How much total ammo do you daily carry?

[Skribs]

I'm just curious to see what the "average" gun owner carries on a daily basis. Or what the options are. Do you carry extra magazines on days you carry guns with less capacity? Does power factor into the equation (i.e. you're fine with ten rounds of 9mm or six of .357)? Or does it scale up as you can carry more, i.e. a revolver by itself, a compact with 1 mag, or a full-size handgun with two magazines?

Personally, I haven't carried in quite some time (for a few specific reasons). When I did, my philosophy changed over time. At first, it was that I wanted to carry as much quantity as I could. Then, it was to carry one spare reload for whatever I had. Finally, I wanted to have at least 12 rounds, which meant I carried a spare for my LCP or two speed strips for my LCR, but most other handguns I was fine with what was on them.

Now, I would probably just carry the gun, whatever gun that was. Maybe a spare magazine or a single reload. I figure there's a low chance I get to reload in a dangerous situation.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I can't think of a reason NOT to carry a reload. My typical loadout is an M1911 with an 8-round magazine, plus one up the spout. I also carry two 10-round extended magazines.

 

[bearcreek]

I'm just curious to see what the "average" gun owner carries on a daily basis.

You'll get plenty of opinions on the subject, ranging from the " civilian on civilian shootings are resolved with fewer than 5 shots" to "you need at least 2 extra full size magazines for your pistol, plus an AR w/4 mags in the trunk in case of rioters". Keep in mind as you read through those opinions that the "average" gun owner isn't on forums discussing the quantity of ammo they carry.

 

[Skribs]

I can't think of a reason NOT to carry a reload. My typical loadout is an M1911 with an 8-round magazine, plus one up the spout. I also carry two 10-round extended magazines.

Same reason I carry an LCP instead of a 1911.

 

[JTQ]

Now, I would probably just carry the gun, whatever gun that was. Maybe a spare magazine or a single reload. I figure there's a low chance I get to reload in a dangerous situation.

I would carry an extra mag not for the possibility that I'd need to reload, but rather if my mag got accidentally dumped somehow (seatbelt pushed the mag release for example) or if the mag failed for some reason.

 

[Atavar]

8+1 in my EDC and two extra 8 round mags. Mainly because that’s what my shoulder rig holds.
If I need more than that I’m screaming like a little girl and running away.

 

[JoeHenry]

Main carry, on the pavement, is my Sig P365. The original version (no safety) with ten round mag. No reload is carried. When on my mower, I have 3 acres, I usually carry a J frame. I live out in the county and will more than likely run into a four legged animal in stead of a two legged critter.

 

[Charlie98]

I normally carry what is in the pistol... that is, 7+1. I have a spare mag in each truck, and other places, too. If I'm going out in the evening, I'll drop another 7rd mag in my pocket.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Typically, what is in the gun and one reload, regardless of platform. My standard carry guns range from 5 to 9 rounds in capacity.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

Depending on the gun:

7+1, one spare 7 rounder, one loose round in the watch pocket

6, one safariland speedloader with another 6, one loose round in the watch pocket

5, one slightly damaged speed strip with 5 more. Nothing in the watch pocket, because I’m wearing shorts or sweatpants.

17+1, one spare 17 rounder, one loose round in the watch pocket (I haven’t done this in a while. I let my parents hold on to my Steyr. My dad never in his life saw the need to get a gun, and since I have enough to go around so to speak he still doesn’t see a need to buy one.)

This isn’t to say those who carry multiple spare magazines are doing anything wrong. I keep a spare 10 round 1911 mag in the work backpack. It never hurts to carry more than you need, unless you’re drowning or engulfed in flames as the saying goes.

 

[WrongHanded]

The one constant for me is that I carry either a spare magazine, and/or a second gun. And the least I typically carry is 20 rounds. Those are my minimums.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

15 between the gun and spare mag.

 

[Obturation]

9+1 in the gun.
2x 13 rd mags handy .
45 acp.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Usually 37. 18+1 and a backup 18.

Sometimes it's 17. 8+1 and a backup 8.

Rarely (mounted) it's 17 and a couple of snake shot.

 

[AUhiker]

I would carry an extra mag not for the possibility that I'd need to reload, but rather if my mag got accidentally dumped somehow (seatbelt pushed the mag release for example) or if the mag failed for some reason.

Exactly why I carry a spare mag with me at all times. I would also add Incase if you get in a hand to hand struggle with an attacker. Say someone grabs your gun and the mag release gets pressed. Now your carrying a single shot or yet worse a no shot if your gun has a magazine disconnect. You see criminals grab for cops guns all the time. Unless you have a revolver that is

 

[TarDevil]

11 in the pistol, spare 13 round mag.

Before back issues: both compact and micro pistols and 48 rounds.

 

[LAH]

Always carry a spare magazine. So in my case that is 12 rounds total.

 

[.38 Special]

I've never actually come across an instance of a CCW man reloading during a gunfight. It probably has happened, but it must be somewhere on the scale of being eaten by a snake, or struck by a falling satellite.

I sometimes carry 31 rounds. Mostly I carry 12 - a revolver plus six utterly useless spares on a belt slide - and more and more often find myself with five rounds in a gun, and a fighting knife with which I am becoming fairly competent.

 

[Blue Jays]

Do you all think carrying a 5-shot lightweight revolver like a 340PD is sufficient?

 

[.38 Special]

Do you all think carrying a 5-shot lightweight revolver like a 340PD is sufficient?

But what about bears?

 

[Lo-Profile]

43 .... 12+1 and 15x2

 

[JB111]

I carry a revolver a lot of times so I will have the 5 (or 6 depending on model) that is in the gun plus enough loose rounds for a reload. When I am a semi I usually just have the mag in the gun and a spare.

 

[Bazoo]

I carry the gun and a reload. Currently its a single action revolver. When it was a 1911, I carried 1 spare mag. I have carried 2 spare mags but I felt 1 was enough. When I carried a glock, I didn't carry a reload, partly because I didn't have a mag pouch for that gun, and partly because I had enough rounds in the gun to make me feel comfortable.

I do however always keep at least 1 reload in the car. I also carry a bag with me sometimes, and I keep a reload in the bag most of the time too.

 

[Skribs]

Typically, what is in the gun and one reload, regardless of platform. My standard carry guns range from 5 to 9 rounds in capacity.

Out of curiosity, what holds 9?

But what about bears?

Same thing my Mom said to my Dad, after she said she would only shoot .38s, and my Dad asked, "What about bears?"

"I just need to slow you down."

 

[Skribs]

I've never actually come across an instance of a CCW man reloading during a gunfight. It probably has happened, but it must be somewhere on the scale of being eaten by a snake, or struck by a falling satellite.

This would be an interesting topic, maybe even for its own thread.

Related: if you draw and your magazine fails, would you have the time to reload?