I’m fairly new to the concealed carry world and have recently settled on a Glock 26 (standard 10 round mag) as my carry weapon. Very comfortable, easy to conceal, and easy to shoot. Anyway, I felt pretty well armed and protected with this until I started reading a lot of posts online regarding concealed carry. I constantly read about back up guns (BUGs I guess they’re called), guys carrying two, three, or even four hi cap spare magazines, etc and I can’t help but wonder, where these guys are going that they’re going to need that much firepower? Am I just naïve feeling safe with my "baby Glock" or should I start arming up?
Concealed Carry Overkill?
- Thread starter marb4
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Droid noob
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It's highly subjective. I have to say, I carry one spare mag though.
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TrueTexan
Member
There are always those that go to the extreme. Carry what you are comfortable with, I don't mean phyiscally but mentally.
daehawc
Member
I carry backup mags not necessarily for firepower but since most malfunctions are magazine related.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Indeed. Your gun is a fine choice -- as long as you will practice with it religiously and in "practical" settings -- and one spare mag is certainly plenty. As daehawc says the primary reason for a second mag is to get the gun back in the game if the other malfunctions.
'Course no one ever died because they had a little too much ammo on hand...
kyletx1911
Member
this i carry a 1911 and 2 spares in case mag related malf
Lawdawg45
Member
Welcome marb4. Please remember that this is a national forum and you have everything from cowpokes in Montana to people living in East L.A., all with different threat scenarios. Many on here carry a 5 shot .38 with a reload and some of us radical old far** even carry a single action every now and again, but most carry what they feel is their best weapon for their particular situation. Your baby Glock with a spare mag is sufficient for most situations, but remember the most important thing is shot placement.
LD
Double_J
Member
(sarcasm on) You should have at least three spare reloads for your primary, two reloads for your backup, one reload for the secondary backup, a pair of knives, a kubotan, a colapsable baton if legal, pepper spray, and a ccw badge to even step out of the door. (sarcasm off)
I think you are fine with that setup, if you want get a second magazine to carry if you feel the need. I may or may not carry a reload when I go out, depends on what I am wearing and where I am going.
I think you are fine with that setup, if you want get a second magazine to carry if you feel the need. I may or may not carry a reload when I go out, depends on what I am wearing and where I am going.
threefortyduster
Member
I've never carried a second magazine, and now a days, my carry gun is mostly my Taurus 605 snubnose. 5 rounds of .357. I tend to not put myself in situations that are likely to require more than 5 rounds.
Of course, being in my mid-20s, whenever I talk to gun show vendors around my age, they like to talk about how many spare magazines they carry all the time and get all surprised when I tell them I'd rather have 5 shots and hit something than 51 rounds and can't hit a damn thing. They also get surprised when I tell them I couldn't care less about their sweet ARs.
Of course, being in my mid-20s, whenever I talk to gun show vendors around my age, they like to talk about how many spare magazines they carry all the time and get all surprised when I tell them I'd rather have 5 shots and hit something than 51 rounds and can't hit a damn thing. They also get surprised when I tell them I couldn't care less about their sweet ARs.
I started out years ago carrying a 3" Model 65 S&W .357. Danged fine gun!
Later, after reading more gun magazines and stuff, I started carrying a custom Colt "Combat Elite" 1911 in .45ACP.
Getting tired of lugging the weight, and realizing that this set up couldn't always be concealed, I stepped down to a 9mm.
Realizing finally that size WAS important, I stepped back up to a .45ACP auto, but an Officer's-sized 1st generation Kimber Ultra CDP around 2000.
Shooting years of matches, and discovering how uncannily fast and accurate I was with my S&W revolvers, I finally thought I'd try NOT carrying an automatic for one week around 2004. I went back to the M65.
FINALLY, realizing that both size AND shape truly can allow one to carry concealed most ANYTIME with the right gun, I went with a new (to me) 1964-era S&W Model 36 .38 Spl., 5-shot snubbie and the Kimber went back in the safe.
ULTIMATELY, realizing the size, shape AND weight can allow one to carry concealed most ANYTIME with the RIGHT gun, I put the M36 in the safe to keep the Kimber company a few years ago . . .
