The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: norfdet on March 25, 2007, 12:42:01 PM
-
I am looking specifically for an opinion from Mr. Rauch and Mr. Bane, but I also value the opinions of others. As an LEO I have grown accustomed to carrying a back-up gun when I am working and for almost all of my career it has been a S&W j-frame of some sort. Currently it is a 638-3 with CT LG-405 grips. This gun is also my primary carry when I am off duty. However for about the past year when I am off I am finding myself wanting to back up the 638 with a 637, usually in an ankle holster.
My question is this;
Do the majority of people carry 2 guns when they are either off-duty (LEO's) or just about town (CCW's)? For me it has become a hard habit to break.
I like the advantage of ankle carry in being able to access a gun while seated, I also like to pocket carry because it is more accessible for all the other times when you are not seated and an ankle holster is slower. Call it a New York reload or whatever, I am just interested in what other are doing, if anything. I have always liked a wheel gun for their simplicity and reliability and since I cut my teeth on wheel guns, I have always stuck with them for the most part. I particularly enjoyed the DR TV clips on wheel guns, especially the one done by Mr. Rauch and as a Firearms Instructor with my department, I plan on showing that clip to new officers that are being cheated out of an education since now the state does not mandate revolver training anymore.
-
well, you've thought this out and I think you have a good plan. I assume when you are off duty, you are shirt and slacks kind of person. Clothing mandates your options for concealment. Where I live it is legal to carry a pistol or long gun in your vehicle without a license. In my vehicle I carry a glock 21 and 2 spare mags, in an easy to reach place. Out of my vehicle I carry S&W 940 in front pocket holster and 2 moon clips in the off side pocket. I am the only driver in my vehicle and do not have children to worry about finding my pistol in my absence. For the reasons you stated, an ankle holster for access in the car is a decent plan, drawing from the pocket while seated is definitely an ordeal, but practice it anyway. I don't know if Bianchi speed strips are still available, but with practice you can load a revolver pretty well with them, and they don't print in your pocket. Mine are 20 years old, but still work. I too look forward to Mr. Rauch anf Mr. Banes comments.
-
Call it overkill but I usually have the 2 J's and at least a speed strip (mine too are almost 20 years old) and/or a speed loader.
While on the subject of ankle holsters, I can not say enough good things about my cozy partner from Renegade. I bought this ankle holster about 8 years ago from Renegade. The body (the part that wraps around the ankle) is made from surgical nylon and is the most comfortable forgiving material I have ever seen in an ankle holster. The holster itself is leather with an elastic strap that snaps over the back of the trigger guard allowing the gun to be drawn straight from the holster without having to unsnap anything. I prefer this because this holster will fit ALL types of j-frames hammer and hammerless. The back of the holster is padded with what appears to be some type of wool or fur (for lack of a better term). They are reasonably priced at over 50.00 and well worth the money at more than that. The elastic of the ankle band lends the holster to being able to be used both on the leg and over a duty boot and still retain itself and remain comfortable. I am in the process of ordering another one to just have "on hand". I have owned several ankle holsters over the years and while I still have some of them they are all collecting dust in a box somewhere because I just can't part with this one.
-
As a civilian and a CCW license holder, I almost always only carry one gun. I do not run many of the additional risks that a LEO has on a daily basis, such as recognition or the additional training necessitating action. I personally feel that moving myself and family to safety is my first line of defense with the firearm being my offensive move in those situations where a well planned offense IS the best defense. Although on special occasions such as longer road trips or times where I know I will be traveling in the not so great parts of town I will carry an additional and primary firearm leaving my daily carry as a backup option. I hope this helps! ;D
I am interested to see what others are doing, I carry a semi-auto and have been considering a J-frame as an additional carry option. Depending how this goes maybe it would be an additional carry rather than an additional option. Thanks for the good question!
-
I have carried two guns, but only on the occasion where I felt my risk factor was through the ceiling (spening time with the whackos in the paramilitary wing of the Klan for a magazine article, for example...that's a whole other story). I have found that the Sig-Tac Concealed Carry Coat makes it easy for me to carry a J-frame in and my regular SIG on the belt.
Walt can better address this than me!
Michael B
-
As someone who as carried on and off for over 25 years, as a holder of a Special Police Commission, CCW, Forensic Investigator w/ the Medical Examiner, in a major Southeastern city, depending on when/where, etc I lived and under which circumstances, I have carried two and sometimes three handguns.
Normally I carry on right hip, just behind the quarter-line belt loop, this is very rarely bypassed, because under stress we’ll all do what we train for and will reach for the same spot each time. When I deem it necessary to carry a second gun, it is generally carried in middle-of-the-back holster. Being right handed, and consider this a back-up or surprise, I like to have the gun butt facing left, in other words, I draw this gun with my left hand. In the rare cases that I would carry a third handgun (really if it is that bad, where is my 870 or .223); I have carried my trusted High Standard DM 101, .22mag in its Galco wallet holster. Unfortunately these guns are long out of production but a Beretta Mod. 21 in a similar holster
-
I have found that I carry two when I'm going for a walk at night, not that I'm more or less at danger, just is good to know that I could get either hand on a pistol in a pinch. I carry more when I'm traveling, ie a rifle and/or shotgun
-
On a normal day, I carry two guns on me mainly because I don't have my primary on my person while at work. I do have a little AMT .380 carried in offside pocket, and my primary is rarely more than 30 feet away from me.
