Firepower!
New member
I am undecided in terms of which gun to keep as a backup gun. After checking whats available, I have narrowed my list to either a semi that would G26 or a revolver that would be SW .38spl in 2''. What do you think?
As a backup: Glock 26 or SW .38spl 2''?
- Thread starter Firepower!
- Start date
cause IMO 99.99999999% its going to go bang!
I voted Glock 26. Here's why:
1) I'm assuming this is for you, and that you are experienced enough to shoot a small pistol without limp-wristing and jamming it.
2) Higher capacity, if it comes to that
3) Autos are easier to hit with for me, due to having less recoil for the power level.
4) 9mm is a more powerful round than 38 Special, and may be easier to find on your side of the ocean than 38 Special.
5) Reloads are faster.
I prefer revolvers myself, but that is an emotional thing. Autos are simply a better choice. The only reason not to choose the Glock would be emotional or if you think you might have to shoot it from inside a jacket pocket.
Do let us know what you end up getting.
1) I'm assuming this is for you, and that you are experienced enough to shoot a small pistol without limp-wristing and jamming it.
2) Higher capacity, if it comes to that
3) Autos are easier to hit with for me, due to having less recoil for the power level.
4) 9mm is a more powerful round than 38 Special, and may be easier to find on your side of the ocean than 38 Special.
5) Reloads are faster.
I prefer revolvers myself, but that is an emotional thing. Autos are simply a better choice. The only reason not to choose the Glock would be emotional or if you think you might have to shoot it from inside a jacket pocket.
Do let us know what you end up getting.
If you're actually carrying it as a back up go with the revolver because, as 22-Mag said, chances are better that it will work under the worst conditions. With a revolver you don't have to worry about it going out of battery, dropping a mag, or having cycling issues due to a compromised grip.
My BUG is the best of both worlds - a scandium framed S&W .38spl rechambered to 9mm w/moonclips and laser grips.
My BUG is the best of both worlds - a scandium framed S&W .38spl rechambered to 9mm w/moonclips and laser grips.
azredhawk44
Moderator
Considering your corner of the world, Firepower!, I'd go with a G26 or even a G19/XD9 over a .38 snub.
john in jax
New member
I've got both a S&W model 60, .357 and a Glock 26 and they each have their pros and cons.
The S&W 60 is:
slightly smaller (fits & conceals in pockets that a 26 won't)
a little lighter than a fully loaded 26
VERY comfortable to pocket carry, so "dressing around" your CCW is not as important
holds only 5 rounds, but they're .357 magnums
The Glock 26:
I shoot a little better with the 26 at 5 yards it doesn't matter but at 10 yards I'd rather have the 26
A little bigger, heavier so a bit less comfortable to pocket carry
Lots more rounds, with better, easier to see, sights (my eyesight is horrible)
The S&W 60 is:
slightly smaller (fits & conceals in pockets that a 26 won't)
a little lighter than a fully loaded 26
VERY comfortable to pocket carry, so "dressing around" your CCW is not as important
holds only 5 rounds, but they're .357 magnums
The Glock 26:
I shoot a little better with the 26 at 5 yards it doesn't matter but at 10 yards I'd rather have the 26
A little bigger, heavier so a bit less comfortable to pocket carry
Lots more rounds, with better, easier to see, sights (my eyesight is horrible)
G26
I voted for the G26 because that is what I carry. I don't usually carry a spare mag(I have 2 in the truck if I need them) but with the +2 mag I have as many rounds as a 38 or more. I like SA better than a Revolver for self defence, my choice. I shoot both good enough but I like Semi's. I think of Revolvers as more of a fun/powerful/BIGBORE guns and Autos as work guns. There is no more a work gun than a glock. They ain't purrty but they shoot. The last factor for me is if I drop the hammer(or the springggggggggggo) on some BG the cops will take my gun and I would hate to think of one of my nice S&W's in some cop lock up rusting away or getting sent to some chop shop to apease WhomEver. Thats why I have 2 G26's. I use one and I have the other to take its place. I bought both used for less than $350 each so I am not out all that much.
I voted for the G26 because that is what I carry. I don't usually carry a spare mag(I have 2 in the truck if I need them) but with the +2 mag I have as many rounds as a 38 or more. I like SA better than a Revolver for self defence, my choice. I shoot both good enough but I like Semi's. I think of Revolvers as more of a fun/powerful/BIGBORE guns and Autos as work guns. There is no more a work gun than a glock. They ain't purrty but they shoot. The last factor for me is if I drop the hammer(or the springggggggggggo) on some BG the cops will take my gun and I would hate to think of one of my nice S&W's in some cop lock up rusting away or getting sent to some chop shop to apease WhomEver. Thats why I have 2 G26's. I use one and I have the other to take its place. I bought both used for less than $350 each so I am not out all that much.
