Why a Back Up

By Paul Rackley (RSS)

August 09, 2011

In my last blog about back-up guns, I received a couple of comments about how one gun is enough if you maintain it and make your shots count. One reader also said that you’ll probably never be faced with multiple attackers anyway. This made me realize that some don’t understand why a person would carry a second handgun.

I don’t want a back-up gun because I’m a bad shot or because I think I’m going to be set upon by a gang of assailants every other day. I want a back up for the same reason I carry my primary gun. I have a very small chance of ever needing to defend myself in a self-defense situation, but I still carry a gun daily. And even if I am attacked and have to use my Kimber, I’ll probably only have to fire two or three rounds, but I still carry a spare magazine. I also clean and maintain my .45 ACP on a regular basis, but it is a mechanical device and can malfunction.

Do you see what I’m getting at? It’s all about Murphy’s Law. You don’t carry a back-up gun because you think you’ll actually need it. You carry a back up for the "one time" that all the stars line up against you. It’s the insurance for your insurance.

Tags:  back up guns,  blogs,  murphy’s law,  paul rackley,  second handgun,  small guns,  why a back up

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6 Responses to Why a Back Up

Steelheart wrote:
August 20, 2011

Another reason to carry a 2nd gun is for ease of access. The full size pistol that you can shoot great doesn't do you much good if it's under a winter coat and you need something RIGHT NOW not in 2 seconds when you manage to get it out and running. A snubbie (or other small handgun) in an outer pocket can either deal with the problem or at least buy you the time to access the more effective firearm on your belt. I call the 2nd gun having an alternative primary. Now I'm sure that someone's saying that if you just maintain your situational awareness this can't happen to you. You need to remember that just because you don't like how a situation is looking you may not be justified in drawing that pistol on your belt. You'll have better luck having a hand in a pocket that happens to also contain a small handgun. This way you've got something ready to go if your world goes down the toilet. If you feel that you've got the extra time it'll take to haul out the full size, DO IT since it's probably easier to use effectively.

Big John wrote:
August 19, 2011

I understand what you' saying, in fact, I also carry a backup. My primary firearm is a 1911 government model 45 ACP or my Springfield XDM 45 ACP. my backup is the new Ruger LC9 9mm like they say at Surefire tactical lights. One is none, two is one, and three is two. I also carry two spare magazines for my primary firearm and two magazines for my backup firearm and by the way I also carry a backup surefire flashlight to go along with my primary surefire flashlight. My reason for caring a backup firearm is not only because of my primary may malfunction, but also in the event that I am in a situation that it would be faster to get to my backup firearm. Then it becomes my primary and the 45 ACP becomes my backup. Anyway you look at it. One side or the other I have a firearm that I can use to take care of business.

PWerk wrote:
August 18, 2011

I carried a .45ACP Colt Commander for most of my entire 34 yr. LE career...I also carried a Backup .380...And I love my S&W Mod. 66 .357Mag...I've seen several Semi's "jam", but always able to clear...I've also seen Revolvers "jam"...When they do, better have some gun-smithin' tools....Revolvers actually have more moving parts than Semi's...

Ken wrote:
August 18, 2011

My concern is that depending on the situation I could be disarmed...walking to a bad situation may not allow for any opportunity to respond using the gun. If my primary is taken most would not expect a backup and might pass it by allowing for another opportunity to for me to present a defense.

Grant wrote:
August 09, 2011

I certainly agree w/ your last paragraph. I also believe that the first shot is the most important one. I like the knock down ability of the .45, but the little 9MM can do the job on the "4 Rule of 4 shots in 4 seconds w/ the first one being the most important.

Jason wrote:
August 09, 2011

I understand what your getting at by possible malfunctions. That being said where do you draw the line? And I believe a backup for a backup is getting to be quite excessive. If you were ever to have two malfunctioning guns, either A) it must be partially the operators fault or B) When it's your time it's your time. And I still stand by my statement that one gun should be enough to keep you alive, if your worried about a serious malfunction stick with a revolver they're as simple as it gets