Thoughts on 2-Gun Carry

[NH Shooter]

I'm seriously considering giving it a try.

I have two pistols that carry quite nicely in JMCK #3 IWB holsters on the strong side: a Walther PPS M1 and a PPQ M1. The PPS is my normal EDC - it's so comfortable I no longer notice it's there. The 5-inch PPQ carries almost as well from both a concealment and comfort aspect.

My thought is to purchase a weak side #3 IWB for the PPS, so it can ride opposite the PPQ. I would also carry an IWB mag carrier for the PPQ in front of the PPS. While this might sound crazy for anything beyond fulfilling a John Wick fantasy, I consider the following as worthy advantages;


Should my strong hand/arm become restrained by an assailant, injured, etc. to have a second gun easily accessible on the left side
At an arm's length confrontation, I consider the PPS superior to the PPQ because there is MUCH less for the assailant to grab hold of forward of the trigger guard and so it would be selected in such a scenario
Provide the second gun to an unarmed person who might be accompanying me (such as my wife) for a collective defensive effort
BUG in the event the primary becomes inoperative or is dropped, taken away, etc.


In my case the key to the utility of the second gun is that it must be readily accessible and handled just like the primary, only from the weak side. The "mirror imaging" of draw strokes and weapon manipulation I see as a major advantage. Based on some experimentation with the holsters I have, it seems quite viable from a concealment and comfort perspective.

I would welcome any feedback or experience anyone would like to share on this.

[DDTSGM]

I'm seriously considering giving it a try.

I have two pistols that carry quite nicely in JMCK #3 IWB holsters on the strong side: a Walther PPS M1 and a PPQ M1. The PPS is my normal EDC - it's so comfortable I no longer notice it's there. The 5-inch PPQ carries almost as well from both a concealment and comfort aspect.

My thought is to purchase a weak side #3 IWB for the PPS, so it can ride opposite the PPQ. I would also carry an IWB mag carrier for the PPQ in front of the PPS. While this might sound crazy for anything beyond fulfilling a John Wick fantasy.

I think it is a matter of your desire and comfort. I'd also get some savvy folks to vet concealment.

I'd contact JM and see if the #3 IWB 'could' be converted to strong side carry if it didn't work out - although I'm sure most of us have +$55.00 dollars worth of gear we've bought that didn't work out and is just laying around. :)

One of the downsides I see is that from a weapon retention standpoint any physical confrontation you are in has another pistol added to the equation. Kind of hard to defend and retain two pistols. This is more likely to become a self-fulfilling prophecy in a scuffle when carrying two pistols: BUG in the event the primary is dropped, taken away, etc.

I would also discount this as a driving reason to carry two pistols - Provide the second gun to an unarmed person who might be accompanying me (such as my wife) for a collective defensive effort - unless the folks who generally accompany you are firearms folks. Police departments often cited 'throwing a speedstrip/speedloader/magazine to your partner' as a reason for all officers carrying the same weapon. I'm not sure it never happened, but extremely rare if it did.

So, dependent on your thoughts on those items, I'd say live the dream.

[TC215]

I’ve carried two handguns on-duty for basically my entire adult life, and I can’t imagine carrying both of them on my waist. I’ve predominantly carried my BUG on my ankle, but also occasionally in my pocket or on my vest (when in uniform).

I believe it would be hard to conceal, and harder to defend.

[GearFondler]

I almost always carry 2 guns, but the 2nd one is a J Frame in my pocket.
This gives me the standard benefits of carrying a BUG plus the benefits of Snubby Pocket Carry... Mainly hand on the J ready to draw without any tells and more reliable contact shots.

[kitchen's mill]

No doubt it can make a lot of sense.

But is it legal.

And is it legal in every state you might travel through, reciprocity and all.

Reciprocity typically requires out of state permit holder to comply with state law.

[BehindBlueI's]

No doubt it can make a lot of sense.

But is it legal.

And is it legal in every state you might travel through, reciprocity and all.

Reciprocity typically requires out of state permit holder to comply with state law.

What state restricts how many you can carry?

[BehindBlueI's]

I'm seriously considering giving it a try.

