How many reloads are appropriate?

[jlottmc]

I was wondering how many reloads every one carries. I carry two, and think this might stir something up around here. I think we can all agree that at least one reload is a good idea, but how about more and how many?

[Bawanna]

I was wondering how many reloads every one carries. I carry two, and think this might stir something up around here. I think we can all agree that at least one reload is a good idea, but how about more and how many?

I usually carry 2, always at least 1 for a quick malfunction fix. Some would argue you can't have enough reloads if you need them and there's some truth of that but most likely will never need them. BUT, can't count on it.

[ripley16]

None.

If I wanted to carry more ammo or have a spare mag in the event of a malfunction; I'd much rather carry it all in the form of a BUG. In my case a Seecamp, but I rarely if ever carry two guns.

A high quality, well maintained firearm is all I see as necessary to my defence.

IMHO, use of a reloaded gun in a civilian defensive event is a myth. I've yet to ever hear of one actually occuring.

[Bawanna]

None.

If I wanted to carry more ammo or have a spare mag in the event of a malfunction; I'd much rather carry it all in the form of a BUG. In my case a Seecamp.

Actually I knew my response would be misread. I carry 2 extra for my 1911 belt gun, a K40 on my ankle with the requisite 1 extra mag. Your idea on the bug is sound. The fastest reload is a second gun. When I get home, sometimes the belt gun gets put away, the ankle gun stays put. I'm not paranoid (perhaps a tiny bit schitzo) but very cautious.

[ripley16]

Actually I knew my response would be misread.

How did I misread your question? I simply disagree with your original premise when you say;

"I think we can all agree that at least one reload is a good idea"

Since I don't carry any extra mags, my answer of "None", whether originally assuming I carry at least one, is still accurate.

I know this goes against most popular CCW theory, but I've not been convinced arming myself as a LEO or military warrior is either needed or appropriate. FWIW...I say this while having a history of experiencing violent attacts, robbery, etc. on several occations, so I'm neither naive nor inexperienced. I simply feel confident and protected by my one pistol and it's single mag. I've no problem with other people carrying what they feel comfortable with.

[jlottmc]

Indeed, I carry my two reloads for a BUG too, my thinking goes like this: 1 that is what I have carried as a Marine, and in my work with PD's 2 a clean weapon can malfunction too 3 I have an undiscovered bad magazine in my weapon then a reload is a good thing 4 in the bush when I get to go, all the ammo I have on me is in my weapon and reloads (yes I have been in those mythical type of situations were you spend some extra time in the bush) 5 in a court after God forbid having to use the weapon the prosecutor asks why he reloads etc I can then point to the PD and show common custom and practice. I too don't think it likely to need a reload in a street fight, but then again we carry for the same reasons too. None of this sermon should indicate that there is a set way to do any of this or a right wrong etc. If it works for you then by all means...

Sorry getting off of soapbox, and putting it up now

[jlottmc]

You said it better than I ripley

[Bawanna]

How did I misread your question? I simply disagree with your original premise when you say;


Since I don't carry any extra mags, my answer of "None", whether originally assuming I carry at least one, is still accurate.

I know this goes against most popular CCW theory, but I've not been convinced arming myself as a LEO or military warrior is either needed or appropriate. FWIW...I say this while having a history of experiencing violent attacts, robbery, etc. on several occations, so I'm neither naive nor inexperienced. I simply feel confident and protected by my one pistol and it's single mag. I've no problem with other people carrying what they feel comfortable with.

See how words can get blown out of proportion. I added my second post to clarify that I agree with you in that the best reload is another gun. In my first post I indicated that I carry two reloads which I do but did not mention that I carry a bug. I agree even more with your thoughts on arming ourselves like LEO or Military. We as civilians read magazines and go to training taught by instructors that also instruct LE. Two totally different rolls. We defend to get away, LEO pursue and catch the BG. I work as a civilian in a LE environment but have no part of chasing bad guys, not that I don't want to. Two different games. I agree with you on all accounts. Ill try to be more clear in writing what my small brain is thinking in the future.

[wyntrout]

Unfortunately, with the 15 to 20 round 9mm pistols predominant these days, it seems like the tactic is "spray and pray" that one hits a vital area and that the "spray" doesn't hit any non-combatants. I saw or read about, rather, one actual incident on the road where two cops had sprayed multiple magazines of 9mm or .40 S&W at the bad guy and he was still standing and shooting. An older, revolver-toting LEO shows up and with one well-placed SA shot ended the fray. It's too often the case that the tactic employed seems to be "S & P".
I'm a fan of Richard Marcinko of Rogue Warrior/Red Cell fame... or infamy. His first novel was too truthful, but he told of how they were assembling that first Red Cell and they all thought they were hotshots or hot shots. I don't remember if it was day or night but Marcinko had a 4' by 8' sheet of plywood mounted on a sled or trailer and drug behind a vehicle for them to shoot at. The first time everyone fired away and had a great time until they went to count the holes in the target... I think there was ONE bullet hole. Well, they were humbled, and started working seriously on marksmanship and tactics and shooting massive amounts of ammo daily to improve the results of that first test.
It definitely takes tactics training... moving and reacting to threats and super familiarity with your weapon and being able to hit your target under all circumstances. Some of you do, but most shoot slowly at a paper target and that's it. The training and practice looks like fun, but having the time, the money, and showing how badly you're prepared starting out, are just a lot to consider. So, I do a lot of thinking about what I would do and especially when in public... getting a good seat in a restaurant... not getting caught like Wild Bill Hitchcock with his back to a door. I keep remembering Luby's in Killeen, Texas. I had just moved to San Antonio from northern Maine about that time and that was a real wake up call and spurred the CCW movement in Texas. I never want to be an unprepared "sheeple" in a situation like that:
Luby's massacre - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luby%27s_massacre)
I think that it's a good idea to have at least one reload. You just never know. It's one of those things that might come up and you wished you had bothered to carry an extra magazine. Six or seven shots in these CCW Kahrs might not be enough, and like they always say, better safe than sorry. Just don't get tunnel vision and not use available cover and don't lose sight of the bad guy(s).
My $2.02.
Wynn:D

