Why Carry Two Guns?

[texanron]

I'm about to move to Houston, is the crime situation there much different than Dallas?

They both have areas of town you'll want to avoid at night and they both have areas of town that I wouldn't go to during the day.

[drjoker]

Under the stress of combat, most people lose most conscious muscle control. All you have left is muscle memory and some conscious muscle control. Most people who own guns don't regularly practice. That's why you see so many guns for sale listed in "almost NIB" condition. Without muscle memory, many people who shoot a pistol will limp wrist it and cause it to jam. Two people in my CHL class repeatedly jammed a Glock 17 and a 19. I thought Glock 17 and 19s are impossible to jam! Well, that is until I bought a new Glock 26 and shot it brand new out of the box without proper lubrication. I have an uncle who is a CHL. He has never fired a gun before nor after his CHL class. He carries a gun that is literally brand new out of the box. The weapon has NEVER been fired. You have to keep in mind that most people take poor care of their guns and almost never practice with them.

Most CHLs should;
1. carry a .38 snub revolver because they can't jam due to limp wristing.
2. carry a 22lr pocket revolver as a BUG just in case the .38 snub isn't working because it has never been test fired and/or the ammo has been sitting in a sweaty belly band for a decade without being fired.
3. the 22lr also makes a great reload. Without practice and muscle memory, reloading is difficult. Remember the Arizona crazy shooter who shot Congresswoman Gabby? He was fumbling with a reload when he got tackled. He found it impossible to reload in his adrenaline fueled state.

[RSJ]

I'm about to move to Houston, is the crime situation there much different than Dallas?

They both have areas of town you'll want to avoid at night and they both have areas of town that I wouldn't go to during the day.

I'm a lifelong North Dallas resident, and I'm going to school in Downtown Houston near "Mid-town", I'll be living in the "Medical Center/Bellaire/Monrose" area. I'm not sure if that is safer or not.

[Katygunnut]

Because it can be impractical to carry 3 or more guns?

I try to carry 3 whenever I can, but I sometimes only carry 2. Heck, on very rare occasions, I have been known to only carry one, but that's not what you asked about. The main reason I sometimes only carry 2 guns is if I am wearing tight leg pants or shorts, where an ankle holster is not a good option, and I'm also not wearing a jacket. The gun I carry on my waist somewhat blocks access to my right pocket, so I really only have the left pocket available for my 2nd gun, and I don't have a good place to keep my 3rd gun.

The most I have ever carried at one time was 6. That was when I was meeting a friend for lunch after going to the range and I didn't want to leave any guns in the car. I thought I would look weird carrying a range bag into the restaurant, and I was dressed in a very carry-accomodating manner with loose jeans, and a jacket.

[Gr8_Outdoorsman]

Because it can be impractical to carry 3 or more guns?

I try to carry 3 whenever I can, but I sometimes only carry 2. Heck, on very rare occasions, I have been known to only carry one, but that's not what you asked about. The main reason I sometimes only carry 2 guns is if I am wearing tight leg pants or shorts, where an ankle holster is not a good option, and I'm also not wearing a jacket. The gun I carry on my waist somewhat blocks access to my right pocket, so I really only have the left pocket available for my 2nd gun, and I don't have a good place to keep my 3rd gun.

The most I have ever carried at one time was 6. That was when I was meeting a friend for lunch after going to the range and I didn't want to leave any guns in the car. I thought I would look weird carrying a range bag into the restaurant, and I was dressed in a very carry-accomodating manner with loose jeans, and a jacket.

Wow! Carrying 3 guns certainly ups the ante!

Out of curiosity, why do you feel that you need to carry that many? Are you an "average" citizen that just feels more comfortable with that many guns on your person? Does your profession put you at a higher level of danger than most?

At the end of the day, these are only handguns and you can quickly become "outgunned" by rifles or shotguns no matter how many pistols or magazines you may be packing.....

[Katygunnut]

Because it can be impractical to carry 3 or more guns?

