How Many Extra Magazines Per Handgun?

[LiveLife]

Why I/we need A LOT of magazines - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...a-magazines-per-handgun.929140/#post-12865225

NOTE: I have modified some of the reply words to make the responses more pertinent to 2024

Why waste time [during fire fight] loading magazines? ... 20+ mags ... First world problem [in 2024] ... I [don't want] to reload [during fire fight]

THR forum rules do not entertain SHTF scenarios - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?pages/code-of-conduct/

"Please do not engage in discussions relating to ... societal breakdown (sometimes known as SHTF and TEOTWAWKI)"​

But in 2024, need to engage and defend against large groups of looters on multiple occasions has been well established/witnessed after past several natural disasters like Hurricane Andrew/Katrina or mass mob protests where police/911 response and "law and order" were not immediately available and home/store owners had to defend themselves or got robbed/looted/raped/killed.

So for me, I need to have enough magazines on hand for defensive pistols/rifles to fend off multiple waves of looters. (Hey, "life" happens ... Some people got robbed/looted/raped/killed ... I don't prefer to get robbed/looted/raped/killed so I chose to arm myself to protect myself, family and neighbors. Maybe being a medic in the Army influenced how I see realities of life )

For a fighting gun I like to have [A LOT]

I like to load all my mags before [fire fight]

The easy method of determining how many magazines you need. Take ... your gun and your mags to the [match]. Shoot all your mags up.

Then ask yourself did I have enough ... magazines [to shoot all the stages without reloading]? If no you need more mags.

If you take the example of engaging multiple targets at match, need for multiple magazines will make more sense. If you factor number of loaded magazines needed to finish all the match stages without reloading, you get closer to number of magazines you may actually need to engage all the targets.

Because, you don't want to end up like this guy during a fire fight.

"I Am Completely Out Of ammo"​

Tremors 2 "I Am Completely Out Of ammo"

Gun owners like Burt have guns and ALOT of ammo. But after fighting many of the Tremor Sub-species and used all of his ammo. (turned commenting on at June/8/...

www.youtube.com

Be safe.

 

[Boattale]

I have one for the TPH, one for the P22 and two for the MK II.

 

[P5 Guy]

A range that charges by the hour I keep at least five. But for my G34 ten is the number.
AR-15 I have 12 4 20 and the rest 30 rounders. Off a bench the 20 rounders are more comfortable.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

Depends on the gun and it's use
Smith 52-2..1 mag so far
CZ compacts..pushing 36
CZ full size..around 30
Beretta 92..15

 

[doubleh]

My wife bought a PPK/s that came with 5 extra mags. At $50 a pop back then that was quite bit of money just for extra mags. They have never been used. A mag full was enough for either of us because it's a nasty little beast and not enjoyable at all to shoot. The springs in it are strong enough to hold up a Chevy truck and recoil is considerable.

 

[Rubone]

To me it depends on my intended use, just a plinker? EDC? House defense? Just fun to shoot? It can be 2 or three for an occasional plinker and a dozen or more for a serious go to. There is no set maximum number for me but everything has at least three.
.

 

[hutch51]

A quick count shows 19 1911 magazines of various manufacture. Of those 7 are Wilson Combat Model 47 7-round capacity. They're also available in 8-round capacity.
When out and it's the 47 magazines, one in the 1911 and 2 loaded spares. Gives me 21 rounds.
If that's not enough just make sure you take an Honor Guard with you when you show up at St. Peter's Gate.

 

[9mmepiphany]

For pistols I shoot a lot/teach with/competition, a normal number is 10+.

My local IDPA matches usually run 8 stages. at 3 mags per stage, that means I'd need 24. If I top off partially spent mags, I can get away with 16.

For a pistol carried/at hand, I like to have minimally 2 set of 3 and prefer 2 sets of 5. I rotate between sets, it lets me examine them for wear when changing over.

For casual use pistols, 5 mags would be my minimum .

Folks do have to remember that magazines should be considered consumable items, like brake pads on cars. This is especially true of single stack magazine due to the increased pressure on the feed lips. Changing springs is like adding brake fluid as wear occurs, but when the lips start spreading or cracking, it is time to throw them away. For my single stack pistols...1911, SIG 220, Kahr...I try to keep 15-20 on hand. The only single stack I have which has never shown wear is my H&K P7. I bought 10+ for each (PSP & M8) and I'm still working with the original 5 for each

 

[.38 Special]

Why I/we need A LOT of magazines - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...a-magazines-per-handgun.929140/#post-12865225

NOTE: I have modified some of the reply words to make the responses more pertinent to 2024


THR forum rules do not entertain SHTF scenarios - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?pages/code-of-conduct/

"Please do not engage in discussions relating to ... societal breakdown (sometimes known as SHTF and TEOTWAWKI)"​

But in 2024, need to engage and defend against large groups of looters on multiple occasions has been well established/witnessed after past several natural disasters like Hurricane Andrew/Katrina or mass mob protests where police/911 response and "law and order" were not immediately available and home/store owners had to defend themselves or got robbed/looted/raped/killed.