MY ULTIMATE CCW HANDGUN? My Model 37 S&W Airweight.
Guys, if trouble comes to you I'll bet you won't see it coming . . . but the bad guy will have already sized you up!!! Thus, your 33-rnd Master Blaster 2020 bottom feeder (backed up with ten magazines on a sagging belt) won't be on you . . . instead, you'll probably be defenseless.
NOT ME! I'll ALWAYS have my Model 37 Airweight on me. I might have something else on me too . . . but I'll always have the .38 snubbie!
BOTTOM LINE . . . My experiment years ago to "downsize" and leave the autos in the safe changed forever what I tote around. I'll take my 5-shot "always" .38 any day over being limited to a gun that can't be used all the time.
Later, after reading more gun magazines and stuff, I started carrying a custom Colt "Combat Elite" 1911 in .45ACP.
Getting tired of lugging the weight, and realizing that this set up couldn't always be concealed, I stepped down to a 9mm.
Realizing finally that size WAS important, I stepped back up to a .45ACP auto, but an Officer's-sized 1st generation Kimber Ultra CDP around 2000.
Shooting years of matches, and discovering how uncannily fast and accurate I was with my S&W revolvers, I finally thought I'd try NOT carrying an automatic for one week around 2004. I went back to the M65.
FINALLY, realizing that both size AND shape truly can allow one to carry concealed most ANYTIME with the right gun, I went with a new (to me) 1964-era S&W Model 36 .38 Spl., 5-shot snubbie and the Kimber went back in the safe.
ULTIMATELY, realizing the size, shape AND weight can allow one to carry concealed most ANYTIME with the RIGHT gun, I put the M36 in the safe to keep the Kimber company a few years ago . . .
MY ULTIMATE CCW HANDGUN? My Model 37 S&W Airweight.
Guys, if trouble comes to you I'll bet you won't see it coming . . . but the bad guy will have already sized you up!!! Thus, your 33-rnd Master Blaster 2020 bottom feeder (backed up with ten magazines on a sagging belt) won't be on you . . . instead, you'll probably be defenseless.
NOT ME! I'll ALWAYS have my Model 37 Airweight on me. I might have something else on me too . . . but I'll always have the .38 snubbie!
BOTTOM LINE . . . My experiment years ago to "downsize" and leave the autos in the safe changed forever what I tote around. I'll take my 5-shot "always" .38 any day over being limited to a gun that can't be used all the time.
threefortyduster, I LIKE your comments!!!
The sales <deleted> usually get discounts on gear, and they have this mall ninja mentality sometimes. The truth of the matter is that if trouble every comes, it almost always will be over, one way or the other, in about three seconds.
Carry what you shoot best! I've won over 100 matches, and am former military. I discovered that I shoot my best at MATCHES (shooting at speed with accuracy) with my S&W revolvers. So . . . that's what I carry these days. I shoot 'em virtually as if they were an extension of my body, and I feel quite well armed against anyone coming against me with their jam-o-matic.
I think you've made an excellent choice! As the old quote says . . .
"Beware of the man with a revolver; he probably knows how to use it!'
The sales <deleted> usually get discounts on gear, and they have this mall ninja mentality sometimes. The truth of the matter is that if trouble every comes, it almost always will be over, one way or the other, in about three seconds.
Carry what you shoot best! I've won over 100 matches, and am former military. I discovered that I shoot my best at MATCHES (shooting at speed with accuracy) with my S&W revolvers. So . . . that's what I carry these days. I shoot 'em virtually as if they were an extension of my body, and I feel quite well armed against anyone coming against me with their jam-o-matic.
I think you've made an excellent choice! As the old quote says . . .
"Beware of the man with a revolver; he probably knows how to use it!'
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Hit_Factor
Member
In my experience most malfunctions are ammo related for Glocks, probably because I load my own. That said, I don't carry reloads.
If for some reason I feel the need for more ammo, I carry a gun with higher capacity, but not another magazine. My j-frame .357 is a common companion and I seldom feel under gunned.
Very few of the people I know who carry, have extra ammo on their person.