I have two pistols that carry quite nicely in JMCK #3 IWB holsters on the strong side: a Walther PPS M1 and a PPQ M1. The PPS is my normal EDC - it's so comfortable I no longer notice it's there. The 5-inch PPQ carries almost as well from both a concealment and comfort aspect.

My thought is to purchase a weak side #3 IWB for the PPS, so it can ride opposite the PPQ. I would also carry an IWB mag carrier for the PPQ in front of the PPS. While this might sound crazy for anything beyond fulfilling a John Wick fantasy, I consider the following as worthy advantages;

I think two guns make a lot of sense, but perhaps not two waist carried guns. Retention could become an issue, think of how people tend to tackle with their arms out and around your waist. I don't know your level of hand to hand skill, but I personally wouldn't be comfortable trying to defend myself and two waist carried guns.

I like the notion of second gun covering the weaknesses of the first carry position. Appendix mated with pocket, for example. Pocket carry is, IMO, superior for a surprise draw in a street mugging sort of situation. I can count on one hand how many muggers have patted down suspects and went into their pockets first. You are expected to put your hand in your pocket, so mimicking compliance is easier. Pat downs that do occur are usually after the victim has nothing or little of value and the bad guy thinks they are holding out. You should have a good grip and be presenting before the other guy's OODA loop starts. Going for the appendix carry under direct observation is harder, especially since so many mopes carry holsterless appendix. Pocket carry sucks while you're seated and driving, where appendix is going to do very well. Pocket carry retention is pretty easy.

When I was a detective, I ankle carried my BUG since I could get to it seat belted in much easier then OWB while wearing a suit jacket and seat belted in.

[Chuck Whitlock]

I've done this for quite some time, and it works well for me.

Understand that my work is uniformed LE, and I can dress like a bum on my own time. I usually wear a tucked-in t-shirt with an open-front shirt as a cover garment. Works with shorts or pants/jeans, and doesn't stick out in my AO. Also, everything translates to wearing a blazer or sport coat.

Additionally, by reaching around my back, I can access the other gun with either hand. Not ideally, but doable.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?44022-quot-Custom-quot-ain-t-no-BS!

[Duke]

No doubt it can make a lot of sense.

But is it legal.

And is it legal in every state you might travel through, reciprocity and all.

Reciprocity typically requires out of state permit holder to comply with state law.


Please - start an entire section of the “community” on a trend of mailing letters to atf/doj etc to ask permission...:rolleyes:

[NH Shooter]

I've done this for quite some time, and it works well for me.

Thanks for the feedback, and the link!

I dress the same way: tucked-in T-shirt with a polo or open button shirt on top. I have never noticed any concealment issues from careful mirror study, but getting someone familiar with the subject matter HeavyDuty to do a critique is a great idea.

I also remain extremely cognizant of the fact I'm carrying from a behavior standpoint, such as bending at the knees instead of bending over to pick something up, natural movements to check the cover garment, maintaining SA to see if someone is checking out my belt line, etc. No doubt having to do the same for both sides will require some additional effort.

In terms of legality, it is here in NH. When I go to corporate in MA or visit family in NY the pistols stay in the safe.

[kitchen's mill]

What state restricts how many you can carry?

New Mexico specifically limits number to one.

[kitchen's mill]

Please - start an entire section of the “community” on a trend of mailing letters to atf/doj etc to ask permission...:rolleyes:

Not sure what that crap is about.

But you get that ball rolling and I'll join right in.:rolleyes:

[Dave J]

If you don’t already own a LH rig of some sort, I’d say give it a try and see how it works. I’ve had my primary arm disabled a couple of times, once due to a surgery I knew was coming, and once due to a clavicle fracture that was totally unexpected. Having a LH holster already on hand and ready to go was definitely a plus — so IMHO you’re not losing anything even if you decide carrying two on the belt isn’t for you.

[DDTSGM]

wow a two hour old double-tap - deleted

[HeavyDuty]

What state restricts how many you can carry?

Isn’t NY Barney Carry - a single empty gun with one round in your shirt pocket?