I chose a .38 (well, OK, a .357 SP101 but I am limited to .38+P by Dept regulations) over my G26. Here's why.
My BUG is carried as a backup to my Glock 21 duty weapon and is also carried off duty. If I ever have to use the SP101, I can see a lot of tussling involved. I want my BUG to be 100%, dead on reliable, whether I am injured, fighting, in an awkward position, shooting weak handed only, shoving the gun into someone's ribcage, all of the above, what have you. To me, that means a revolver; no limp-wristing, no being pushed out of battery if pressed against a body, no mags to worry about, just pull the trigger.
For me, a revolver, with the curves and such, conceals a lot better than the flat, angular auto. If it prints slightly, people just see a gentle roll in my clothes and assume it is the fabric bunching up; if the auto prints, you see a flat plane or angle which, to me, screams "GUN!".
Don't get me wrong, the G26 was very good at what it did. I just decided that, for my particular requirements, the SP was better.
Backups are, like guns in general, very subjective. I like my SP as a backup/off duty gun; you or someone else might like the G26; someone else might like a Walther PPK or what have you. Whatever you decide, remember to practice, practice, practice, then practice some more. Practice weak handed; practice reloads; if your range will allow it, practice on your back and in any other awkward position you can think of that you might be placed/forced into in a fight. If it is a backup and you need it, chances are the fecal matter has already hit the rotary air impeller and you don't want to have to worry about reliability or your ability with it.
Bub
My BUG is carried as a backup to my Glock 21 duty weapon and is also carried off duty. If I ever have to use the SP101, I can see a lot of tussling involved. I want my BUG to be 100%, dead on reliable, whether I am injured, fighting, in an awkward position, shooting weak handed only, shoving the gun into someone's ribcage, all of the above, what have you. To me, that means a revolver; no limp-wristing, no being pushed out of battery if pressed against a body, no mags to worry about, just pull the trigger.
For me, a revolver, with the curves and such, conceals a lot better than the flat, angular auto. If it prints slightly, people just see a gentle roll in my clothes and assume it is the fabric bunching up; if the auto prints, you see a flat plane or angle which, to me, screams "GUN!".
Don't get me wrong, the G26 was very good at what it did. I just decided that, for my particular requirements, the SP was better.
Backups are, like guns in general, very subjective. I like my SP as a backup/off duty gun; you or someone else might like the G26; someone else might like a Walther PPK or what have you. Whatever you decide, remember to practice, practice, practice, then practice some more. Practice weak handed; practice reloads; if your range will allow it, practice on your back and in any other awkward position you can think of that you might be placed/forced into in a fight. If it is a backup and you need it, chances are the fecal matter has already hit the rotary air impeller and you don't want to have to worry about reliability or your ability with it.
Bub
Firepower!
New member
Smaug, I actually have a G26, but I am thinking about replacing it with a 2''.
For a back gun I am leaning towards a revolver and a light one. Here in PK bullets are available for both, so thats not a problem.
For a back gun I am leaning towards a revolver and a light one. Here in PK bullets are available for both, so thats not a problem.
Back-Up
Like many have stated good reasons and cases for both. Like I stated revolver. It can be shot from the pocket multiple time if need be. The G26 ( may ) jam after the first round due to material jamming the slide. Pocket material will burn some. Just opinions from all and in the end its YOUR CHOICE
Like many have stated good reasons and cases for both. Like I stated revolver. It can be shot from the pocket multiple time if need be. The G26 ( may ) jam after the first round due to material jamming the slide. Pocket material will burn some. Just opinions from all and in the end its YOUR CHOICE
As much as I HATE GLOCK, I'll have to go with the 26 on this one. Let me say I LOVE snubbie revolvers, however - 9mm is preferable to .38 spcl, 10 is preferable to 5, and (especially for deep concealment) flat is preferable to round.
The Glock could easily be carried in an ankle rig or IWB. Even in a large pants pocket. The revolver is only a little harder to conceal, however.
The pistol DOES have the advantage of going BANG! 99.99% of the time when you pull the trigger. .38 spcl. +p comes very close to 9mm in power. Of course, there's 9mm +p if your pistol will take it. Both are draw and pull quick deployment type weapons. No complicated safeties.
It's almost a toss-up, but the round count has the advantage. Go with whatever YOU shoot best.
The Glock could easily be carried in an ankle rig or IWB. Even in a large pants pocket. The revolver is only a little harder to conceal, however.
The pistol DOES have the advantage of going BANG! 99.99% of the time when you pull the trigger. .38 spcl. +p comes very close to 9mm in power. Of course, there's 9mm +p if your pistol will take it. Both are draw and pull quick deployment type weapons. No complicated safeties.
It's almost a toss-up, but the round count has the advantage. Go with whatever YOU shoot best.
Kreyzhorse
New member
As far as back ups go, nothing is more reliable than a good snubby.
