CCW Same Weapon, Same Gear, Same Place

Something I have noticed online is that people talk about how they carry different firearms in different places on their bodies on different days.  I think this is a mistake that could cost someone their life. 

When I first started carrying about firearm for self-defense 4 years ago I debated carrying my Glock 19 semi-auto or my S&W Model 28 .357 revolver.  They both are simple reliable draw, aim, and fire weapons with no external safeties to forget in a critical moment.  The .357 is a proven man stopper, and the 9mm properly placed is no slouch either. I eventually chose the Glock because it was they only one I had a sturdy carry holster for. 

I have carried my Glock as a concealed weapon in the same position on my body in first an OWB (outside waistband) and then an IWB (inside waistband) holster both at 3:30 (or just behind center on my right side). I carry 2 spare magazines at my 8:30 (or just behind center on my left side), a Surefire 6PLED at my 11:00 (or just to the left of my belt buckle), and a folding lock blade knife clipped to the inside of my right pocket.

When at home in the house, working the garden, or out in the woods around my home I open carry my pistol and also carry all but the spare magazines, and always in the same places on my body.  The lack of spare magazines is less of a problem when I am at home and close to additional firearms. (I am not going to point out the benefits of always having a pistol, knife, and light in this post but I may in another post.)

If for some reason you absolutely have to carry different weapons consider ones that have a similar manual of arms (placement and use of controls) and function i.e. revolver or semi-auto. I usually carry a Glock 26 as a backup weapon and it is identical in every way to the 19 in every way except for being smaller and easier to conceal. I sometimes carry it in place of the 19 when I need an easier to conceal weapon due to having to wear business clothes.

 

Now I understand that environmental and fashion/dress code requirements can cause you to need to switch to a smaller weapon and/or move it on your body. My point is that you should pick a single handgun that you can carry in the same place in 95% of situations. Also carry your other gear in the same way every time. When you are at home empty your weapon (and double-check it) and practice drawing, aiming, and dry-firing your weapon. Use a snap cap or similar device to prevent damage from excessive dry-firing. Use your light and knife for household tasks and get used to reaching for them instinctively. You will build muscle memory so that in an emergency your hand can automatically find, grasp, and produce your firearm and/or light.

Carry 2 guns for CCW

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?