TylerD45ACP
New member
Im leaning toward a Wheelgun as a BUG. Dunno what but it would be good do be medium weight and 357 or a really nice 38. I rather have the option of both rounds though.
Backup Guns
- Thread starter TylerD45ACP
- Start date
DiscoRacing
New member
simple.... 686... duh!!!
TylerD45ACP
New member
:Too heavy as a backup. I need something lighter and smaller I was thinking 3 inch model 60. I would use intermediate 357's and some nice 38+p's. I like the Idea of having a Colt commander/defender in 45 and a backup in 357/38
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.Tyler,
If you are looking for a medium-weight backup pistol chambered in .357 magnum, then I'd send you to handle the S&W Model 60, and the excellent Ruger SP101.
They are both fantastic, and if you don't want to punish yourself with recoil, they are both the appropriate weight for the magnum chambering.
If you were considering a proprietary .38 special backup, the J-frame snubs from Smith and Wesson are hard to beat: models (642 Centennial, 638 Bodyguard, 637 Chief's Special; and their variations). Personally my 637 is my backup. If something happens to my Glock 9mm, I want to be able to have something that will pack a wallop when I get it out. Enter the .38 special. It's a more than adequate loading for self defense; and, if you do your part, the 5 shot cylinder will not leave you wanting for greater capacity. More importantly, the airweight aluminum frame/steel cylinder-barrel design makes carrying these a dream.
Also look into the Ruger LCR if you're considering this option.
Hope this helps.
~LT
If you are looking for a medium-weight backup pistol chambered in .357 magnum, then I'd send you to handle the S&W Model 60, and the excellent Ruger SP101.
They are both fantastic, and if you don't want to punish yourself with recoil, they are both the appropriate weight for the magnum chambering.
If you were considering a proprietary .38 special backup, the J-frame snubs from Smith and Wesson are hard to beat: models (642 Centennial, 638 Bodyguard, 637 Chief's Special; and their variations). Personally my 637 is my backup. If something happens to my Glock 9mm, I want to be able to have something that will pack a wallop when I get it out. Enter the .38 special. It's a more than adequate loading for self defense; and, if you do your part, the 5 shot cylinder will not leave you wanting for greater capacity. More importantly, the airweight aluminum frame/steel cylinder-barrel design makes carrying these a dream.
Also look into the Ruger LCR if you're considering this option.
Hope this helps.
~LT
TylerD45ACP
New member
Thanks lord Tio, Im going to look more deeply into the 60. I want to be able to have 357's in my BUG then maybe 38special +P's of some variety. Any info on you wheelgun masters is welcome. I am a semi guy so feel off, im learning and value a good revolver 
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.BUGs, Taurus Protector, S&W Bodyguard 49, 638 .38spl...
For BUGs or 2nd guns, I agree with a simple DA only or DA/SA(covered hammer) type .357/.38spl.
I put some thought to this system a few years ago and decided a well made .357magnum or .38spl +P rated snub/J frame that could be fired one handed or SA in a dire emergency is better than a full DA only that you can't shoot(due to illness, injury, etc).
I bought a new Taurus Ti Protector .357magnum in 2004. It worked ok and I got a CT lasergrip for it. I had a CC license at the time and used .38spl +P rounds and a Desantis Nemnesis pocket holster. Other good snubs like the S&W 442, 642, 649, 638 models or the Taurus CIA are on the US market but you have to decide what works best for you. A DA only revolver or shrouded hammer snub may conceal well and even fire through a pocket. It shouldn't be considered a replacement or better than a CDR size .45acp or .357sig/.40 P229, PX4, HK P-2000 size carry pistol though.
For BUGs or 2nd guns, I agree with a simple DA only or DA/SA(covered hammer) type .357/.38spl.
I put some thought to this system a few years ago and decided a well made .357magnum or .38spl +P rated snub/J frame that could be fired one handed or SA in a dire emergency is better than a full DA only that you can't shoot(due to illness, injury, etc).
I bought a new Taurus Ti Protector .357magnum in 2004. It worked ok and I got a CT lasergrip for it. I had a CC license at the time and used .38spl +P rounds and a Desantis Nemnesis pocket holster. Other good snubs like the S&W 442, 642, 649, 638 models or the Taurus CIA are on the US market but you have to decide what works best for you. A DA only revolver or shrouded hammer snub may conceal well and even fire through a pocket. It shouldn't be considered a replacement or better than a CDR size .45acp or .357sig/.40 P229, PX4, HK P-2000 size carry pistol though.
I have been looking into a good carry gun quite a bit recently, and the Kahr PM9 is looking like it my be the one for me.
