Packing Ammo

[krazichinaman]

I carry 27 rounds of happiness with me. 13 +1 in the gun, with a 13 rounder sitting on the left hip.

[aiformula]

If I recall the numbers from my ccw class correctly, the average gunfight lasts no more than 3-4 seconds and the total number of shots discharge by both sides is 6. Remember, this is the average, and it includes fbi and police "shootout" situations. I honestly don't see a need to carry a spare mag on me, but when I'm out, there is usually one in my vehicle.

I've read training memos for police that suggest a "battle bag" be kept in the trunk of the cruiser that may contain several spare loaded magazines, and trauma kits for those that don't already carry them and I figured that would be a good idea to have a spare ammo source "just in case". My job is to stay alive and to me that means utilizing cover and my weapon to fight my way to an escape. Once removed from the immediate threat, I can retreat to my vehicle and retrieve my standby ammo. My p2k carries 13+1 giving me the equivalent firepower of someone carrying a single stack w/ a spare mag.

[GaryTx]

Originally Posted by aiformula

If I recall the numbers from my ccw class correctly, the average gunfight lasts no more than 3-4 seconds and the total number of shots discharge by both sides is 6. Remember, this is the average, and it includes fbi and police "shootout" situations. I honestly don't see a need to carry a spare mag on me, but when I'm out, there is usually one in my vehicle.

I've read training memos for police that suggest a "battle bag" be kept in the trunk of the cruiser that may contain several spare loaded magazines, and trauma kits for those that don't already carry them and I figured that would be a good idea to have a spare ammo source "just in case". My job is to stay alive and to me that means utilizing cover and my weapon to fight my way to an escape. Once removed from the immediate threat, I can retreat to my vehicle and retrieve my standby ammo. My p2k carries 13+1 giving me the equivalent firepower of someone carrying a single stack w/ a spare mag.

Better yet...carry an AR-15 in the trunk then use the handgun to fight your way back to the rifle.

[BMFOTP]

Thanks to everyone who added their input to this thread. All of the suggestions have valid points for me to think about. I hadnt thought about the possibility of a magazine failure. As for having the need of a long gun in my daily life that is a stretch. I would hope law enforcement would arrive before I need a long gun to end a self defense situation. Any suggestions on concealment gear for an extra magazine?

[Ed Ely]

I personally do not think that one can
carry 'too much' ammo.

If you happen to own one of the 5.11
VIP Blazer, three button dress blues,
you know what I am talking about. A
great way to carry CCW and 'bulk' ammo.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c...h_1958_2821545

Ed

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by Ed Ely

I personally do not think that one can
carry 'too much' ammo.
Ed

A valid statement, but really, the average SD situation is not mutliple attackers w/ guns. More likely is one BG or two that are looking for an unarmed victim. AS soon as you have put one down, the other is likely to flee, if not, you should. Again, I have no problem w/ anyone carrying 50rds, especially uniformed LEOs but for CCW, reality bites.

[BMFOTP]

Thanks for the hyperlink to the dress jacket, but on the east coast I would die of heat exhaution if I wore a jacket like that outside at this time of year. I am looking to go as light as possible.

[Tally XD]

I guess it depends on the situation and where you live, but, in my opinion, carrying too much ammo as a civilian CCW holder might get you into trouble when y ou wouldnt have otherwise.

Carrying a gun is looked upon as "bad" in a lot of places, but tack on three or four mags full of ammo and it would definitely put you into some different territory with the law.

I only carry my 14 rounds. One in the pipe and 13 in the mag. It might bite me in the ass one day, but I feel that in a situation, where I need the gun, 14 rounds better be enough.

True, mag failure might happen, but then, two mag failures might happen. What then? There are many many other things that could fail. A broken guide rod is one that would prevent you from using the weapon. Who carries a spare guide rod?? Would you have time to replace it and still defend yourself?? Nope.

I trust that my regimine of maintenance and inspection will ensure me good equipment that wont fail.

[Ed Ely]

The jacket is not for everyone. As mentioned
one needs to dress for the ocassion of course,
meaning where they live and the lifestyle.

In summer, I pocket carry and also have a
B/U, thus not needing to carry extra ammo.

But, when I dress out, it is no telling what
I might select for the ocassion to CCW.

Ed

Originally Posted by BMFOTP

Thanks for the hyperlink to the dress jacket, but on the east coast I would die of heat exhaution if I wore a jacket like that outside at this time of year. I am looking to go as light as possible.

[jnclement]

Originally Posted by GaryTx

Better yet...use the handgun to fight your way back to the rifle.

Hey............I think Clint Smith said that too. And I love the "assault a postition", that is so perfect. So what are you doing to improve your skills? Don't worry about all the logistics if you're not doing something to practice shooting fast, and under stress. LIke IPSC, or IDPA.