October 7th, 2022
7minute read
BOOM.
Hearing my slide lock back as my last magazine went empty seemed as loud as the gunshots themselves.
I dropped the pistol as I went to one knee.
From under my uniform pant leg, I pulled my back-up gun.
As the front sight covered the suspects face, I pressed the trigger once.
All three rounds punched through the papers X-zone and the instructor called a cold line.
It was an advanced firearms class for local cops.
Buying gear never replaces quality training.
Like most cops back then, I selected the ubiquitous small frame .38 Special revolver.
Of course, things are much different today.
Ive got one of each in my safe currently, and all of them proved to be reliable shooters.
Of these, the Hellcat is my first choice.
While capacity is nice, the XD-S Mod.2 offers a very flat profile to improve concealability.
In an undercover setting, this could be a critical feature.
Regardless of what gun you choose, I recommend sticking to the 9mm, .40 or .45.
If you are bound by agency regulation, go with that.
Otherwise, you have some considerations to ponder.
Each of these places has advantages and disadvantages.
When worn on the ankle, the gun is far away from your hand.
However, when seated in a patrol car, it is much easier to access.
Likewise, if you are already on your knees or back, it can be relatively easy to reach.
Ive had one story relayed to me about a south Florida police officer who was taken hostage and disarmed.
He used that second gun to save his life and end the incident.
The downside is that an ankle gun can be difficult to protect should a suspect ever grab your leg.
Likewise, the gun may come loose when running or jumping should you opt for a cheap holster.
In many cases, the gun will also be closer at hand than when ankle carried.
Carrying in a pocket is also an option for some officers.
Just check that you have a way to secure it.
Pants pocket carry may also be an option for some officers.
In general, the slant pockets and cargo pockets are more generously sized and can carry a BUG.
Your duty assignment may preclude certain kinds of carry.
His uniform included shorts, so ankle carry was right out.
I highly recommend that you test any location you are considering with a quality holster and an unloaded gun.
Neither location was ideal for all situations, so I figured I should hedge my bets.
Cant Carry?
I do not mean that officers should not be properly supervised and held accountable for their actions.
Even today, there are some police administrators who dont see a need for back-up guns.
In some agencies, a BUG policy may be introduced by any officer.
Other departments might be more receptive when the request is made by a lieutenant or through your union.
Understand the politics within your department and choose the approach that creates the best opportunity for approval.
Ive had success with changing a large departments prohibition on back-up guns.
Initially, I shopped the idea around informally to gauge support.
Im not suggesting that your agency will be as receptive.
However, with the right approach, it is possible to get a policy changed.
Since we are talking about potentially lifesaving equipment, isnt that a battle worth fighting?
Go to forum thread
HellcatSeries
XD3" Sub-Compact
XD-S Mod.2 OSPTMSeries
