We recently received a question from one of our readers all the way from Atlanta, Texas!!! Raymond J. wanted to know more about what we thought about carrying a back-up to an EDC. As many of our readers already know, we at PSA strongly support safe firearm ownership, and are strong proponents of legal and safe concealed carry. Just like always, Raymond we’ve got you covered!
The answer to Raymond’s question is quite the complex one. More than likely the most appropriate answer is to leave it up to shooter preference. Understanding that if you in-fact decide to carry a back up to your EDC it is important to include the back-up in your regular training regiment is imperative. In other words, as you continue to hone in on your marksmanship skills, your effectiveness, and your efficiency with your EDC, it would be wise to work your back-up firearm into the plan. This means practicing drawing this firearm from it’s holster, practicing the manual of operations of the back-up, practicing any troubleshooting of the operation of the back-up (i.e. clearing stoppages, reloads (if need be), practicing tactical movements), and practicing re-holstering. One of the most important suggestions that we can offer you is to make sure that you are consistent. You should be consistent in your training, and even more important, consistent in the platforms that you carry as a back-up.
Raymond, think about this…. If your main carry firearm is a 1911, then it would be highly advisable to carry a back-up that has a similar manual of operation. Stay consistent. 1911’s have a specific number of safety’s that have to be disengaged prior to discharging and it makes perfect sense to have a back-up that follows suit. That makes the hours of extensive training on your EDC for proficiency easily transferable to your back-up. Imagine being in a defensive situation and having to resort to drawing your back-up weapon….it makes perfect sense to have a back-up that operates just like your EDC. This cut’s down on adjustments needed to be made, and increases the efficiency of your plan. Your brain will already be trained on the “draw-disengage-fire” technique and the transition will be a lot easier!!!
Likewise, if you carry a SA only pistol as your EDC it would be wise to also carry a back-up that is SA. Single Action trigger pulls will be similar as will be the manual of operation. This will increase the efficiency of your plan should you be faced with a defensive situation. Remember….in a defensive situation, the first thing that we lose is our fine motor skills. Having a back-up that is consistent to your EDC will undoubtedly decrease your adjustment period should you have to use it.
*** If you are unfamiliar with firearms and/or their accessories, and want to learn more, PSA strongly suggests that you find, enroll, and attend a comprehensive and reputable firearms safety course. Firearms safety is all of OUR responsibility.
We want to thank you for taking out the time to stop by our lane at the shooting range!! We hope that you enjoyed your stay and hope that you stop back by early and often to catch up on all PSA updates! We truly hope that we were able to hit the target, and if you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to shoot them our way!! We look forward to shooting the breeze with you soon again!!
And as always….remember to watch your six and stay low!!!