BUG questions

[NickA]

I'm curious to know more about carrying and transitioning to a BUG.
Do most of you try to keep the BUG accessible to both hands or just keep on the off side?
Pocket carry? IWB?
Criteria for when you go to the BUG?
What do you do with the primary if you can't reholster it?
May be kind of simple questions, but I haven't given it a lot of thought myself and haven't had any training on it.

[JodyH]

My BUG is usually in a place that compliments my primary and gives me access options.
If I'm going to be seated a lot I'll ankle carry and the BUG is basically my seated primary.
In the winter my BUG might be in the outer handwarmer pocket of my coat.
The only time I'd go to a BUG is if my primary is completely out of service (broken, lost, empty) or my primary would be slower to access.
If I'm going to my BUG because my primary is out of service, the primary is probably going to the dirt instead of trying to reholster it.
My BUG alternates between a Kahr PM9 and a S&W 360 J-frame depending on carry location.

[Chuck Haggard]

I typically back up my G17 with two S&W 642s, while at work, and one while off.

I keep one on my ankle and one in the weak side pocket of my uniform pants.

Off-duty the 642 may be on the ankle, in a weak side pocket or AIWB, depending on clothing.

I will only go to the BUG if the primary is down for some reason, or I can't get to it. I don't do a New York reload just because the primary has run out of BBs, that's what my reloads are for.

[Jay Cunningham]

When I carry a BUG it is either a J-Frame or an LCR (both with CT lasers) and I carry them in my left (weak side) front pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis holster.

[Tom Givens]

I carry a 1960's vintage Colt Cobra on the support side ankle. It is there in case of catastrophic failure of the primary, such as broken extractor, broken striker, etc. If the primary needs to be reloaded, that's what I have spare mag's for. A simple malfunction can usually be cleared faster than transitioning to the BUG. If the primary gun breaks, though, a BUG would be very useful. If the big gun breaks, it gets dropped and the BUG drawn (yes, I practice doing that).

[NickA]

Thanks gentlemen, this certainly gives me some things to think about. I have a 642 that's mainly used for pocket carry sometimes (playing with the kid in the park or family gatherings when I don't want to deal with getting made.) I'll have to give ankle carry some thought; not ideal but at least one situation where I can't get made involves me sitting most of the time anyway.

[John Hearne]

I distinguish between a BUG and secondary weapon. A secondary weapon is almost identical to your primary and transitioning to it has minimal effect on your performance. An example of this would be carrying a Glock 22 and a 23 or two Glock 23's. If you have an immediately accessible secondary weapon, then immediately transitioning to it in a fight may make sense. Typically the two guns will use the same magazines.

A backup gun is there in case the primary weapon is taken out of the fight. The primary may be struck by incoming fire, may fail catastrophically, or may be completely empty. If I transition to a BUG, it is primarily as an exit strategy. If I'm pulling the BUG, fighting is no longer a concern and retreat is. The BUG is also used as "Onion Field Insurance" and will probably be smaller to hide better.

Regardless of whether its a BUG or a secondary gun, it should be on the support side. This gives you options in case you lose the dominant hand or are trapping the primary in the holster to prevent a gun take away.

[NickA]

Great point about secondary vs. BUG.

[SteveB]

Regardless of what I'm carrying as a primary, when I'm carrying my briefcase, I have a Smith 296 on board. This is a large revolver for a BUG, but works well off-body or in a coat pocket as it is very light. Bowen sights, CTC lasergrips, cut for moon clips and loaded with 200 grain DPX with 2 reloads. When I carry a BUG it is almost always a J-frame in the support-side front pants pocket in a plastic milk jug holster, usually a 340PD loaded with .38 Special +P 135 grain Gold Dots. My thinking is that you go for the BUG if your primary weapon and/or your strong-side arm are out of service. Probably stating the obvious, but it's important to train with the BUG, especially if it's a small gun to be deployed from your support side.

[johnemckenzie]

I'm currently rethinking my BUG. I've transitioning from my S&W 442 w/ laser grips carried in a pocket holster to a Glock 27 carried on my left ankle in a Desantis Apache ankle holster.

