When choosing a bug out bag handgun, consider if it’ll primarily be needed for hunting, or self defense, or perhaps you’ve got another use for it. Either way, the tool should match the job. Choosing your bug out bag handgun should be a deliberate decision, in which you should consider where you live, where you’re bugging out to, and what challenges or uses you may have for your handgun. Will it primarily be a hunting pistol? Will it be a self defense pistol? What sort of combination of the hunting and self defense will it be? With these questions in mind, here are some of our favorite bug out bag handguns.
Ruger Wrangler
Our #1 pick is the Ruger Wrangler, a 6 shot 22 revolver. This is the perfect small game revolver. It’s a simple, well built gun that’s inexpensive enough that you can buy an extra one to have stored in your bug out bag. There are cheaper 22 revolvers, but they’re not built as well as Ruger’s model. Our ideal scenario is to be able to have our bug out bag set up as a complete kit. If you need to evacuate in a hurry, it is nice to minimize or even eliminate the need to grab anything else other than your kit when you’re bugging out.
Glock 17/19
This is the most popular handgun on the market. It’s what most police officers carry, and is extremely popular in the civilian market as well. The Glock 17 and Glock 19 shoot a 9mm bullet, one of the most popular rounds on the market. In theory, this should mean there will be plenty of ammo options on the market. If we had to pick one for bugging out, we’d pick the Glock 19. Glock 19s can take Glock 17 magazines, and most other 9mm Glock magazines. The Glock 19 is slightly smaller, and while I prefer shooting the 17, you lose a little bit of versatility. Either would be an excellent handgun for a bug out bag though.
1911
This is the pistol the US military carried through both worlds wars, Korea, and Vietnam. It started to be replaced in the 1970s, but it’s still an extremely popular gun, and for good reason. These guns just plain work, and have a history of working all around the world. They shoot a big 45 caliber bullet that does a lot of damage.
357 Revolver
The 357 is one of my favorite cartridges, and is probably the most popular cowboy cartridge, and there are lever action rifle that use the same round, completing the cowboy rig. It’s a round commonly used for hunting deer in the Midwest as well. Revolvers also are simple machines. There are less moving parts to break. Additionally, the ability to pull back the hammer back to make the trigger pull really light makes revolvers pretty accurate, even for a novice shooter. You only get 6 shots, but the gun will generally work perfectly for all 6 of those shots. There are a lot of good brands out there for revolvers, but my two favorite are Colts, and Smith and Wesson.
Sig P320
The Sig P320 is the current pistol used by the US military. It’s top of the line, and has passed the torture test that the military gives weapons before they’re issued. It’s a fantastic handgun for a bug out situation, though it does cost more than most on this list.
Honorable Mentions
Heritage Rough Rider 22 Revolver
This is usually the cheapest gun at the gun store. That being said, it’s a simple 22 revolver that works. It’s an extremely popular pistol for trappers. It’s another one that you can just buy, throw in your bug out bag, and not miss it from your gun safe, and it’ll be there when you need it.
M&P Shield
This gun is one of the most common concealed carry pistols on the market. It has a good reputation, it’s reliable, and it’s common. I’d prefer a full size pistol for my bug out bag handgun, but the compact size does make it easier to conceal and lighter to carry in your bag.
Glock 43 (and most every other Glock)
A Glock is generally boxy and not the prettiest gun, but they have a strong reputation for being reliable. There are several Glocks that could make this list, so I’ve just lumped them all together. Almost any Glock would make a good bug out handgun.
Other Considerations for Your Bug Out Bag Handgun
Ammo availability is key. In an emergency, what’s available will pretty much just be what you’ve got stored. If SHTF you’ll want to already have it, not be trying to buy it. That being said, if a disaster turns apocalyptic, being able to scrounge ammo and use what you find will be extremely useful.
A handgun is important, but there are more important things you’ll also want to have in your bug out bag as well. It won’t do you a lot of good if you don’t have first aid supplies, food, water, or if you freeze to death before you’re ever in a position to hunt or defend yourself. See our full Bug Out Bag Checklist to make sure you’ll have everything you’ll need in a bug out situation.
Additionally, there are arguments for and against semi-automatic vs revolvers. I personally have had less issues from revolvers, but there is merit to both sides of that argument. We explore the pros and cons for this in our article- Revolver or Semiautomatic for a Bug out Bag.
You may also be interested in looking at our recommendations for a bug out rifle. A handgun is nice to have in your bag in a bug out scenario, but I’d rather have both a pistol and a rifle. We also recommend having some non firearm weapons, both for stealth and versatility, and have our favorites available here.
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