Two Guns

The Ruger LCP in a D.M. Bullard Cross Draw holster

I think it is safe to day, two guns are better than one.

Of course, many people consider many guns to be better than one and if you are into guns, like guns, and collect guns, that is certainly true. But, for the person who is primarily, or solely, interested in concealed carry for protection, having too many guns isn't necessary or even desirable.

However, I want to put forward the case that for the average person who carries, two guns are better than one, even if only one is carried at a time.

Why would this be so? In my opinion, it is a good idea for most of us who are concealed carry gun owners because of the fact that much, if not most, of our day is spent at home and around the house and yard. Some percentage of our time is taken by activities that take us away from home, and some of these occur in places in which we are more likely to encounter individuals and circumstances that might require recourse to our carry weapon. The two general scenarios are suited to different carry guns. Here is why.

My basic premise is that if one has gone to the trouble and training to carry a concealed firearm, then it only makes sense to carry it as often as possible. Otherwise, what is the point? You don't buy insurance that is in force some of the time and not others, nor throw a spare tire in the trunk for some trips but not others. Why, then, leave your carry gun in a drawer, or locked in a safe some times, but not others? Although this makes logical sense, most people don't follow this general rule because, let's face it, carrying a gun all of the time, especially around the house, is a pain. Really. The damn thing is hanging off your belt, or poking you in the stomach or pressing on your hip bone. Maybe dragging at your ankle. (Why anyone would use an ankle holster if they weren't deep under cover or worked a corporate job in a suit, is beyond me.)

A shoulder holster at home? Forget it.

Good holsters will provide a greater level of comfort, but, in the end, after wearing your S&W or Glock all day around the house, you'll know it. You get used to it, but never really like it.

What's a person supposed to do? Not put your gun in a drawer someplace. As we all know, even though it's unlikely, bad things can happen to good people any time, any place, and that includes while you are in the back room going through boxes for that next yard sale, or in the garage kicking the lawn mower. "Oh, pardon me an sec, Mr. Bad Guy, I need to dash into the house/back room/den/office to retrieve my gun."

So, for me, the solution is to carry an effective but small and light handgun around the house. One that is comfortable because it's small and light, but effective enough by itself, or will buy me time to get to a larger weapon if the need dictates. This smaller gun, in a quality and comfortable holster that is always with me, will ensure that I have access to a firearm when and if it is needed.

Yes, the caliber police and the capacity monitors will not take kindly to the notion of a lightweight, small, and small caliber gun, but a simple reality check is enough to defuse those overworked arguments: any gun is better than no gun when you need one. Period.

My choice for AHC (around the house carry) is a new model Ruger LCP. It is "light" and "compact" as they say. It has an improved trigger for better shooting accuracy – put a LaserMax on it and the accuracy goes way up – and it fires the modern .380 self defense loads which are fine. I haven't yet heard of a big-caliber supporter who would volunteer to be shot with a .380 to demonstrate how weak-kneed the round is. Really.

A couple of good holsters and you have a system that you can carry comfortably around the house all day. Keep it on as a back up, or swap it out for something a bit larger with more capacity if you need to carry in a situation and place that you think requires it.

Be safe.