I have been outspoken in my opposition to the so-called “carry rotation” that a lot of concealed carriers seem to utilize. Now, most people probably need at least two different guns to stay armed at most times; if subscribing to “carry enough gun,” then you might have a full-size or compact auto of some kind, but also use a tiny pocket auto or revolver for deep concealment when the larger gun just won’t work. Maybe you even need a third gun, like a 44 Magnum revolver or 10mm auto, that you strap on when walking around in big bear country, if your environment and lifestyle calls for it. However, this is not a carry rotation, but the use of different tools for different purposes. The carry rotation is, essentially, multiple guns of the same approximate size, carried for the same purpose, but done so just for variety.
The first criticism of a carry rotation is that it lessons time and training on one platform for maximum proficiency and familiarity. There is much merit to this criticism for most people, as the time spent on practice is limited for the average concealed carrier. However, a second reason for my dislike of a carry rotation is this:
Your carry gun should be just one part of your personal protection system. This overall system should include pre-packed gear that is always ready for rapid egress, such as bugging out in the face of severe weather or a natural or manmade disaster. Within this perpetually ready gear should be spare handguns. A carry rotation means that what you are carrying on a particular day may be out of sync with your system. For example, if you are carrying a Smith and Wesson M&P, yet your go bag has a spare Glock 17, then you are out of sync. Would it not be much more efficient to have either an M&P or Glock both on body and in the bag? That way, spare magazines, parts, ammo, etc…, are all interchangeable. Thus, your EDC should be part of a system, and a carry rotation interferes with this streamlined approach.
Another consideration: a very valuable tool to implement into your daily life is the use of a small backpack or sling bag to carry additional gear that is simply not feasible for on-body carry. This bag can be used to hold other important tools, ranging from medical to mundane things such as needed medicines, spare contacts or glasses, your checkbook, etc…, The bag can be kept in the vehicle, or even carried around town, the mall, or just about anywhere else as small backpacks and sling bags are considered completely normal daily items in most places.
In my daily carry sling bag I keep two spare magazines for my pistol as well. Therefore, changing to a different primary carry gun on any given day would also involve changing the magazines in the bag. I know for sure that forgetting to switch out these spare magazines would probably be the norm rather than the exception. Now, your capabilities would be diminished should you find yourself in a situation where your carry gun does not accept the spare magazines in your day pack. Why bother switching between different guns that serve the same purpose? A good deal of effort and an opportunity for mistakes, for what?
In our contemporary world of violence in public locations, and of common natural and man-made disasters that may force you to quickly evacuate your home or other residence, I think sticking to a particular handgun platform is sound. I would much rather be carrying a gun that is homogeneous with the other spare pistols I have stored or packed, etc…, so that I only need to stock one form of magazine. I usually carry a Glock 26, and my dedicated house pistol is a Glock 19. All spares intended for serious use are also of the Glock26/19 variety. Once again, this means that magazines, ammo, and spare parts remains common across all defensive pistols. Most other main brand pistol families also share magazines between duty-size, compact, and sub-compact models, and settling one family of guns makes good sense.
I use other guns for different training, practice, and competition reasons, but I use the afore mentioned platform as my primary defensive pistols. This eliminates some room for error.
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