Carry 2 guns for CCW?
Everyday I carry my 9mm Glock 19 handgun w/ a Streamlight TLR-1 weapon light mounted on it at my 4:00 (or a little behind my right hip) in a FBI-canted, ~15 degree forward angle to allow for a faster and more natural draw, Safariland brand holster. I also carry a 9mm Glock 26 sub-compact handgun on the inside of my left ankle (in a holster I permanently attached to my boot), and 2 spare 15-round Glock 19 magazines in an open top Serpa carrier, made by Blackhawk, at my 8:30 (just behind my left hip). In the summer my 19 is in the same location IWB(or Inside Waist Band) in a Crossbreed Supertuck, and my spare magazines are in my left cargo pocket (always wear BDU type pants) in a pocket holster.
I am not a LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) or employed in any similar high-risk occupation. I live in a semi-rural area on the edge of a fairly safe city.
I carry a second firearm for a few reasons and that specific combination for one reason.
1. A firearm is a mechanical device and any mechanical device is prone to failure. A defensive firearm is a critical life-saving emergency tool and I and my loved ones could die because of that failure. 2=1, 1=0=DEAD<---The Demon Murphy
2. In a dangerous situation where I am with a safe, sane, trusted, and knowledgeable individual who does not have a firearm with them I can arm that person with my backup weapon. They can watch my back and increase both of our odds of survival.
3. I spend approximately half my outside of the home time driving a vehicle. Drawing from a behind the mid-line holster under a seat belt and concealing/inclement weather appropriate garment(s) while seated in a contoured seat is difficult under calm conditions. The inside of my left ankle is reached easily while seated.
4. If my right (strong) arm is incapacitated/injured a firearm on my other side (even on my ankle) is my only other option.
5. If my primary firearm is disabled/lost/taken/inaccessible I can still have another one to use to defend myself.
6. I carry this specific combo of firearms because the 2 spare magazines I carry will fit into either weapon. A BUG or Back Up Gun that doesn't share magazine and ammunition compatibility with your primary firearm is certainly more effective than "harsh language", but the ammo from your primary firearm is now useless.
If I could know ahead of time when civil unrest/carjacking/random evilness will occur I would bunker down at home in body armor with my AK. Since I am unable to see the future I do my best to educate myself about what is possible and probable and how to respond to emergencies. Many of the people that understand and deal daily with the evil depths of human nature, Murphy's Law, and the randomness of events recommend carrying a second firearm.
I guess my main reason for carrying a spare gun is the same reason both of my cars have a spare tire.
The Demon Murphy is a cruel unforgiving capricious bastard. Don't give him the satisfaction!
I am considering adding a second identical Glock 19 either cross-draw or weak hand draw at the exact opposite location of my other 19. I will still keep the Glock 26 on my ankle. I would move my spare mags forward to my 9:00.
Are 3 guns too many?
