Should You Carry A Backup Gun?

Law enforcement and private citizens have different needs when it comes to concealed carry. For instance, many police officers carry a backup gun while on duty so they can stay in the fight should their department-issued sidearm malfunction or run dry. Civilians are less likely to engage in a protracted firefights and do not have the same duty to pursue criminals, thus a backup gun may be superfluous for non-sworn every day carry. 

That said, there are certainly advantages to carrying a second firearm on your person - such as the ability to arm a friend or family member in an emergency, or have a gun staged for offhand draw. It is up to each individual to determine whether these benefits outweigh the drawbacks of carrying a backup gun. 

Is A Backup Gun A Good Idea For Civilian EDC?

Everything you carry with you will impact how you carry. A backup gun will require a second holster, training with a different firearm, and learning a separate draw stroke from your primary carry method. That's a substantial time investment even before considering the financial cost of the handgun itself, as well as any magazines and accessories. 

To maximize the efficacy of a backup gun, it's important to practice just as diligently as you do with your primary EDC firearm. The proper training and consideration will help mitigate the challenge of concealing a second firearm, plus it will expand your capabilities in a defensive encounter. 

Drawbacks

A backup gun may not be the best choice for everyone. The added weight and bulk are nonstarters for those with injuries or disabilities, which already have a significant impact on what and how an individual can carry. Others may find practicing with a hard-to-access pocket holster or ankle rig too tedious and time consuming to justify the benefits of carrying a backup gun.

Selecting The Best Backup Gun

Ideally, a backup gun will be lightweight and compact. Many shooters choose a compact version of their main EDC pistol that utilizes the same magazines and ammunition, but you can also opt for something completely different (like a revolver) that offers some distinct advantage. Here are just a few options we recommend.

Taurus M22

The Taurus M22 is a small and affordable double action semi-auto pistol chambered in .22 LR. It features a tip-up barrel, an 8-round magazine, and is the perfect size for pocket or ankle carry. 

Purchase the Taurus M22 pistol today!

Charter Arms Undercover DAO

For fans of revolvers, the Charter Arms Undercover DAO is a lightweight and incredibly concealable option. Five rounds of .38 SPL offers excellent stopping power in a compact, shootable package.

Purchase the Charter Arms Undercover DAO revolver today!

Canik TP9 Elite SC

The slim and ergonomic profile of the Canik TP9 Elite SC make it incredibly concealable and comfortable to carry. It features intuitive combat sights and an optics cut slide for mounting your favorite RMR.

Purchase the Canik TP9 Elite SC pistol today!

Shadow Systems CR920

We highlighted the CR920 on our list of the Top 5 Concealed Carry Pistols Of 2023, but it's also an excellent choice as a backup gun because it has excellent capacity for such a small firearm.

Purchase the Shadow Systems CR920 pistol today!

Ruger LCP Max

The LCP Max from Ruger is one of the best pocket pistols on the market, with a tritium front night sight and an improved 10-round magazine. For a low-profile backup gun that fits in the palm of your hand, it's tough to beat the LCP Max.

Purchase the LCP Max pistol today!

Now that you've read about backup guns, be sure to check out our video on truck guns.