If you want to stick with the .45acp, check out the Kimber Carry model. It's still fairly big, but I think it's one of the smaller .45 options out there.
(edit) However, there's nothing like having a wheel gun as a backup and knowing that all you have to do is draw it and pull the trigger to make it go BANG. When I was younger, I used to have an old police S&W 38spl and really regret getting rid of it. It was one of (if not the most) accurate hand guns I have owned.
If you want to stick with the .45acp, check out the Kimber Carry model. It's still fairly big, but I think it's one of the smaller .45 options out there.
(edit) However, there's nothing like having a wheel gun as a backup and knowing that all you have to do is draw it and pull the trigger to make it go BANG. When I was younger, I used to have an old police S&W 38spl and really regret getting rid of it. It was one of (if not the most) accurate hand guns I have owned.
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Tyler, I foolishly traded a model 60 in 357 with a 3" barrel off. The 357s weren't that bad to shoot. I'm considering model 640 which is a hammerless 357 with a 1 and 7/8" barrel to accompany my 642. Two J-Frames appeals to me, plus if you ever stuck the 640 in someones gut and touched her off can you imagine the damage from the hot gases? Not a lot of fun for the recipient, but you no what they say; When your care enough to send the very best. Lyle
If you can't shoot faster than the other guy; shoot straighter. Chic Gaylord
If you can't shoot faster than the other guy; shoot straighter. Chic Gaylord
longhair75
New member
This afternoon, my wife and I handled the Ruger LCP for the first time. She decided that LCP stands for Little Cute Pistol
I have a Taurus 738 TCP (.380) which I carry in my pocket all the time, and is a backup to my 24/7 Pro Compact .45 ACP when I carry it.
I can highly recommend the little Taurus. At 10.2 ounces it weighs less than my billfold, is totally reliable with any kind of ammo I've shot through it (including gun shop reloads), is very accurate at self-defense distances, and you won't have to sell your first-born male child to buy one.
My wife has a little Ruger LCP .380, which is, likewise, very lightweight, concealable, dependable, carries six plus one, and is reasonably priced.
Either would make a fine little BUG.
I can highly recommend the little Taurus. At 10.2 ounces it weighs less than my billfold, is totally reliable with any kind of ammo I've shot through it (including gun shop reloads), is very accurate at self-defense distances, and you won't have to sell your first-born male child to buy one.
My wife has a little Ruger LCP .380, which is, likewise, very lightweight, concealable, dependable, carries six plus one, and is reasonably priced.
Either would make a fine little BUG.
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warningshot
New member
Carry small pistols for small BGs. 
imthegrumpyone
New member
Hey !!! anyone have a "back up" for there back up ??
billnourse
New member
I have a Kahr .380 that is always with me. While the .380 is marginal for self defense, I would rather have it in my pocket than a 1911 in the truck. Big guns too often get left at home or in the car. The .380 will fight you back to your real gun.
Bill
Bill
MilProGuy:
And...
IF the reasonable price of the Ruger LCP is a problem, all you have to do is send the barrel and slide off to Innovative Arms for the satin slide refinish/external sight upgrade (incld mirror polished feed ramp & barrel),and then add a Crimson Trace Laser..
Voila'
Reasonable price issue resolved...
Best Wishes,
Jesse
And...
IF the reasonable price of the Ruger LCP is a problem, all you have to do is send the barrel and slide off to Innovative Arms for the satin slide refinish/external sight upgrade (incld mirror polished feed ramp & barrel),and then add a Crimson Trace Laser..
Voila'
Reasonable price issue resolved...
Best Wishes,
Jesse
longhair75
New member
I am in the market for a Ruger LCP as a back up pistol. When my wife (whose main carry pistol is a BHP) looked at it in the display case she decided that LCP stands for Little Cute Pistol.
I have read many good comments about this pistol, and Ruger's customer support as well.
I have read many good comments about this pistol, and Ruger's customer support as well.
Colt Defender
In answer to your Colt Defender question, I've had good luck with mine, which I got 4 years ago. It has worked reliably and conceals easily.
I generally don't use a backup gun on my person, but may have one in my car or briefcase. A S&W 642 is my favorite backup.
In answer to your Colt Defender question, I've had good luck with mine, which I got 4 years ago. It has worked reliably and conceals easily.
I generally don't use a backup gun on my person, but may have one in my car or briefcase. A S&W 642 is my favorite backup.
zombieslayer
New member
Eagle: I carry a 640 often. Its a great snub and built pretty solid. At close distances, its a very formidable SD tool (imho). One correction however- it actually has a 2 and 1/8" barrel. I have a 642 also, and love it. It has the inch and 7/8 barrel. I don't think it matters a whole lot. But I guess its worth noting. Get a 640, you'll love it.