[NH Shooter]

Isn’t NY Barney Carry - a single empty gun with one round in your shirt pocket?

Yes, but that's only after going through their 9-month licensing process.

[Duke]

Not sure what that crap is about.

But you get that ball rolling and I'll join right in.:rolleyes:

No I’m just going to carry my gun(s) and not worry about any of this non sense

[kitchen's mill]

No I’m just going to carry my gun(s) and not worry about any of this non sense

I brought up the legality for consideration.

Do the things that bring you joy.....

[Blades]

I'm a nobody when it comes to carrying, but like everyone, I have an opinion, and I like to spout it off when I have the chance. :)
I tried carrying my G19(RH) and G26(LH) AWIB and I think it "may" work with proper holsters -- maybe. The 19 was good, it had a proper AWIB holster. The 26 I used a cheap ebay holster. It was okay until I had to bend over.
I found "John Woo" carry better with my 19 AWIB and my 26 in a Glock Sport Holster on my left hip. I wear a t-shirt untucked with an open button-up shirt on top of it 99.9% of the time(I don't have a thyroid so I'm usually cold). The Glock holster carries high and tight and the 26 is small so you don't see it under my t-shirt unless I lift my arms up high. The good news for me is I don't lift my left arm very high because of my pacemaker lead wires.
But that was just me playing around with my new Blue Label 26 while times were hectic and I wanted to be cool. My job was considered essential(rental property management) so I worked and drove around while everyone else was locked down. Two guns seemed better than one.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Norville]

I’m in the “second gun should be a J frame” camp.

As noted, it can be carried in a location than eases access such as the pocket or ankle if seated a lot. It small enough that it isn’t that much of a pain, literally and figuratively. I typically roll with one Glock but when I add the J I don’t find it too bothersome.

I have only seen two gun appendix done successfully by one person, and it was two J frames in mirror image holsters.

[Hambo]

Pocket carry is, IMO, superior for a surprise draw in a street mugging sort of situation. You should have a good grip and be presenting before the other guy's OODA loop starts.

Like a magic show. My 442 is in a Aholster in my pocket.

[Rex G]

One aspect of carrying two weapons, on opposite sides of the body, at belt level, is that pivoting so that one weapon is away from a threat means that the other weapon is presented relatively nearer to the threat. I am not saying that this is a bad thing, but it is something to consider. When I have carried mirror-image right/left, at belt level, I felt that it was all the more important to be hyper-vigilant.

Again, to be clear, I am not preaching against mirror-image right/left carry.

[BobM]

I used to carry a pair of 3913s in RH and LH Sparks IWBs. I had to get a belt long enough to go around two IWBs as well as use bigger pants. For a time I carried a 1911 strong side IWB and a Glock 19 cross draw in a belt slide. When we went to M&P40s for a while I carried one each full size and compact. I like the idea of having a second gun that’s almost as capable as a service pistol but most of the time these days I have a service pistol IWB and a J frame in a pocket. One year in the late 90s I had two on duty encounters that I felt could lead to retaliation attempts.

[NoTacTravis]

I can only imagine how many door frames and chairs I'd bump into if I tried this. I'd feel like I was 10 feet wide. Heck when I used to wear a big chunk of a divers watch the extra half inch height on my wrist had it banging into door frames a surprising amount.

Turning one hip away from things to ease by becomes second nature pretty easily. But always having one on the other side would be awkward pretty much all the time for my lifestyle at least. For reference I think nothing of hiking 10 miles with a G19 AIWB.

[fatdog]

I used to second gun with an airweight J frame or D frame in my non dominant side pocket in a Mika holster or in heavy coat weather simply in the dominant side coat pocket. With the advent of tiny, relatively reliable small .380's, my go to would now be either my LCP or G42 in an ankle holster, or since I frequently wear 11" cowboy boots I have found the bugbite brand calf holsters hold one of those in the perfect position for those boots inside on my non dominant side leg.

[JJN]

What state restricts how many you can carry?

New Mexico did, may still.

