The case for spare ammo
- Thread starter Onewolf426
- Start date
Azmarlin39a
Elite
Oh, go away Ayoob!
The Night Rider
Professional
I don't know that I put a whole lot of thought into how much ammunition to carry. There's a quote from Masaad Ayoob in which he essentially says If the cops carry two reloads you should too.
This is the quote
Two complete reloads was standard equipment for most police officers before any of us here were born. If I was asked in court why I carry spare ammunition, my answer would probably be the same as my answer for why I load with hollow point ammunition:
"Sir, if the police determined it was the best thing to use to protect people such as myself and my family, it seemed obvious that it was the best thing for ME to carry to protect myself and my family."
I've decided that I'm going to carry at least one reload. I've also decided not to care about what other people do.
This is the quote
Two complete reloads was standard equipment for most police officers before any of us here were born. If I was asked in court why I carry spare ammunition, my answer would probably be the same as my answer for why I load with hollow point ammunition:
"Sir, if the police determined it was the best thing to use to protect people such as myself and my family, it seemed obvious that it was the best thing for ME to carry to protect myself and my family."
I've decided that I'm going to carry at least one reload. I've also decided not to care about what other people do.
Bassbob
Emissary
I'm with @HayesGreener on spare ammunition. The only time you can have too much is if you're swimming or on fire.
KillerFord1977
SAINT
The Brazilian Bank Guard from June wishes he had more ammo.
Just saying …..
Never can have too much
Just saying …..
Never can have too much
Jfal
Professional
It is too much when my wife asks me when I walk in the door, is that 4 extra mags in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?".
Bassbob
Emissary
Can't it be both ?
Jfal
Professional
Well I didn't say if they were 10-22 mags or 50BMG mags for the Barrett....this is going nowhere good in a hurry...we better wrap this up!
Bassbob
Emissary
Just run mag carriers all the way around your body.
HayesGreener
Ronin
And don't get struck by lightning
wmg1299
Professional
I always carry extra ammo; I just carry it in a second (or third) gun. I definitely see the wisdom behind having more ammo, but I prefer the benefits of additional guns.
I spent hours practicing reloads when I was a street cop, but all of this practice was on a range with just the clock and a target as my opponents. I think we take for granted that we will always have distance at our disposal during a lethal confrontation. I'm assuming that if a situation required more than one magazine worth of ammo, it would involve multiple attackers. If my attackers were really intent on harming me, and didn't start fleeing the second gunfire began, then I would expect at least one of them to close the distance.
I grew up wrestling and was fortunate enough to start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the Gracie family in the 90's (before it became common). In my prime I was legitimately a world class grappler. Even then, I'm not sure if I could have pulled off a reload while wrestling one or more attackers. In this rare circumstance, I would prefer to drop an empty gun and grab a full one (the classic New York reload), rather than try to get a magazine into the magwell and drop the slide against active physical resistance.
Due to my police background, people occasionally ask me if there is any particular gun that is the absolute best to have in a gunfight. My answer is: "Yes, the one in your buddy's hands". In any gunfight, having more guns on your side of the fight (in trained hands) greatly increases your odds of survival. I'm a married father, and it feels like I haven't gone anywhere alone in over a decade. If I find myself in a SHTF situation in public, I'd feel much more confident handing one loaded gun to a friend or family member than I would if I handed them any number of loaded magazines.
I do not mean to imply that my way is superior to others, it's just what I am most comfortable with. This is a decision we all have to make for ourselves, and I respect any strategy that any other responsibly-armed citizen chooses to employ.
I spent hours practicing reloads when I was a street cop, but all of this practice was on a range with just the clock and a target as my opponents. I think we take for granted that we will always have distance at our disposal during a lethal confrontation. I'm assuming that if a situation required more than one magazine worth of ammo, it would involve multiple attackers. If my attackers were really intent on harming me, and didn't start fleeing the second gunfire began, then I would expect at least one of them to close the distance.
I grew up wrestling and was fortunate enough to start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the Gracie family in the 90's (before it became common). In my prime I was legitimately a world class grappler. Even then, I'm not sure if I could have pulled off a reload while wrestling one or more attackers. In this rare circumstance, I would prefer to drop an empty gun and grab a full one (the classic New York reload), rather than try to get a magazine into the magwell and drop the slide against active physical resistance.
Due to my police background, people occasionally ask me if there is any particular gun that is the absolute best to have in a gunfight. My answer is: "Yes, the one in your buddy's hands". In any gunfight, having more guns on your side of the fight (in trained hands) greatly increases your odds of survival. I'm a married father, and it feels like I haven't gone anywhere alone in over a decade. If I find myself in a SHTF situation in public, I'd feel much more confident handing one loaded gun to a friend or family member than I would if I handed them any number of loaded magazines.
I do not mean to imply that my way is superior to others, it's just what I am most comfortable with. This is a decision we all have to make for ourselves, and I respect any strategy that any other responsibly-armed citizen chooses to employ.
SimonRL
Hellcat
Keystone19250
SAINT
HayesGreener
Ronin
I recall when we made the change from dump pouches to speedloaders. It was a big deal. Now I feel old.
Keystone19250
SAINT
I’m looking for a magazine carrier that doesn’t allow the stainless steel of the magazine to show.
Sld1959
Ronin
I like the horizontal mag carrier from Safariland, but really not sure about shine, never noticed. Shine if it showed would be top or bottom of belt.
Model 123 Horizontal Magazine Pouch
The Model 123 is a very unique carry design. Simply wrap the hook and loop belt attachment around the belt and a spare magazine is ready and accessible. A hook and loop closure keeps the magazine in the pouch. The 123 is tough and lightweight, yet soft. The result is comfort, strength and total...
safariland.com
Keystone19250
SAINT
Thanks for the link.I like the horizontal mag carrier from Safariland, but really not sure about shine, never noticed. Shine if it showed would be top or bottom of belt.
Model 123 Horizontal Magazine Pouch
The Model 123 is a very unique carry design. Simply wrap the hook and loop belt attachment around the belt and a spare magazine is ready and accessible. A hook and loop closure keeps the magazine in the pouch. The 123 is tough and lightweight, yet soft. The result is comfort, strength and total...
I like SafariLand products but not a fan of having a strap over the mag that needs to be moved before pulling the mag out.
Bassbob
Emissary
Muddy River Tactical makes Kydex mag holders. I’m not sure how much they cover. I have a double on the way along with an OWB for my P30L