Back up

[missoak]

Considering buying a small handgun for back up. Any ideas on which type to buy? I usually carry Springfield Xd Sub in 9mm. I also have a Ruger LCP that I pocket carry in the summer. I'm smitten with the Bond Arms .45/410 and would like to carry it ankle style.Comments?

 

[Naybor]

The LCP would probably make a good BUG, but probably not in an ankle holster.

I too am thinking about a derringer as a BUG, but in .38 or .357. I saw a nice little IWB derringer holster I liked the other day.

You may have to go with a lighter derringer for ankle holster use. Never tried one so I don't know.

I can buy .38 snake shot at the local gun shop if I want them.

The Bond Arms is one substantial double barrel!! A little expensive, but should last forever! I don't think I want the .410/.45 model due to recoil sensitivity. I can handle .357 ok, but the bigger calibers in a small handgun can be excessive.

Buy what feels right to you and you will do ok.

 

[missoak]

Thanks for the input. The store I contacted actually only has the 9mm. in stock. Price was $368. $31 cheaper than Cabellas. This piece has barrels you can buy from 22lr to 45/410. Barrels are $139 from Bond Arms. I have looked at other derringers at gun shows, and most are very toy like. This one is very heavy & looks extremely well made.

 

[Ringo]

I've heard a lot of good things about Bond Arms over the years.

I've had Bond Arms in .45 acp., built like a tank and accurate. Would recommend the .38 spl., the .45 & .357 will kick like a mule on steroids.

 

[Naybor]

Right on the .38 Special!!!! I usually go for the .357 cause you can use both in it. Also, I think .38 short is still available. That would make for easy practice.

BTW, Missoak, having the derringer in 9 MM would mean you would only need one kind of ammo. Just a thought.

 

[missoak]

Backup

Plus I think the 9mm would be manageable in a real situation. Also $10 a box for shells is nice. Think I would like to have the different barrels just for ha,ha's, especialy the 45/410. Probably break my arm shooting it, but still a blast! Will have the gun Wed., but still looking for some kind of holster to carry it. I have a pocket holster for my l c p, which is fine unless you're sitting. Ankle would be best if I'm in the car and need to get to the BUG. Will let you guys know how it works out. Thanks!

 

[mappow]

Errrr, is a back up similar to a throw down? Also not sure why some would have a back up.

 

[oldbanjo]

I have a Bond Arms Century 2000 with 410/45LC, 22LR and have ordered 3 1/2" 357 Mag Barrel. I carry mine in a shoulder Holster Left side while driving Van and right side while on Motorcycle or Motor Scooter. I also carry a SP101 357 Mag in my belt. This is a heavy Gun to carry on your ankle. I have no problem with the recoil. I live on a Pond an shoot a lot of snakes. The more shows I see about Python Snakes moving North from Fla the more I like this Gun.

 

[fudo]

I got a chance to play with a new S&W Bodyguard in .380. I was very favorably impressed.

 

[AZG]

Errrr, is a back up similar to a throw down? Also not sure why some would have a back up.

For me a backup is about accessibility. I was recently held up at gunpoint and the G23 on my hip was simply inaccessible w/o being obvious. A back up gun, either in the pocket or small of back would have allowed me to defend myself as I reached for my wallet. Thankfully all he got was a nearly empty money clip.

I'm now carrying a Sig P238 either in my pocket or small of back (depending on what I'm wearing) as an alternate to my Glock.

So, maybe you have a point - it isn't a backup, it is an alternative method of self defense.

 

[bobbyk]

I bought my Bond Arms snake slayer last year .45/410 it' build like a tank but IMO it's the best derringer made, and it's made to last and is too heavy for a ankle style carry. Plus with Bond Arms you can buy, I think up to 18 different Barrel for $139. I purchased 40 cal and it still recoils quite a bit. But they are a LOT OF FUN TO SHOOT. The BAD Driving Holster is real nice also.

 

[fudo]

I carry guns in pairs. I started doing that 35 years ago. A good friend's father was a ww2 vet and long time pawn broker. He said that having a plan "B" was always a good deal. He said, "carrying guns in pairs avoids confusion when things get interesting. Also, if you are down to your backup gun, you are probably in more trouble than you were in when you started, so you need a bigger gun, not a smaller one.