[SoCalDep]

Around five years ago I found myself in a position I didn't like. The former dopers that lived next door were harmless but messed up in the head from years of... injustice or whatever they call it now. Cool, but their daughter moved in... with her boyfriend. And they started dealing. That sucks but...

The neighbor next door who had rented the house after our long term and good neighbors moved got involved with those people and others, and there was some sort of supply/dealing network going on.

I was in regular contact with the local department (not the one I work for) and it quickly became apparent these people may figure out who is calling on them. I began to worry about someone kicking in my door with a baseball bat, Hi-Point, or AK... and that's not so cool. Sooo... I ended up picking up a Ruger LCP and a Mitch Rosen pocket holster. I carried it "at home" for a year or two until .380s were approved on my department and now it's my "always" gun that goes in my right front pocket when I put on pants in the morning, and stays there until I go to bed.

It has been 100% reliable with everything I've put through it to include several types of FMJ ammo as well as Gold Dots, Winchester Ranger, and our authorized duty round, which is Federal HST. My schedule is thus... Twice a year I test fire the pistol as carried. The first couple rounds of HST cause lint and debris to "poof" away as it's fired. I shoot the magazine of carry ammo, and maybe a couple more. Then I shoot 50-100 rounds of ball ammo for practice (not BS stuff but Hackathorn Wizard, "the test", and stuff like "Dot Torture") before cleaning and re-lubrication. Then it's back in the pocket for another ~6 months.

People ask my why I have that gun. I carried it all day today, but other than inside my home and now inside my hotel room, if I needed it it was a bad day indeed because I had my Glock 19 with 18 rounds, an RMR, a TLR-7A, and a spare 17rd magazine. Its purpose is that when the Glock isn't on me, and someone breaks down my door with lethal intent, they get seven x .380s to the face, then if needed I'll throw the gun at them while I run to get something else.

[jnc36rcpd]

For working police or other high threat occupations, I think carrying "near-peer" back-up to a duty weapon is an excellent idea. While I didn't carry a BUG my entire career in real law enforcement, my back-ups were a SIG 239, a Glock 27, and finally, an S&W Shield. For off duty or self-defense carry, a second gun makes sense as does another fire extinguisher in the house of car. I suspect a smaller gun in pocket or ankle holster probably makes a better choice than a larger weapon on or in the waist.

That said, if you think your dual gun carry will work, go ahead and try it. I'd suggest not getting overly invested, financially or, more importantly, emotionally invested in the concept. Whatever happens, let us know. Whether it works or not, your experience will prove valuable to forum members.

Actually, my favorite BUG was a SIG 228 carried in a DeSantis New York Undercover shoulder rig with two spare magazines that backed up mu 9mm SIG 226 and magazines on my duty belt. I felt like Sonny Crockett, but you can only wear a duty jacket that conceals a shoulder holster a few months in the National Capital Region.

[NH Shooter]

Thanks to all for your responses!

I'm not seeing 2-gun carry as something I'd do all the time, but rather as a viable option if I chose to do so. I carry 100% of the time in NH, even when home, and wearing the PPS in a strong-side JMCK #3 IWB has become SOP for me.

My "new SOP" might be to simply move it to the left side, with the option to add the PPQ on the right/strong side. Becoming equally proficient with weak-hand-only shooting would certainly become my primary training focus.

[Jason M]

Mas and others add their thoughts on the matter in the Snub interview thread. Check out post #129.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?36930-Snub-interview/page13

[Rex G]

I was born left-handed, but right-armed. Write lefty; throw righty. I decided to carry 0300 “primary,” when attending a police academy*, in 1983-1984, and stuck with it. Texas had no handgun carry licensing system, for private citizens, at that time, so I could not carry until sworn as an LEO. At age 59, now, with multiple diagnoses, from upper back, and right shoulder down to right thumb, my right hand is no longer a best hand for shooting, but, with the conditioning of bazillions of draws from 0300-ish, engraved into my brain, (muscles have no “memory,”) I have plenty of reasons to keep a weapon somewhere around 0300, while positioning another weapon to optimize lefty access. In the fog of battle, I might reach for 0300, and would rather that SOMETHING be there.

