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Originally Posted by abnk  The current issue of S.W.A.T. Magazine had a very article on this subject. |
Well that was very helpful.
The correct answer is a subcompact in whatever make and caliber your issued duty weapon is. With most firearms manufacturers, you can use the regular size mags in a subcompact model's magwell, so you can use your primary duty weapon's ammunition in your backup were the primary to be rendered inoperable or stolen away from you. Wouldn't it suck to get into a firefight with just your backup, and only have one mag/cylinder of ammunition for it? You're already carrying enough gear on your duty belt, adding even more magazines that are not for your duty weapon isn't the answer.
For example, if you carry a Glock 22, your backup should be a Glock 27. Carry a Glock 19...get a Glock 26. This kind of setup is easiest to accomplish with Glocks, though it works with other manufacturers as well. Don't forget to put on night sights like Meprolights, the standard Glock ones are atrocious. What will be your issue duty weapon?
Any modern defensive load in 9mm, .40, or .45 will be adequate for defensive purposes. .380 is a bit on the small size for a defensive round, but there are some good loads available for it, and would carry a .380 in more formal occasions if I had one.