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Carry Two Guns?

PHXPHX Member Posts: 60 ✭✭
edited November 2001 in General Discussion
I am wondering what the GB peopel have to say about the pro's and con's of carry two similiar firearms for conceal purposes. I currently carrya SIG 239.

Comments

  • royc38royc38 Member Posts: 2,235 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Are you going to Afghanistan? Unless you have a real good reason ( which I can't imagine one right now)one should be sufficent. Imagine at the trial where you have just shot someone in self defence and the prosecuting attorney asked you why you were carrying two guns. If you really want to this is a free country (so far)but I would advise against it.[This message has been edited by royc38 (edited 11-20-2001).]
  • Der GebirgsjagerDer Gebirgsjager Member Posts: 1,673 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would say that would depend on your logic and need to do so. Uniformed Police Officers often carry a concealed weapon in addition to their openly displayed duty weapon. The logic here is that if their duty weapon is lost or taken away in a scuffle they can access their "back-up" weapon. For a civilian in street clothes I would think the extra weight and concealment problem would prove a nuisance. If you do, consider having both in the same caliber to eliminate having to carry two different types of ammo, and being able to use ammo from the first in the second.
  • M.OpaliskiM.Opaliski Member Posts: 244 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I see no problem with carrying two firearms, if that is your choice and after all that is what it must be. I happen to carry a back up at times, provided I am not heading to work.One reason might be because of a failure, it could happen. Another would be in case of a loss of your primary firearm in a scuffle which could happen, slim, but still. Another could be for a second armed defender if you were to be in good company while you encounter bad company ... here, use this.There are as many reasons to do it as there are not. The decision is ultimately up to you. However, consider that if you are ever forced to defend yourself and you sit before a prosecutor, if the shooting is infact justified, nothing he can say will change that fact. Not your choice of firearm, choice of ammo, choice of accessories ... nothing.
    Support your RKBA ... MatthewNRA Life MemberTalk Radio Junkie opaliski@hotmail.com TheFirearmsEnthusiast
  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    I knew a reserve cop in Texarkana who routinely carried FIVE. To each his own.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
  • thesupermonkeythesupermonkey Member Posts: 3,905 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The fastest way to reload is to throw it down and grab your backup...
  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Roy Rogers always carried two....that's good enough for me.....
  • mudgemudge Member Posts: 4,225 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you live in that kind of neighborhood....MOVE!!!Mudge the indefectible
    I can't come to work today. The voices said, STAY HOME AND CLEAN THE GUNS!
  • M.OpaliskiM.Opaliski Member Posts: 244 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It really has nothing to do with any particular neighborhood.
    Support your RKBA ... MatthewNRA Life MemberTalk Radio Junkie opaliski@hotmail.com TheFirearmsEnthusiast
  • Gene B.Gene B. Member Posts: 892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Always be prepared for anything.
  • PHXPHX Member Posts: 60 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks to all whom replied. I respect each of your views. My primary reason for asking such a question is a malfunction of a firearms, lost in a scuffle, qickest way to reload; grab another loaded firearm, easy to have another person whom is capable if the need would arise. Once again thanks to all.
  • njretcopnjretcop Member Posts: 7,975
    edited November -1
    The department I was on, way back in the 60's, was so poor, it only had one gun for the whole shift and we took turns carrying it. Ahh, the good old days....)
    It's the stuff dreams are made of AngelMember: NRA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2AMPD and the AARP. njretcop@copmail.com
  • arthur wellingarthur welling Member Posts: 66 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Only time I carry two is when I know in advance I'll be going into/escorting into a really nasty area.But, I avoid that like the plague.I can't imagine it being a huge problem with either officers or going into court. Since many many officers do it routinely.