If for some reason I feel the need for more ammo, I carry a gun with higher capacity, but not another magazine. My j-frame .357 is a common companion and I seldom feel under gunned.
Very few of the people I know who carry, have extra ammo on their person.
The_Armed_Therapist
Member
I carry two with one back-up mag for each. The first is either a Glock G22 or a Kahr CW40. The second is always a Kel-Tec P32.
The Kel-Tec is so small that it just sits in the pocket, and it creates no problem whatsoever, under any circumstance. The Kahr is IWB and conceals 99.99% on me. The Glock is carried OWB in a Tagua holster for when absolute concealment isn't necessary.
Why 2? Well, I'm not worried at all about the Glock malfunctioning. I haven't had a single problem with it, any of the mags, and with any kind of ammo. But, just in case, there's my back-up. The Kahr is more likely to have some kind of malfunction. I rarely have anything anymore, but in the beginning, malfunctions were relatively common. Again, that's why I have the back-up.
But there's another reason. In an Aurora, CO or Gaby Giffords kind of situation--or even on a lesser scale like hearing shots at work--I have one to give to someone. Either I can give it to the people I'm with and tell them to barricade themselves, or I can give it to someone to provide cover fire in a really sticky situation.
The extra mags are also for extra sticky situations, such as a mass shooting. Shots might need to be taken from much further away. I may not be too confident about hitting a BG at 100 feet with one shot, but I'd sure be confident about it with 13, 14, or 30 shots.
The Kel-Tec is so small that it just sits in the pocket, and it creates no problem whatsoever, under any circumstance. The Kahr is IWB and conceals 99.99% on me. The Glock is carried OWB in a Tagua holster for when absolute concealment isn't necessary.
Why 2? Well, I'm not worried at all about the Glock malfunctioning. I haven't had a single problem with it, any of the mags, and with any kind of ammo. But, just in case, there's my back-up. The Kahr is more likely to have some kind of malfunction. I rarely have anything anymore, but in the beginning, malfunctions were relatively common. Again, that's why I have the back-up.
But there's another reason. In an Aurora, CO or Gaby Giffords kind of situation--or even on a lesser scale like hearing shots at work--I have one to give to someone. Either I can give it to the people I'm with and tell them to barricade themselves, or I can give it to someone to provide cover fire in a really sticky situation.
The extra mags are also for extra sticky situations, such as a mass shooting. Shots might need to be taken from much further away. I may not be too confident about hitting a BG at 100 feet with one shot, but I'd sure be confident about it with 13, 14, or 30 shots.
Gee, consider the poor Old Fuff who lives a short distance from the Mexican border in Arizona. Of course I consider it prudent always be armed to the teeth. 
So there I am, usually with either a little 5-shot .38 Special in the pocket, or maybe a 1950's era Colt Detective Special in my waistband (but not both at the same time).
So far I've stayed out of trouble by making a point to be where the trouble isn't. Seems to have worked because I've never had to shoot anyone, and have only drawn twice. Once with an ultra-powerful .32 Colt Pocket Model pistol loaded with it's one magazine, and a second time with the fore-mentioned Colt Detective Special.
I am not a law enforcement officer, and my CCW does not empower me to act like one. I am under no special obligation to protect anyone else on the planet. I do not own any pistols that have over a 7+1 capacity, and I seldom go to the trouble of packing one anymore. Oh, and I pride myself on usually being a good enough shot so that I don't have to spray & pray, double-tap, triple-tap and all that.
I expect to die in bed from old age, not in a Hollywood style shoot-out.
If others want to do otherwise feel free to do so, but really...
So there I am, usually with either a little 5-shot .38 Special in the pocket, or maybe a 1950's era Colt Detective Special in my waistband (but not both at the same time).So far I've stayed out of trouble by making a point to be where the trouble isn't. Seems to have worked because I've never had to shoot anyone, and have only drawn twice. Once with an ultra-powerful .32 Colt Pocket Model pistol loaded with it's one magazine, and a second time with the fore-mentioned Colt Detective Special.