My rationale is the G27 will give me increased power (.40 over .38), increased capacity (10 over 5), and compatible manual of arms with my primary of my strong-side hip (a Glock 35 instead of a revolver). Furthermore, I like the compatibility of my primary gun mags with my BUG.

Additionally, the ankle carry will allow me to draw from a seated position in my car or at my desk while this is more difficult with pocket carry. However, I have considered experimenting with carrying my BUG on my support side in a IWB holster with a more exaggerated cant behind my hip.

John Hearne's distinction between a secondary gun and a BUG is very helpful to me and is providing me with food for thought. Perhaps, a primary on strong side hip (a G35), a secondary on support side behind the hip (a G22 or G23), and BUG on the ankle are in order (a G27). If one is good, two is better, and three is best, right? :D

Seriously, what do you guys think about carrying three handguns? Would you consider a primary, secondary, and a BUG over-kill?

[ranburr]

My bug goes into a pocket or sometimes ankle carry on a long drive. It will be a Ruger LCR, LCP, or a Taurus 709 Slim. Yes, I said Taurus. This particular model is one of the few that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

[TGS]

Seriously, what do you guys think about carrying three handguns? Would you consider a primary, secondary, and a BUG over-kill?

Yes, whole heartedly overkill unless you're that chick from Resident Evil or like to pretend to be. If you're putting that much effort into carrying firearms, you should only ever be going somewhere with a carbine and an armed escort.

Carrying a BUG is as the situation dictates, IMO. If you know there's some people hunting you down, you live in a seriously shitty place, or are conducting business that makes you a target, I personally would carry a BUG. I don't see the purpose in my everyday life, though you might just like carrying one(and if so, have at it).

[mongooseman]

"Seriously, what do you guys think about carrying three handguns? Would you consider a primary, secondary, and a BUG over-kill?"

I carry a LC9 (great gun, by the way) as a BUG, practically everyday. That being said, if I thought it was necessary for three guns, I'd add a long gun to the mix. But on the other hand, no one here knows your needs better than you do.

[Al T.]

Three years back we had a local Deputy (rural area patrol) get into a gunfight in his patrol car and the third handgun he accessed (Kel-Tec P32 IIRC) is what he killed the bad guy with.

Bet he was glad to have the P32.

Before anybody gets snarky, the BG was a tough ex-con and the Deputy was young. The experienced ex-con was able to capitalize on the very few mistakes made. The Deputy stayed in the fight and finished things.

[Tamara]

Yes, whole heartedly overkill unless you're that chick from Resident Evil or like to pretend to be. If you're putting that much effort into carrying firearms, you should only ever be going somewhere with a carbine and an armed escort.

It's wintertime. When I get dressed, I put on my holster in the morning like I do every morning. When I go out the door, I pull on a coat that already has a gun in the pocket and grab my purse, which also already has a gun in the pocket.

Now, explain to me how I've put any more "effort" into going out the door with three guns than you did with one? :confused:

[41magfan]

Seriously, what do you guys think about carrying three handguns? Would you consider a primary, secondary, and a BUG over-kill?

When I was working, I didn't. As a civilian, I carry two.

When my life depends on a piece of gear, I usually adhere to the Rule of 3. Three is two ..... two is one ..... one is none.

[TGS]

It's wintertime. When I get dressed, I put on my holster in the morning like I do every morning. When I go out the door, I pull on a coat that already has a gun in the pocket and grab my purse, which also already has a gun in the pocket.

Now, explain to me how I've put any more "effort" into going out the door with three guns than you did with one? :confused:

Well, you didn't. I'm also not you. For starters I'm a man and so I don't carry a purse. I also view off-body carry as more of a liability than an asset, so its going to be a lot of effort to comfortably carry 3 guns, whereas I can carry two without much effort. If you'd really be interested in finding out why based on my clothing preferences and what I currently carry with me day to day in what pockets, please PM me.

On another note, just because I can stuff a gun into a million places doesn't mean I should.

Have you looked into the flashbang as a viable holster option for a 2nd or 3rd gun? I don't remember you commenting in the thread.