  • TxsTxs Member Posts: 17,809 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    On duty-I always carry two.Off duty-One with a spare mag.Always-A good knife. Not a Rambo special for defensive use, just a good folder that can be opened one handed as an emergency tool. I carry a Benchmade auto, but Spyderco types also serve this purpose well.supermonkey-That's called a Texas reload.[This message has been edited by Txs (edited 11-20-2001).]
  • robjonrikrobjonrik Member Posts: 29 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    As any LEO will tell you, you have to keep track of your weapon(s) in a confrontation. Otherwise you may end up at the wrong end of your own weapon. With that in mind, I would suggest carrying one quality firearm, with one or two back up magazines. That way you only have to keep track of one weapon. I hope and pray you never have to use it, but the true secret is to be familiar and proficient with your weapon. Take a course, go to the range often. Like anything else it is practice, practice, practice.
  • magnumcreekranchmagnumcreekranch Member Posts: 35 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm with Dano. All you really need is one reliable handgun that you know how to use. If your handgun isn't reliable, get one that is. Otherwise you might as well carry a rock in your pocket.NRA life memberHill Country Shooter
  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    There are two applications for plain clothes carry where two identical (or nearly so) guns makes sense.A double shoulder rig, such as a Galco, is well balanced with two guns of similar weight.If you like ankle holsters, try one on each ankle. Same weight added to each leg, eliminates the tendency to limp.Like Txs, with whom I work, I carry two on duty, one off duty, and am never without a one-hand opening knife of good quality.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
  • KhegglieKhegglie Member Posts: 330 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    too bad some of you knocked the idea so hard.... a legal citizen who has to carry concealed at all times like in my home state usually has to cover up pretty well so as not to "flash' the fact that u r armed. the one gun, unless it is in a handy pocket, is going to be a little difficult to get to.... especially if the two gang-bangers are in the same foyer as you are...as happened to me once.. a small 2nd pocket "backup' that you have your hand on already really seems handy them; and not too paranoid.
  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    In Texas, there are no restrictions as to the number of guns you can carry. They just have to be concealed. I say, make your choice and do what you are comfortable with.Somewhere around here I have a book by John Bianchi. In that book there is a photo of John concealing an outrageous number of handguns under a business suit.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    njretcop: In the city where I work is a large aircraft system company. Maybe you heard of it, Raytheon. They have their own security force. Their officers pick up their Sam Brownes with gun, ammo and cuffs at the beginning of a shift, and turn it all in at the end of a shift. The oncoming guard then wears it. Because no one is issued a particular weapon, there is no pride in them or care of them, and they are in DISMAL condition. Fortunately, the guns are all Smith & Wesson revolvers, so they will probably work if needed.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
  • mudgemudge Member Posts: 4,225 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Matthew.....I was just funnin'.I've tried the two gun carry and found it uncomfortable. Now, I know there are those who will say, "Ya' wanna' be uncomfortable and protected, or comfortable and dead?" I simply try to avoid situations where I'll need to shoot ANYBODY. If the situation arises I hope to have evaluated well enough, and far enough, in advance to be able to deal with it with minimal use of force. Deadly if necessary, if that's the minimal force that's called for.Mudge the cautious
    I can't come to work today. The voices said, STAY HOME AND CLEAN THE GUNS!
  • mlincolnmlincoln Member Posts: 5,039 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Carry one good gun and know how to use it. If you're carrying two guns because you're worried about a malfunction, then you need to get rid of your POS main gun and get something better. If you're worried about running out of ammo and needing a quick reload, realize that if you can't solve it with 10 shots, you're doing something very, very wrong. The legal angle is also so important: carrying one gun--to much of the US population--suggests something a bit wacky in your mellon. Carrying two makes you look like an absolute nut. Get one good gun and learn how to use it. You'll be much better protected than if you're carrying two crappy guns and don't know how to use them. That said, I'm now going to go to the restroom because the AKM I keep in a shoulder holster is slipping down, the .45 I wear in the small of my back is digging in to my kidney, and the pair of .357's I have in ankle holsters are binding.