This is nothing new. From 2002 to 2006, perhaps extending to about 2008, it was quite normal for me to carry a pair of SP101 revolvers, or one SP101 and one 4” Speed Six or GP100, in mirror-image Milt Sparks PMK holsters. I may well return to a pair of revolvers being the default norm, but if one is larger, it may well be worn on the left side, and the right-side weapon may migrate to appendix.

Another possibility is 0300, and right appendix, keeping both weapons near each other, which simplifies defending them. If the appendix rig is straight-drop-vertical, a draw that Mas termed the “Roman Salute” allows reasonable lefty access speed.

Another possibility, with which I experimented, during that 2002-2008 period, was primary at 0200/0300, and second weapon in a lefty cross-draw holster at/near the right appendix position. This kept the weapons next to each other, back-to-back, for defensibility. The usual caveats, regarding cross-draw, do apply, but keep in mind that this is “front cross-draw,” and so much more defendable.

OK, time for COVFEFE.



*Drawing an L-Frame’s mass from the then-mandated low-slung duty rig was not unlike throwing underhand, and, I knew that I would mostly be patrolling alone, so the right hip would be more-accessible while seated in a patrol car. Plus, if ambushed while eating, I could return fire without having to drop my donut. ;)

[NH Shooter]

Mas and others add their thoughts on the matter in the Snub interview thread. Check out post #129.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?36930-Snub-interview/page13

Excellent read, thanks for the link!

[Joe Mac]

Around five years ago I found myself in a position I didn't like. The former dopers that lived next door were harmless but messed up in the head from years of... injustice or whatever they call it now. Cool, but their daughter moved in... with her boyfriend. And they started dealing. That sucks but...

The neighbor next door who had rented the house after our long term and good neighbors moved got involved with those people and others, and there was some sort of supply/dealing network going on.

I was in regular contact with the local department (not the one I work for) and it quickly became apparent these people may figure out who is calling on them. I began to worry about someone kicking in my door with a baseball bat, Hi-Point, or AK... and that's not so cool. Sooo... I ended up picking up a Ruger LCP and a Mitch Rosen pocket holster. I carried it "at home" for a year or two until .380s were approved on my department and now it's my "always" gun that goes in my right front pocket when I put on pants in the morning, and stays there until I go to bed.

It has been 100% reliable with everything I've put through it to include several types of FMJ ammo as well as Gold Dots, Winchester Ranger, and our authorized duty round, which is Federal HST. My schedule is thus... Twice a year I test fire the pistol as carried. The first couple rounds of HST cause lint and debris to "poof" away as it's fired. I shoot the magazine of carry ammo, and maybe a couple more. Then I shoot 50-100 rounds of ball ammo for practice (not BS stuff but Hackathorn Wizard, "the test", and stuff like "Dot Torture") before cleaning and re-lubrication. Then it's back in the pocket for another ~6 months.

People ask my why I have that gun. I carried it all day today, but other than inside my home and now inside my hotel room, if I needed it it was a bad day indeed because I had my Glock 19 with 18 rounds, an RMR, a TLR-7A, and a spare 17rd magazine. Its purpose is that when the Glock isn't on me, and someone breaks down my door with lethal intent, they get seven x .380s to the face, then if needed I'll throw the gun at them while I run to get something else.

Well-written. If I'm at home and wearing anything with pockets, I have a .380 in a pocket holster. My LCP-II and G42 are both very reliable with everything I've fed them; since retiring a few months ago, I switched from dept. policy mandated Gold Dot (which I'm fine with) to the new Federal HS-Deep, which is accurate in both guns and gives me a slightly fuzzier feeling. I like my odds of the .380 getting me to something bigger.

I don't leave home with just a .380, but one often comes along as a backup, depending upon where/when I'm going.

[El Cid]

If I’m reading the OP correctly you’ll have two guns and mags all IWB. If that works more power to you. I can’t stand having more than one thing IWB. Obviously I’m not you but I’d experiment around the house a bit. It could create pressure points where the belt and pants are no longer in contact with you because of the guns and other gear keeping it at bay.

