Backup guns

[BusMan]

As far as I know, up here, Police are not allowed to carry a backup firearm. Don't get me started on how stupid that is.

Is there a limit, be in legal or departmental policy, on the number of backup guns you can carry? Putting aside the extra weight and potential mobility issues, would you be allowed to carry, say, 5?

I'm asking because I remember in that picture of the french swat team guys (or whatever they're called there) who went into that terrorist firefight, they each had a rifle and (from what I remember seeing), 2 pistols.

[tanksoldier]

If they were visible it probably was one pistol and one taser.

Legally there's no limit, by policy at my department there's really no limit either except you have to qualify with each gun your carry on duty or off duty on creds.

As a practical matter more than one backup isn't that useful. Better with a knife if it comes to that.

[careerchange#2]

It really varies by department. As an example, some well known SWAT teams mandate two pistols on their guys. If you look, you'll see one in a belt mounted holster and one mounted on their vest. Watch an episode of Miami SWAT and you'll see what I'm talking about. The local state police SWAT team also mandates two pistols.

Our guys are authorized up to three guns, i.e. two pistols and a long gun. There was a push a while back to change that to only two guns, i.e. two pistols or one long gun and a pistol. I can only speak for me, but my usual was a pistol, a smaller back up pistol (i.e. a G23 or 27 worn on my vest) and a taser set up for weak hand draw. When I did get assigned to a rifle slot I didn't drop a pistol, I just added the rifle.

For road folks, policy dictates one back-up gun and it must be concealed.

[hemicop]

My agency has no limit either but it kind of frowns on back-up guns. Long time ago I knew an older Officer that had 4---his sidearm, a P38, a snub-nosed 38 & a 380. Why I have no idea. I HAVE heard of some tactical units using 2 or more pistols as opposed to, say, an MP5, in the interest of increased mobility & better weapon control. Since an MP5 fires only a pistol cartridge anyway, I guess it makes sense for SOME situations. I'm not a big fan of the idea but I can kind of see it.

[Michigan]

I choose to not carry a primary or back up gun. Simple logic really, if I don't have any guns on me the bad guy won't shoot me with his gun.

[SmallCityCop]

I just grabbed a .380 for my tuck-away gun, and have my Glock 36 for a back-up.

[BusMan]

Thanks for the answers.

[Chomp]

I choose to not carry a primary or back up gun. Simple logic really, if I don't have any guns on me the bad guy won't shoot me with his gun.

I've heard that this works really well in conjunction with portable Gun Free Zone signs.

[CruiserClass]

No legal or policy limit here, but I don't know anyone who carries more than 3. Backup guns are for more than just backup, they are also for "secondary primaries" when you can't get to your "primary primary" due to injury, rolling around with someone, pinned, etc. 3 covers almost any plausible scenario.

[JDCOP]

No limit on back up guns but can't carry a second firearm on the duty belt. I have seen some who carry two back ups but not many.

[BusMan]

No limit on back up guns but can't carry a second firearm on the duty belt. I have seen some who carry two back ups but not many.

Is that due to comfort or is it a department rule? I guess the belt is probably pretty full anyway.

[BTDT2]

Due to terrorist and others hell bent to kill law enforcement officers, I’m reluctant to discuss officer safety and equipment matters on a public forum. Having been involved in a number of critical events that touched on this topic, I feel it’s an important subject best discussed offline between law enforcement officers. My 2 cents.

[CCCSD]

I WILL say I worked with a Deputy US Marshal who carried two guns on his belt. Right and left side, in a full belt rig, and it was ok with the USMS... One badass mofo. From Jersey no less...

[BNWS]

In NYC the instructors at the range recommend carrying 2 guns.

[swat_op506]

I WILL say I worked with a Deputy US Marshal who carried two guns on his belt. Right and left side, in a full belt rig, and it was ok with the USMS... One badass mofo. From Jersey no less...

A bandoleer would make that setup even gooder.