How many rounds minimum are borderline sufficient in your semi auto pistol?

[Warp]

You know by definition if you prepare for the average gunfight half of the time it won't be enough.

Pretty much.

Well, not technically. Distribution curve and outliers and what not could mean that being prepared for the average means you are prepared for 70%. Or 30%. More info would be needed.

 

[Old Guy]

The one thing that governs what you carry, for CCW, is the package, does it fit you, in your normal dress. In my case, a Gen4 Glock 19, with a G17 spare mag. Plus the not often talked about, my LED Surefire light.

The chance of needing more than 3 rounds, is about even with needing more than 3 rounds, hence, 16 is my choice.

 

[Mike1234567]

My answer of "more" was for home defense. For concealed carry (after I get my license) it'll be "at least 6" because, for concealment and comfort, I like very small/thin 9mm pistols like the Ruger LC9.

 

[benEzra]

Since most gunfights are at 3 ft or less, in 3 seconds or less and fire 3 shots or less, I will have to go with 6 + 1.

You don't need 15 round magazines if the first 2 shots do the job. Practice shot placement rather than depending on magazine capacity.

If you need more than 7 rounds, you have pissed off way too many people. Or you are some place that you should not be to begin with!

The NYPD SOP-9 data showed that at least one in ten gunfights required more than 7 rounds to stop the threat, and the average number of rounds fired per confrontation was 10.3.

And unless you habitually sleep fully dressed or wearing a mag carrier, firing 7 rounds out of a 7 shot pistol leaves you unarmed at a very, very bad time.

The point of a 17- or 20-round magazine isn't being able to shoot an assailant 17-20 times, or to shoot without aiming; the point is reserve capacity. To use a mundane analogy, if it takes me 7 gallons of gas to make a trip, I'm going to put more than 7 gallons in the car rather than try to figure it so the car runs out of gas in the driveway of my destination. Having 15 gallons in the tank doesn't mean I have to waste gas to burn all 15 gallons; it just means I'll probably arrive at the destination with 8 gallons unburned in the tank, and there's no real downside of that. It also means that unlikely contingencies such as bad weather, traffic, and detours don't leave me and my loved ones in a bad place.

 

[Mike1234567]

^^^ I like the travel/gasoline analogy. What about having six months supply of food to get you through a rough winter in those areas that are inaccessible for four winter months?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The point is well taken -- as Jeff Cooper said, "There is such thing as enough ammunition. There is such a thing as not enough ammunition. There is no such thing as too much ammunition."

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

The NYPD SOP-9 data showed that at least one in ten gunfights required more than 7 rounds to stop the threat, and the average number of rounds fired per confrontation was 10.3.

Fascinating...

So the NYPD SPO-9 data shows that at least 10% of gunfights required more than 7 rounds to stop the threat, with an average number being fired to be greater than 10...

Yet the NY law only allows private citizens to own 10 round magazines which may only legally be loaded to 7 rounds.

Things that make you say "Hmmmm..."

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The mayor and power structure of New York City does not give a big rat's bazoo about the average citizen. They are mere serfs to be taxed and regulated as the elite choose -- how dare they think they have any rights!

 

[Old Guy]

Hence they have a Police Squad each to look after them.

The Constitution of these United States, is made by the People, for the People. And for the last two years I have Been a Citizen, still armed before then, Green Card gave me that privilege, now as a Citizen, it is my Right!

Ever since I started teaching, in 1980, researching actual shootings, gun fights, murders, what ever, have been my interests, two of my Security Officers (in Canada) have shot people, doing just what I taught them to do.

No they did not go to Jail, one was charged, his attacker only had a broken Pint Beer Glass (Too bad) not convicted.

One thing I can not see any were, any time, is any kind of evidence that points to having less rounds is good!

Also no question of any pistol caliber being a magic formula! The ballisticians in S&W/Hornady, etc. have seen to that.

First, what you shoot/hit, is more important than what you shoot it with.

When you shoot an other human being, the only way to stop the activity that PSSSSS you off in the first place, destroy the Central nervous system, brain stem, top couple of inches of the spine.

Or a little longer way, bleed out. A shot that destroys the heart, can have 15 seconds or so, of total mobility, still enjoyed by the B.G.

Think like a Boxer, he does not punch once, then wait around to see how that went!

Same with shooting, keep shooting!

The nice Police Man is not your Priest, or your friend, do not say to much!

You hear all these recordings on the TV, 911 calls? I did this, I did that? NO!

One of, if not the most important phone calls of your life. Speak to an experienced Criminal Lawyer, at any experience you get. Read the books.

Soon be Christmas, what a lovely time.

Health and Happiness to all.

 

[Rexster]

Well, you forgot "7+1" as a poll choice.

I do not worry excessively about mag capacity. I do not feel less comfortable when out and about with a 1911 pistol, with its single-column magazines, than with a G17, with its large-capacity mag. In either case, I carry spare mags in quantity to fit the environment, and a second gun is normal, too.

At home, when I may not be dressed for a gun battle, I do appreciate the double-column mag in the G17. Again, it is not a particular number of rounds that I have in mind, as much as the ability to continue the fight for a longer period of time when I may not be wearing a carry rig. My original reason for acquiring the G17 was for "orthopedic" reasons, not magazine capacity. (My right wrist is not aging well; the Glock has light recoil, and is a better lefty gun for me.)

 

[Hokkmike]

I agree with decoy562.

 

[420Stainless]

Can't vote. Mine is 5 + 1.