It's always a compromise isn't it? For a guy who wears regular street clothes and doesn't carry Batman's utility belt, there are limits to what is practical to strap on. As it stands now, I've recently opted not to carry a backup magazine. Given a cost/benefit analysis of carrying that versus carrying the other things I need to carry with limited space, the backup magazine doesn't make the cut. I realize most people (including me) carry a backup mag in order to deal with equipment failure more than the need for 20+ rounds of ammunition. But after a lot of back-and-forth, I've arrived at this selection for my every day carry. The chances of needing any defensive equipment are small. But the chances of having to shoot at someone are teeny tiny. I'm much more likely to need to use the spray to get away from a vicious dog. If I were to use the handgun on the dog, the consequences would be dire. Not so with the pepper spray or the kubotan.
Quality handgun with a good minimalist IWB holster. First of all, for my job, I do therapy with delinquent teens and their (delinquent) families all of whom use drugs. My employer probably would not really approve of my carrying a handgun to defend my life, but I do so anyway. I carry any of a number of handguns, usually in Fist ultrathin kydex. Pictured here is my CZ P-01. If you're carrying no backup magazine, you'd better carry a handgun that is known for reliability.
I've decided the two things I am most likely to need (and that are most practical for me to carry) to escape someone trying to do me harm are pepper spray and a kubotan-type device. They are the first line of defense and the handgun had better be the last line.
Spitfire pepper spray. Most reasonable people (read jury) recognize pepper spray as a defensive device so I wouldn't be seen as some sort of warmonger for carrying it. Moreover, the spitfire doesn't look like pepper spray - this lessens the appearance of defensiveness with my clients. The spitfire could pass for some sort of key-fob or medical device as far as most people are concerned. Just yesterday an intern at my office asked me about it. She had no idea what it was. I have taken a permanent black marker and darkened in all the insignia on the spitfire, so the unit is all black now. I drape the nylon strip inside my belt and leave the breakaway spitfire dangling from my waist. As short as it is, it is always within easy reach with my left hand.
Next, I carry a Smith and Wesson tactical pen. This, too, I blackened in so it does not read Smith and Wesson on the side. While this works as a normal pen, it also functions as an effective kubotan. Yet I can successfully argue that it is nothing more than a really heavy pen. Even if it is noted to be marketed by S&W, that does not make it a weapon because Smith and Wesson lends their name to lots of novelties found at many stores. It is not unusual that I would have a Smith and Wesson pen because I am, after all, a licensed gun collector. I also am taking kubotan training in conjunction with Krav Maga training so I actually know how to use the kubotan.
For a flashlight, I just use the little one on my keychain. Granted, it's puny. But I don't need to clear a room and I don't need to go traipsing around dark places. Finally, I also carry my Benchmade folding knife and this old Treo.
With my regular attire of jeans and some sort of untucked shirt to cover my handgun, I believe the backup magazine is a lower priority than the other stuff. Any thoughts are welcome.
Quality handgun with a good minimalist IWB holster. First of all, for my job, I do therapy with delinquent teens and their (delinquent) families all of whom use drugs. My employer probably would not really approve of my carrying a handgun to defend my life, but I do so anyway. I carry any of a number of handguns, usually in Fist ultrathin kydex. Pictured here is my CZ P-01. If you're carrying no backup magazine, you'd better carry a handgun that is known for reliability.
I've decided the two things I am most likely to need (and that are most practical for me to carry) to escape someone trying to do me harm are pepper spray and a kubotan-type device. They are the first line of defense and the handgun had better be the last line.
Spitfire pepper spray. Most reasonable people (read jury) recognize pepper spray as a defensive device so I wouldn't be seen as some sort of warmonger for carrying it. Moreover, the spitfire doesn't look like pepper spray - this lessens the appearance of defensiveness with my clients. The spitfire could pass for some sort of key-fob or medical device as far as most people are concerned. Just yesterday an intern at my office asked me about it. She had no idea what it was. I have taken a permanent black marker and darkened in all the insignia on the spitfire, so the unit is all black now. I drape the nylon strip inside my belt and leave the breakaway spitfire dangling from my waist. As short as it is, it is always within easy reach with my left hand.
Next, I carry a Smith and Wesson tactical pen. This, too, I blackened in so it does not read Smith and Wesson on the side. While this works as a normal pen, it also functions as an effective kubotan. Yet I can successfully argue that it is nothing more than a really heavy pen. Even if it is noted to be marketed by S&W, that does not make it a weapon because Smith and Wesson lends their name to lots of novelties found at many stores. It is not unusual that I would have a Smith and Wesson pen because I am, after all, a licensed gun collector. I also am taking kubotan training in conjunction with Krav Maga training so I actually know how to use the kubotan.
For a flashlight, I just use the little one on my keychain. Granted, it's puny. But I don't need to clear a room and I don't need to go traipsing around dark places. Finally, I also carry my Benchmade folding knife and this old Treo.
With my regular attire of jeans and some sort of untucked shirt to cover my handgun, I believe the backup magazine is a lower priority than the other stuff. Any thoughts are welcome.
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I can't remember where it was I read this, but first time civilians in self defense shootins tend to shoot themselves dry. Wish I could remember the source to that. You could get a pocket single mag carrier, or a single mag pouch that lays along your belt. 
