[Steelheart]

Since I'm babling quite a bit tonight I'll toss in my 5 cents (since the Dollar is dropping I might as well up what I think I'm worth).

I would normally go for the reload before I went for a second gun. However, normally when I do carry a second its in a pocket holster. That gun in my pocket could very well be the gun I start with as it'll be in my hand before trouble starts. That gun I would then likely drop/toss and draw my actual primary, which is on my belt.

I think this technique was more relevant before auto's became as common as they are today. Not that I think its outdated but like NYPD said, if you got 15 or 12 or whatever your double stack auto holds you have good odds of finishing the fight before you have to reload. I recall that Jim Cirello (I'm sure I misspelled his name and I'm sorry but spell check isn't going to help me with it) carried three 6 shot revolvers during his time on the Stake Out Squad back in the 60's and/or 70's. That same 18rds before having to reload a revolver can be done by many full size service pistols without replacing the mag or changing guns.

Steelheart

 

[Steelheart]

You could try to find a used 5 shot 44 special as a bug. That way spare ammo thats carried loose (vs a speedloader) could fit either gun as long as its 44 special ammo and not magnum ammo. There are a few excellent loads in 44 special so that shouldn't be a concern. If you chose to carry your primary reloads as magnum rounds, they can be in speedloaders to reduce your loading time and to prevent getting the different rounds confused.

If it were carried crossdraw in a vertical OWB holster it could be accessed by either hand. But, for me atleast, that type of carry isn't as concealable. But it you're managing to conceal a large frame it could work for you.

Steelheart