I am not a law enforcement officer, and my CCW does not empower me to act like one. I am under no special obligation to protect anyone else on the planet. I do not own any pistols that have over a 7+1 capacity, and I seldom go to the trouble of packing one anymore. Oh, and I pride myself on usually being a good enough shot so that I don't have to spray & pray, double-tap, triple-tap and all that.
I expect to die in bed from old age, not in a Hollywood style shoot-out.
If others want to do otherwise feel free to do so, but really...
Dlowe167
Member
Get a high noon shoulder rig. Your gun,2 backup mags. Practice,practice,practice. Some ppl get flustered under pressure. And practice makes perfect! I do carry a backup,cause u never know. Could be a situation where they find your primary carry gun. A backup could come in handy. And trainning wouldnt hurt. Look up tueller drill,u'll get what im saying.
I carry a little Kahr PM40 every day. I also carry two spare 5 round magazines in a nylon velcro knife pouch in the back pocket. The mags are so small and unobtrusive that it really makes no sense not to carry them.
I only concern myself with what works for me and that's what I carry and train with. I don't get all bent out of shape about what someone else carries, whether it's a two shot derringer with no reloads or two Glock 18s with ten 33 round magazines.
As long as they're knowlegeable, responsible and safe with their gun handling I could care less.
I only concern myself with what works for me and that's what I carry and train with. I don't get all bent out of shape about what someone else carries, whether it's a two shot derringer with no reloads or two Glock 18s with ten 33 round magazines.
As long as they're knowlegeable, responsible and safe with their gun handling I could care less.
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Baby Glocks are incredible carry guns. They shoot like full size pistols, they have that nice short grip that you almost can't hold improperly and isn't as likely to show through your clothing, and they aren't finicky at all.
A spare magazine is a good idea any time you can reasonably carry one.
I don't like magazine extensions, but the Concealable Control/GAP baseplates with the little spur on the front are a great, cheap addition that don't affect functionality at all.
I had a FIST #1AK utra-thin Kydex holster, it was excellent. Thin, good retention for an open-topped holster, light, good belt clip on it. You want a thin holster with a gun like the mini Glocks, they aren't really large or heavy enough to justify something as thick as an MTAC or Supertuck, and if you put them in a good trim holster they really are simple to carry without a fuss.
A spare magazine is a good idea any time you can reasonably carry one.
I don't like magazine extensions, but the Concealable Control/GAP baseplates with the little spur on the front are a great, cheap addition that don't affect functionality at all.
I had a FIST #1AK utra-thin Kydex holster, it was excellent. Thin, good retention for an open-topped holster, light, good belt clip on it. You want a thin holster with a gun like the mini Glocks, they aren't really large or heavy enough to justify something as thick as an MTAC or Supertuck, and if you put them in a good trim holster they really are simple to carry without a fuss.
colorado_handgunner
Member
For me it used to depend on what part of Denver I was in, sometimes carrying an extra mag. What I came to realize was if I can't deal with a threat in a few shots, I am probably hosed anyway. Also, now that I am back in small town South Carolina, I don't really feel the need to.
I also will only carry a gun I know gives me zero issues, hence either my Glock, Springfield, or Kahr. But simply put, and analyze your needs and comfort level, and carry accordingly.
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I also will only carry a gun I know gives me zero issues, hence either my Glock, Springfield, or Kahr. But simply put, and analyze your needs and comfort level, and carry accordingly.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
fatcat4620
Member
You forgot to mention the guys who have a pelican case with a AR and 12 loaded mags in their trunk.
oneounceload
member
The reason you see such discrepancies about how many guns to carry/ammo/etc., is that some folks have more experience with video games than others.....
RickMD
Member
I couldn't have said it better.
Lawdawg45
Member
The reason you see such discrepancies about how many guns to carry/ammo/etc., is that some folks have more experience with video games than others.....
Very well said! I believe Sheriff Jim Wilson has created the label "Tactard" for those folks.
LD
Texan Scott
Member
I have been known to read most of a small-town newspaper in the bathroom... I might take a backup magazine if I were expecting trouble, but as they say, if you're expecting trouble, don't go!
As for my gun, six shots has (thankfully, so far) always been six more than I've needed.
As for my gun, six shots has (thankfully, so far) always been six more than I've needed.
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