Convince me that I need to carry a back up

your primary should have a reload. a small semi auto worn on the waist such as a mini 9mm should be balanced out with at least one reload on the opposite side. should you feel the need for a BUG almost any small semi-auto in your pocket will cover that need.

even in hot and humid climates a Kahr PM9, S&W shield, Wlther PPS et cetera can be worn strong side IWB and covered with the lightest shirt.
 
I find it easier to carry a BUG than extra mags. But also, I consider my KT P32 my everything gun, meaning that if I go out of the house for any reason without my normal primary, the BUG is still there and therefore becomes primary by default. The primary may not be there for many reasons that I won't get into here.
 
I live in the Burbs of Phoenix and work in Phoenix, Ive never felt the need to carry a BUG. I guess if you are rolling through downtown at odd hours of the night then maybe. But, you probably shouldn't be there anyway. Only time I carry BUG is roadtrips or camping.
 
I'm an old gun nut who has had a CCW for over 40 years. I carry all the time except at work, schools and in government buildings. I am 6'1" and 260 lbs. I carry an old worn Colt Cobra light weight in 38. I use a OBH and just let the -shirt hang over it on hot days. Never had problems. I am not concerned if it happens to peak out as I am licensed. I have 5 shots to defend myself. Keep in mind if I had to kill someone I would lose everything i own to legal fees. Thank god I have never had to make that decision. I avoid trouble areas and big crowds of trouble.I'm not a COP and don't need a back-up.
 
It's your own personal take on getting into a critical incident where for whatever reason your primary doesn't suffice.

It's a low probability event (as using your gun actually is). You have to make the call.

There are no absolutes - just a continuum of risk on which you make a cut criterion that you feel comfortable with.
 
I don't think you need a backup gun at all.

That is, until you do.

Make your call, your life is in your hands, but there are a number of tiny pistols out there suitable for BUG use.

NAA has a .22 short mini revolver that is about 2" long and weighs like 3 oz. or something ridiculous, and can be worn on the neck. 5 rounds of .22 short will drop any living creature on Earth with just 1 well placed shot.

It will do the job if YOU can.
 
what some people fail to realize is that one can have their hand on a gun (bug) in their pocket without alerting anyone. this is far better than walking to your car with your hand on you belt holstered gun.

that said, its already been pointed out that you must decide if you need a bug (with whatever clairvoyance you can muster).
 
well look at logistics.

if you carry a back up, you have extra weight to carry. say a respectable 13-20 ounces.

then the ammunition in the gun itself, 6-9 rounds of 380/9/45acp or 5-7 rounds of 38 special.

then the weight of reloads, etc.
 
Bezoar, most Americans can lose that weight by simply eating smaller portions or walking father than the recliner to the fridge. a BUG need not be an air weight S&W J frame. a Kel-tec P32 loaded to the hilt very light in the front pocket is better than nothing to supplement you primary.
 
re the weight of extra equipment was not being intended as a "loose 5 pounds, you can then carry an extra 5 pounds in guns and ammo"


even if you have the magical backpack from "the land of the magick troll king" that lets you carry unlimited weight, the unlimited weight has to go somewhere......

it still has mass and shape that has to be accounted for.
if your only spot to hide a gun is the small of your back... where does the extra gun go?
 
weak side front pocket. I guess it depends on how many pens, note pads, tooth picks, pocket knives, chap stick, whatever it is you have to carry other than a bug.

please don't carry a second gun because somebody on the internet says its a good idea. if you don't think its a good idea don't do it.
 
I say, yeah go for it, carry the bug. Why not? If you are comfortable with the weight of another firearm and feel its necessary, why would you need convincing?

I do not carry a bug and never have. I feel comfortable with 1 pistol and a reload, which works out to 30 rounds in my EDC. However, in the winter time, a small LCP type pistol to carry along in a coat pocket wouldn't be so bad.
 
A spare is not always bad

I always carry when I leave the house. As far as a backup, that is what the truck gun is for. In AZ it is not always feasible to carry a BUG during the summer since the heat keeps clothing to a minimum. For that reason, I carry an extra magazine and keep a BUG in my truck. I know that this seems ridiculous since I have to get to the truck to get the BUG but when traveling it is the best I can come up with.
 
This one is easy -- there is no convincing. If you feel the need or desire to carry a back up then go for it. If you don't think one would apply for you then don't.

there is a law of diminishing returns as we carry tools for self defense. A single firearm is more than what we need for far more than 99.99% of our life. a second firearm would then be applicable for that 0.001% situation.

If you want to have absolutely every base covered then go for it. If you're okay rolling that dice then that's your choice too.
 
kinoons said:
If you want to have absolutely every base covered then go for it.
Click to expand...

Wow, I never knew that a backup gun was all it took to cover EVERY possible situation that you may run into!

Or maybe you just have a limited imagination! ;)
 
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