It wasn’t until I had three or so years on the job as a cop that I began to carry a backup gun on a regular basis. Working at a mostly rural sheriff’s office in Ohio in 1980, I didn’t feel the need.
At the time, no one at the agency was wearing soft body armor yet either. Even when working undercover assignments, I only carried one handgun (mostly because I couldn’t afford a second gun on my public servant’s annual salary).
What Is a Backup Gun?
A backup gun — sometimes called a “BUG” — is a secondary firearm carried as insurance in case your primary concealed carry pistol fails or becomes inaccessible. While it was once the exclusive domain of uniformed law enforcement, today many responsibly armed civilians recognize the value of carrying a second handgun.
Why Carry a Backup Gun?
Backup guns aren’t just for police officers. As an armed citizen, you may have just as great a need for a backup gun as a police officer does.
Here’s why:
- Your primary arm runs out of ammunition or jams.
- Your primary gun is lost during a struggle.
- An assailant is attempting to wrestle your primary gun from your control.
- Your strong hand is out of commission and you need to draw with your support hand.
- You’re caught in a confined or awkward position, such as on the ground or in a car, that makes drawing your primary gun difficult.
- You need the fastest reload possible—and nothing beats drawing a second gun under stress
The benefits don’t end there. A backup gun offers you a discreet, easily accessible self-defense option when your primary may not be practical due to clothing, activity, or environment.
In some cases, carrying a BUG might be the difference between life and death. When lives are on the line, redundancy isn’t paranoia.
It’s preparedness.
Ready to Protect Your Home Like a Pro?
Choosing the right home-defense firearm is just the first step. With proper training, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to use it effectively as a self-defense tool — empowering you to better protect your home and loved ones.
The USCCA’s expert-led classes cover everything from firearms fundamentals and home-security planning to legal considerations and conflict avoidance — giving you the skills to respond responsibly and decisively.
Over 1 million students have been trained nationwide. Find a USCCA Certified Instructor in your area and take the next step in your protector journey.
Find Home-Defense Classes Near You →
The Drawbacks of Carrying a BUG
Now let’s be honest. Carrying just one gun everywhere, every day is already a challenge.
It takes discipline, wardrobe considerations, weight tolerance, and constant awareness of concealment and retention.
Add a second gun to the mix, and the difficulty compounds.
Weight and bulk: Any BUG worth carrying will likely weigh around a pound or more.
Limited space: Adding a second holster could take the place of other vital tools like a flashlight, knife or medical gear.
Practicality: Statistically, defensive gun use is rare … and needing two guns is rarer still.
Social perception: Fair or not, carrying two guns may trigger suspicion or misunderstandings, especially with people unfamiliar with concealed carry. Even some law enforcement officers may raise eyebrows if they discover you’re carrying a backup gun.
This stigma, while unfortunate, can’t be ignored. Whether you’re dealing with your spouse, the public, or even police officers after a justified use of force, carrying two guns changes the narrative.
Ultimately, the decision to carry a BUG isn’t just tactical. It’s personal.
And that’s OK.
Choosing the Right Backup Gun
A backup gun should be smaller and lighter than your primary gun, but it still needs to be reliable and easy to manipulate. If it’s too bulky or complicated, you’re more likely to leave it at home or worse, fumble when you need it most.
Key considerations:
Caliber: Choose a caliber you can shoot effectively, even if it’s smaller than your primary.
Manual of arms: Simplicity is king. Double-action-only revolvers or striker-fired pistols are ideal.
Compatibility: Some prefer a backup that shares the same caliber and magazine with their primary gun for logistical simplicity.
Best Backup Guns:
Smith & Wesson J-Frame
The American classic: a 5- or 6-shot revolver (or 8-shot in .22LR) that has defended innocent life since its midcentury introduction. The pros are simplicity, reliability and style.
The cons are a substantial price tag, a heavy trigger press and limited front-sight options.
Ruger LCP/LCPII
Initially designed with a long double-action trigger press but now available as the LCP II with a tab-style trigger, this .380 ACP was an instant hit with law enforcement officers as well as private citizens. (It is also available in a “Lite Rack” configuration, chambered in .22 Long Rifle and tailored to those with hand-strength issues.)
Upsides are concealability and price, downsides are snappy recoil and being so small that some folks with larger hands can have a tough time running them.
This is the tiny little polymer single-stack that started it all: affordable, effective and no-frills. It excels as a tiny deep-concealment option for those on a budget, but the trigger press is long and heavy and the slide can be tough for some to rack.
Seecamp LWS
The luxury “BUG,” Seecamp pistols are sleek, classy and unique. They’re available in .32 and .380 ACP, as well as in Massachusetts- and California-specific iterations.
Extra points for style and panache, but those looking for a cheap EDC piece will cringe when they see the price tag.