[Rex G]

I tend to carry multiple handguns, and the only thing "primary" about any of them is that 0300 is my default, constant location, except in extraordinary circumstances. The one worn at 0300 may not even be the largest weapon, when they vary in size. That being said, access to any of my handguns is somewhat ambi, unless it is my retention holster that is mandated in uniform, at work. I can reach across my body to draw from a holster that is not designed for crossdraw, though I should note I have stayed slim, and am still relatively flexible.

I used to ankle-carry more often than today. When I still use it, a long road trip is the likely reason, as ankle carry works very well for me when seated in some vehicles. When stopping for a while, I may switch the ankle gun to a Kramer pocket holster. Notably, pocketed handguns are rather difficult to draw while seated, so a pocket rig and ankle rig, for the same gun, can be a good team.

If the cover garment is suited, I might wear the second handgun at the appendix position, in front of the 0300 gun. The second gun may be inside or outside the pants.

What to do with the gun in hand, if deploying the second gun? Well, my Plan A is to re-holster with one hand while drawing with the other hand, but during an ECQC class in 2005, I unceremoniously and reflexively dumped my Glock in the dirt and drew an SP101 to finish an exercise, so plans can fail. (The Glock had malfunctioned.)

Three guns? Sure, why not, if they are suitable. It depends on gun size, season, clothing, etc., and maybe I am too lazy to open a safe to stash them, so I bring them all along. The late, great Jim Cirillo carried four for a while, then decided to leave the pocket-sized auto out of the equation, and carry three revolvers, while he was an active LEO. If a P229 is my "primary" handgun, I am not likely to tote a third concealed handgun, though my second may be a P229, too. If toting my beloved SP101 fiveguns, three is not a crowd.

[LeeC]

I did a Google search on "site:pistol-training.com BUG" and read what has been posted thus far. Even though it is old, this seems to be the best thread and I didn't want to start a new one, but did have a couple of comments about backup guns and a question.

Question: Anybody have any experience with "Ready Holster (http://www.readyholster.com/ankle-holster-size-aa12-p-7215)" or something similar for ankle carry of a Kahr PM9 or CM9?

Comment 1: Kahr CM9 (http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CM9.asp) is a fairly new, less expensive version of the PM9 (land and groove rifling, little less machining) with a street price under $400. I've run about 1,000 rounds through mine, including Federal 9BPLE +P+ with no problems or complaints.

Comment 2: In at least one of Mas Ayoob's books (don't recall which one) he points out that a BUG may be useful to give to another qualified user who may not be carrying at that place and time for whatever reason (don't carry, permit not valid at that location, etc.). So, even if you feel extra lucky and believe that the rare occasion when your gun is going to fail will be at the range rather than in a fight (and the odds are in your favor unless you are in a lot of fights and don't shoot at the range very much), here's another use for that BUG that you may not have thought about.

Comment 3 [caution--point not "fully baked"]: The odds are more in your favor with gun #2, but don't increase by much by adding gun #3. Risk = probability X impact. While the probability that you'll have to shoot your weapon at a BG is very low, the impact to you if you need to and cannot is very high. Everything has measurable reliability rates, often expressed in mean time between failures (MTBF (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_time_between_failures)). Accurate and sensible calculation of the number of spares to have available to increase availability of a given system is (1) not intuitive and (2) not linear. The probability of your primary and BUG both failing at the same time is exponentially lower than the probability of a single failure. Therefore, gun #3 is less necessary to sustain your personal weapon system availability, but if you are interested in the idea of being able to arm others, more is better. This of course leaves out the discussion of "trick" shooting simultaneously with a weapon in each hand, movie style.

[Al T.]

Lee, I carried with an Uncle Mike's ankle for a couple of years. As long as you understand the strengths and weaknesses of ankle carry, it's a go.

Didn't look too hard at the youtube video link as the guy in the video has the holster on the wrong leg. May not mean anything, but sure backs me off the product...... :eek:

[lcarr]

I always carry two guns on the belt, one in a conventional right-hand holster and one in a conventional left-hand holster. When I took Louis Awerbuck's Back-up Handgun HITT a few years ago, this is the way that most carried their back-up, but most were likely parroting Louis. One student carried in a cross draw, cavalry drawing with his left hand, and another carried on his vest.

As Louis says, "If you're going to carry one gun, you might as well carry two."

