Posted: 11/4/2007 9:47:20 AM EDT
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It's come time for me to start looking very heavily into a backup weapon... Right now I'm on foot patrols with 8 other officers, and we stay in groups, but I've only got 2 weeks left of that. Afterwards I'll be in the PTO program, followed finally by solo... What say you guys on backup weapons?? I currently carry a Glock 21 .45 as my duty weapon. I would love to stay with a .45, but that's not practical in any way, shape or form, as it would be quite uncomfortable. Let's hear what you guys carry, and how... |
Biggest issue with practical applications is that 1, you can't comfortably wear a .45 on your ankle, and 2, if you wear the G30 on the belly band, how easy is it to access it in a hurry?? Weight is another one of my issues... We already wear almost 30lbs of gear with our vest and duty belt. It's a big pain in the ass running down the street as it is, I know, b/c I've ran at least 9 blocks 3 times since I've been on foot patrol to get to other units. It may be practical in some senses, but not in all |
Have a tailor replace one or two buttons on your shirt with velcro and you should be able to get to it plenty fast. Some people find ankle holsters comfortable. Unfortunately the only real way to find out what concealed carry solution works for you is to try them all. I have a box full of holsters for my hand guns. It is a trial and error equation of combining your: body shape + holster + weapon + uniform/clothes = comfortable concealment. If you are looking for lightweight: S&W Model 340 Airlite Revolver .357 magnum mightbe your cup of tea. Of course you might no like that either because.... 1. It has no safety 2. You don't like revolvers 3. Too much recoil, not comfortable to shoot, etc 4. No ammo compatibility with your primary 5. Expensive You can see what is practical for me isn't practical for you which isn't practical for the next guy. |
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Yeah, I've also gone several ways and seem to come back to the ankle holster for me. I've also got a belly band holster that I strap around my vest, it helps with carrying a weapon there, and it's not FAST to get to, but beleive me, if you NEED it, you'll tear your shirt open to get to it. I currently carry a G19 in an ankle rig, our primary carry is a G17. In colder weather, I've carried my 649 in my jacket pocket and sometimes my Seecamp 32 has gone into my back pocket. I'm not sure I fully understood the post about a gun on your offside on your underbelt, I can't picture it being comforable to wear with my duty belt or even being able to conceal it without looking like I had a very lumpy uniform. A buddy of mine, whose mom was a seamstress, actually had a holster shaped pocked sewn onto the front of his vest carrier, and that way he just slipped it right in there, and just had to pull open his top button to grab the grip. Best of luck, I'd also try talking to some of the other guys you work with who carry back-ups, find out if there are department required caliber limitations (my current department only allows 380 and up, so no 32 for me right now) and good luck. Stay Safe 
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 This is a piece of elastic and not a holster. But same idea. Another method I have heard of is using the 5.11 velcro cover holster that comes is part of their Backup Belt System line.  |
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Here is a .pdf chart comparing size and weight of popular "mouse guns" www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf |