How Low Would You Go?

T

Theron D. Patron

Inactive
When it comes to a back up gun, I carry a G26, Tarsus model 85 38spl, or Kahr CW380 My carry loads are Federal 115gr +P+, 135gr Speer GD Short barrel, Precision 1 Hornady 90gr XTP.

About 2 years ago I started carrying two guns because I saw two squibb loads in two weeks. You can become very proficient at reloading and fixing malfunctions however, if you have a squibb load then I guess you will be pistol boxing.

I have known guys who carry at work where it is a no,no and the lowest they go is the .32acp in a pocket holster. I guess go hits to the face, balls, and neck would make someone think twice?
 
For me, carrying a BUG, .380 is pushing it, I would prefer a 9mm, like the EC9S. In the past I carried a .32, but not any more, personal preference.
 
I have been told that there is no limit to how low I would go, but that was a completely unrelated discussion. :D. In the past, I've carried NAA .22lr or .22wmr minis, .25 baby browning clone, etc., but my current BUG is an LCP.
 
I pocket carry a kel-tec p32 in a sticky sm-2 holster. I load with hornady custom xtp hollow points. I'm not sure they'll expand properly from such a short barrel, and if they expand at all I'm sure will limit penetration, but is what finds its way into my pocket everyday. .32acp is as low as i'll go.
 
A BUG is already a layer of redundancy that many choose not to utilize. If you carry a major caliber as a primary, absolutely see nothing wrong with a 32 as a backup. A decent argument could be made for .22, as you would still be more prepared than most.

Preparation is a good thing. If you're comfortable with a larger pistol and caliber as a BUG, and you are committed to carrying it, that would be better. However a BUG on hand is worth 5 in the car. If its so big that you will forego carrying it then that extra k/e of a major caliber is useless. All that being said, the LCP is plenty small enough for a comfortable BUG and it gives you .380.
 
I have known guys who carry at work where it is a no,no and the lowest they go is the .32acp in a pocket holster. I guess go hits to the face, balls, and neck would make someone think twice?
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I have yet to find anyone willing to stand and be shot by 5 rounds from an NAA mini center of mass to prove how inadequate the weapon is. Come to think of it I have not found anyone willing to do so with 1. There is this unrealistic idea that some people have that a hit with a major caliber is going to instantly stop the fight and they do not need to be prepared should it continue such as the aggressor still managing to close to contact distance.

Once I watched an instructor explain a drill. He was using the electronic target retriever to simulate an aggressor advancing or retreating. The instructions were to draw, give verbal commands to stop, and only engage once the distance "required" it. Through a series of stop and go, forward and retreat the instructor was throwing off the students. One student fired three times with "good" hits - two center of mass and one in the head and set his gun down. The instructor continued to advance the target and noted the problem. The student argued that with his gun and the load he was using the threat was done. There are enough cases on record of individuals soaking up many rounds from service caliber pistols and continuing that it cannot be discounted.

My point? Something is better than nothing and no concealable carry gun is going to guarantee stoppage. The .32 and even the lowly .22 should not be discounted if they are the options that are available to you. It is better than trying to stab someone with a "tactical" pen.
 
I don't have a problem carrying my NAA .22lr with the 1-1/8" barrel around the house and the few times I really can't carry something larger.
 
I've got an NAA Sidewinder in 22 mag in my pocket as I type this but I've got a 9mm Sig P290rs within arm's reach. I often carry the Sidewinder as a bug when when I go out.
 
Two squibs in a week? That is pretty abnormal. If you are carrying factory ammo a squib is unlikely. Most squibs seem to be from light loads people are trying out.
My main gun is going to be a 9mm. If I carried a BUG a 22 or 25 would be plenty.
Only way I would go larger is if I went with a compatible mag combo, but since my carry guns are compacts or sub-compacts that isn't an option.
 
About 2 years ago I started carrying two guns because I saw two squibb loads in two weeks. You can become very proficient at reloading and fixing malfunctions however, if you have a squibb load then I guess you will be pistol boxing
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That is why you DO NOT us re-loads in you CCW guns.
 
I read through the thread [quickly], but couldn't determine if these were handloads, or if the OP had the squibs in his own pistol.

I've been reloading for 30 years...which is why I would NEVER carry anything but factory ammo.

Before I thought about an additional gun to experience the same problem, I'd fix the problem at hand - POOR QUALITY AMMO. You're asking for ways to attack the symptom and not addressing the problem.
 
The smallest I'd go in an auto is .380 (I have an LCP, but dislike it). I prefer 9mm or larger.

In a revolver I'm definitely interested in getting a .327mag one of these days, and I may consider a .32H&R Mag. Due to the larger capacity and still decent ballistics, I'd even consider a .22mag in a lightweight snub (but more as a backup gun than as a primary).
 
Carrying a concealed weapon for self defense is a bit like having a fire extinguisher in the home. You are preparing for a hopefully rare but very serious event. Carrying doesn't guarantee your safety or survival should that event occur but it can radically tip the odds in your favor if it does. Carrying also involves a definite and constant cost of accommodating the equipment on your person. Most of us here accept that cost as reasonable versus the odds. Carrying a second gun essentially doubles that cost in preparation for a much rarer combination of events. Unless local, personal, or professional circumstances put you at unusually high risk, I'd settle for accommodating a single firearm.

That same cost is a big determinant of what kind of firearm we carry. In that respect, I think of things like wardrobe, weather, and social environment as the budget. If you are limited to pocket carry, there are plenty of options. If you can find a small 9mm that fits well and you can reasonably control it, then why not? If you can comfortably carry a pocket revolver like the LCR, I'd call that a solid choice. Heck, six shots of .327 Federal is an excellent way to spend a pocket.

The reason I'd shy away from .32 acp or even .380 is that the above options exist in the modern market and they work well for me. Sure, guns can get a little smaller with these smaller calibers but not by enough to matter to me. If you need to go down to .32 or .380, then just do it. Either one still has a lot to offer when it comes to tipping the scales of probability. Any gun is better than no gun but carry the best that you reasonably can.
 
.32acp conceals nicely in Beach Attire.
Same can't be said for larger calibers...invisibility is KEY in Florida.
They only recently backed off charging folks for Printing while CC'ing...
If caught printing nowadays by an Anti-gunner, the screaming can be heard from space...
far better just to avoid the annoyance factors by going small when at the beach.

SOP for 7.65 Browning is to shove it in the bad guy's mouth and empty the mag, anyway ;)
 
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