Does anybody carry a BUG? If so what is your preference? I was thinking of a small Kel-tec 9mm for an ankle holster. But I'm not beyond carrying a .22 mag from NAA as a BUG. I still might get a small revolver for the wife when she gets her CHL but I want some good info on a good backup gun. I also want one that fits in an ankle holster. The only thing I'm unwilling to sacrifice is reliability (which is why kel tec comes into question). Thanks for all the advice in advance.
Back up guns
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Don't discount the Kel-Tec P3AT. I finally bought one a few weeks ago, after initially thinking I'd never buy one. After reading the KTOG forum and talking to a couple of fellow IDPA members, I reconsidered and am getting right fond of the little fella.
It certainly is light and easy to carry. I've only put about 75 rounds of WWB (flat nose) and Win Rangers thru mine and after about 60, got a couple of FTE's, but my hand was getting tired and the gun was getting cruddy. They recommend lots of grease and cleaning/relube after about 50 rounds, which I didn't do the first time out.
It's certainly not an M&P, but as a BUG or something to pack when my M&P 9c or full sized is to unwieldy, I think it's fine.
It certainly is light and easy to carry. I've only put about 75 rounds of WWB (flat nose) and Win Rangers thru mine and after about 60, got a couple of FTE's, but my hand was getting tired and the gun was getting cruddy. They recommend lots of grease and cleaning/relube after about 50 rounds, which I didn't do the first time out.
It's certainly not an M&P, but as a BUG or something to pack when my M&P 9c or full sized is to unwieldy, I think it's fine.
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S&W 442/642.
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Kel-Tec P32
Lets see. Whatever gun I get most recently for carry, I carry as my primary...because I'm always looking for the better primary carry. That leaves the poor old primary prime candidate for BUG. So this is your perfect opportunity to find someting you like better for your primary.
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I personally don't think you can go wrong with the S&W 642. It is lighweight, hammerless ( which
equates to snagproof ), and is rated for +P ammo. I carried one while a police officer in Florida,
whose climate is notoriously rough on guns, and with any amount of care it will last you a long
time.
A back up gun is used when the caca has hit the oscillating wind machine, and most
shootings are a close range affair. While a KelTec P32 or P3AT is very carryable, I think that
a .38 +P ( at the least ) is a lot more desirable than a .32 or .380. Also, the reliability of the
revolver can't be beat. I would rather 5 shots for sure than 7 - 8 shots maybe.
equates to snagproof ), and is rated for +P ammo. I carried one while a police officer in Florida,
whose climate is notoriously rough on guns, and with any amount of care it will last you a long
time.
A back up gun is used when the caca has hit the oscillating wind machine, and most
shootings are a close range affair. While a KelTec P32 or P3AT is very carryable, I think that
a .38 +P ( at the least ) is a lot more desirable than a .32 or .380. Also, the reliability of the
revolver can't be beat. I would rather 5 shots for sure than 7 - 8 shots maybe.
I had a few issues with my kel-tec that led me to sell, mine would ftf, or fte. The long trigger didn't bother me, as with clip add on i could put it on my waste and feel ok. I had this gun in my pocket for about 2 years un holstered with one in the pipe and never was worried as long I had a clean empty pocket and checked on it through out the day it was fine.
I also didn't like the sights, but hell any gun is better then none. Next backup will be a j frame though, can't beat revolver reliability.
I also didn't like the sights, but hell any gun is better then none. Next backup will be a j frame though, can't beat revolver reliability.
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I carry a 642 on a daily basis as a primary when clothing and climate dictate pocket carry. As for on-duty BUG, I carry a G26 loaded with 124gr +P+ HydraShoks or a G27 loaded with Speer 165gr Gold Dots.
I always carry either a Kel-tec P32, P3AT or my Smith M60 as a Bug to my primary.
It is quick and easy insurance and is available to my weak side hand in usually a pocket holster. You can get your hand on the gun with no one knowing. It would be a good surprise the mugger gun compared to whipping open your jacket or shirt to get the MP40c. Would I use it for an extended gun battle... No but up close a bad breath distances it can't be beat. 8)
It is quick and easy insurance and is available to my weak side hand in usually a pocket holster. You can get your hand on the gun with no one knowing. It would be a good surprise the mugger gun compared to whipping open your jacket or shirt to get the MP40c. Would I use it for an extended gun battle... No but up close a bad breath distances it can't be beat. 8)
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BUG
Summer--SW 37 despured
Winter- MK40 KAHR
Summer--SW 37 despured
Winter- MK40 KAHR
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Walther P22 loaded with Velocitors. Yeah, yeah, I know. But nobody likes 11 rounds of 40 grain .22's going into their head at 1400 fps. I'll be replacing it with a Kel-Tec PF9 one of these days.
Just a word of warning, .22 Long Rifle (or any rimfire ammunition) is a bad idea for personal defense. The method used to extrude priming compound into the primer is inexact, and it's not at all uncommon to find duds in .22 ammo. No matter how reliable your pistol, no matter how much you might think the .22 is acceptable from a terminal ballistics standpoint, the fact is that the ammunition isn't dependable enough to use for self-defense.
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