In the class, and the way I've continued to practice, we would draw the primary back to retention and fire the back-up weak hand only, whenever the primary stopped working for any reason. Malfunction clearance, reloads, etc., were completely nondiagnostic. Is the gun out of ammunition? Was there a stovepipe? Unseated magazine? Double feed? Did I just get shot in the hand? Did someone just grab my strong side arm? It doesn't matter: draw and shoot the back-up. Solve the immediate problem; go back and fix things afterwards.

Training this way makes a few assumptions. First, one always has one's back-up. Second, the back-up is in an effective caliber. Third, one can hit shooting the back-up weak hand only.

For guns worn in a pocket or on the ankle, where this methodology would not work well, I've heard the term "hideout" used. I don't carry a hideout myself--yet--but there are certainly a case to be made for it.

Lincoln

[LeeC]

Lee, I carried with an Uncle Mike's ankle for a couple of years. As long as you understand the strengths and weaknesses of ankle carry, it's a go.

Didn't look too hard at the youtube video link as the guy in the video has the holster on the wrong leg. May not mean anything, but sure backs me off the product...... :eek:

Thanks Al, I'll check out Uncle Mike's. I have a couple of their products and have been happy with them.

Yeah, I thought the outside-of-leg position was odd too but later in the video he switched to inside and pointed out that it could be worn either way. I'm glad I can dress casual all the time with untucked shirt, so ankle carry would be for BUG only. I've carried the CM9 in a pocket DeSantis that worked fine, but was kind of bulgy and I need to carry other things in my pockets. I have a bum ankle, so I have to wear hiking boots for support, with good socks. I wear black or blue jeans all the time, so printing is less of an issue than a lighter weight fabric wold be. So I'm thinking that a well designed ankle holster should work for me. I'm at least going to give something a try and see how it works for me, and the Uncle Mike's looks pretty good.

Thanks!

Lee

[LeeC]

Lincoln --> I always carry two guns on the belt, one in a conventional right-hand holster and one in a conventional left-hand holster.

Lincoln - I've actually thought about that. I'm OK with my weak hand and it would be good to be able to draw from the left side at the range for practice. But where do you put it all on your belt? I've got a typical, busy setup with mag holders, flashlight and even a big smart phone all on the left side. Plus, my primary gun is a Glock 19 so I imagine a pair of double stacks at 9 and 3-o'clock would make it a challenge for me to sit in some chairs with arms, as I'm on the wide side without the guns. ;)

I used to carry a Kahr CW9, so I had the advantage of being able to use the same mags in both the CW9 and CM9. But I don't think I want to tote a Glock 26 on my ankle. At least with the CM9 as a BUG, I'm still using the same 9mm ammo, so in a pinch, I could empty a Glock mag to do a manual reload, if time and cover allowed. Not ideal, but better than no backup rounds at all, e.g. if the BUG were a 38 special or .380.

[lcarr]

But where do you put it all on your belt? I've got a typical, busy setup with mag holders, flashlight and eRven a big smart phone all on the left side. Plus, my primary gun is a Glock 19 so I imagine a pair of double stacks at 9 and 3-o'clock would make it a challenge for me to sit in some chairs with arms, as I'm on the wide side without the guns. ;)

I have a holster at 3:30, a holster at 8:30, a magazine carrier and a flashlight at 10:00, and a reload at 2:00. I carry my phone off my belt.

Lincoln

[Wheeler]

When I carry a BUG it is either a J-Frame or an LCR (both with CT lasers) and I carry them in my left (weak side) front pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis holster.

Do you have issues engaging and using the CT laser left-handed? When you practice your transition, do you shoot left-handed only or with a two handed grip? I've thought abot the CT grips several times but couldn't figure out a way to reliable engage and use freestyle (as a lefty) on a revolver.

[LeeC]

I just received the Uncle Mike's Ankle Holster I ordered and I selected the wrong size. I figured from the fit chart (http://www.unclemikes.com/products/ankle_holsters.html) that "Size 1 -- 3-4" barrel medium autos (.32 -.380 cal) " was a better description for a Kahr CM9/PM than "Size 12 -- Glock 26,27, 33 & other sub-compact 9mm/.40 cal". The length and height are good, but the width won't quite accommodate the trigger guard, and it doesn't look like this material is going to stretch or break in over time.

