I have a 4" XD 9mm, as my only pistol currently.

Looking at getting a BUG, and having a tough time deciding what to get.

I currently have a shoulder rig (my usual favorite, fits my frame and allows me to sit, and interact without issue), Blackhawk CQB Level 2, and an Uncle Mike's IWB cheapie.

XD-Sub Compact, 9mm:
Pros:
-Same magazines
-Same form/function (don't have to remember two weapons handling, other than size)
Cons:
-Might be difficult to hide a second, wide-bodied pistol (Haven't tried)

Revolver, probably .357. Haven't really looked into this option.

1911, probably the standard .45. Single-stack makes for an easier time hiding. I'd probably go with a $500 ParaUSA GI-45 base model.

Kel-Tec P-11 or PF-9.

I'm really tempted to stick with the XD, but I'm not sure it'll be so easy to hide on my frame. I'm 6'1", 230lbs and got a slight doughnut I carry around. The IWB holster doesn't work well for me, maybe it's just because it's a soft-sided one.

Also, trying to keep costs down; as I'm unemployed - but want to identify what I get when I have the funds, so I can start watching for a deal.

Thoughts?

As a BUG do you mean while you are carrying your primary and this would be the BUG for it? If so I would recommend a J frame in a front pocket holster. (I use an Uncle Mikes #3) My second recommendation would be a Kel Tec or a LCP in a wallet holster.

Pocket carry is the best way for bug carry IMHO on the weak side. I too would recommend a J-frame or Kel-tect P3AT or PF9.

My choice 95% of the time is a P3AT in a Rough Out pocket holster in the back pocket.

I used to carry a large auto in a shoulder holster (Smith & Wesson 645). I carried my backup, a j-frame snubby, in a belt holster on my strong side.

Times have changed, now I carry an M&P 9L in my IWB holster and my J-frame backup is in a Galco Classic Lite shoulder rig. I like it because I can get to a gun with either hand, even when sitting behind the wheel of my car.

After 5 years of playing BUG roulette I have delightfully settled on the Walther PPK 380. Perfect for those suit days when I can't comfortably carry the SIG and equally so for those Jeans/T-Shirt days when it slips inconspicuously into the front pocket.

Myself I'll be going with a Keltec 380.

I have to say if you are going for a XD subcompact, I'd go with a 40, you can always get the 9 barrel for the 40, can't get a 40 barrel for a 9... More bang for the buck ( all puns intended)

A former student called to ask whether I'd recommend a couple of extra mags for his carry or a BUG.

Personal choice was my response, but it got me to thinking

Personally, no matter how much I practice, I still can't quite convince myself that I can do a tactical reload in the time I can pull out the BUG. Checked with another instructor who's an 'expert' (that's HIS theory) and he insisted I was as full of shit as a christmas goose. Yeah, probably, but I STILL feel more comfortable with the BUG rather than the mags. But then, I'm not an expert. Nor a lawyer. Or a copper....this is starting to sound like the opening disclaimers in one of my classes.

Anyhow, there has to be at least ONE more expert out there. And if not, how's about a couple of posers throwing a few pearls before those of less fortunate.

The first thing to do is to find a "civilian"* self defense situation where a "tactical reload" was necessary.

The reason to carry a second mag is because once in a while mags fail.

But think about it: the chances of needing to shoot are remote. The chances of needing to shoot and needing more than 6/10/12/15/17 rounds is really remote.

That said, this is kind of a free country, still, so I wouldn't criticize anyone for choosing to cover that fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent chance that you'll need a second gun.**

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* Yeah, yeah, I know. You know what I mean.
** The most I ever carried was five, but that was a special occasion.

We all carry for a variety of different scenarios; mine include engaging an active murderer (depending on several factors).

In an active-murderer or terrorist attack situation, having the extra ammo and an extra gun could mean the difference between life and death.

You also might be in a situation where your backup gun could be given to an unarmed (adequately trained) ally. I was involved in an on-duty incident a while ago where I had a friendly (but unarmed and off-duty) partner with me. I was able to give him my backup gun so he could help me manage the situation until backup arrived.

If you've decided to carry a BUG, I would recommend the P3AT, which is what I carry most of the time. They are small, light, and easy to conceal. This is a BUG, so you have your XD for the few times when a .380 won't get the job done.

For most people I'm not a fan of either BUGs or extra magazines, because I believe the statistics, and the statistics say that it's vanishingly rare for anyone to deploy either a BUG or an extra magazine in a fruitful fashion.

I'll throw out what may be an uncommon suggestion - Consider a PA63. You are talking about a back up gun, how about an alloy frame of very slim proportions, low entry fee, fixed barrel accuracy . .. It isn't a Makarov, but it is a bunch less weight than a Mak too.

S&W 642, 442 or any other flavor. Great BUG, and also works for the "short trip to the store".

My .02, YMMV

RTK

+1 - sometimes you just don't want to put all that stuff on. (I wish I had a video link to that scene from In the Line of Fire)

I've found a replacement for the XD Service as it's in the shop. Cabella's had a deal on (and in stock!) 9 Sub-Compacts.

Before that, I'd picked up a SCCY CPX-1 (Bill's had them in stock at one point for $300). (Basically a Kel-Tec P11 clone)
http://www.sccyindustries.com/2009/CPX_1_Two_Tone.html
Kicks hard, but it's small and goes bang. Does have a manual safety, that likes to occasionally bump on when firing.
EDIT: SCCY is 15 oz empty. 'Light' enough for me, with my slightly bigger frame.

One thing to consider with the BUG is weight. I could just as easily get a shoulder rig for my M&P 9c and carry it as a backup; I carry the J-frame instead because it's lighter.