Best back-up gun or off duty gun?

**andy_koolkid** · #1 03-09-09, 03:05 PM

Well i decided that i need a Off Duty weapon for personal protection. also a something that can be a back up if my primary fails. Does anyone have any suggestions? I heard that the Kel-Tec .380 is nice and i heard the Ruger LCP is a good one too. I just would like to hear from others out there and see their opinions. Thanks

**pgg** · #2 03-09-09, 03:09 PM

What do you carry as a duty weapon? I would recommend going with something similar so you don't have to try and use two different operating systems under stress.

**andy_koolkid** · #3 03-09-09, 03:13 PM

I use the Glock 31. but for off-duty, its to big to carry around. I was thinking of the Mini- Glock, but its kinda pricey.

**pgg** · #4 03-09-09, 03:19 PM

Sub Compact Glocks are fine. the LCP is close to the same price.

CaliTheKid · #5 03-09-09, 07:11 PM

5 shot Smith and Wesson.

**121Traffic** · #6 03-09-09, 07:50 PM

andy, are you a cop? If so, get verified buddy!

**DIESEL326** · #7 03-09-09, 08:57 PM

For a lot more bang in not much bigger of a package, try the Kel-Tec PF 9. It is less than 1" wide, is lightweight, super concealable and is a full powered 9mm (mine prefers Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P's as a matter of fact). Mag holds 7rds w/ one in the hole. They can also be had for less than $300 too. Beyond that, I'd have to say a baby Glock, which is the only other BUG I have any experience with, but mine mostly stays at the house ever since I got the Kel-Tec.

**apdchief** · #8 03-09-09, 09:07 PM

26 years with a trusty (but old) Walther PPK-S....what can I say....old school!

**maclean** · #9 03-09-09, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy_koolkid

I use the Glock 31. but for off-duty, its to big to carry around. I was thinking of the Mini- Glock, but its kinda pricey.

andy, make sure you PM Pudge or countybear with your verification information.

Also, what is your life worth?

I wouldn't trust mine to a KelTec or a LCP - not because there is anything wrong with them, but because the .32 round is anemic and the .380 isn't much better.

They are also blowback designs, which are inherently less reliable.

If you do insist on carrying a mousegun, make sure you stoke it with hot full metal jacket, because those little guns will not drive a hollowpoint deep enough to do what it needs to do.

Check out a "J" frame style revolver from Smith, Taurus, etc. in .38 and rated for +P at a minimum.

**Norm357** · #10 03-10-09, 03:04 AM

Smith 442. I carry one every day.

**sgtbear111** · #11 03-10-09, 03:44 AM

38 special revolver.

**Retdetsgt** · #12 03-10-09, 10:49 AM

I like anything with a "4" in the caliber. I have a Taurus PT145. I was going to get the small Glock .45, but one of the guys in our training division said they had a couple go kaboom so I avoided it.

I had a suicide by cop when we were transitioning firearms. And it was one of those really rare occasions when all three officers actually fired and hit the guy. One was carrying a 9 mm, one a .38 and the third had a .45

After witnessing the autopsy, I haven't carried anything but a .45 since. If I'm going to be sued, I want to be sued by the estate, not the guy I shot.

**TXPO710** · #13 03-10-09, 10:57 AM

I picked mine with interoperablility in mind. Kimber Warrior for duty and the CDP Compact for BUG/off duty. Full size mags work in the compact so I don't need to worry about ammo.

**Pudge113** · #14 03-10-09, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maclean

andy, make sure you PM Pudge or countybear with your verification information.

+1

I believe that's the second time in a couple of days you've been advised to do so. You're on the clock now. Failure to send in info for verification will result in ban.

I'll gladly discuss weapons and tactics with you when you get a verified tag.