[jlottmc]

Well said wynn. Training and round placement are key. The little Killeen incident is very close to hearts and minds of those of us who remember that far back, and lived close to that (close in TX is a couple of hours).

[wyntrout]

Of all the paper punching I did the other day with the new P380, the last 6+1 of Buffalo Bore +P fired as fast as I could at center of mass, made me feel the best. At 7 yards 4 were on the spine, one just below the heart, one in his left stomach area and one in the left shoulder joint. I was using the sights, but I was mainly pointing and shooting, not waiting for the pistol to settle.... For first time out with the gun and ammo, I felt that was great. Those were rounds 194 through 200. Now if I could do half that good while ducking and moving, I would be happy.
Wynn:D

[ltxi]

usually casual, none with a semi-auto. normally one in a speed strip in offside front pocket when carrying a j-frame

[1911]

Actually I knew my response would be misread. I carry 2 extra for my 1911 belt gun, a K40 on my ankle with the requisite 1 extra mag. Your idea on the bug is sound. The fastest reload is a second gun. When I get home, sometimes the belt gun gets put away, the ankle gun stays put. I'm not paranoid (perhaps a tiny bit schitzo) but very cautious.

Just browsing the thread, I have not been on the sight for a while and have a lot of catching up to do. I am impressed! You carry a K40 on your ankle? That is a serious gun. Apparently the weight is not an issue? You must be all "pumped up" :D

[1911]

As a plain jane ordinary civilian I usually just carry the one gun. It could be one of several guns depending on what I am wearing. Certainly, carying a bug or extra mags cannot hurt but I (again as a civilian) personally do not feel it is necessary. I believe it is highly unlikely that someone either in "swat" dress or with lots of help (a gang) is going to come after me. Actually, I am more concerned about someone breaking into my home then when I am about (although, I do drive through some rough neighborhoods on the way to work).

[Dietrich]

I usually carry two reloads for the handgun I`m carrying and sometimes,but not often,I`ll carry a bug.At times I`m tempted to carry a picture of my ex mother-in-law but the cops have warned me that it`s considered a weapon of mass destruction.I guess they`re right.I used to carry her picture with me while hunting but it tended to tear up the meat too bad so I stopped using it.

[Bawanna]

Just browsing the thread, I have not been on the sight for a while and have a lot of catching up to do. I am impressed! You carry a K40 on your ankle? That is a serious gun. Apparently the weight is not an issue? You must be all "pumped up" :D

Actually if there's a plus to being in a wheelchair this is one of them. I don't move my legs so I could carry a Desert Eagle 50AE if my pant leg would cover it. It's actually I think a good place as I can go into my curled up please don't hurt me, I'm a derelict act and the gun is right at my hand. It's a little tricky in the shooting and moving arena but we do what we can.

Mr. Dietrich, you've once again made me laugh out loud. I had a mother in law, she crossed the river who would have qualified and a WMD in the sand box. What a piece of work. Between me being close to deaf and her speaking mostly swedish we had a real communication barrier and she didn't like boys. Go figure.
First batch of molasses bread heading for the oven this morning, should be sampling when I get back from the gun show. Is this a great day or what?

[jlottmc]

My current mother in law should be classified as more dangerous than a WMD. And she doesn't like me or guns, or the fact that I took her only child, or when I say she might want to consider something before she does something silly, that I'm right. I could go on, but let's just say there is bad blood between us.

[Bawanna]

My current mother in law should be classified as more dangerous than a WMD. And she doesn't like me or guns, or the fact that I took her only child, or when I say she might want to consider something before she does something silly, that I'm right. I could go on, but let's just say there is bad blood between us.

I sure we could come up with a pretty thick book telling stories about mother in laws. I've got a ton of stories that are too long for this arena. I still have nightmares.

[jlottmc]

Indeed, my wife laughs when I suggest some moving target practice. Worst part of it is since my father in law crossed the river, she's been just nuts, to the point even my wife wants nothing to do with her. And for the book, that reminds me of what my ole' man told me about making a comic series about the stupid things we've done in life. He told me that there are too many people that are still alive that might remember that stuff, and want royalties.