I found a table here (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages1.opticsplanet.com%2Fpdf%2F opplanet-uncle-mike-s-law-enforcement-holster-fit-chart.pdf&ei=QYHwTp-cDOLfsQKekOTGAQ&usg=AFQjCNFcoGXZABuVt9TLqxAkJtnIfKPzkw)from a distributor's site that says the size 12 is a fit, but my wife's Glock 26 is considerably thicker than my CM9, so I have concerns about the possibility of it being too big, allowing the gun to slide around.

Anybody here using the Uncle Mike's Ankle Holster Size 12 with a Kahr PM9 or CM9?

[Mr_White]

I just received the Uncle Mike's Ankle Holster I ordered and I selected the wrong size. I figured from the fit chart (http://www.unclemikes.com/products/ankle_holsters.html) that "Size 1 -- 3-4" barrel medium autos (.32 -.380 cal) " was a better description for a Kahr CM9/PM than "Size 12 -- Glock 26,27, 33 & other sub-compact 9mm/.40 cal". The length and height are good, but the width won't quite accommodate the trigger guard, and it doesn't look like this material is going to stretch or break in over time.

I found a table here (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages1.opticsplanet.com%2Fpdf%2F opplanet-uncle-mike-s-law-enforcement-holster-fit-chart.pdf&ei=QYHwTp-cDOLfsQKekOTGAQ&usg=AFQjCNFcoGXZABuVt9TLqxAkJtnIfKPzkw)from a distributor's site that says the size 12 is a fit, but my wife's Glock 26 is considerably thicker than my CM9, so I have concerns about the possibility of it being too big, allowing the gun to slide around.

Anybody here using the Uncle Mike's Ankle Holster Size 12 with a Kahr PM9 or CM9?

I'll try to get back to you on this soon.

I don't have it to refer to right now, but I have an Unkle Mike's ankle holster that fits my Kahr PM9. I'll check it when I get home to see the size.

[Chuck Haggard]

I carry three handguns daily at work. I have on rare occasion carried four. Very rare occasion. This was only due to a job and clothing that disallowed me to have a long gun for that specific time period and mission. Reading Jim Cirillo's book and articles, and talking to him in person over the years, has had an effect on how I think.

On of the reasons I carry a BUG off-duty is that I can arm qualified good guys who may not be able to be armed. Example; One day i was at lunch with LtCol. grossman and John Giduck. They weren't in a position to be legally armed and I was, so if something bad happened one of them was getting my BUG.

I have been in this position several times with folks I know who are .mil or retired mil. When I'm eating lunch with Ken Good he is far more qualified to get into a pistol fight than I am, but I am the guy who is legally carrying the guns.


I used to carry a mini service pistol on my ankle, over the years these have included S&W 3913s, 6906s, Glock 27s and 26s. Due to the arthritis in my knee I can't really get away with a BUG that heavy anymore, so it was back to the airweight snub.

[LeeC]

I'll try to get back to you on this soon.

I don't have it to refer to right now, but I have an Unkle Mike's ankle holster that fits my Kahr PM9. I'll check it when I get home to see the size.

Excellent! I have 10 days to return with option to exchange, so confirming the size would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Lee

[Mr_White]

Excellent! I have 10 days to return with option to exchange, so confirming the size would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Lee

It is the Uncle Mike's Sidekick Size 1. It's the cheap nylon one with a retention strap. The PM9 is secure in it and it works fine, but since it's a generically sized holster the actual fit isn't perfect. I'm happy with mine.

