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Just a general question...does everyone always carry a spare mag (or two) or speed strips when you carry your handgun? Based on the slew of stats I've read (you know, how most confrontations average x-amount of seconds, or x-amount of shots), it seems like - using generalities, things end almost as fast as they begin. I don't have any visions of being involved in a gun battle, but sometimes I wonder if I should carry more ammo.

So, what's your personal thoughts on how much spare ammo you carry (or don't carry), and why?

Sidenote: I watched a video a while back where a guy films his family shopping routine at Walmart. His commentary as I recall mostly regarding security following him around because he had a backpack on (which I didn't notice in the video). Mostly he was just rambling, but the 2nd half of his video was showing off his EDC, in which he kept his Glock with about 5 spare mags, with 3 of them being the 30 rd types. Besides wondering why he would want everything zipped up on his back instead of wearing it in a more accessble place, I found this guys commentary comical. How much is enough? I think this guy more or less had an ego thing going on, but how much does it take for you to feel comfortable? I cannot locate the video, but will post it later if I run accross it.

Quick trip to store or errands usually no spare mag. If plan on being out all day will carry at least one spare mag and if day or overnight trip will carry two spare mags - sorry, can't say why I do it. LOL Depending on CCW can be as few as 6+1 or 19+1 + 1 or two mags, 9 or 40 cal.

I always try because if you have to use your weapon, you need to be ready for the next potential threat.

texanjoker wrote:I always try because if you have to use your weapon, you need to be ready for the next potential threat.

Good point. When I carry my G27, I carry 1 chambered, but I don't add 1 back into the mag, so I'm still at 9. Same with my G32, full mag, no spare. However, when I carry my LCR, I carry one speed. I guess mentally, 9+ feels better than 5. I'm ordering a spare mag carrier, but I guess it never really bothered me until I started thinking about it.

Kinda ot but here goes.

Years ago DOT regs read if you use contact lenses you have to have an extra pair. I say you have to have 2 pair cause if you lose one pair and you use 2nd pair then you will be not complying with reg since now you don't have a spare.

If you're basing your question on "need", I have to ask why do you carry?

Every time you leave your home, there's a 99.999...% chance you won't even need your firearm. The problem is in not knowing which time the odds will catch up with you.

As has been noted many times in the past, no one has ever stated, "I wish I didn't have so much extra ammo!" after an armed confrontation.

Always at least one spare mag.

Usually, in a thread like this, someone mentions that they carry a spare magazine not so much for the extra ammunition but in case of a malfunction. Many stoppages of semi-auto firearms are attributable to problems with the magazine.

Guess it depends on your comfort level. Some people are comfortable walking around in condition white with no means to protect themselves or loved ones. Others are comfortable with their unarmed fighting ability and walk around in condition yellow unarmed. Others are comfortable with a revolver with 5 rounds. Some are comfortable with a semi auto and 6+1 rounds. Some are comfortable with 6+1+6 rounds. Some are only comfortable with 15+1 rounds. Some are only comfortable with 15+1+15 rounds. Some are only comfortable with 15+1+15+15+15+BUG+6+6+6. There are probably some that will not be comfortable unless they have their own up armored vehicle with a turret mounted mini-gun.

Me, I can go 7+1 or 7+1+7 depending on if I feel like carrying a mag.

I'm like Barney on Andy Griffith...I only carry one bullet in my gun.
Just kidding! But I don't carry extra mag(s) only because I never felt the need to have more than my gun holds (14+1). YMMV

I carry a spare mag not only for more ammo but in case of a malfunction with the magazine in the gun.

Texsquatch wrote:

texanjoker wrote:I always try because if you have to use your weapon, you need to be ready for the next potential threat.

Good point. When I carry my G27, I carry 1 chambered, but I don't add 1 back into the mag, so I'm still at 9. Same with my G32, full mag, no spare. However, when I carry my LCR, I carry one speed. I guess mentally, 9+ feels better than 5. I'm ordering a spare mag carrier, but I guess it never really bothered me until I started thinking about it.

I know after my OIS I reloaded as trained because one never knows what else may happen.

Personally, if I'm carrying a gun, I am also carrying an extra full magazine.

Bad guys don't always travel alone.

howdy wrote:I carry a spare mag not only for more ammo but in case of a malfunction with the magazine in the gun.

Ah, yet another good point. I didn't think about that, but a quick clear/reload would do the trick if the situation arose.