I carry two pistols in different positions to allow draw of at least one regardless of how I’m pinned against a wall or how I land on the ground.

It also gives me a better draw option when seated or riding in a vehicle, especially with a seat belt on.

I carry two pistols in different positions that will allow me to draw with either my right or left hand.

I may start this fight with an injured limb, holding on to something important (like a child), or dragging another person. The practice gives me options.

I can arm a second person.

Many of us wish that more people we know and love were armed, but the reality is that some just choose not to be. Those reasons range from reasonable to ridiculous, but, the reality is that we often find ourselves in the company of those who know how to operate defensive weapons but are without them. Passing a gun to a second person changes their status from someone I have to shepherd, to a force multiplied partner. Also, as distasteful as the thought is, carrying my pistols in different positions will allow those I’m close with to retrieve a gun from my lifeless body regardless of how it hits the ground.

I can re-arm myself.

Have I ever dropped a gun during a drill or force-on-force training? You bet. Sweat, blood, stress, close contact, climbing ladders, taking a fall, taking a hit in the strong hand, etc., all contribute to the potential. Could there be a fight for my gun that I lose? Hate to say it, but there is a chance. I train to prevent that, but nothing is 100%.

I don’t carry two guns in anticipation of a mugging; I carry two guns in anticipation of being present when a group of murderers, hell bent on taking as much life as possible, begin doing so. We do not live in 1950’s America anymore. There are legitimate threats that are bigger and more destructive than the common criminal. I walk this Earth with that in mind, and the equipment to respond. Granted, it’s not the best equipment due to concealment issues, but it’s the best I can do under the circumstances. At least two guns that share the same magazine, a reload, blades, a trauma kit & tourniquet, a proper flashlight, and the ammunition choice of Corbon DPX – that gear goes out the door with me every day. Two guns and a reload will keep me in the fight longer against multiple attackers – simple as that. 46-rounds gives me time – time to escape, evade, and take out threats. And, in fact, I’m considering adding a second reload to my gear. Mumbai, Beslan, Nairobi…these are not interesting historical footnotes, they are WARNINGS. And a study of them leaves one seeing 50+ rounds as the bare minimum.

As John Farnam so often says: Your next fight will be a come as you are affair.

There will be no running back to the car to grab your med kit. There will be no helicopters dropping resupply. You’re not going to “fight your way to your rifle.” If it’s not with you, you won’t have it.

Some will still argue that carrying two guns is too much – that they’ll never both be needed and I’m just being paranoid. My answer to that is: I sure hope so.

Stay Frosty

⸺ Ron Coventry