[Superhouse 15]

Let me start by saying I carry everywhere I legally can. My typical CCW setup is a full sized pistol IWB strong side, a spare magazine weak side, a good knife in my strong side front pocket, a wallet strong side rear, and a BUG weak side rear pocket. Lately I've been carrying a cell phone in my weak side front pocket. Sometimes I carry a Surefire L1 in the little watch pocket of my jeans, sometimes I put it next to my wallet. I usually don't carry the light 100%. That leaves me with a lot of stuff compared to some, but it doesn't seem to bother me. I carry it all in FL in the summer, in the winter, with good clothes or ratty t shirts. It's my routine. Done it for over a decade without issue. Never been in a gunfight.

But.

I've been thinking of replacing the BUG, a Kel Tec P32, with a Kimber Lifeact pepper spray. I work on some of my days off in a gunshop, with my primary typically carried exposed. On days off with the family, I carry a Maxpedition Jumbo bag as a diaper bag, plenty of room there for a BUG or spray. I think at the gunshop is about the highest threat situation I'm in willingly. I'm hopefully never likely to need a primary, much less a spare magazine or a BUG. I teach at a local college and work for the FD, can't legally carry at either place.

So, I await your opinions. Should I give up the BUG to add a less-lethal device to my gear? Should I just add it to my diaper bag and use it when I'm out with the family? BUG in the diaper bag? I really don't want to add more to the belt, and I'm out of pockets. With the pocket holster I use now, I'd not be changing much except the shape and thickness of the item in one pocket. Thank you for your advice, thoughts, or opinions.

 

[hamlet]

The problem I'd have with so many devices is instinctively finding and knowing what to pull out when.

Since most SD shooting encounters have 3 or so shots involved, I don't carry a second gun. Sometimes a light.

Far as your question, I'd personally go with the one gun, that Kimber pepper-spray device you mention, and a small light. But that's me.

 

[hdawson]

I can't imagine carrying all that gear unless I KNOW that there is a gang actually looking for me. Otherwise, I feel quite protected with my Kahr.

 

[Diddle]

Perhaps simple is best. Being profecient with what you have makes for less choices. For me, a pistol, a damn good flashlight (Surefire LED Defender) and a substantial locking blade knife. That way, I know my capabilities without thinking. And when the SHTF there are a lot of things to think about, instantly and within a few seconds. Having to choose this, that or the other, during these few critical moments is pretty mind bending. Know your capabilities and the need to be extremely proficient with what you have. I tend to keep it to a minimum so I know what I have to work with and concern myself with the situation before me. Always looking for a nonconfrontational way out.

Best!

Craig

 

[AKsrule]

Keys , small wallet, folding knife , Gun , phone on belt.

Everything else is in a bag in my vehicle or desk at work.

( good idea to have a light-knife-and Pspray at multiple locations )

IMHO - nonlethal is for where guns may be a problem.

:wave:

 

[Ram Rod]

Should I stop carrying a pistol?

Now....realizing that you are the only one who can answer that question, I'll say a few words.
A. The only time we really need something is when we don't have it. (inevitable truth)
B. Keeping things simple.......less hardware and one is able to put more effort into fewer things. The basics are what we build our foundation on....stray further, and we're not sure where to build the foundation. Without a foundation, there can be no house, and with no house, you'll be getting wet when it rains.
C. Depend more on yourself, and less of what others think would be best for you.

 

[Sportsterguy]

NO! I'd say keep your current set up. I've sprayed a few individuals over the years and the results on 2 of them had 0 effect on the men and actually made the situations WAY worse. This was before tazers which are KA! JMO

 

[Treo]

The problem I'd have with so many devices is instinctively finding and knowing what to pull out when.

I never leave my home W/ out a flashlight, barrier device, spare magazine, folder, keys, phone, wallet and hand gun. They are always in the same place this helps develop muscle memory.

 

[ramrunnr]

I think adding the "less-than-lethal" is a good idea, especially at the times you have to disarm for the school and the FD. I have been thinking of adding that myself and I have found a small version on the internet that has a belt holster for carry. (I have the URL saved on my computer and I am typing this on my BlackBerry, but I think the brand is Inferno.) There are time where it can come in handy. Just my $0.02.

 

[BradyM77]

I would lose the Bug and get some pepper spray. There are many situations where an less than lethal option is best. Such as attacking dogs, I have seen dogs fighting and being kicked, hit with sticks, nothing worked. Until somebody sprayed the dogs. and they took off like rockets yelping the whole way. As far as carrying a Bug in the diaper bag? Bad idea, I wouldnt carry in anything that can be separated from me or set down and forgotten.

 

[PastorPack]

Putting myself in your shoes, I'd go for the swap (BUG for Spray) except when working at the gun shop. If open carrying there, I could see an advantage to a concealed gun, just in case.

 

[Thumper]

I like the idea of adding another tool to your carry. I don't see any issue knowing what to "pull", a deadly threat is going to put your practice and muscle memory to work for you.

I think it is far more likely that any of us will run in to a situation worthy of pepper spray before we will deadly force. If you have both, you have that option! :wink:

 

[gddyup]

Anytime I leave the house I have the following : A handgun, OC, folder, cell phone, and flashlight. I can fit all of those in anything I decide to wear that day. Everything is the same except for the handgun. I sometimes carry a pocket Kahr in 9 or I carry my XD IWB/OWB in 9. I work as a Career FF/EMT. When I am on-duty, I carry everything BUT the handgun. The handgun has to stay in my car to/from work. The IAFF and my dept SOG strictly DO NOT allow the carrying of a firearm. If I or my crew get in deep doo-doo we're expected to call "Code 99" and wait for the PD to show up. Needless to say, I personally will NOT go down without a fight.

 

[RETSUPT99]

Think peacefully, but plan for 'war'...carry a 9mm or .45 pistol.:comeandgetsome:
Anything extra is a plus...OMO

 

[shooterX]

I would keep the bug in the bag and keep it simple as RamRod suggested. I carry one, but always have a BUG in my truck, JIC, and for while driving, it goes into a cross draw holster.

 

[nosights]

Personally I would not put a firearm in a bag that is not attached to my person...but that is just me.

Do what is comfortable to you and thus brings you comfort...but know how to use it and use it well!

 

[TX-JB]

I'd drop the BUG and put the OC spray in it's place... It gives you a less lethal option you didn't have before...

 

[bladenbullet]

its a long shot youre ever gonna need one..much less both firearms. but then again in the event you do it would be nice to have em.

i carry iwb at 4:00 and locking blade on my weak side to defend if i'm taken on my strong side. on some trips there is a secong blade in my right boot and on others a third in my left. there are many other variations but i never stray from gun strong side and blade weak.

ive been toying around with pepper spray lately since there was a freak dog attack in our neighborhood (what we thought was a well behaved lab got crazy on another dog and nearly took out a kid also) and my area does have its share of pedator animals. the new foams i understand are very powerful and they stay where theyre sprayed without drift back to the user.

 

[ErnieNWillis]

Holy Beniot Balls Batman! Seriously though! A trip to Wally World or the gas station doesn't require a Batman belt. A pistol, spare magazine, knife and a cell phone should suffice.Don't forget your American Express where they dont accept Visa or Master Card though. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bladenbullet]

its benoit or ben-wa...please get your sex toys straight if youre gonna talk about them on a defensive carry site...