So for me, I need to have enough magazines on hand for defensive pistols/rifles to fend off multiple waves of looters. (Hey, "life" happens ... Some people got robbed/looted/raped/killed ... I don't prefer to get robbed/looted/raped/killed so I chose to arm myself to protect myself, family and neighbors. Maybe being a medic in the Army influenced how I see realities of life )




If you take the example of engaging multiple targets at match, need for multiple magazines will make more sense. If you factor number of loaded magazines needed to finish all the match stages without reloading, you get closer to number of magazines you may actually need to engage all the targets.

Because, you don't want to end up like this guy during a fire fight.

"I Am Completely Out Of ammo"​

Tremors 2 "I Am Completely Out Of ammo"

Gun owners like Burt have guns and ALOT of ammo. But after fighting many of the Tremor Sub-species and used all of his ammo. (turned commenting on at June/8/...

www.youtube.com

Be safe.

Well, ok. LOL, etc. You took my quote out of context, though. I'm not anticipating a need to reload during a firefight. I just don't want to interrupt expensive training classes by having to constantly load magazines.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I just don't want to interrupt expensive training classes by having to constantly load magazines.

Instructors actually build that time into their presentations...gives everyone a break to get out of the sun, hydra, bathroom runs,, and ask clarification questions.

When I was at Gunsite, they split each group into two squads so that one could load mags while the other was on the line.

I had another instructor who's breaks were one cigarette long...if there were too many questions, he'd light another one

 

[.38 Special]

Instructors actually build that time into their presentations...gives everyone a break to get out of the sun, hydra, bathroom runs,, and ask clarification questions.

When I was at Gunsite, they split each group into two squads so that one could load mags while the other was on the line

I've actually been to a clinic where a guy brought one spare magazine. That time was not built into the presentation!

 

[lee n. field]

How many extra magazines do you like to have per pistol? The question is not how many you carry with you, but how many you like to have that fits a specific firearm.

I understand that this can be a difficult question for handguns that can use other models magazines. Like a Glock 17 mag in a Glock 19 and so on...

In the poll I looked at one in the firearm plus the extra magazines

Depends on the gun. Practically, I've noticed that I stop worrying about magazines when I have 8.

Depends to, on how scarce and expensive the magazines are, and if the gun is going to be actually carried.

(And, these days I'm mostly carrying one revolver or another, so "magazines" is moot. And sitting in front of me I've got 4 loaded speed strips, and 8 speedloaders, with more on the shelf.)

 

[LiveLife]

You took my quote out of context, though. I'm not anticipating a need to reload during a firefight. I just don't want to interrupt expensive training classes by having to constantly load magazines.

When I was at Gunsite, they split each group into two squads so that one could load mags while the other was on the line.

I fully meant to take your quote out of context to make a point as many members may hold "training environment" mindset/perspective.

While in the calm of pause in fire fight action, you can leisurely load magazines from pile of rounds dumped from ammo cans but during fire fight (In combat or in "civilian" home/neighborhood engagements), you have to fight with ammunition pre-loaded in the magazines or you will run out of ammunition.

Harsh reality but applicable to many THR members and guests in 2024.

Before retirement, I worked for state of CA and we would run statewide earthquake disaster response exercise of 9.4 magnitude earthquake (Worst case situation) as agencies I worked for were first responder/support agencies.

Interestingly, first computer generated scenario and damage estimate resulted in catastrophic destruction (Earthquake was centered near downtown Los Angeles) and projected widespread freeway/highway closures due to sheer number of motorists trying to flee LA basin as downtown would experience over 160 feet of plate glass on the ground from high rise buildings alone, trapping those inside. So within a day, much of LA basin would lose "law and order" with emergency response dwindling as hours/days went by.

Without responding police/military and medical/food/water support, inner portions of LA basin would become "Mad Max/Escape From LA" pretty quick with government only being able to provide air support/rescue until land based evacuation/support could be setup, which could take days. During this time, much of Angelenos would be on their own for security/protection/food/water/medical.

It was a grim statewide exercise as we all knew that in "real life", government officials wouldn't be able to do much and just watch lawlessness unfold, like how things unfolded for hurricane Andrew/Katrina where many people were robbed/raped/killed that was quickly blocked from news reporting. (You all do remember, don't you?)

Wife and I had a long talk after the statewide exercise and we quickly agreed, we needed to move away from LA basin/surrounding gangland and we ended up moving 4 years before my anticipated retirement, one of many reasons why we chose to move to our retirement location, area that is less affected by mass mob looting and ready support for food/water (I can fish all day in the ocean/rivers and have kayaks and boats with clean river water/well water readily available).

Be prepared.

OK, back to OP of, "How many magazines do you think you will actually need?"

 

[jar]

For looters I don't need magazines I need insurance.

