Minimum Acceptable Capacity For CCW

[TAB]

I would be ok with just 2, out of a darrenger. I know a few that are fine with 2 22lr

 

[mavracer]

I live in a safe neiborhood,Don't do drugs,only sleep with my own wife.I carry because its just another tool.2 rounds is more than I've ever needed.

 

[Deacon Blues]

It looks like a lot of people agree with Jeff Cooper... if you can't solve the problem with six rounds (we've even got it down to five), you probably can't solve the problem. Now, don't get me wrong, I won't complain about having more; my usual CCW is 14+1. But if I lack the mindset and the training, all the ammo in the world won't help me. A capable shooter can get the job done with five rounds.

 

[bakert]

Are some of you people going to war???

 

[guntotinguy]

I gotta ask, why only 5 in a 13 round mag?? Weight??

Sometimes...easier to carry light in the expressed heat of Nevada.I used to carry 13,sometimes still do if driving,also a 2nd mag is always loaded with 13 but I (figured) 5 should be enough if a situation arose.

 

[MountainBear]

Six for Sure...

 

[3 gun]

I pick my carry for the day based on the day I face. Most days 5 works fine, some days 22 gets the call. I usually carry a reload. Some days I bring a friend!

 

[Leitmotif]

13, because that's what the gun carries and if I get into a situation I'm probably going to be outnumbered.

 

[Mp7]

Well..Given that most people who carry don't really have an actual need to carry, but do so on that one in a million chance...


..imho a derringer would be just fine for most people.
Just for a fallback option.
Stick it into someone´s face - push trigger.

These Gangland SHTF fantasies are mainly
good for posting in forums, or symptoms of
post-fallujah stress disorder.

 

[1911Tuner]

These Gangland SHTF fantasies are mainly
good for posting in forums

Exactly.

My go-to carry piece is a 1911A1...most often a Colt, but sometimes an older Springfield...or a Colt Commander or Combat Commander...with a 7-round magazine that isn't topped off after chambering the first round.

Depending on the area that I plan to go into, I'll carry a spare magazine...or not...not because I think I'll actually have need of a spare, but because it's comforting. Should I ever...God forbid...have to shoot, I like to have the ability to top the pistol off while I wait for the police to come sort it out.

Sometimes the spare is on my belt. Sometimes it stays in the car...again, depending on the area, and how far I plan to stray from the car while conducting my business.

I don't like to go into areas that place me at an elevated level of risk...but sometimes it's necessary. I don't linger any longer than I have to. Avoidance is best...always.

The notion that you're going to be involved in a running gun fight is probably a scenario that won't occur...and it shouldn't...not if you want to get home alive and remain free after it's over. The faster you extract yourself, the less shot you get. Remember...YOU have to be lucky every time HE pulls the trigger. He only has to get lucky once...

Gunfights have an irritating way of going wrong. Ending it quickly by either decking your attacker or making him duck and run while you do the same is the way to go home for dinner with the family instead of going to the morgue for a tag on your toe.

 

[71Commander]

Hard to answer. I sometimes carry a 5 shot J frame, but I always have at least two speed strips in my pocket.

 

[redneckrepairs]

I used to carry a j frame and felt fine with that . Nowadays its a kahr single stack for me . I do carry a spare mag but more for the event of a stoppage than the thought of having more ammo than either of the kahrs i own hold .

 

[freakshow10mm]

I'm comfortable with a 5 or 6 shot .32 Mag or .357 Mag revolver if need be. I prefer a 10+ shot auto pistol in 10mm or 45. Right now I carry an auto pistol and keep a revolver in the truck.

A .45 caliber 1911 is an exception, but I carry 8+1 if I carry a .45 1911, of which I have none right now (just 10mm).

 

[MCgunner]

Some folks are happy with a two shot derringer.

 

[rantingredneck]

In re-reading my answer from last night I realized some may get the impression I carry all 3 guns at once.

No I don't.

I typically carry one weapon and a reload for that weapon. That reload may be in my laptop case, in my truck or in my pocket or on belt, depending on how I'm dressed and what the weapon is.

On rare occasions I'll forego the reload and drop the .380 in the weakside pocket instead.

 

[DMK]

I carry a 5 shot j-frame very often, so I guess 5 is fine with me.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

I figured that since most defensive shootings supposedly involve less than three fired shots 5 would be plenty.