I’m also with TC215, BBI and others. I’ve carried two guns for almost 15 years. But the second has almost always been on my ankle. Lately I’ve experimented with a G19 at 4 o’clock OWB and a G43X AIWB. I’ve also reversed that. It’s tolerable and may be my go to when I decide to wear cowboy boots. If I’m in shorts the G43 or 43X is sometimes in a front pocket as a BUG.

As a private citizen if I carried a 2nd gun it would probably be my M&P340. Super light, can be shot through a pocket, and works when a thug is on top of you and pressure is applied to it.

Nothing wrong with experimenting and trying new techniques as our bodies are shaped differently and all that. Let us know how it goes.

[Doc_Glock]

Sooo... I ended up picking up a Ruger LCP and a Mitch Rosen pocket holster. I carried it "at home" for a year or two until .380s were approved on my department and now it's my "always" gun that goes in my right front pocket when I put on pants in the morning, and stays there until I go to bed.

It has been 100% reliable with everything I've put through it to include several types of FMJ ammo as well as Gold Dots, Winchester Ranger, and our authorized duty round, which is Federal HST. My schedule is thus... Twice a year I test fire the pistol as carried. The first couple rounds of HST cause lint and debris to "poof" away as it's fired. I shoot the magazine of carry ammo, and maybe a couple more. Then I shoot 50-100 rounds of ball ammo for practice (not BS stuff but Hackathorn Wizard, "the test", and stuff like "Dot Torture") before cleaning and re-lubrication. Then it's back in the pocket for another ~6 months.


This is pretty much the identical solution I stumbled upon over the years.

[deputyG23]

I’m in the “second gun should be a J frame” camp.

As noted, it can be carried in a location than eases access such as the pocket or ankle if seated a lot. It small enough that it isn’t that much of a pain, literally and figuratively. I typically roll with one Glock but when I add the J I don’t find it too bothersome.

I have only seen two gun appendix done successfully by one person, and it was two J frames in mirror image holsters.

I agree that the second should be a J Smith or similar.
My 442 goes in my front pants pocket with two speed strips loaded with four rounds each with either my 3” M64 or a Glock carried strong side. Before I got a state CHP and after Glocks were mandated on and off duty, I put up with pocket carried subcompact Glocks for years. Too blocky for an unobstructed draw from the pocket and carrying a spare mag accessibly was nearly impossible. A small snag free revolver is much better for me.
Works great for standing but inaccessible while seated. It still does not allow weak hand access.
I really need to look into ankle carry since I proposed to our Quality Assurance Major, after being asked about any improvements for our few road deputies (most of our staff is Corrections), that we allow secondary handguns to be carried while on duty. It may actually happen now with our new Sheriff.

[MDFA]

Well it can be done if you want too with the right gear and attire. I don't do this all the time, but I can when I feel the need.

6366363664

[feudist]

Today I carried my Glock 42 in a Blackhawk ARC AIWB weak hand(support hand, other strong hand etc)

I was drawing AIWB and firing my G19 Mozambique on one target then drawing the G42 and firing a pair at target 2. Average transition to hit was 2.5 seconds. :o

Being left handed I ran into a problem. Every time I drew and fired the second shot was only a click. I was activating the mag release with my right thumb.

So tonight I'm unsuccessfully trying to switch the mag release over to to the right side of the gun. What a PITA.

As far as carry comfort, it was fine. The G42 is very flat and light. I think it's a good choice because it's so easy to shoot compared to my 442. 8 shots vs 5.

The use case is drawing and rapid firing at close range and this gun has so little recoil/blast that it's a breeze weak hand only.

I'm gonna practice a lot of dryfire draws and integration with the 19 this week. If I can get the blasted mag catch switched.

[SCCY Marshal]

An LCR lives in my strongside pocket. It stays there whether or not I can get away with a belt gun. Used to do the B.U.G. thing in my younger years then stopped. Back then, it was a snub or LCP in my weakside pocket.

I've found dedicated strongside more consistent and allows me to not be constantly rearranging the contents of my pockets. And I like being able to walk around with my hands in my pockets, one on a gun, other on a flashlight. Or stand around with thumbs hooked in my belt, one on a K-frame and other ready to choose between a fixed blade or pepper spray.