[SmokeJumper]

For BUG I've been carrying a hammerless S&W j-frame with CTC grips for quite some time and a Kahr PM9 as an alternate when the j-frames went down. It normally rides in an ankle holster but as of late has been riding in a pocket holster in cargo pocket support side while on duty. A little quicker access from the pocket then going to the ankle. It is drawn and run with my support hand but can be drawn from the support side cargo pocket with my right hand, just a little more movement required. I have been using an Uncle Mikes ankle rig in uniform and a Alessi style rig from 5Shot Leather in plain clothes, the UM rides better over Danners. Occasionally pocket holster is used in a coat/jacket during cold weather. I've tried a lot of pocket holsters and ankle rigs and tried G27 to j-frames and settled on the j-frames due to size/weight and ease of carrying. In addition to the BUG, a speed strip is carried in the opposite pocket in a leather pocket scabbard from 5Shot as well for a BUG reload, I'm carrying reloads for my primary (pistol and rifle depending on scenario) why not a little extra for a BUG

[LeeC]

It is the Uncle Mike's Sidekick Size 1. It's the cheap nylon one with a retention strap. The PM9 is secure in it and it works fine, but since it's a generically sized holster the actual fit isn't perfect. I'm happy with mine.


Size 1 is what I ordered. And now that I've heard you say it fits your PM9, I went ahead and shoved my CM9 in, and am surprised to find that there is just enough give to accommodate the width. It is a nice, snug fit, which I'm sure is better than a sort of lose fit that the size 12 would no doubt be. There's only about an inch of the velcro retention strap that hooks into the loops over the back of the gun, but as snug as it fits, I don't think it is going anywhere. So I'm sticking with the size 1. Now I have 6+1 on the ankle, just in case. Thanks OrigamiAK! :D

[JodyH]

For ankle carry its hard to beat Galco's offerings.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

[Tamara]

For ankle carry its hard to beat Galco's offerings.

This.

Like shoulder holsters, the difference in comfort between cheap and expensive in ankle holsters is amazing. I can't wear an Uncle Mike's ankle rig for more than a couple of hours without it driving me up the wall, whereas I have fallen asleep wearing a Galco Ankle Glove before...

(Of course, it's been nearly ten years since I wore one, so take that for what it's worth... :o )

[Chuck Haggard]

This.

Like shoulder holsters, the difference in comfort between cheap and expensive in ankle holsters is amazing. I can't wear an Uncle Mike's ankle rig for more than a couple of hours without it driving me up the wall, whereas I have fallen asleep wearing a Galco Ankle Glove before...

(Of course, it's been nearly ten years since I wore one, so take that for what it's worth... :o )

I used the Ankle Glove for several years. I found a couple of issues, one being that the neoprene cuff portion of the rig would crap out after about a year of daily use. Being a cop on a budget meant that buying a $65 rig every year kind of sucked. After several years of use I also found that constant wear of that style of cuff, and the compression on my ankle, led to some numbness and such. I talked to some older coppers (older than me that is) who had some significant medical/foot issues under similar circumstances. I gave up on the Ankle Glove after a few years of use. As always, YMMV.

I find one of the Uncle Mike's rigs to be awesome, for my needs and when worn over my duty boots. I currently use an Uncle Mike's rig for daily carry of a 642 on my ankle, over the outside of my Rocky boots. I very slightly modified a size 16 rig, which is marked as for medium sized autos, for use with my hammerless snubs. I find that this makes for an extremely secure rig for the Centennials, one that holds the gun in even if the thumb break somehow gets popped open. I have been in several foot pursuits and fights while wearing this set-up over the course of a few years and I have had zero issues.

I will say that the Uncle Mike's ankle rigs are not real comfortable for most people when worn over just socks due to the lack of padding.

This guy; http://www.taurisholsters.com/products.cfm

makes excellent holsters in my experience. He's a retried copper who builds his holsters one at a time. I carried a S&W 6906 in one of his rigs for several years before we went to Glocks. Quality gear it was.

[Al T.]

Just to show that folks are different, I used my Uncle Mikes for 8 hour shifts, no issues.

[MDFA]

On duty G22 strong side security holster, G27 in an Alessi Ankle Holster, S&W 642 in a Galco Pocket Holster in the Uniform Pants Pocket on the support side. 2 magazines for the Glocks and a Speedloader for the 642. That's whats on my person, plus what's in the car and in my tactical armor.

Off duty G23 strong side Mitch Rosen IWB, G27 in the Alessi Ankle Holster, S&W 642 in the Galco Pocket Holster (Location depending on attire, mainly to arm someone who is qualified, but may not be carrying at the time). Magazine for the Glocks and a Surefire 6P in a Mitch Rosen SOS, with a Speedloader for the 642 in a pocket.