On a day off, I carry only the primary and at least one reload. Have never really felt the need for more.
Given you circumstances, and profession, I can see a relevant need to be able to access a weapon from any position. What you have described, sounds like you have thought logically about your needs. Personally, I have never been able to get used to an ankle holster. Just never liked the odd weight around my ankle.
-
Personally, I have never been able to get used to an ankle holster. Just never liked the odd weight around my ankle.
Were it not for airweight revolvers I am not sure that I would be able to either.
-
Hello. Since retiring from police service, my orbits are normally most tame. I stay pretty much in my neighborhood and around the house. I do have to visit "trouble spots" (or as we called them with added explicatives, "hell holes"), I don't!
That does not mean that trouble couldn't come calling to be sure. I don't think that I'm paranoid, but I do have at least one handgun and reload on me from the time I get up until I go to bed. My "always" gun is a simple (pre-lock) S&W Model 642.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/SWModel642rock1.jpg)
This Model 642-1 has be "religiously" carried since I first bought and tested it a few years ago. My normal mode of carry for this one is strong-side front pocket carry in a Galco pocket holster. It is normally loaded with Remington 158-gr. LSWCHP +P.
Now and again, I do carry two handguns when out and about, particularly if making a night deposit or there's just no way around having to go into a less than stellar section of my own city or others. Very often, the belt gun is either a 9mm Hi Power lightly modified to my own tastes or a 1911-based 5" .45 ACP. There will be at least one reload for the belt gun, but the Model 642 and its reload are simply moved from primary to backup status.
More and more I find myself carrying this combination.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/RugerSP101andSW642tile1.jpg)
More frequently these days when carrying a brace of handguns, I go with the Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum with 3 1/16" bbl and of course, the Model 642. A nice thing is that both use the same J-frame speedloader. I normally have one speedloader and one speed strip with this setup and both are loaded with the Remington 38 Special load mentioned above. This keeps me from trying to load the 38 with 357's in a trying situation. Initially, the SP101 is loaded with magnums but not the full-power ones. Currently, it is loaded with Corbon's 125-gr. DPX though I've also had good luck with Remington's 125-gr. Golden Sabers. These are mid-range or mid-power loads. I believe that they might have a bit more potency than the 38 Special and according to the timer, I can handle them at speed w/accuracy better than the full-power magnum loads.
Understand that I emphatically am not saying that any of these choices are "best"...only that they work well for me.
Best and good shooting.
-
Is that wear marks on the side of the 442 or a camera lighting effect?
-
Hello. They're wear marks where the stainless has "shined" due to carry.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/Badgesnub1.jpg)
It may show a bit better in this picture.
Best.
-
I am starting to see the same thing with my 638 but it is more in areas that are prone to carbon build up and scrubbing when cleaning (ie; breach face, forcnig cone area, around the cylinder latch, etc). I have not noticed any on the face of the cylinder. It is almost a flaking and from what I have read on other forums it is common on airweights. I guess the question is just how bad does it get?
-
Hello. I don't think it gets bad enough to weaken the gun or anything, just more prominent "honorable battle scars" or such.
Best.
-
Stephen;
Isn't there a law or something that requires you to carry at least one Browning High-Power on your person at all times?
Michael B
-
Hahahahahahhaha! Hello, sir. Well, I reckon there's no law, but I do frequently tote one of the ol' things, particularly when returning from helping on a friend's ranch and many back roads and isolated stretches of highway are on the agenda.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/DutyHiPowerMaskmag2.jpg)
I still carry my old "duty gun" now and then. These day's it is loaded with Corbon 115-gr. DPX +P.
Best.
-
Well shoot (some pun intended), while we are on the subject here is MY number 1 (largely influenced by the HP and HG site);
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v449/norfdet/DSC02111.jpg)
I bought this one used. The previous owner bought it from the Novak web site and had them perform some of their work on it. It has Novak night sights, recrowned muzzle, trigger job and a slightly beveled magazine well. I sent it to Tripp Research and had it Cobra coated in black. The Spegel grips came with the gun. To say that it is a tack driver is an understatment, it is more accurate that I am but I am able to make head shots on a Q target at 25 yards.
-
I've in occasion carried two, or 3, and a couple times, just to see if I could, 4 concealed handguns. Usually, I'm just carrying my GLOCK 30, though.