I try to carry 3 whenever I can, but I sometimes only carry 2. Heck, on very rare occasions, I have been known to only carry one, but that's not what you asked about. The main reason I sometimes only carry 2 guns is if I am wearing tight leg pants or shorts, where an ankle holster is not a good option, and I'm also not wearing a jacket. The gun I carry on my waist somewhat blocks access to my right pocket, so I really only have the left pocket available for my 2nd gun, and I don't have a good place to keep my 3rd gun.

The most I have ever carried at one time was 6. That was when I was meeting a friend for lunch after going to the range and I didn't want to leave any guns in the car. I thought I would look weird carrying a range bag into the restaurant, and I was dressed in a very carry-accomodating manner with loose jeans, and a jacket.

Wow! Carrying 3 guns certainly ups the ante!

Out of curiosity, why do you feel that you need to carry that many? Are you an "average" citizen that just feels more comfortable with that many guns on your person? Does your profession put you at a higher level of danger than most?

At the end of the day, these are only handguns and you can quickly become "outgunned" by rifles or shotguns no matter how many pistols or magazines you may be packing.....

Good point on being outgunned. I can only use one gun at a time, so I will be outgunned by 2 assailants regardless of how many guns I have on me.

I usually don't carry extra magazines / ammo on me, as I have found it easier to draw another gun than it is to reload. Also, it is easier (for me) to draw another gun than it is to clear a jam or malfunction. A jam is unlikely since my most common primary carry is a Glock, but I have seen one of Glocks jam once, and it is a possibility.

Also, as others have said, it is nice to have guns in different locations as it increases your likelihood of getting to one of them without telegraphing your intentions to the BG.

My 2nd and 3rd guns are easy to conceal (pocket guns or a J-frame), so I guess the question is why not? I don't really see a down side with having extra firepower available assuming that it is not overly difficult to conceal or uncomfortable to carry. You could just as easily ask why anyone bothers carrying more than 5 rounds since most CHL incidents are settled with less than 5 rounds fired (I'm speculating). The answer would probably be that you might as well carry at least a full mag because it is only slightly more burdensome than carrying a partially loaded mag.

[karder]

While there is certainly an argument that can be made for carrying a BUG in the event your primary weapon fails, I think the greatest benefit is the ability to hand a second gun to a spouse or friend who might not be carrying. In the event I am caught in a bad situation, I would like to have the option to hand a second gun to my wife or a family member who is not a CHL holder. I currently only carry one, but that is because I am lazy and carry a lot of extra ammo. I am starting to rethink the bug concept though after reading some discussions on this forum.

[68Charger]

2 reasons for me (I have no left hand, reloading is slower than average)

Wow, how long have you been without a hand? I remember breaking my left hand and it was in a cast for 6 months. Had to do everything with my right hand. I'm actually REALLY good with my right hand (even play pool, yes, pool) with everyday activities. Reloading my pistol (back when I was at the range with my father at 17) was a pain in the butt, but became very good at it. I found loading revolvers are heck of a lot easier (of course).

Back on topic, I usually carry one pistol. I just simply don't find the need for two. I do however carry a spare mag of .380, but not for my .45. Only carry spare mags for my .45 when traveling through Texas. 380 is just a small caliber to begin with, and my shots are decent, but under pressure I sure aim all over the place when practicing. I'm a bit better shot with my Sig P232, than my P238.

Anyway, to each their own. I'm just glad everyone is carrying nonetheless. You people make me feel a bit easier going out into this world.

Cheers.

[gigag04]

"Two is one, one is none"

Why?


This statement seems silly and I can't say that I follow this logic. One is certainly enough to get the job done as is proof every morning in the Houston paper when you read about the shootings around the city.

One is infinitely better than none....

Most of my guns are "working" guns. I also feel they are a critical element. As such I find it prudent to have extras on hand. The same reason you carry one, is the reason I sometimes carry two. Doesnt make me better, just more prepared. Anyone that regularly shoots/trains has experienced a weapon malfunction. Most immediate action drills/reloads require cover at best, or at least concealment. Consider those luxuries since you don't get to pick your fight's location.

