Do you carry a spare magazine?

[wyntrout]

Amen... or ditto! While diving for cover, throwing a few rounds to make the bad guys duck or throw their aim off is a good tactic... but these single-stack mags might leave you a little short. This use and possible magazine malfunctions... the mag or it falling out of your pistol... stuff happens... especially in scuffles... close contact stuff.

Wynn

[GTM]

Hate to beat a dead horse but I always carry an extra magazine. Being in law enforcement they teach you in an ambush, you need to move and shoot. Shot placement on the first few rounds then fire as you make you way to cover, so as long as your backstop is clear. Get to cover and have more lead to send down range. Our bi-annually qualifications are all moving and shooting. I am a firm believer that although probably a hard task for the average CHL holder, they should implement this training in CHL certification classes. By standing in one spot you are making yourself an easy target. Teaching CHL holders to stand in one spot and shoot is impractical. Almost everyone can shoot decent standing still but shooting and moving is a whole new ball game.

This is so true. My most recent defensive pistol class focused on moving and shooting and it is a whole new ballgame when you try and do that. It takes a lot of practice.

[slick slidestop]

I voted no...None on my body but carry spares in my vehicle.

[les strat]

I carry one in the truck, but not on me, so no. I figure if that can't get me away or back to the truck, I'm screwed anyway.

If I feel the need to carry more than 6+1 on me, the Kahr is not the weapon of choice.

[stumprat]

2 six round mags

[Avenger]

Hate to beat a dead horse but I always carry an extra magazine. Being in law enforcement they teach you in an ambush, you need to move and shoot. Shot placement on the first few rounds then fire as you make you way to cover, so as long as your backstop is clear. Get to cover and have more lead to send down range. Our bi-annually qualifications are all moving and shooting. I am a firm believer that although probably a hard task for the average CHL holder, they should implement this training in CHL certification classes. By standing in one spot you are making yourself an easy target. Teaching CHL holders to stand in one spot and shoot is impractical. Almost everyone can shoot decent standing still but shooting and moving is a whole new ball game.

I was fortunate that my CHL instructor is an ex-Navy Seal and ex-SWAT member. While the testing portion of the CHL was stand and shoot, he did incorporate several move and shoot drills into the session. We shot moving forward, left, right and even backward. For that, I am grateful.

I should get my plastic sometime later this week, so I haven't answered the poll yet. However, I suspect that I will carry an extra magazine for my CM9.

Not only do I hope that I never have the need for the extra mag, I also hope I never have to use the first mag to begin with, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't carry at all.

[yote]

One extra mag is a good idea.

Per Murphy's Law, "One is none and two is one"

[tmf21]

I lived in an area that had plenty of crime, but was nearly impossible to get a CCW. Now I live in a much safer area and the possibility of getting a CCW is much higher. I my pursue it.

That all being said and done. I agree that the chances of one needing a spare mag is astronomical. I would also contend that in many cases being armed is not going to do you any good.

I've been victimized 2 times by others with guns and they always had the element of surprise and the initiative. I was in a very disadvantageous position from the get go. There is also a psychological aspect to the threat and use of deadly force. Unless you've been there you don't really know what you're really dealing with.

There was also a period where we had a string of robberies and they involved 3-4 guys armed with shotguns and pistols storming establishments, robbing people and taking off.

I've had co-workers who got snuck up on, had a gun placed on the back of their head and had their possessions taken. A gun in that situation just becomes another thing that gets taken.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the right to carry and would like to see it become the law of the land. I just don't harbor any illusions about what it may or may not bring about.

My greatest weapon is my head. For every bad situation that I found myself in there were dozens if not hundreds more I avoided by using my head and keeping my eyes and ears open and being aware of what was going on and just walking the other way.

I also learned that in spite of growing up shooting and being an avid gun owner, I was totally unprepared for the reality of violent force and the psychological aspects involve during and after such an event.

[jocko]

hell move to Indiana, we have alot of crime and we have easy access to ccw permits. They kinda go hand in hand here, no crime whey do u need one???

[wyntrout]

There was a time... late 60's and early 70's, that I had to carry two spare tires. I used cheap tires and recaps back in college. The speed limit was 70 and I usually was around 90 or so. The recaps would heat up and fly off. They would be replaced, but my trunk usually had two spares, and a few times I used them.

I use the best tires and keep them in good shape and still carry a spare tire... haven't used one in a decade or so!

I always carry a spare mag now and I, too, hope that I never have to use my gun. BUT, it's one of those things that you might need and you can't call time out in a fight for your life. It's often said that those who have had an incident never complained about having too much ammo. There are no "fair" fights when being second could be being dead. Malfunctions happen and things happen under stress... dang! Where did that mag go?? It's nice to just reach for your spare... while using all available cover AND ducking and dodging fire.

And, yes, your brain IS your best weapon... SITUATIONAL AWARENESS... what if 24/7.

Wynn

[tmf21]

I live in a low crime area, but often have to go to areas that are less than desirable. A gun could be useful as a last resort if avoidance or pepper spray doesn't work.

[muggsy]

If I'm not carrying a back-up I carry a spare mag. My normal mode of carry is CM9 AIWB and a P3AT strong side pocket. If I want to go light it's the P3AT and a spare mag. Now that the bugs seemed to be worked out a P380, it will soon replace the P3AT.

[wyntrout]

That kind of thinking might leave you unarmed with no choices when attacked in "nicer" areas. It's not by accident that the BG's go where the pickings are better.

CCW should be a full-time commitment for real protection. If it's an undesirable area, a better plan would be not to go there! That's like not having car insurance because you're a good driver and don't take chances. You take chances every time you leave the house. The roads are full of people speeding and driving with their attention focused on their gadgets or buddies in the back seat. They're multi-tasking! What they are doing is diverting most of their attention to the conversation or texting, when driving is an intensely multitasking job requiring all of your attention, IF you're doing it correctly. Most people act like they are sitting on their living room sofa instead of piloting a two-ton somewhat-guided missile in traffic, when they should be paying attention to the road and developing conditions... the traffic ahead and the cars all around them. They should always be watching for impending accidents and planning on how to cope with them. If the lane you need is blocked or some Yahoo is on your butt, you need to use all available space for braking... not just slam on the brakes and let the other moron behind you ruin your day when he runs into you!

With weapons, you have choices...without them you have choices, too, but then you're dependent on the whim of the guy with the weapons and the advantages.

Dang... get carried away... all of the time!

Wynn

[ltxi]

I think I've posted in this thread before that I don't routinely have a spare mag on my person for casual personal defense carry. That's both because I live in a very low violent crime area and naked mags in a pocket are rather a pita...a bit bulky and subject to having the top round knocked loose.
That habit changes with J-frames...a speed strip or two in front, off-side pants pocket. Just 'cause it's simple and easy.

[TriggerMan]

I had to go into an area with a lot of crack houses and burned out homes a few days ago. It was Beretta on the right hip, Sig P238 in the left pocket.

Normally I don't carry a spare but have on occasion.

I voted NO