When you decide to carry, you take on a great responsibility! You have decided to become a protector (sheepdog) of others (sheep); from bodily harm. You have also, hopefully after soul searching, decided that that protection should include deadly force. This is a weighty decision, and since the bad guys won't stop unless stopped; in my case it is the right choice!
Now, what does that mean? Most of the time, you are on your own. This is why you Must practice often! Also why you must carry spare ammunition, you run out, you die.
Now, we must assume that a spare firearm will fill in if your primary weapon fails, and your drills won't allow you to clear it. That is why this post came into being. Should you carry another exactly like your primary, to use a common magazine?
I'd like to offer a second option. Carry something like this:
It has a good round (38 special), which is solid backup; but it has another advantage most people don't think of. You can pick someone you trust, and arm them!
One sheepdog, protecting a dozen sheep; has a poorer chance than two sheepdogs, protecting eleven sheep.
The advantage is simplicity:
Even an untrained sheep-puppy can make this gun go bang💥💥💥, which the wolf must assume is a serious threat. Giving you a better chance to collect a wolf pelt!
She has a big throat:
The worst drawback is the 5 rounds she holds:
But she is easy to reload, especially with a speed loader. But a sheep-puppy may not be able to do this. So if you loan it out, be sure to limit the rate of fire!!!! Tell them there is only 5 shots, period. I always carry 50 plus rounds as my daily carry loadout, with more in the car; In my go bag with the long gun...which is a different discussion.
A distraction from a second location, especially if you can relocate; may change the wolf's mind; which would be the best outcome! If you can outfox the wolf to disengage, that is a full win!
One of the sheep, can be put to work calling 911. So the sheepdog only need delay the wolf as long as it takes for the police to arrive.
One other point to consider; when the police arrive, tell your sheepdogs to disarm themselves! The incoming help must assume everyone still armed, must be engaged as wolves.