answer, be it funny or serious.

Tags:  back it up,  backup gun,  blogs,  lcp,  million dollar nra challenge,  ruger,  ruger challenge,  ruger lcp

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11 Responses to Back It Up

Jerry Bassett wrote:
August 14, 2011

I feel comfortable with my 1982 Model 60 38Spl (Pre 357) with a 2 shot derringer pocket packup. Both with 141 grain w/c's.

Rick W. wrote:
August 10, 2011

Taurus PT Slim 740 (.40)-reasonably accurate,inexpensive, reliable, plenty of punch, obviously lightweight and compact.May be suitable for pocket carry depending on how deep your pockets are - no problem for you Mr. Big Bucks.. Consider adding a LaserLyte rear sight.Taurus-no bull.

Jerry wrote:
August 10, 2011

Give the Bodyguard .380 a looksee. I've had an LCP but like the Bodyguard a lot more. It's jussssst a little bigger/thicker. But that little bit feels like a lot more grip and stability-wise.

Grant wrote:
August 09, 2011

I only carry one, but I keep 2 in my vehicle a lot, One is a Ruger .45 & the other a KelTec 9MM so I have which ever one fits the situation the best. The little Keltec is so easy to conceal.

TOM wrote:
August 09, 2011

I'm with Paul. My Kimber 1911 Ultra keeps me hitching my pants all day. I carry an extra 8rd mag so 6 + 8 = lots of shots! Also, the Kimber always functions so I'm good with just carrying 1.

Carl Enterkin wrote:
August 09, 2011

Having carried off-duty for 38 years, and being aware of the off-duty shooting dynamics, I am comfortable carrying only a 642 S&W with one spare reload, either a strip or a speed loader. I also modify the carry depending upon my attire, sometimes just inside the waistband, or even a pocket holster in my 5.11's. This has served me well for a long time.

Warren wrote:
August 09, 2011

Have you heard the rule of 4's? Most gun fight encounters are no more than 4 feet away, firing no more than 4 shots in 4 seconds. I feel comfortable just carrying a 5 shot revolver.

Nate wrote:
August 06, 2011

Choose something with the same ammo and mags as your primary.

Jason wrote:
August 03, 2011

Maintain your gun and make your shots count. Maybe I'm wrong but it seems to me that of your worried about # of shots you'd be better off carrying an extra Mag for the gun your most comfortable with as your sole carry gun. But I've always felt even the 7+1 shots in your standard 1911 is enough to get yourself out of harms way of any attacker. One shot one kill, how many times are you going to be faced with more than eight attackers

brad wrote:
August 03, 2011

My one gun is more than none and that's better off than most.

Paul Kiernan wrote:
August 03, 2011

I have enough trouble keeping my pants up with one!