Since dropping "down" to a K-frame snub on the belt, I've found myself totally willing to carry a back-up gun as a matter of course. Small fixed blade, stumpy Model 10 LCR, kubotan pepper spray, small fixed blade, and reload for the big wheelgun aren't a burden on the defensive end of things. And losing the stronside pocket for clipping a knife never phased me since I prefer slipjoints and other traditional designs that can go in any other pocket, anyway. My left hand can get to my appendix carried snub so left hand access to a gun is somewhat maintained if sub-optimally.

Non-sworn, never even been a cop, just sumdood. In fact, apprecate having a back-up less for my benefit and more for the possiblity to hand it off and have another armed party on my side.

[NH Shooter]

The use case is drawing and rapid firing at close range and this gun has so little recoil/blast that it's a breeze weak hand only.

This is my thinking exactly with the compact, single-stack PPS. A little more snap on recoil than a G42 but still very manageable, and paddle mag release FTW. ;-)

[feudist]

An LCR lives in my strongside pocket. It stays there whether or not I can get away with a belt gun. Used to do the B.U.G. thing in my younger years then stopped. Back then, it was a snub or LCP in my weakside pocket.

I've found dedicated strongside more consistent and allows me to not be constantly rearranging the contents of my pockets. And I like being able to walk around with my hands in my pockets, one on a gun, other on a flashlight. Or stand around with thumbs hooked in my belt, one on a K-frame and other ready to choose between a fixed blade or pepper spray.

Since dropping "down" to a K-frame snub on the belt, I've found myself totally willing to carry a back-up gun as a matter of course. Small fixed blade, stumpy Model 10 LCR, kubotan pepper spray, small fixed blade, and reload for the big wheelgun aren't a burden on the defensive end of things. And losing the stronside pocket for clipping a knife never phased me since I prefer slipjoints and other traditional designs that can go in any other pocket, anyway. My left hand can get to my appendix carried snub so left hand access to a gun is somewhat maintained if sub-optimally.

Non-sworn, never even been a cop, just sumdood. In fact, apprecate having a back-up less for my benefit and more for the possiblity to hand it off and have another armed party on my side.

Seems like AIWB is the best place for a BUG, especially one that might be accessed in-fight. You've got a logical array: deceptive and fast primary draw and a BUG set up for

a fast easy draw with your less able hand. Both are as reliable as guns can be especially from user induced failures like mine in the OP.

[BehindBlueI's]

I think all states should allow up to 2 hand guns for protection.

Why up to 2? How many do you carry?

[Rex G]

I think all states should allow up to 2 hand guns for protection.

Why is “up to 2” deemed sufficient? Is this ground that we should cede to the anti-gun lobby? Does this mean owning only two, or carrying only two? “Arms” is plural.

Especially in the case of five-shot revolvers, I have carried three at a time. One for right-hand access, one for left-hand access, and one spare/back-up/“Texas* reload.” A significant part of my reluctant transition to a wide-body .40 G22 duty pistol, in 2002, was that I no longer carried the same pistol on and off the clock. I could shoot my SP101 about as well as the G22, so that SP101 became my usual off-the-clock primary, backed-up by my J-Snub. I soon added two more SP101 snubs. (Eventually, I resumed packing a duty/service pistol during most personal time.)

The late, great Jim Cirillo packed three six-shot revolvers.

*Texas Rangers were packing multiple Colt Paterson revolving pistols long before anyone coined the term “New York Reload.” ;)

[farscott]

I now carry two handguns, my main weapon in an IWB holster and a small second pistol in a pocket. At this time of year with temps below freezing when I am out and about and my coat buttoned, the second pistol is in my outer coat pocket. In warmer weather, it is in a rear pant pocket.

For winter carry, the J-frame Centennial is an ideal second pistol. Mine is carried in a Kramer pocket holster. In the summer, I like the Seecamp LWS32 in a rear pants pocket in an Aker pocket holster.

[CleverNickname]

Rex, only three? You need to up your game.