This little polymer-framed backup pistol is chambered for .380 ACP and sports a trigger that a lot of shooters find easier to run than longer-trigger-press options while sidestepping the heebie-jeebies some people get from striker-fired-style triggers. Its strong suits are its diminutive stature and excellent trigger, while bargain hunters will balk at its middle-of-the-market price.
Backup Gun Comparison Chart
| Gun | Caliber | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&W J-Frame | .38 Special, .22LR | Simplicity, reliability, style | High price, heavy trigger, limited sights |
| Ruger LCP/II | .380 ACP, .22LR | Concealability, affordable price | Snappy recoil, too small for large hands |
| KelTec P32 | .32 ACP | Budget-friendly, deep concealment | Long heavy trigger, tough slide |
| Seecamp LWS | .32 ACP, .380 ACP | Sleek, classy, unique style | Expensive luxury pricing |
| Kahr CW380 | .380 ACP | Compact size, excellent trigger | Mid-market pricing |
Where Should You Carry a Backup Gun?
Backup carry positions should be discreet, secure and accessible under stress, particularly with the non-dominant hand. Primary access for your backup gun should be with the weak hand from a weak-side carry position.
Here are the most effective options:
Pocket Carry (Weak Side)
Today, I use inside-the-pocket carry for backup exclusively and sometimes for the carry of a small primary gun.
Pros:
Extremely discreet and comfortable
Easy access from a seated position (like in a car)
Cons:
Only works with certain pant types
Must be in a dedicated pocket holster (e.g., TUFF Products, CCW Breakaways). Never carry loose in a pocket!
Ankle Carry
For the majority of the eight years I worked for Reynoldsburg, I carried a Colt Agent snub-nosed revolver in an ankle holster on my left leg.
Pros:
- Great for deep concealment
- Often overlooked in casual encounters
Cons:
- Slower to access, especially when standing
- Difficult to reach while grounded or under stress
- Risk of exposure when pant legs ride up
Inside-the-Waistband (IWB)
IWB rigs are increasingly popular for both primary and backup carry.
Pros:
- Secure retention and rapid access
- Concealable under light clothing
Cons:
- Requires setup on the support side in a mirrored position to the primary carry
- Takes up valuable belt space (phones, mags, etc.)
CrossBreed makes a variety of IWB rigs for small handguns suitable for backup carry.
Training With a Backup Gun
Owning a BUG is one thing. Being able to deploy it under stress is another.
You will need to practice shooting with the weak hand to effectively carry a backup gun as well.
- Practice weak-hand draws from your chosen carry position.
- Run malfunction drills that end with transitioning to your BUG.
- Dry-fire from awkward positions like seated, prone or on your back.
As with any self-defense skill, you won’t rise to the occasion. You’ll fall back to your training.
Backup Gun vs. Spare Magazine
Is it better to carry a second gun or just an extra mag?
Consider both.
A spare mag solves capacity and malfunction issues. But a second gun can keep you in the fight if your primary goes down entirely.
It can also be handed off to someone else in an emergency. Depending on your lifestyle and risk profile, either or both may be appropriate.
Legal Considerations of Carrying Two Guns
Before you strap on a second gun, understand your state’s laws. Most states allow the legal carry of multiple firearms with a valid concealed carry permit.
But check your state laws using the USCCA Reciprocity Map to confirm.
From a legal standpoint, carrying two guns is usually not a problem.
But from a public perception standpoint—it can be. Whether it’s friends, bystanders, or even responding officers after an incident, carrying a BUG may change how people perceive your intentions, rightly or wrongly.
It may never become an issue. But if it does, you want to be ready to articulate the why behind your decision.
Carrying a Second Gun: Practical or Paranoid?
Carrying a backup gun doubles the gear you have to keep track of. But it can also double your chances of walking away from a self-defense encounter alive.
The decision to carry a backup gun is just like the decision to carry in the first place: deeply personal. Weigh the pros and cons.
Know your risks. And above all, make sure whatever you carry, you’re ready to use it.
Choose a reliable, concealable option. Practice drawing and shooting with your non-dominant hand.
And be intentional with your holster and placement.
You may never need your BUG. But if you do, it may be the only thing between you and the end of the fight.
FAQs About Backup Guns
What’s the best caliber for a backup gun?
The best backup caliber is one you shoot well. While 9mm offers power and capacity, .380 ACP and .38 Special are manageable and commonly found in compact frames.
Can I carry two guns legally?
Yes, in most states, but you must verify local laws. The USCCA Reciprocity Map can help.
Should my backup match my primary gun?
It’s helpful but not mandatory. Matching calibers and controls simplifies training and logistics.
Where do most people carry a backup gun?
Pocket and ankle carry are the most popular due to deep concealment and accessibility.
Sources:
TUFFProducts.com
CCWBreakaways.com
CrossBreedHolsters.comshoul
