Why I don't carry a backup magazine with my EDC
- Thread starter Dr_2_B
- Start date
- Status
Big Bill, good points. My fear about carrying the small thing is that the short barreled guns (the subcompacts) face those detractors I'm sure you're familiar with. But your comment raises a good thought-question: is it better to load one magazine holding 15 rounds or load one 7+1 and carry a backup mag for functionality reasons?
g.brew, I actually don't work in that bad a place, but remember everyone I deal with has been locked up in one way or another. That doesn't mean they're all violent, but they certainly are a little more questionable than a cross-section of the general population.
Evil one, Geez... a 44 in your pocket. I'm all-kinda impressed. "Is that a .44 in your pocket or are you just..."
jakk, that's a good question. I actually go to their homes. That's a new approach to psychotherapy... it has its upsides and downsides. And I typically have carried an ak47 in my back seat in a tennis racket case. I do like to carry backup pistol mags in the car though.
g.brew, I actually don't work in that bad a place, but remember everyone I deal with has been locked up in one way or another. That doesn't mean they're all violent, but they certainly are a little more questionable than a cross-section of the general population.
Evil one, Geez... a 44 in your pocket. I'm all-kinda impressed. "Is that a .44 in your pocket or are you just..."
jakk, that's a good question. I actually go to their homes. That's a new approach to psychotherapy... it has its upsides and downsides. And I typically have carried an ak47 in my back seat in a tennis racket case. I do like to carry backup pistol mags in the car though.
android
Member
At the last defensive training class I took, the instructor of course said we should carry an extra magazine. Then he showed a bunch of FBI data justifying close range training. The average gun fight occurs at about 10ft and the defender uses an average of 5 rounds.
So, now my inner mathematician kicks in. For it to even be a gun fight, you gotta shoot 1 round. To get to an average of 5, you got 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, and 5+5. I'm thinking a lot of people are just firing 2s and 3s since that seems to be what you most commonly read about in the paper.
So, statistically, even if you shoot more than the average 5, the need for more than the 9, 10 or 11 rounds that you're probably carrying is way small. Multiple that by the probability you'll ever use your gun in the first place and I can be pretty comfortable just carrying the pistol.
So, now my inner mathematician kicks in. For it to even be a gun fight, you gotta shoot 1 round. To get to an average of 5, you got 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, and 5+5. I'm thinking a lot of people are just firing 2s and 3s since that seems to be what you most commonly read about in the paper.
So, statistically, even if you shoot more than the average 5, the need for more than the 9, 10 or 11 rounds that you're probably carrying is way small. Multiple that by the probability you'll ever use your gun in the first place and I can be pretty comfortable just carrying the pistol.
jigglyjames29
Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2006
- Messages
- 167
I live in Chicago where there are usually at least 2 bad guys. The first week of this semester, we had a mugging every day of the week by the same group of three guys. Incidents where there are 3-4 offenders is very common. If I were allowed to carry, I'd definitely want at least 15 rounds.
Last edited:
Mad Magyar
Member
Amen brother....I grew up in Gary, Indiana a little around the lake from you: I might change my tune about an extra mag or b.u.g. if I were still there....
Evil One
Member
It actually conceals very well
Jim
armoredman
Member
I like the way you put that.
To each his or her own. I carry a primary and a BUG, and spare magazines. I found a way to make then unobtrusive and convienant for me, doesn't bother me in the least. In AZ we have no duty to retreat, either.
But if you are comfortable with one mag and the ammo in it, hey, I'm just glad you're carrying in the first place.
But in most cases, they are looking for weak targets. Probably none of the three wants to be the one to receive the first couple of rounds. They will seek easier targets.
03Shadowbob
Member
Usually I do not carry an extra mag but I have on occasion depending on where I am heading.
CZF
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2003
- Messages
- 2,034
Nice choice in a 9mm!
Years ago- I read where cops carried 9mms off duty so that they would
have ample firepower at hand.
Most of them queried, admitted that they carried no extra mags.
I carry at least one spare for my CZ, and now a backup .38 or .380
with at least one reload.
I think I'd rather have the ammo if needed, than need the extra
ammo/gun and not have them!
Years ago- I read where cops carried 9mms off duty so that they would
have ample firepower at hand.
Most of them queried, admitted that they carried no extra mags.
I carry at least one spare for my CZ, and now a backup .38 or .380
with at least one reload.
I think I'd rather have the ammo if needed, than need the extra
ammo/gun and not have them!
- Status