-
MB,if there isnt a law to that effect it should be.I am curretnly carrying a BHP and Kel-Tec p32 as a primary carry set.When I go to wheel guns it is a S&W model 13 3in RB,my wife carries a P32 and a Ruger SP101,nite sights,magnaported and Hougue grips in her carry purse, just my way YMMV Doug
-
Hello.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/DutyMkIIIModel042rock1.jpg)
I don't have a P32, but have used this combination with no complaints.
Best.
-
Ok Mr. Camp, I have to ask about the grips on the model 42.
-
Hello. Those are inexpensive nylon grips I bought at Brownells for under twenty bucks. They're called "Hideout Grips" and can be had for both J and K-frame round butt revolvers. I had to dress down the opposite grip to get it to work with speedloaders.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/SWModel042rock1.jpg)
Here's the side I worked on to make it compatible with speedloaders.
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/SWM10rock1.jpg)
Here's the K-frame Hideout Grip on a 4" Model 10 HB. I like them fine on the J-frames but have yet to find a set in the K-frame size that fits the frame tightly. I have 3 pair and all of them are still a tiny bit loose on whichever K-frame I put them on. No such problem with the J-frame guns.
You can get these stocks in either smooth or textured. I got the smooth. It's still "rough" enough to get and maintain a secure grip on while firing...at least in my limited experience with these grips.
Best.
-
Mr. Camp,
While we are on the subject perhaps you can help me with this. I have several pairs of Eagle SS grips on my J-frames and one Colt D frame DS. All of them do not work with speedloaders. I want to refinish them but I can't bring myself to do it as they are truly things of beauty. However, realizing that my guns are working guns if I am going to do it I want to do it in such a manner as to try to restore them to their original luster and beauty. What advice can you give me on how to get these grips to work without completely destroying them?
-
Hello. I have successfully refinished many handgun grips and rifle stocks with Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil. It's not hard to do, but messy on the fingers.
Best.
-
Do you recommend sanding and if so, what grit?
-
Hello. It depends on how deep any scratches or nicks might be, but usually I start with about 400 to 600 grit paper and go finer as the job progresses. I sand with 1000 grit between coats of Tru-Oil for the first couple of coats, letting each coat completely dry before doing so.
Best.
-
Thank you. I am just looking to sand the grips down enough to allow the use of speedloaders. There are no scratches or dings on my grips so there is nothing to fix. I just did not want to sand them and ruin the finish and I am not a woodworker.
-
I am a CCW holder and I carry two guns most of the time.The main gun is a GLOCK 33 in 357sig
loaded with Corbon DPX or a LES BAER TDP 45acp loaded with Corbon DPX either one is carried
strong side.My second one is a ROHRBAUGH R9S in 9mm loaded Win JSP carried in a pocket,
I also carry a spare mag. for each gun.
-
Are we starting to see a better prepared, better armed society?
-
Norf, I sure hope we are.It seems that most of the people I hang with are well aware of the dangerous of the societies we live in Doug
-
Norf, I hope so, too...here in the People's Republic of Boulder, I notice that lately I get more questions that start out, "What would you suggest for carry..." as opposed to, "You seriously carry a gun every day? Are you paranoid or just crazy?"
Michael B
-
Norf, I sure hope we are.It seems that most of the people I hang with are well aware of the dangerous of the societies we live in Doug
Sometimes I think that it is just me, being in law enforcement for the past 16 years has made me cynical of everyone.....
-
Norf, I hope so, too...here in the People's Republic of Boulder, I notice that lately I get more questions that start out, "What would you suggest for carry..." as opposed to, "You seriously carry a gun every day? Are you paranoid or just crazy?"
Michael B
As an LEO I have always been a proponent of CCW carry and usually suggest that people that have even an inkling of interest look into it. Not only do we need to exercise or 2nd Amendment Rights we need to start taking the necessary steps to protect ourselves. LE can't be everywhere all the time. I often use Florida as an example, when they became a "shall issue" state it seemed that the crime rate literally dropped over night.
A armed society is a polite society.
-
I think that if you may feel the need for 2 guns, depending the crime rate and where you live its not unreasonable. Many carry a BUG, and knife and spray and etc. If you feel you may be in a position to need it ,carry it. If I still lived in South florida I would have 3 BUGs . Good post norfdet, makes people think.
-
Sorry for my ignorance in advance 2HOW but,
Many carry a BUG, and knife and spray and etc.
what is a BUG?
Tex
-
Sorry tex, Its short for back up gun.
-
thank you again 2HOW I now see the light man and have been known to have a "BUG" on me evey once and a while.
tex
-
Norfdet, I was in FLA> when they went to carry. The violent crime rate dropped a reported 75%. Tourists started to be targeted spotted by rental cars and such . When the BGs were asked why they targeted tourists, they said all the locals had sidearms and they knew the tourists didnt.
-
The violent crime rate dropped a reported 75%
2HOW i am very suprised the media allowed that info to get out.
tex
-
At that time TEX ,FLA was pretty pro gun and alot of shooting ranges, the press wasnt like it is now. But Ive been out of touch with whats going on down there for awhile