5 is plenty only if you need 5 or less shots. Just because it is common for SD shootings to involve three rounds doesn't mean YOUR SD shooting will involve that few.

5 is plenty unless it isn't, and then you are screwed.

 

[Claude Clay]

min changes
walk the dog--8 in a p3at (nice weather)or 5 in a 642(coat weather)
run errands-- 11 in a p11 or a 642
into town--8 in a p239 & BUG (usually 642 weakside vest or coat pocket)

 

[conw]

Since this was in the Autoloader forum I chose 7. 5 or 6 is fine with a revolver, but for a semiauto it seems pointless unless you get more ammo than a revolver, so I chose 7 for a semiauto...

 

[Johnny Guest]

"Ah'm a peaceable man . . . "

It's interesting that most of the 43 replies are from those who state they carry a large handgun with a LOT of ammo in it. Up to now, though, the results indicate that near 6 out of ten say they only feel the need for five rounds. Could it be that the majority of those who always carry really aren't looking for trouble, and are content with only enough "firepower" to disengage frrom a dispute started by someone else?

Since I retired, I'm seldom obliged to go into dark places amongst unpleasant individuals. During cool weather, I usually carry a .45, or maybe a good-sized revolver. With warmer weather, I'm back to an alloy .38 snub, usually a five-shot S&W. And yes, I carry at least one reload, more for regrouping than for a lengthy firefight.

Best,
Johnny

 

[Trisha]

S&W 649-3 always goes everywhere, regardless, so 5's enough of an absolute guarantee for me.

The bad days are a long time ago, but it doesn't mean I've gotten lazy and sloppy. . .

The kukri has finally reached a near-shaving edge today! A lovely hiking knife.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I carry a 5 round J frame all the time. I always have a Speed Strip in my pocket and I add a Speedloader in the winter when I can carry one in a cost pocket. I don't feel I need 2 reloads, I just feel if I ever did need to reload the Speedloader would be faster than the Speed Strip. I could eliminate the Speed Strip but it's always in my pocket so that's where it stays, even when I add the Speedloader.

 

[1911Tuner]

Could it be that the majority of those who always carry really aren't looking for trouble, and are content with only enough "firepower" to disengage frrom a dispute started by someone else?

I'd say that's a pretty good assumption. That's my way of thinkin' anyway.

My goal is to defend and get home alive...period. If I have to shoot, and deck the guy tryin' to off me...I'm successful. If I miss and cause him to run for cover, and it gives me time to break off safely...that's also a win. The gun has served its purpose.

Lest anyone believe that by continuing to engage a group of bad guys, and killing all of them...even if they really need killin'...that somehow they'll come out the hero and receive a commendation from the mayor and the chief of police for bravery or going above and beyond...Do not kid yourself. Your reason for carrying is to fight your way OUT...not in.

And...Should you ever find yourself in such a situation, I can about guarantee that pressing on and continuing the fight will not be the foremost thought in your mind. You'll be wishin' that you were almost anywhere else than where you are at the moment.

 

[bikerdoc]

I used to to think 15 was enough for any situation, then a couple of things changed my mind- columbine- mall shootings etc. I feel comfortable with 30. most of the time I am out in public it is with my grandkids, all under 5, we are all going home that day. the wife and I have talked about this and there will be no foolish actions just good defensive tactics. In the words of an old gunny, " return fire, supress fire, gain fire superiority, using fire and maneuver, cover and concealment to close with the enemy and kill his butt dead"

 

[1911Tuner]

In the words of an old gunny, " return fire, supress fire, gain fire superiority, using fire and maneuver, cover and concealment to close with the enemy and kill his butt dead"

A noble idea, and one that has merit under very narrow circumstances. The tragedies at Columbine and VA Tech are two examples...but even then, it could go badly for the aggressive defender...even if the threat is engaged and neutralized.

When you grab your pistol and run toward the trouble...you could be viewed as an aggressor, or at least part of the problem...depending on how it all looks after the smoke clears and the body count is in.

If the massacre is in progress within your immediate proximity...sure. If you have to search for it...be aware that you can wind up in deep trouble for your efforts...even if you save lives.

In the examples given above, you may not be billed by the grand jury in most jurisdictions, but if you happen to be facing an agressively anti-gun prosecutor who has an agenda and wants to make an example of you...he or she can ruin your life, even if you're not convicted. A look at the Duke La Crosse team debacle is an example of such things.

So...Choose wisely.