I'm a firm believer in the adage 2 is one, and 1 is none. (3 Is Just An Addition To The Insurance Policy).

[MDFA]

On duty G22 strong side security holster, G27 in an Alessi Ankle Holster, S&W 642 in a Galco Pocket Holster in the Uniform Pants Pocket on the support side. 2 magazines for the Glocks and a Speedloader for the 642. That's whats on my person, plus what's in the car and in my tactical armor.

Off duty G23 strong side Mitch Rosen IWB, G27 in the Alessi Ankle Holster, S&W 642 in the Galco Pocket Holster (Location depending on attire, mainly to arm someone who is qualified, but may not be carrying at the time). Magazine for the Glocks and a Surefire 6P in a Mitch Rosen SOS, with a Speedloader for the
642 in a pocket.

I'm a firm believer in the adage 2 is one, and 1 is none. (3 Is Just An Addition To The Insurance Policy).

[ToddG]

I'm a firm believer in the adage 2 is one, and 1 is none.

That line + accidentally double posting = irony.

[LHS]

I'm a big fan of a BUG for a couple reasons.

First, everything fails eventually. I haven't had a malfunction in my primary carry pistol in thousands of rounds. But Murphy is a bitch, and I don't want to rely on any one mechanical item to work every time. In my experience, the difference in speed between clearing a double-feed and simply drawing my J-frame and going to work is about 3-4 seconds. That's in training when I know I'm going to have a malfunction because I set it up. I imagine a real-world malfunction would take longer to diagnose and clear. Thus, I carry a BUG.

Second, a BUG allows me to position a second weapon for weak-hand access. If my primary hand is occupied (grabbing my pre-schooler, wife, car) or disabled/impeded (shot or pinned by a BG), my off-hand can reach my BUG and allow me to at least have five shots.

Third, a BUG allows me to access a firearm while remaining overtly non-threatening. If the situation doesn't warrant display of a firearm, I can still just put my hands in my pockets and look casual while assuming a firing grip.

For all of these reasons, I carry a 642 w/CT grips as a BUG pretty much every day. It's not a 25-yard bullseye gun, but if you train for it, you can get reasonable accuracy out of it, and the CT LG-405 grips are IMHO a must-have for both comfort and shootability. I can make a 15-yard headshot, off-hand-only, with this setup. It does take a fairly serious amount of practice and training to get there, and maintain it. I try to shoot my BUG, with my carry ammo, every time I go to the range.

[Pistolero]

I'm curious to know more about carrying and transitioning to a BUG. Do most of you try to keep the BUG accessible to both hands or just keep on the off side? Pocket carry? IWB? Criteria for when you go to the BUG? What do you do with the primary if you can't reholster it? May be kind of simple questions, but I haven't given it a lot of thought myself and haven't had any training on it.

This is something I've given a lot of thought to. It took me more than 3 years to finally choose which little pistol I wanted to carry as a BUG. I finally made up my mind to go with a Beretta Model 3032, 'Alley Cat'. Why? Because I found the very wide backstrap on this little pistol to be the easiest to transition down to from a full-sized pistol.

In fact there's almost no change (and no extra thought) involved in hitting what I aim at after I switch from a large pistol to a small. This wasn't true of other small pistols I tried. The secret to the Model 3032's surprising accuracy and ease-of-use seems to be its extra wide backstrap! Where do I carry my BUG? Always on the opposite side of my body from my strong hand. In the wintertime it's usually located in an outside pocket, too.

If it's not in my front pocket then I'll carry it crossdraw and behind my belt. This way my BUG will be available to both my support and gun hands. When would I go for a BUG? When my primary weapon is not of immediate use to me. When I purchase my holsters I always take into consideration the ease of use and ability to rapidly reholster if I have to. Most often I wear open topped Kydex, 'speed scabbards' worn tight into my side and usually behind my belt for added retention. Whenever I practice drawing I, also, practice one-handed reholstering, too.

I'm not one to ever leave a gun lying on the ground behind me as I move forward. If I had a nonfunctional pistol and had to get it out of my hand fast, I'd simply, 'felony carry' it for awhile. My primary weapon never leaves my body.

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3840/carrypackage2.jpg