Carry spare mags for CCW? If so, Full size or compact mags?

[Bubba613]

I've never had a magazine fail or cause a malfunction with a Glock. I keep hearing people talking like magazines fail every other time you pull the trigger. If that is the case get rid of that gun and buy something reliable.

What he said. 1911's seem more prone to mag failure, in part I suspect because there are lots of manufacturers and not all of them are stellar.
I've personally never seen a mag fail in competition. Typically they start giving problems at the range and are replaced if that happens.

 

[orionengnr]

I've never had cancer or been struck by lightning, either, but I know people who have.

The magazine is the most likely cause of failure in any auto pistol, and is easy to change it out. Also easy to carry a spare.

I've never seen any serious trainer who says that the one in the pistol is all they carry.

But...do as you wish.

 

[EddieNFL]

I've witnessed mags fail in virtually every popular firearm made...including Glocks. Not everyone shoots enough to wear out a mag. Not everyone knows enough to properly diagnose a mag failure.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Yes, but only when I go to Wal-Mart

Just kidding. No, I don't carry a spare magazine.

If 15 rounds of .45 acp isn't enough, then I deserve to die for knowingly going to a place that is rediculously dangerous.

 

[woerm]

loadout daily carry

usually I have the Colt .32 with two spare mags, other wise a TT-33 clone (Norinco M54) with 4 spare mags.

The Colt's loadout is basically what the US .mil came up with for the M1908 order of fire.

I add more to the TT-33 since it only reliably feeds with 7 rounds in a mag.

if the issue isn't resolved in 25 rounds I have problems a pistol can't fix.

I'm also aware that most 'gunfights' are over in 3 rounds or less.

I'd rather have enough than hear a 'click' when I really need a 'bang'. presuming at that point I've lost track of something really important.

It also helps to remember the US .mil has a box of 50 rounds included in their loadout for the M-1908 along with the three mags. So a spare box of ammo is in the mix too.

You really want to hear loadout issues, Custer's crew was issued 24 rounds with their pistols inroute to Greasy Grass River (AKA Little Bighorn) I've seen two or three different orders of fire for the rifles/carbines but it wasn't enough.:banghead:

r

 

[rem22long40x]

Carry 2 spares and some times 3 or 4 . I carry to survive , and you may not if you run out of ammo . granted most P.D shoot outs Last 3 -8 seconds and don't exceed 6-8 round . but the unusual seems to find me .

 

[jonn5335]

I carry 2 17 rnd mags for my beretta plus the one thats in the gun you never know when you're gonna need 51+1 rnds

 

[justice06rr]

I carry an extra mag to offset the weight somewhat but more importantly in case of a malfunction.

^ This.

And for those who don't "plan on getting into a firefight" , you're in a for a suprise if one does come to you and you only have one mag.

Remember that bad guys can come in groups, and when you shoot a BG, one or 2 rounds might not stop the threat immediately (or you can miss your targets).

So worst case scenario - you have one mag of your carry caliber (maybe 7-8 rounds for a compact or 1911 etc), 3 or more badguys, and your mag malfunctions. Then your SOL.

In short, its always a good idea to carry a spare. just my 2c

 

[thorazine]

Carry spare mags for CCW? If so, Full size or compact mags?

Yup!

HK 45c with two spare eight round magazines.



If the zombie alert status is high I will also grab a back up gun with a couple speed strips.

 

[Dean1818]

Since many folk read these boards, it may be a fair question to ask if any of the readers

1) have had to use their ccw

2) have had to use their backup mag in these cases


To me it's an opinion.... Nothing to get upset about one way or another


Just having a pistol (according to a few of the posters, got them out of a jam in many cases)


My belief (maybe I'm wrong) is that the vast majority (I mean VAST majority)
Didn't need their second mag because either showing the pistol or firing less than 6-8 rounds
In the mag occured


If I was an LEO that was put in regular harms way, I would be packing extras and probably a BUG

If I had to travel through a rough section of Dallas, or was traveling the interstate at night
I might also pack an extra magl.

But for trips to drop my kid off for violin practice.........for me, and my 2 cents worth, the extra mag is an added level of security that I don't think I need

 

[D-Day]

I carry a 1911 strong side with an 8 rounder in it, and two 10 rounders in a double mag pouch opposite of the sidearm. Helps offset the weight a lot.

And bigfatdave, that idea is brilliant; I have a Mini Mag and that never even crossed my mind. Gonna try that now.

 

[BeerSleeper]

Sometimes I carry a spare. Usually I don't. I don't feel that passionate about it one way or the other, as it seems some do. I guess I need to be inspired.

I've been thinking of putting a pair or two of 5.11 pants on my christmas wish list. When I have more pockets then a standard pair of blue jeans, I'll probably be more inclined to carry a spare more often.

 

[230therapy]

It depends upon the situation. I'll carry shorter mags when discretion is required.

 

[bigfatdave]

And bigfatdave, that idea is brilliant

it came to me the day I was trying to organize magazines, and noticed that the spare cylinder for my mini was about the same size as the 1911 magazines in the next partition.

===

BeerSleeper - extra magazines are a lot easier to carry in a dedicated and well-designed carrier, much like a handgun, the holster both frees up a pocket AND puts the gun/mag in the right position
Although the tac-pants are pretty damn comfy, but the "magazine pocket" is slow and poorly placed - I found it was better for me to just have the magazines opposite the gun.

 

[Strykervet]

I carry a G27 or G29, but I carry a G22 or G20 15rd. mag for backup. Just seems like a good idea.

 

[Strykervet]

Sometimes I carry a spare. Usually I don't. I don't feel that passionate about it one way or the other, as it seems some do. I guess I need to be inspired.

I've been thinking of putting a pair or two of 5.11 pants on my christmas wish list. When I have more pockets then a standard pair of blue jeans, I'll probably be more inclined to carry a spare more often.

I have a few of these pants, I like them. Well made cargo pants. They have a spare mag pocket right where it needs to be. They make a lot of styles, so make sure you get the ones you like --I like the nylon ones and the ripstop ones better than the cotton ones.

 

[walking arsenal]

I carry a single mag but I test my mags on a monthly basis to be sure they're in good shape. Typically this is every range session.

The first time they hang up during a range session they get new springs and then get retested.

If they get hinky during the second test I toss the mag and buy a new one.

All my mags are numbered so I know which mags have been checked.

A good maintenance schedule is hard to beat.

 

[EddieNFL]

Didn't need their second mag because either showing the pistol or firing less than 6-8 rounds

Since you're playing the odds, why not carry a revolver? Less chance of a malfunction and holds twice as many rounds as needed...on average.

 

[Dean1818]

Since you're playing the odds, why not carry a revolver? Less chance of a malfunction and holds twice as many rounds as needed...on average.

I am actually thinking about a revolver for pocket carry for the hot days in Texas
Where the IWB might be more difficult

 

[Cougar]

No extra mags because I carry a revolver! I used to carry a Speed-Strip with five additional rounds, but I don't any more...

 

[xfyrfiter]

If I have my cc pistol I always carry at least one spare mag and depending on where I am going, two