  • PHXPHX Member Posts: 60 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Again thanks to all whom replied. I carry a SIG 239, but after training with a instructor, we practiced many non-dominate hand reloads, tactics and shooting from unusual positions with the non-dominant hand. I figured two of the exact same firearm might be a advantage. I attend traing classes at least once a month.
  • M.OpaliskiM.Opaliski Member Posts: 244 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I go for that mudge ...
    Support your RKBA ... MatthewNRA Life MemberTalk Radio Junkie opaliski@hotmail.com TheFirearmsEnthusiast
  • boogerbooger Member Posts: 1,459 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Two magazines maybe, but I wouldn't bother with two guns on my person.Now in my truck, three is a minimum. One is at least a large caliber revolver that if stolen wouldn't make me cry, shotgun in case of last minute hunting opportunity and then a reliable pistol for concealed protection. The shotgun is often replaced by a rifle, it just depends on what season is in.On the morning of September 11th I'd be embarassed to post what I rolled out of the driveway with. Loaded for bear to say the least and stayed that way for awhile.
    Them ducks is wary.
  • YankeeClipperYankeeClipper Member Posts: 669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    2! I have at least 9 or 10 in the car all the time. I'm a traveling salesman, I call them closing tools.
  • sandman2234sandman2234 Member Posts: 894 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Aren't ankle guns normally carried on the inside of the ankle? Two would tend to rattle against each other, unless you were as bowlegged as a Texan. Only carry when I am off work. Always have my Sonny Bowen belt buckle on, except for Sunday mornings, at church. Dont think I need it there.
    Have Gun, will travel
  • semi-autosemi-auto Member Posts: 50 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Two points, always carry in church, (read the news). Secondly, when asked by my brother in law, who is a Deputy, what I would do when someone grabbed my fanny-pack gun away from me, I said they could have it since it was not chamber loaded like the other one I pulled out was! Bingo, instant throw down piece and justified deadly force! He could relate to that.
  • oneminuteoneminute Member Posts: 37 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I tried carrying a P-239 as a BUG. It concealed on the ankle OK in uniform pants and some khakis and suit pants for court. The problem was the gun was rather heavy for ankle carry. Maybe a better holster would have fixed that. Went back with tried and true j-frame S&W. I know lots of CCW holders that carry two guns. If you feel comfortable carrying two guns then do it. Just make sure you practice with both of them. This is the same thing I tell every new Deputy that rides with me or any permit holder that asks about BUGs. The reasons for both are the same. Primary weapon inoperable, taken away, or it would be easier to access the BUG (such as seated in a car) among other reasons. BTW I do carry two guns off duty also. Dano: I agree, anyone that feels the need for five guns on duty can find someone else to work with.
  • SNIPER1048SNIPER1048 Member Posts: 144 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    MR. NUNN: THE BOOK YOU ARE REFERING TO IS:BLUE STEEL AND GUN LEATHER BY JOHN BIANCHI.I HAVE AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME WHEN WE SHOT THE POSTER THAT WAS SOLD BY HIS COMPANY WAY BACK WHEN." THE WILD BUNCH"THAT'S ME STANDING ON THE PORCH FIFTH FROM THE RIGHT. I STILL SMOKE CIGARS! I THINK THERE ARE ONLY FIVE POSTERS IN THE SET. I HAVE ALL AND ALL AUTOGRAPHED BY THE MAN HIMSELF.GOD! WAS THAT 1975? UNREAL!
    "START THE BALL ROLLING THERE, TECTOR"
  • ghotie_thumperghotie_thumper Member Posts: 1,561 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Off duty I carry only one, on duty I carry two on my person. A J-frame s@w on the ankle, and the s@w 4006 on the hip. I usually have a couple knives on me always. I think my Dept would start an Internal Affairs investigation on someone packing 5 pieces on duty. We do have an 870 and a colt h-bar in the car too.
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