Recommend a good backup / off duty handgun?

[basher52]

I own just about one of everything. That said, I taylor the gun to my activity and atire, when not working. When off duty riding my motorcycle (90 degrees and a tee shirt) I prefer the Ruger LCP. I used to carry either a J-Frame S&W or Walther PPK, but the LCP beats them both in the comfort department. Also, todays 380 ammo is more than acceptable for self defense.

I'm liking the Ruger so much that I'm thinking of making it my backup for work. I recently purchased the Laser for it and I'm waiting to take it to the range to test it with the Laser. I'm carrying Gold Dot 90 grain and Federal Hydra Shock, both feed very well.

IMHO, the G-26 and SA XD 9SC are great guns, but carrying them as backups on duty, well, they are just too big. You are better served with a reliable J-frame Smith or one of the small 380's. I'd also look at the Walther PPS in 9mm. They have had some teething pains, but my ICE buddy has one in 40 and loves it. Very Slim and it's the same cal as your duty weapon, 9MM.

Good Luck with your search, let us know what you decide on.

[Creeker]

Wife just gave me the Taurus TCP (PT738) for my birthday. I am planning on running 90 grain Federal Hydra-shok's in it. Ordered a third mag to simplify my re-qual's.

I'm going to order the laser for it.

She gave it to me the week after my re-qualification, so I had to make a special appointment to take this one in. I haven't yet put any rounds downrange with it, but I'd better qualify the first time, because that .380 ammo is so damn expensive.

Practice ammo is about $20 a 50 box, the Hydra Shok's are $24 for a box of 20!

[tjindo16]

have the .380 taurus as well and i love it,, very accurate from 20 yards out. cant wait till the price of .380 ammo goes down.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

I own just about one of everything. That said, I taylor the gun to my activity and atire, when not working. When off duty riding my motorcycle (90 degrees and a tee shirt) I prefer the Ruger LCP. I used to carry either a J-Frame S&W or Walther PPK, but the LCP beats them both in the comfort department. Also, todays 380 ammo is more than acceptable for self defense.

I'm liking the Ruger so much that I'm thinking of making it my backup for work. I recently purchased the Laser for it and I'm waiting to take it to the range to test it with the Laser. I'm carrying Gold Dot 90 grain and Federal Hydra Shock, both feed very well.

IMHO, the G-26 and SA XD 9SC are great guns, but carrying them as backups on duty, well, they are just too big. You are better served with a reliable J-frame Smith or one of the small 380's. I'd also look at the Walther PPS in 9mm. They have had some teething pains, but my ICE buddy has one in 40 and loves it. Very Slim and it's the same cal as your duty weapon, 9MM.

Good Luck with your search, let us know what you decide on.

Maybe six months or so ago, I got a Kahr PM9 that is my primary off-duty carry. Seven rounds of 9mm goodness in a package that disappears into a front pocket. It's smaller than the PPS, and (I believe) just a hair smaller than the Kel Tec PF-9. It's a great little gun.