64909

[Rex G]

Rex, only three? You need to up your game.

64909

Gotta have room for Clinch Picks, Bowie knives, tomahawks, and the occasional wakizashi. ;)

[blues]

^^^^

No wonder you need a walker. ;)

[Ichiban]

Old school EDC.

Sorry for the poor quality.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZorx0tx2Ss

[luckyman]

I now carry two handguns, my main weapon in an IWB holster and a small second pistol in a pocket. At this time of year with temps below freezing when I am out and about and my coat buttoned, the second pistol is in my outer coat pocket. In warmer weather, it is in a rear pant pocket.

For winter carry, the J-frame Centennial is an ideal second pistol. Mine is carried in a Kramer pocket holster. In the summer, I like the Seecamp LWS32 in a rear pants pocket in an Aker pocket holster.

How do you manage the outer coat pocket location when you do do something like go into a diner to grab a bite to eat? Just take your coat off but leave it on the inside of your chair where nobody can reach the pocket? Go into a bathroom every time you go inside and transfer it to a pants pocket? Something else? I’m paranoid about this and trying to figure out how to handle it.

[SCCY Marshal]

How do you manage the outer coat pocket location when you do do something like go into a diner to grab a bite to eat? Just take your coat off but leave it on the inside of your chair where nobody can reach the pocket? Go into a bathroom every time you go inside and transfer it to a pants pocket? Something else?

Yes. Depends on what you're doing given that context dictates everything in life. There is also the option of a discreet pocket transfer in your vehicle or while heading in as prolonged building entries are usually planned.

I tend to favor premptive movement followed by heading straight for the can.

[deputyG23]

Yes. Depends on what you're doing given that context dictates everything in life. There is also the option of a discreet pocket transfer in your vehicle or while heading in as prolonged building entries are usually planned.

I tend to favor premptive movement followed by heading straight for the can.

I read somewhere about twenty years ago that NYC detectives were quite adept at surreptitiously moving their snubs from coat pockets to other concealment locations when necessary.
Don’t remember any other details or who wrote the article.

[Duelist]

How do you manage the outer coat pocket location when you do do something like go into a diner to grab a bite to eat? Just take your coat off but leave it on the inside of your chair where nobody can reach the pocket? Go into a bathroom every time you go inside and transfer it to a pants pocket? Something else? I’m paranoid about this and trying to figure out how to handle it.

Switch before going inside. Can be before leaving the vehicle, or if the walk is in the dark, during the walk.

[Hambo]

Switch before going inside. Can be before leaving the vehicle, or if the walk is in the dark, during the walk.

Open car door and exit, then stand with the door blocking the view and do the transfer.

[BehindBlueI's]

How do you manage the outer coat pocket location when you do do something like go into a diner to grab a bite to eat?

I was usually wearing a top coat when I was pocket carrying, but I would just sit at a booth and put the coat on the bench seat between me and the wall and then place my hat on top of the coat.

[Chuck Whitlock]

Luckily, where I live now winter carry isn't really a thing.

[Baldanders]

New Mexico specifically limits number to one.

NC goes with "as many as you can comfortably carry" as a limit, at least in the summary of gun laws.

Which is weird phrasing. But permissive, at least.

[Joe45]

Old school EDC.

Sorry for the poor quality.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZorx0tx2SsReminds me of this kid.

https://youtu.be/x6mbej7OUS0

[RevolverRob]

I've carried two guns on more than a few occasions, but it is usually for a very specific set of reasons. The most common is driving. Rather than move my primary gun around, I will instead opt for wearing a shoulder holster with a smaller gun in it. I strongly prefer rigs which you can draw straight down from, with some practice you can access the pistol worn in a shoulder holster with either hand.

Alternatively, a pocket carried pistol in my vest/coat/hip pocket - the LCP shines in these situations - is flatter and easier to draw than a J-Frame from a pocket.

That said, if I someone told me I could only carry revolvers for the rest of my life, two revolvers tucked on either side of my belt buckle would work just fine. I'd probably have to have a lower profile clinch pick belt wrap sheath made, but otherwise it would work fine.