Can't decide on new backup gun.

[Vendetta]

I had a Kel-Tec .40 and it was the biggest POS I have ever owned. It would only cycle ball ammo and was like shooting a cannon in your hand. Its the only gun I have ever got rid of. I traded it in on a S&W 642 .38 hammerless.
The S&W is a great gun but you have to get bigger grips for it to shot the +p ammo.

[MacLean]

Carried a SW 649 shrouded hammer as backup. Common enough to see a Trooper with hands in the coat pocket. A 38 revolver will cycle in a coat pocket if needed, where an auto probably will not. Where my backup holster was? Secret.

Heh, now everyone will know why my hand is in my pocket all the time

[keith720]

I had a Kel-Tec .40 and it was the biggest POS I have ever owned. It would only cycle ball ammo and was like shooting a cannon in your hand. Its the only gun I have ever got rid of. I traded it in on a S&W 642 .38 hammerless.
The S&W is a great gun but you have to get bigger grips for it to shot the +p ammo.

Must be those "Limp Wrists" of yours!

I had the P-40 and I never had a problem with it cycling any type of ammo, though it did kick like a mule. If I fired more than a couple of magazines, my hand went numb! The trigger pull was horrible.

[armsmaster270]

Heh, now everyone will know why my hand is in my pocket all the time

He was talking about his jacket pocket, not his pants pocket.

[RH230]

I know this wasn't one of your proposed options, but what about a baby glock?

I carry a Glock 22 on duty, Glock 27 BUG..

Same caliber, 27 will take the 22 mags

[aviator090]

I am with RH230 , Glock, Keep it simple stupid... easy weapon , same trigger pull each time, and no hammer or safety to mess with.. think about it , it is your holy shit weapon, carry same caliber as your primary too..

[Cochese]

I have a P3AT and I like it. It was a challenge to shoot because I have big hands but I stippled the grip and it's not bad at all now. I shot a possible on our OD course last month with it!

[TXCharlie]

Yeah, I can control the P3AT much better than my P32 - Not sure why, because the p3at isn't that much larger. I may get one, but since the PD's around here are making you qualify on 25-yard targets with backup weapons just like with primary weapingI may opt for a Kahr 9 or something. My wife just bought a K9 and I like

[spcwes]

Kel Tec has come a long way in terms of reliability and I know more than a few officers that carry them. Nothing wrong with having an extra bullet launching platform on your person.

When the airlight pistols from S&W came out and I got one I don't think I will ever looked back. I carry the S&W 442 as a back up and off duty when I feel like walking light.

The weapons is linked here:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...-1&isFirearm=Y

I carry either the Cor-Bon ammo 110gr +p DPX (Possibly the best load offered for a 38spl +p period) or the Cor-Bon 100gr +p PowerBall ( possibly the 2nd best round in a 38spl period).

Both these loads come out a short barreled weapon at amazing speed with very light recoil and offer over 12" of penetration into meat. Exactly what you need to calm an attacker down.

[Pedro56]

Not a fan of Kel Tec or revolvers, I would go for the Smith though. As far as a backup gun I pick from either a P245 by Sig or my XD45 Compact.

[Cochese]

Kel Tec has come a long way in terms of reliability and I know more than a few officers that carry them. Nothing wrong with having an extra bullet launching platform on your person.

When the airlight pistols from S&W came out and I got one I don't think I will ever looked back. I carry the S&W 442 as a back up and off duty when I feel like walking light.

The weapons is linked here:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...-1&isFirearm=Y

I carry either the Cor-Bon ammo 110gr +p DPX (Possibly the best load offered for a 38spl +p period) or the Cor-Bon 100gr +p PowerBall ( possibly the 2nd best round in a 38spl period).

Both these loads come out a short barreled weapon at amazing speed with very light recoil and offer over 12" of penetration into meat. Exactly what you need to calm an attacker down.

Long time no see! Where did your LE tag go?

[RH230]

Part of this conversation, for me at least, comes down to definitions. A backup gun in my view is the first option after a primary weapon is out of the picture. Since my primary is a Glock 22, my backup is a Glock 27.
That said, I also have a 'hideout' weapon. This is truly a last-ditch option (ok, perhaps the knife is last ditch); in this case my hideout is a Kel-Tec P3AT .380. Not very accurate, not a lot of power, but given it's intended function its better than the alternatives. I think 7 rounds of .380 in the belly button will surely sting a bit.

[LawnMM]

I like my 642 but as some have said you have to consider its application. I refer to it as my "oh shit" gun. To be used if my primary jams or is taken from me. Its small, and its light, but you can't hit the broad side of a barn outside about 10 feet. I don't spend a lot of time trying to make accurate hits at distance because the trigger pull is heavy and DAO. It just isn't an accurate distance gun. Its for up close and personal "oh shit" situations.

[MacLean]

In a little experiment, I have proved that a 442 or 642 can make a headshot at 25 yards.

It's all about the sight picture and trigger staging - a lost art on the revolver.

Those little guns are capable of as much accuracy as the shooter is.

[LawnMM]

In a little experiment, I have proved that a 442 or 642 can make a headshot at 25 yards.

It's all about the sight picture and trigger staging - a lost art on the revolver.

Those little guns are capable of as much accuracy as the shooter is.

You'd have to stage the shit out of it, thats for sure. Its the only revolver I own and honestly I'd never even try shooting at something as small as a head at 25 yards. You might be able to pull that off at the range but I doubt its gonna be feasible if you're being shot at. I could be wrong though.

[snuffy2202]

I know this wasn't one of your proposed options, but what about a baby glock?

I carry a Glock 22 on duty, Glock 27 BUG..

Same caliber, 27 will take the 22 mags

I have a Glock 27 in an ankle holster, now, to supplement by Glock 23 duty rig. I like the fact that it shoots the .40 and I can use the same mags, but it is like wearing an anchor. I am constantly adjusting it and it feels heavy all day.

Where do you carry your 27?

[MacLean]

You'd have to stage the shit out of it, thats for sure. Its the only revolver I own and honestly I'd never even try shooting at something as small as a head at 25 yards. You might be able to pull that off at the range but I doubt its gonna be feasible if you're being shot at. I could be wrong though.

Give it a try, I think you'll be surprised.

Smith and Wesson revolvers are easily staged, you can feel the notch before the sear releases.

[LawnMM]

I need to buy some snap caps for dry fire practice with that thing.

[deputysykes]

Thanks, guys. Anybody have the Kel- Tech?

I do have one. I like it for carry in hot weather when when wearing shorts and don't have much on to conceal a weapon. The belt clip option is great. I often put that little guy in the back waistband of my pants without a holster.

I do recommend ball ammo. I have had it jam a few times. I'm not sure if it's a mag spring issue, but a few rounds have bit on the ramp when cycling.

I had a P32 before and upgraded to the 380 after selling it. I never had one problem with the 32, just wanted the bigger round.

[MacLean]

I need to buy some snap caps for dry fire practice with that thing.

It is perfectly safe to dry-fire a Smith without snap caps, so save your cash for ammo