Backup *vs* Off-Duty?

[gibby11]

Silly question I guess but... Is your backup weapon the same one you carry off-duty? I am sure there are some options but what is common with you folks?

I am considering buying the "baby-Glock" 27 (.40 cal), but am wondering if that needs to be compatible with the duty weapon of my "possible" future dept. (H&K .45)

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance..

gibby

[gibby11]

Hello?? Gun-People?? Anyone, Bueller, bueller?

[WAPoliceCorps3]

Our Department allows for officers to carry any weapon they want when off duty as long it is a .38 caliber or higher, however you must qualify with it. A lot of them seem to be carrying the standard issue Beretta 92FS but I've seen a lot of others prefer the Glock 27. The Beretta is too large in my opinion as well as ugly in my opinion. Of course looks has no bearing on performance, but hey we're off duty! :) We're getting new guns at the end of the year, a choice of Glock 21 or 22, or you can get the compact Glock 23. For the 1911 fans the department is going all out and offering us Kimber's as well. I'm assuming a lot of the officers who choose the Glock 23 will use it as their off duty weapon also. I intend to be a bit different and carry a USP compact .40. I've just always like the HK's and the way they feel and fire.

[kennethm3]

Some thoughts on back-ups. I can be a good idea for your back-up to be a smaller version of your duty weapon so that magazines are interchangable if needed and that the function is identical. I think the last reason is the most important, should you every have to resort to using a back-up having to think about its function is the last thing you need to be distracted by (for example; your Duty Glock fails, you drop down and retrieve your Back-up Beretta .380 from your ankle holster but it wont fire when you keep repeatedly squeezing the trigger like you do on your Glock, you die because you forgot the Beretta had a safety). As for the Glocks, my wife has a 27 for off-duty carry, very sweet pistol, I think I have to get one for me now! Unfortunately I am forbidden by regulation from carrying a back-up, luckily my service pistol, SIG P229, .40, is small enough to conceal off-duty. Beware! The Compact HK USP DOES NOT INTERCHANGE MAGAZINES WITH IT'S FULL SIZE BROTHERS!! Good luck, Stay safe.

[gibby11]

I just bought the Glock 27... I am not hired (yet..LOL) but I have heard so many good things about the "baby"Glocks, that I had to have one. Too bad the USP compact is not compatible with it's big-bro! Any suggestions (for backup) if I end up with the H&K .45? Or would the 27 be a wise choice.

Thanks for the response,
gibby

[kennethm3]

I think that the Baby Glock, especially the 27 would be perfect. I am tempted to "bend" the rules where I work and carry one myself in a vest holster even though that back-ups aren't allowed here. When loaded with 155 grain hollowpoints you'll have a potent secondary weapon that will serve you well off duty as well. Good luck, stay safe out there.

P.S. I used to have a full-size USP in .40, about cried when I parted with it. You'll love the .45 version.