[Katygunnut]

While there is certainly an argument that can be made for carrying a BUG in the event your primary weapon fails, I think the greatest benefit is the ability to hand a second gun to a spouse or friend who might not be carrying. In the event I am caught in a bad situation, I would like to have the option to hand a second gun to my wife or a family member who is not a CHL holder. I currently only carry one, but that is because I am lazy and carry a lot of extra ammo. I am starting to rethink the bug concept though after reading some discussions on this forum.

I forgot to mention that one. My wife carries a gun in her car, and has her own HD gun by her side of the bed. She does not have her CHL yet, although she is interested. I would definitely trust her to handle my 38 snub nose if needed, and wouldn't hesitate to hand it to her if the bullets started flying.

[RPB]

2 reasons for me (I have no left hand, reloading is slower than average)

Wow, how long have you been without a hand? I remember breaking my left hand and it was in a cast for 6 months. Had to do everything with my right hand. I'm actually REALLY good with my right hand (even play pool, yes, pool) with everyday activities. Reloading my pistol (back when I was at the range with my father at 17) was a pain in the butt, but became very good at it. I found loading revolvers are heck of a lot easier (of course).

Back on topic, I usually carry one pistol. I just simply don't find the need for two. I do however carry a spare mag of .380, but not for my .45. Only carry spare mags for my .45 when traveling through Texas. 380 is just a small caliber to begin with, and my shots are decent, but under pressure I sure aim all over the place when practicing. I'm a bit better shot with my Sig P232, than my P238.

Anyway, to each their own. I'm just glad everyone is carrying nonetheless. You people make me feel a bit easier going out into this world.

Cheers.

I was born that way, so it's "normal" to me ... Dad used to say "you'll be 'normal' in Heaven with a complete hand"
I'd reply, I'll probably break my fingers since I won't be used to them; I like how the Potter fashioned me already, anything else would get in the way" .400 batting average in Teen Baseball, all city Champ Elementary Basketball .... never felt "handicapped" just "normal" ... MOST people can't fit their entire "hand" in a water glass to scrub it ... they can't do all the things I can, I consider them "less capable" or less able to do all I can do. However, I can't reload as fast, nor clear some types of jams as fast, so I carry 2.

[RPB]

While there is certainly an argument that can be made for carrying a BUG in the event your primary weapon fails, I think the greatest benefit is the ability to hand a second gun to a spouse or friend who might not be carrying. In the event I am caught in a bad situation, I would like to have the option to hand a second gun to my wife or a family member who is not a CHL holder. I currently only carry one, but that is because I am lazy and carry a lot of extra ammo. I am starting to rethink the bug concept though after reading some discussions on this forum.

Especially in church, where I can slide one across an aisle to a LEO or his CHL wife and we can have various angles at the bad guy, in case whatever behind him is an issue.

Guess I could carry a third, unloaded ... then if a bad guy with a knife holds me up, I can toss that one at him so he'd hold it instead of his knife ....

[Gr8_Outdoorsman]

Great dialogue!

I certainly understand and agree about it being easier to grab another gun vs. trying to load another magazine. I would even go as far to say that it makes more sense to carry a second gun vs. extra magazines (if you had to choose of course). If the primary gun jams badly or breaks, extra magazines aren't going to do you any good.

[Gr8_Outdoorsman]

I will say that I don't like the idea of throwing the secondary gun to someone that isn't trained on how to use it. That could very well be a death sentence for them as they will most definitely become a primary target of the bad guy. I would even venture to guess that they would likely freeze and not know what to do if an unfamiliar gun got tossed to them....

[RSJ]

I will say that I don't like the idea of throwing the secondary gun to someone that isn't trained on how to use it. That could very well be a death sentence for them as they will most definitely become a primary target of the bad guy. I would even venture to guess that they would likely freeze and not know what to do if an unfamiliar gun got tossed to them....

My thoughts exactly. I guess in some extreme scenario, I'd hope whoever I "threw" my BUG to had been to the range with me.