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

Why I/we need A LOT of magazines - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...a-magazines-per-handgun.929140/#post-12865225

NOTE: I have modified some of the reply words to make the responses more pertinent to 2024


THR forum rules do not entertain SHTF scenarios - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?pages/code-of-conduct/

"Please do not engage in discussions relating to ... societal breakdown (sometimes known as SHTF and TEOTWAWKI)"​

But in 2024, need to engage and defend against large groups of looters on multiple occasions has been well established/witnessed after past several natural disasters like Hurricane Andrew/Katrina or mass mob protests where police/911 response and "law and order" were not immediately available and home/store owners had to defend themselves or got robbed/looted/raped/killed.

So for me, I need to have enough magazines on hand for defensive pistols/rifles to fend off multiple waves of looters. (Hey, "life" happens ... Some people got robbed/looted/raped/killed ... I don't prefer to get robbed/looted/raped/killed so I chose to arm myself to protect myself, family and neighbors. Maybe being a medic in the Army influenced how I see realities of life )




If you take the example of engaging multiple targets at match, need for multiple magazines will make more sense. If you factor number of loaded magazines needed to finish all the match stages without reloading, you get closer to number of magazines you may actually need to engage all the targets.

Because, you don't want to end up like this guy during a fire fight.

"I Am Completely Out Of ammo"​

Tremors 2 "I Am Completely Out Of ammo"

Gun owners like Burt have guns and ALOT of ammo. But after fighting many of the Tremor Sub-species and used all of his ammo. (turned commenting on at June/8/...

www.youtube.com

Be safe.

Nice spin and strategic editing Live, lol Almost liberal media level. Nice!

 

[LiveLife]

Nice spin and strategic editing Live, lol Almost liberal media level. Nice!

You know, the antis have done that to us for decades, and we can do the same.

I identify as "original founding fathers/mothers ... 'We the People'" not bound by passage of time and "identify" as colonial in need of various arms, including firearms as necessary implements of survival/life to pursue "activities of daily living" to the fullest.

If I want/need thousands of musket balls and kegs of powder to pursue my livelihood as trapper of mice/rats and their fur trader and for self protection and protection of family, I can pursue such endeavor as stated by the Bill of Rights.

And in colonial times, antis of 2024 didn't exist so as stated by the Supreme Court, no historical tradition and evidence of ammunition or arms restriction for trapper/fur trader of mice/rats thus antis of 2024 really don't exist in my "identified" reality.

Be gone ... "Poof".

Can you imagine if we held rallies where we "identified" as magazines, pistols, rifles, pistol braces, bump stocks, etc.?

I should wear magazine imprinted shirt and demand pronoun of "Full Capacity" be used and legally change name to "John Magazine" and chant ..."Magazine Lives Matter Too"

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

You know, the antis have done that to us for decades, and we can do the same.

I identify as "original founding fathers/mothers ... 'We the People'" not bound by passage of time and "identify" as colonial in need of various arms, including firearms as necessary implements of survival/life to pursue "activities of daily living" to the fullest.

If I want/need thousands of musket balls and kegs of powder to pursue my livelihood as trapper of mice/rats and their fur trader and for self protection and protection of family, I can pursue such endeavor as stated by the Bill of Rights.

And in colonial times, antis of 2024 didn't exist so as stated by the Supreme Court, no historical tradition and evidence of ammunition or arms restriction for trapper/fur trader of mice/rats thus antis of 2024 really don't exist in my "identified" reality.

Be gone ... "Poof".

Can you imagine if we held rallies where we "identified" as magazines, pistols, rifles, pistol braces, bump stocks, etc.?

"Magazine Lives Matter"

everyone should know the joy of 30,000 rounds of ammo loaded up and ready to go.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

I like to have at least 4 or 5 practice mags to go with a couple carry mags per pistol. When I have purchased Springfields in the past, I received a coupon for a discount on parts and I would usually order 5 or 6 extra mags and a couple other spare parts I expect to need in the future.

With that said, I don't like haven't a lot of different guns with different mags, but if I have them, I will have mags for them.

 

[Charlie98]

But I like to have five per pistol min and ten per rifle min.

That's my motto...

 

[The Night Rider]

I have at least 6 for each handgun.

Handguns that are for carry, a minimum of 15. Maximum as many as I can talk the CFO out of.

 

[sparkyv]

Handguns, 4 min
Rifles, 2 min

 

[The Night Rider]

The ultimate question is

"If I can never buy another magazine for this gun am I confident that I have enough magazines for this gun to last the rest of my life?"

If can't say yes I need more magazines

 

[lysanderxiii]

More than 1, less than ∞ . . . .

 

[nettlle]

I have a range at home and like to shoot at least 100 rounds each time I go out, Don't like to load mags at the range.I have enough mags for each of my semi autos to take 100 rounds for each with me. I have a lot of mags. About (10) for each.

 

[The Night Rider]

What's this aversion to loading magazines at the range?

Maybe it's a retirement thing but I'm never that pressed for time.

I usually load 5 rounds in my magazines so I can practice reloads.