There was a shooting in my area recently where the shooter was carrying two handguns, and I believe the resulting media coverage is informative regarding how a person (other than a police officer) will likely be portrayed in the aftermath of a shooting should they decide to carry a back up gun. Here are a few examples:
http://www.wndu.com/content/news/One-killed-in-downtown-South-Bend-shooting-381465201.html
http://www.abc57.com/story/32108170/one-dead-in-downtown-south-bend-shooting
Given the information that has been released so far, this does not appear to be a typical self-defense use of deadly force. However, that bit about multiple guns / weapons / handguns has been repeated as if it were an unusual and important detail every time I have seen this event covered in the media. The local news heard that, ran with it, and has kept running with it. I think it is only prudent to expect the same should you decide to carry a back up gun and are forced to defend yourself.
I have read and heard many highly respected instructors advising their students / readers to carry a back up gun if possible. They have presented their arguments in a compelling manner using facts and logic; undoubtedly an expert witness could be utilized at trial to explain and defend the carry of a back up gun to a jury. It is worth considering, though, that doing so could place you in the uncomfortable position of having to explain it at all. Will a skeptical group of average people, your jury, throw out all their preconceived notions about people who are "armed to the teeth"? many prosecutors would paint the carry of multiple firearms in the worst light possible, that I can assure you.
Is it worth it?
http://www.wndu.com/content/news/One-killed-in-downtown-South-Bend-shooting-381465201.html
http://www.abc57.com/story/32108170/one-dead-in-downtown-south-bend-shooting
Given the information that has been released so far, this does not appear to be a typical self-defense use of deadly force. However, that bit about multiple guns / weapons / handguns has been repeated as if it were an unusual and important detail every time I have seen this event covered in the media. The local news heard that, ran with it, and has kept running with it. I think it is only prudent to expect the same should you decide to carry a back up gun and are forced to defend yourself.
I have read and heard many highly respected instructors advising their students / readers to carry a back up gun if possible. They have presented their arguments in a compelling manner using facts and logic; undoubtedly an expert witness could be utilized at trial to explain and defend the carry of a back up gun to a jury. It is worth considering, though, that doing so could place you in the uncomfortable position of having to explain it at all. Will a skeptical group of average people, your jury, throw out all their preconceived notions about people who are "armed to the teeth"? many prosecutors would paint the carry of multiple firearms in the worst light possible, that I can assure you.
Is it worth it?
If a jury decision came down to or hinged on the presence of a backup gun, I suspect the defendant had a number of other factors working against him.