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Choosing a backup gun, and practicing with it

The new era of backup guns is here (and it ain’t your daddy’s wheel gun!)

The .38 revolver with a five- or six-inch barrel used to be standard issue, along with a .38 snub-nose strapped to your vest (if you had one) or your ankle. That gave you a grand total of about 11 or 12 rounds to throw in a deadly force situation before you would need to bust out the speed loader for six more.

Back up weaponry — whether revolvers or semi-automatics — have made enormous strides in the last decade. Polymer has helped in reducing weight and improving reliability and performance. New, faster, and more effective ammunition has also been a plus in helping protect us on the street. Innovative and more durable holsters and carry products are out there as well, making it easier and safer to carry and access your weapon at all times.

Now we have .380 calibers that weigh 30 ounces and fit in your front pocket and we even have polymer wheel guns that weigh about the same. Personal preference plays into the mix, but one thing is for certain, we have some truly reliable options for back up guns and off duty carry. Ruger and Smith & Wesson seem to be on the forefront of the polymer framed revolvers, but the list of reliable, super-sub-compact semi-automatic pistols seems endless. There are several options of .380 compacts as well as new state-of-the-art .38 revolvers.

If you prefer a larger round there are many ultra-compact pistols that pack punches all the way of to .45 ACP. An officer’s choice is virtually unlimited these days, and everyone should be able to find that perfect fit for their off duty or backup weapon of choice.

Today’s choices are considerably lighter and offer more rounds than a few decades ago. Add night sights, different finishes, even different colors, and you can further customize your back up gun. Certain manufacturers even allow for the same magazine to work in both your duty weapon as well as your back up, leaving even more options and better chances in a gun fight.

No matter what your choice is, the most important thing is to make a choice, then practice and become efficient with your secondary weapon. And I don’t mean becoming efficient in just target practice, but in practicing pulling it from wherever it is you are carrying it on your body, and in tactical reloading as well. In today’s times, especially as a law enforcement officer, with active shooters walking into shopping malls, movie theatres, churches, schools and who knows where, it is a necessity to be armed both on and off duty.

So keep that antique snub-nose that your granddaddy gave you years ago clean and tucked away in a safe place so you can pass it on to your children, then break out your new state of the art off duty pistol, holster it, and with peace of mind, take your family out for a good steak dinner.

So, what do you carry?

Lt. Hawkes is a 23-year police veteran. In addition to his years of highway drug interdiction, Lt. Hawkes has worked in patrol, K9, investigations, narcotics, and administration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Dallas Baptist University and is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Justice Leadership and Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. He has been the recipient of both State and Local awards, including the Medal of Valor. His book, Secrets of Successful Highway Interdiction, which can be purchased here, contains eleven chapters on Highway Drug Interdiction.

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