Introduction
Murphy’s Law states that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. Even the most dependable pistols may malfunction due to poor ammunition and running out of ammo in the middle of a combat means you lose that gunfight. These are just two of the many reasons why persons who carry a defensive firearm may need a backup gun.
What is a backup gun?
A backup gun is simply the weapon you use when your primary handgun is unavailable. It is usually considerably smaller than your primary defensive handgun, allowing it to be carried anywhere other than on your belt.
For decades, the snub-nosed revolver .38 Special has been one of the most popular backup handgun alternatives. It has a lot of characteristics that make it a good pick for a backup firearm. It is compact and simple to hide. A revolver can shoot consistently when the muzzle is pushed up against your assailant or while shooting from a pocket, both of which would cause a semi-automatic gun to fail.
Changing times ask for different types of guns
Backup firearms are often smaller in size to facilitate concealment.
Armed individuals often consider the Glock 43, S&W Shield, and other similar-sized firearms as their primary defence weapon. This implies that their backup gun may be a different version of the same pistol carried elsewhere on their body. Due to their low weight and compact dimensions, smaller-sized options such as the Ruger LCP 2 or Kel-Tec P3AT are popular among armed people.
Armed civilians also choose snub-nosed revolvers since they are simple to use, easy to hide, and trustworthy.
When a backup gun is necessary
In theory, a full-sized defensive pistol can also serve as a backup to a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun. However, a handgun used in such scenarios is better described as a secondary weapon, as the pistol used is most likely a full-sized service pistol rather than a smaller gun like a backup gun.
A backup pistol or revolver should be available in case your primary defensive firearm becomes ineffective during combat, whether due to a problem with the gun or ammo. Having a gun with you, which can utilise the same ammo and magazines as your first pistol, makes even more sense.
In situations like getting hands-on with criminals, which might result in a wrestling fight over a weapon, having a backup gun is not just a nice to have; it may literally mean the difference between life and death.
Conclusion: Is a backup gun a wise idea for the typical armed citizen
As armed citizens we aim to avoid confrontation with the bad people, but if that is not possible, we must use proper force to stop the threat.
This implies we do not go after bad folks and poor ammo is among the majority of the problems that might arise with our firearms. Physical breakdowns are rare and infrequent. All of this suggests that, for the armed citizen, a backup pistol should generally take a second seat to items such as a strong tactical flashlight and pepper spray.
If you opt to carry a backup gun, it will very certainly be at the expense of another vital piece of equipment such as a tourniquet, flashlight, or knife.
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