Carry spare mags for CCW? If so, Full size or compact mags?

[Bubba613]

I have had no prior training but yesterday when I was practicing clearing jams with spent casings in the magazine, my XD jammed in a way that I had to rip the mag out and place it back in and I did it under 3 seconds.

In a 5 second gunfight that doesn't sound very impressive.

 

[BushyGuy]

i keep a dual mag pouch with 2-17 round mags for my SR9 in my truck console when i go somewhere.

17 rounds in my SR9 should be enough til i make it back to the truck and reload

 

[Warp]

In a 5 second gunfight that doesn't sound very impressive.

Most of us are not fortunate enough to know the precise circumstances under which a lethal self defense encounter will occur.

I applaud you for taking the extra step and ensuring that you know what your future holds.

Bravo, sir, Bravo

 

[Autolycus]

I always carry a spare full-size magazine when carrying my Glock 26. Usually two magazines.

 

[JPG19]

I always have a spare mag in my car and one in my backpack which goes with me just about everywhere. I do not, however, typically have one on my person. With 15+1 already locked and loaded, I feel I will be able to get the job. Threads like this one are why I enjoy THR so much. This one has made me rethink my current EDC setup and ridiculous assumption that 16 rounds will be enough.

 

[bigfatdave]

in my car and one in my backpack

that's transporting, not carrying

 

[blueridgerunner]

Nope, If I can't stop the threat with 9 rounds I'm in deep doo doo already. OTH when I was in law enforcement the job might require me to go after the threat thus the possible need for additional rounds. Of course, in a known threat situation there was the shotgun.

 

[Jeff F]

When I carry a wheel gun I rarely carry a reload and when I do its a speed strip or a few rounds dropped in a pocket. When I carry an autoloader I do carry an extra magazine. The majority of failures I have had with automatics have been mag related.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

In a 5 second gunfight that doesn't sound very impressive.

It's either that 3 seconds are spent clearing that jam then 5 seconds waiting to die.

 

[Jonah71]

I've quit carrying a spare mag. If I need it, I can drop my gun and have the bug out quicker than I can reload anyway.

 

[Bubba613]

It's either that 3 seconds are spent clearing that jam then 5 seconds waiting to die

Same result. So why bother with the extra mag?

 

[farson135]

Bubba- there is no single CHL scenario. Frankly it is rather improbable that the majority of the people on this forum will even be involved in a self defense scenario that includes a firearm yet we carry one anyway. In addition by practicing clearing drills you gain a greater understanding of your firearm and its functions. I fail to see how that is a bad thing.

Lastly, y'all seem to only be considering about firearm malfunctions. I carry a very good firearm and I do not expect it to malfunction (then again its a semi and springs do fail eventually). The same can be said of my ammunition. I carry Federal JHP and as far as I am concerned those are high quality bullets. However no manufacturing process is perfect and if one of those rounds is of poor quality Murphy's Law states that it will be the one in the chamber. So I suppose I should ask, Bubba how do I as the operator prevent that little incident from occurring? The answer is I can't.

OT- I usually carry an extra magazine if for no other reason than the BSA long ago instilled in me the idea to always Be Prepared. Which is why I also carry a cell phone, 2 knives, a multi-tool, and a first aid kit in my rucksack.

 

[Rail Driver]

I usually carry either an extra mag or an extra gun. Sometimes both.

 

[EdLaver]

I have always carried a spare, as the old saying goes...

"It's better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it."

 

[Bubba613]

The same can be said of my ammunition. I carry Federal JHP and as far as I am concerned those are high quality bullets. However no manufacturing process is perfect and if one of those rounds is of poor quality Murphy's Law states that it will be the one in the chamber. So I suppose I should ask, Bubba how do I as the operator prevent that little incident from occurring? The answer is I can't.

Clearing a bad round would take about 1-2 seconds. Practicing that is a pretty good idea because it does happen and you'd have to do it.
Diagnosing a mag failure, as opposed to a bad round or failure to eject etc, and clearing the gun, finding the new mag, inserting it and getting the gun back in action will take at least 8 seconds. And that's optimistic. Someone would go through the standard tap-rack first, probably several times, before deciding the problem was mag failure. People who tell me they can do it at the range in 3 seconds under calm ideal conditions, expecting to have to do it, are missing the point if not outright fibbing.
So yes, absolutely practice the common stoppage reductions. But anyone who carries an extra mag in case of mag failure is fooling himself.

 

[EddieNFL]

"BANG! Miss, malfunction, surrender."

I'll carry and extra mag and at least have the opportunity to try.

 

[EddieNFL]

Diagnosing a mag failure, as opposed to a bad round or failure to eject etc, and clearing the gun, finding the new mag, inserting it and getting the gun back in action will take at least 8 seconds.

Interesting. I know more than a few folks that will be surprised to learn they cannot do what they have done.

 

[Bubba613]

"BANG! Miss, malfunction, surrender."

I'll carry and extra mag and at least have the opportunity to try.

Hey, you can throw the gun at them and run away. Might work as well.

 

[bnkrtstk]

I keep a G22 mag in each vehicle. This way I am covered if I am carrying my 27,23, or 22.

 

[Warp]

Interesting. I know more than a few folks that will be surprised to learn they cannot do what they have done.

Add me to that list.

 

[Scipio Africanus]

I carry revolvers most often, and I always carry two extra moon clips or speedloaders depending on the gun.
I also occasionally carry a 1911 and at least one extra magazine.

 

[Bobson]

A spare or two offsets the weight of the gun on the opposite side.

I agree with this. If nothing else, I'd say carry another just for this reason. Then, worst case scenario, at least you have an alternate; plus the extra ammunition if it's necessary. It can't hurt to have it with you, and it's not much extra space. While it is more [arguably unnecessary] weight, for the reason Dr. Rob mentioned, it's a benefit, not a detriment.

 

[orionengnr]

Nope, If I can't stop the threat with 9 rounds I'm in deep doo doo already.

Perfect example of a failure to understand and accurately analyze the problem.

You do not, and will not necessarily get 9 rounds out of your first mag.
"Stuff" happens. If you have a spare mag, you have a contingency plan.
If you carry and train accordingly.

If not...

 

[AK Gun Man 88]

I carry a spare mag with my 1911. If I had more mags, I would leave those in the center console.

As far a slim magazine pouch (mentioned by a few) I found that the included knive pouch with my Benchmade Knive works great. It is slim and has a snap on it. Plus it looks like a knive pouch, not a mag holster.

 

[JohnBiltz]

I've never had a magazine fail or cause a malfunction with a Glock. I keep hearing people talking like magazines fail every other time you pull the trigger. If that is the case get rid of that gun and buy something reliable.