Many experienced concealed carriers settle on a two-gun system: a primary carry gun that is more capable, ranging from micro 9mm autos up to full-size service pistols, as well as something smaller, favoring snub revolvers or the very tiny pocket pistols chambered in 380acp. I believe you need to have both options to stay armed at all times possible.
Several weeks ago, I penned an article discussing my changed position on carrying revolvers as primary guns, as the nature of the violent threat has changed in the past years. Essentially, when in public places, the modern auto loader seems the obvious choice. However, the revolver still fits the role discussed here in excellent fashion, as can small pocket pistols:
In an article for America Cop, firearms instructor, Darryl Bolke, refers to his snub revolver as his “personal firearms system” and his auto as his “primary firearms system.” I really like his terminology here as referencing the smaller gun. Personal firearms system is a great way to explain the broader use of such weaponry. I have typically called this class of handgun my “deep concealment” option. I think Bolke’s terminology is more encompassing. While these smaller revolvers or pocket pistols are used for deep concealment needs, the term “personal firearms system” refers to the much wider range of utility that small handguns fill best. I think this term also captures the fact that, for many, it proves the most often carried weapon.
As it turns out, my personal firearm system, my Ruger LCR, spends more overall time on my person than my primary gun does. For many armed citizens, the small gun is the constant companion around the home or when walking the dog, etc… A primary carry gun that is more formidable is ideal when spending time in public, crowded places, but the smaller, personal gun is an essential piece of preparedness.
When going out in public, especially with loved ones, I always carry my primary gun. If facing multiple attackers, as is more and more common, or if facing a heavily armed active threat, the capability of even the very concealable sub-compact auto is far greater than the snub revolver, on an order of magnitude, for such events. The snubby, or a small pocket auto if that is your preference, is not a replacement for the primary carry gun. Rather, it is a direct replacement for being unarmed. This is where the personal firearm becomes essential.
I know a number of people who prefer only full-size guns and readily admit that they leave the house to walk the dog or go to the mailbox, etc…, unarmed because they do not feel like putting on a belt and holster. The small, lightweight, personal firearm solves this issue. A Ruger LCR, an Airweight Smith and Wesson revolver, or something similar, can be placed in a pocket holster and go in the pocket of even your sweatpants. It is unlikely that you will encounter a terrorist cell or a gang of violent bikers at your mailbox. It is, however, entirely possible to encounter an attempted robbery even within close proximity to your home. It is also quite possible to encounter a dangerous dog. A snub or a reliable pocket pistol can handle this.
The personal firearm works best with alternate carry modes, I.E, not a traditional belt holster, because if you are going to dude up with a belt holster, why not carry your primary gun? Rather, pocket carry, or a clip-able holster that can go on draw-string shorts or sweatpants, is in order. Very lightweight guns have the advantage of being able to ride in just a draw-string garment, waist or in a pocket, without sagging the garment down. This convenience, of course, makes the personal firearm likely to go on your body when the primary will not. These alternate carry modes, such as pocket carry, certainly make the snub revolver appealing, thus many experienced people prefer it for this role.
Finally, I am quite convinced that those who dutifully home carry usually do so with their smaller, personal firearm rather than with their primary carry gun. if you spend a lot of time in the home, on the weekend, in the evenings, you probably won’t be wearing pants with a belt all the time. this is where the small gun, in the pocket of your sweatpants, shines. You should, of course, keep a full-size house pistol readily available, but once again, the gun on your person is the only weapon that is certain to be readily accessible. Whether stepping outside of the home for any give task, or just spending time within the home, the small gun will assuredly get worn more often than the larger one.
OC Spray and a snubby makes for an excellent suburban around-the-home pocket loadout. If you are not yet equipped with a “personal firearms system,” rectify that absence in your life.
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Reflex Handgun 
I like the idea of the personal firearms system. For years I’ve been searching for just the right concealed carry setup. I’ve accumulated numerous micro compact pistols, and a myriad of different holsters for each. But at the end of the day, I keep coming back to a snub nose revolver in my pocket. For me it is just the most practical, comfortable way to carry. No matter what holster I use, or what micro compact 9 I buy, I just can’t get comfortable wearing a pistol on my belt. I understand that I am compromising capacity by carrying a revolver. But it is just so much easier and more convenient. However, as you had mentioned in your article a few weeks back, the modern threat profile has changed. I live in an area where we’ve seen some progressive protests that have bordered on rioting. They make me very uncomfortable, and although they’ve been confined to local downtowns and College campuses I worry that some of this activity could turn violent and spill over into neighborhoods, and more rural areas around us. So I have been trying to commit to carrying a semi-auto when I’m in more populated areas, particularly when I’m with my family. Your article reminds us that we don’t have to have just one solution. Although I have never considered carrying two firearms at one time, I am trying to switch back and forth depending on the threat profile I may encounter. Great article. Stay safe out there.
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I love the snub as my 24/7 gun. I wear the auto when in public though, especially when with family. For the reasons you mention. But the truth is, someone carrying a snub all the time is much better off than someone more heavily armed only half the time.
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