5 Backup Handguns You Can Always Rely On

Published on October 26, 2024
Duration: 10:29

This video reviews five reliable backup handguns favored by law enforcement and suitable for civilian concealed carry. It highlights the Glock 26 for its magazine compatibility, the S&W M&P Shield for its slim profile and ergonomics, the Ruger LCR for its reliability and lightweight design, the Taurus Defender 856 TORO for its optic-ready capability, and the Colt King Cobra Carry for its powerful .357 Magnum option in a compact revolver format. The discussion emphasizes concealability, reliability, and practical considerations for secondary firearms.

Quick Summary

The Glock 26 is a popular backup handgun due to its compatibility with magazines from larger Glock pistols like the 19 and 17, allowing for higher round counts. The S&W M&P Shield is a micro-compact, single-stack pistol designed for discreet carry with good ergonomics. The Ruger LCR is praised for its reliability and lightweight design, while the Taurus Defender 856 TORO offers optic-ready capability for improved accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Backup Handguns
  2. 01:01Glock 26: Magazine Compatibility
  3. 02:40Smith & Wesson M&P Shield: Discreet Carry
  4. 04:31Ruger LCR: Lightweight Revolver Reliability
  5. 06:13Taurus Defender 856 TORO: Optic Ready
  6. 08:15Colt King Cobra Carry: Powerful Backup
  7. 10:07Conclusion & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Glock 26 a good backup handgun?

The Glock 26 is a popular backup handgun because it's a subcompact pistol that shares magazine compatibility with larger Glock models like the 19 and 17. This allows officers to carry fewer types of magazines and potentially achieve higher round counts with extended magazines.

Why is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield recommended for concealed carry?

The S&W M&P Shield is recommended for concealed carry due to its micro-compact construction, making it only 6 inches long and less than an inch wide. It offers good ergonomics and a viable grip length for comfortable shooting, despite its low capacity.

What are the advantages of the Ruger LCR as a backup firearm?

The Ruger LCR is praised for its extreme reliability and lightweight design, weighing only about 13 ounces unloaded. Its double-action-only trigger also enhances safety by preventing accidental discharges, making it a dependable secondary weapon.

How does the Taurus Defender 856 TORO improve accuracy for a backup gun?

The Taurus Defender 856 TORO features an optic-ready slide, allowing for the easy mounting of a red dot sight. This significantly improves aiming precision, which is crucial for small backup firearms where target distance can affect accuracy.

Is the Colt King Cobra Carry suitable for concealed carry despite its caliber?

Yes, the Colt King Cobra Carry, chambered in .357 Magnum, is designed as a compact revolver with a bobbed hammer to prevent snagging. While larger than some other options, its robust build and manageable recoil, aided by its weight and grips, make it a viable concealed carry option.

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