[Euclidean]

I'm a proponent of the BUG concept. I really am! But lately I've been leaving the little guy behind.

It started with my frequent trips out of town. I often leave work where I can't carry, take a gun out of my vehicle's safe, and holster up for the weekend. It's just easier to not have to mess with a second gun.

Plus I am carrying now a lot of stuff that's just important or seasonal... for instance extra keys on the weekends, stuff for my nasal allergies, phones, etc. I don't have the pocket room any more.

I have to admit begrudgingly this does make me think about reloads, capacity of the firearm I'm carrying, its reliability etc. since I'm only carrying one. I've never in my life cared very much about how many rounds I actually had on me, but I've been so... I don't want to say paranoid but perhaps more Condition Orange for the past few months.

I don't like this. Yes it's convenient but I feel weird without my "security blanket".

 

[QKShooter]

No Problem...plenty of room in the coffin for the BUG if your primary self defense firearm ever fails you. :9:

 

[P95Carry]

Some of this Euc is down to shere practicability - instance your mention of all else you have to carry.

My only ''usual'' bug is NAA mini and that fits about anywhere! I assume you are calling XD 1º and so - probably just make sure you have a spare mag, somewhere!

I actually often forget the Mini is there so in some respects I am pretty much reliant on SIG alone!

 

[rocky]

I guess you need to decide if the hassle is worth it. I personally can feel safe carrying just my HK, due to having it for so many years with no reliability issues.
You have to make your own choices. Sometimes at work I carry a BUG only. It's all in what you feel safe with.

 

[Tangle]

Euc,

I've been exactly where you are; I even have similar carry issues, and rarely, but occasionally, I don't carry a spare mag. Right now my BUG is a knife.

You can only do what you can do. I'm pretty comfortable with a single gun that holds 15 - 17 rounds. I shoot my carry gun(s) regularly and malfunctions are extremely rare. Non-fixable-on-the-spot failures are extemely rare squared or maybe cubed.

 

[OldDawg]

I thought someone famous once said " One is none, Two is one." I view a bug be it a derringer or compact like my wallet, Dont leave home without it.

Euc,0

In reality , Get a big bore derringer, is small & easy to drop in your pocket in the morning,, This way I always have atleast 2 rounds of 9mm instead of holding my .............. in my hands when the poop hits the fan.

 

[TonyW]

Yep, that's a military thing if nothing else. One is none and two is one. But practically in this instance having just a primary may be just fine if it is reliable. It's not like it should take the abuse and constant use like military hardware. Not sure if I'm going to carry a BUG or not.

 

[Ti Carry]

I thought someone famous once said " One is none, Two is one." QUOTE]

Clint Smith! Thunder Ranch...........

 

[Bud White]

i don't carry a BUG euc and don't feel any less armed for it , i just carry more ammo

 

[Betty]

I'd hate to see you leaving your BUG out of the picture because you are unable to carry a gun much, or because it's a hassle because you're running out of pocket room and you get tired of having to remember to grab your cell phone, lip balm, Surefire, allergy meds, car keys, etc.

Sounds like somebody needs a man purse to put all his gear! :lol: Can you try keeping all your little thingamabobs in one carryall so you're not having to grab a dozen different things and worrying about forgetting one? It'll also keep those pockets open for your BUG and prevents your morning from turning into a major dress-up procedure.

Check out the Victorinox Precision Gear Mono Bag, the Messenger Bag or the Vertical Organizer. They're manly-looking, durable, and they can hold your gear cross-body so you've got your hands free.

And just to make you feel better....

 

[Bud White]

Sounds like Euc needs that man Bag you listed there betty

 

[Euclidean]

Sigh... I can't acknowledge I've thought about it. I'd only need it on the weekends at least.

The problem is if I put crud in a bag, I forget the bag!

P.S. I do feel better Betty I don't go nearly that heavy!

I love this forum. If I asked this question anywhere else I'd be called a gun toting psycho.

 

[Ti Carry]

I don't carry a BUG either yet. I have been on the hunt for one for months and all but decided on the PM9 but, something about it has kept me from getting one.

I don't feel that I have to have one but it would be nice to sport one just in case, trouble is I can't find one that I can live with. Probably end up with a ultra light Smith in .38 or 357, I looked at some today but for whatever reason didn't leave with one.

So your not alone with just carrying your primary, I know more people that carry without a BUG than I do people that actually carry one.


Ti.

 

[BlueLion]

Euc, I tell ya what, my little SW 37 goes everywhere it can legally go along with a reload. I believe in keeping it simple. I doubt you would have to squeeze more than three in a civilian altercation.

 

[BlueLion]

Just another thought, will the Leo's look at you differently or jury for that matter if you are found to have two weapons if you have to shoot? Will they draw you up as being some one out for trouble. I don't know but this crossed my mind a time or two. If I have to squeeze I guess I want to play myself as I am, a good guy just trying to defend myself or others. (family)

 

[P95Carry]

Blue - I think folks often wonder - and my thinking is - we have decided to carry. Main decision.

Why? Because we choose to take responsibility for that one (remote) time we may need it. I think therefore if we ''double up'' it is only reinforcing our determination to succeed and not become a victim.

 

[chiefs-special-guy]

of course a bug is a good idea, but it is a good idea like losing weight, quitting smoking, etc. honored in the breech more than in the execution.
i carry a little 38 special revolver with 5 "pipsqueek" 38 hollowpoints in it and no spare ammo whatsoever. celphone and a 38 revolver, that its it. can i handle any contingency? of course not. can i handle most likely scenarios? yes. i want to retreat if possible, protect my family, not engage in a gunbattle.
of course other people may feel quite differently, and may survive scenarios i perish in. i accept that.
God Bless

 

[maclean3]

I'm still carrying my 642 IWB with one speedstrip in a drop pouch on the belt. During this cooler weather I also keep a sppedloader in my jacket pocket. BUG at the moment is a 3.75 or so Benchmade (or two).

Once the Milspec takes over as primary carry weapon I plan on using my 642 as my BUG in the ankle holster I bought from ExSoldier (thanks Jim!). Not sure how often I'll carry the J-frame as BUG but the capability will be there when/if it's needed.

The one thing I keep questioning is traffic stops: Say you're stopped and, for whatever reason, you inform the Offficer you're carrying. When he asks where it is (or asks you to put it on the dash, unload it, etc.) how's it going to look if you start pulling out multiple firearms? Seriously, has anyone ever been in the situation? It's my only REAL reservation about carrying a BUG other than my Benchmades.
Jack

 

[P95Carry]

Say you're stopped and, for whatever reason, you inform the Offficer you're carrying. When he asks where it is (or asks you to put it on the dash, unload it, etc.) how's it going to look if you start pulling out multiple firearms?

Interesting point Jack - very interesting !!!! Not something I had actually thought on too much.

Conjures up a funny comic scene - ''Here is my primary officer'' - ''oh and hold on - here's main BUG''. "Oh near forgot, here is my NAA mini"

''Any more sir" - "Nope, not on me'' :18:

 

[srfl]

I'm a firm proponent of the BUG concept and try to adhere to it whenever I can. By policy, my LE agency forbids BUG's...bummer....but on my own time, my PM9 will accompany my primary firearm (and me) whenever feasible and possible.