In 1998, I purchased my Every Day Carry (EDC) pistol, a Walther P99. It’s a great sidearm, small enough to conceal, nice weight that it does not get heavy after carrying it all day, and still with a 4 inch barrel and a magazine capacity of 15 +1. It’s a great selection, even if your name isn’t Bond.
Lately I’ve been looking into something smaller that slips into a pocket. A compact pistol to easily conceal for a quick run to the store or even a late night run to top off the gas tank. Personally I’ve researched, tested and tried several different handguns and I’ve decided on a Sig P365. Not necessarily as a primary gun but more like a BUG, Backup Gun.
I used to think Back up Guns were a competitive idea to spice up matches until I read an article by Tom Givens of Rangemaster in Memphis TN. I won’t quote the whole article but it states over and over again how he has seen pistols of all types break down at inopportune times. I myself have had my pistol seize up completely in an IDPA match because of bad ammo. On the street it would be no better than a rock. Another good reason is if your primary pistol is taken away or you can’t get to it a BUG might be a life saving option. And there’s always the “New York Reload”. Instead of reaching for a spare magazine, you reach for a spare gun.
Backup Guns are usually, but not always, worn in a different location on your body, are smaller in size, carry fewer rounds and in some cases may be of a different caliber. In recent years there has been a boom in the firearm industry in regards to BUGs. Almost every manufacturer now sells at least one Backup Gun. Backup Guns come in revolver and semi-auto and range from .22 thru 45 acp.
There are times when your primary gun is just too much and you might be able to carry only the BUG, so make sure your choice is one that will handle your needs as a primary gun. Buying a cute little .32 as an alternate handgun is one thing, but making it your only line of defense is another. Keep this in mind when looking through all the choices.
Another decision is whether to stay with a similar type or style for your Backup as your primary. Carrying a 1911 and a Glock means two different safety configurations to deal with in stressful situations. Even carrying a revolver and a semi-auto at the same time could be nerve wracking. Everyone is different and everyone trains differently. A friend of mine carried a 1911 on his hip and a S&W 38 in his pocket, always, but he trained with both as well. Yet another consideration is spare ammo. Do you want to carry extra ammo for both or can the two guns share mags and or ammo. The Walther P99 and the P99 compact will use the same magazines as long as they are the same caliber.
You might want to consider carrying a BUG. Keeping these ideas in mind will make your decision easier. I still might get that P99c and use that as my primary gun and still get that Sig P365, hmm.