LEO Back Up Gun

[03mustgt]

Just like the title says what is the best LEO back up gun? Has anyone had experience with the glock 26? I am also looking at the springfield armory XD sub-compact series too. I currently have a compact XD .45 but I am afraid it is to big for a back up. Also have a colt government model .380 that is pretty small but the small size of the bullet is of concern to me. What would you guys recommend? Just for your info I am not a cop, yet. But I am currently in a hiring process to become an LEO.

Thanks

[younggun21]

S&W J frame .38... trusted by many LEO's for decades....

-K

[abnk]

The current issue of S.W.A.T. Magazine has a very good article on this subject.

Edited for grammar.

[mosesiscarryingapdw]

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.

[03mustgt]

Originally Posted by mosesiscarryingapdw

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.

Very helpful post. I have read a lot about the Glock 26 and 27 and depending on the issued model( I am sure it is a Glock, not sure about model though) I think that the glock 26 and 27 would probably be best for me. Also having a back up that uses the same magazines as the primary would be beneficial. Carrying options: I have read about B.U.G.(Back Up Gun) pocket vest holster/pouch. I am not sure if anyone is familiar with these but it seems there could be an issue with getting to your back up in a hurry? Also I have heard bad things about ankle holsters in a scuffle with the perp reaching for it. What is recommended as a carrying method? I have researched this but it seems there is info leading both ways.

[4sarge]

Originally Posted by mosesiscarryingapdw

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?

IMO, a very good answer

[VUPDblue]

Originally Posted by mosesiscarryingapdw

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.

I followed that same school of thought for a while, then I stopped. I carried a S&W model 36 hardchromed and loaded with +p CorBon ammunition. There are lots of factors that make you go hmmm when choosing a BUG and the magazine interchangeability was very logical to me. I found out after a while that the Glocks were too awkward for me to carry, and I preferred the utter reliability of a wheel gun. I carried it in a nylon thumb-break holster on the side of my vest, velcro'd to the straps most of the time. In the winter months, when clothing was layered, I used the ankle rig. You should also consider what kind of action you are likely to encounter in your department. If I were going to work for a big department like Metro, then I would probably break down and go with the Glock. More is better in areas where you are more likely to get into a bad situation. In my case, a very small town, I felt adequately armed with my .38 as a BUG. Eventually I was armed with my Colt King Cobra as a primary and my M36 as a BUG. I have taken quite a bit of flak for carrying a wheel gun, or 2, but I know how to use them, and I feel comfortable with them. Now, If I were to start-up again with Metro, I would definitely be carrying dueling Glocks. Keep in mind that this is JMHO, and YMMV and so on....

[pierce195]

I carry a G27 as a backup to my G22. Same trigger and the G27 works with my G22 mags. I also carry the G27 as my off duty gun.

[abnk]

Originally Posted by mosesiscarryingapdw

Well that was very helpful.

I'm glad you agree. It was a very well written article and everyone seriously interested in the matter would benefit from it.

[phylodog]

If you can find a means to carry it which offers easy access, concealability and comfort, going with a G26 or G27 is a great idea if you're primary is a G17/19/22/23. If not a S&W J frame is a great choice also. I use a G22 as my primary and own a G23 & G27 but I've never carried them as my backup gun. I've carried a S&W 342 in a Galco Ankle Glove for years and wouldn't trade it for anything else.