Quite often when speaking to groups, we will get asked the magical question: “I carry for personal defense everyday….should I also carry spare magazines?” Undoubtedly so, conducting simple research on this topic will bring you only a couple of different types of results. On the one hand, most of the information you can find will instruct you on how to carry an extra magazine if that be your flavor. On the other hand, the mass majority of the other information available will tell you that you are most definitely a dead man walking if you don’t have extra mags stowed away in your carry gear! Well buckaroos, PSA suggests that carrying extra magazines is NOT always necessary, and totally up to shooter’s preference.
Let us start by saying this…..if you’re in a defensive situation where you have to reload…you’re in a BAD situation. In this case it’d most definitely be a benefit to have a spare magazine that holds maximum amounts of ammunition. Chances are, you won’t get too many opportunities to reload in a situation that has gotten that far out of hand!! Think about it like this…how grievous would the situation be if you and the wife are accosted by several thugs (as opposed to only one bad guy) demanding your life and you only had the 7 rounds in your Sig P938? Conversely, lets say you are accosted by a bad guy and you have a malfunction with the magazine in your EDC. Would it not be a GREAT idea to have a spare? Understand this guys….if you do decide that a back-up magazine is part of your carry gear; getting to it…manipulating it….and using it should be a part of your regular training regiment. It is paramount that regular and consistent training be conducted with the use of any of your gear should it be needed. Having gear and not knowing how to deploy it when needed (effectively and efficiently) is just like not having it at all!
Despite the obvious benefits of carrying extra magazines, there is another side to the coin…even though we understand that carrying extra magazines may save the life of you or your loved ones. One of the most glaring drawbacks to carrying an extra magazine is impracticability. Due to the style of dress, carrying an extra magazine may be an impracticable act. Understand that although there are options out there for shooters, the number of magazine holders (or pouches) is no-where as extensive as that for holsters. Another impracticable facet of carrying extra magazines is comfort. Many of us find it difficult enough concealing our firearm, let alone concealing an extra magazine. Imagine if you have a smaller framed revolver and you decided to carry extra ammo. How are you going to conceal your speed loader? Starting to seem a little impracticable? Again…we want to impress upon you guys the most important fact to remember…..carrying extra magazines should be dictated by training and shooters preference.
Options abound for those shooters that choose to carry an extra (or some extra) magazines. Some options are IWB and some are OWB. Manufacturers also provide tactical magazine pouches for those of us that need to carry several extra magazines in tactical situations. Below you will find some examples of how shooters carry extra ammo….
*** If you are unfamiliar with firearms and/or their accessories, and want to learn more, PSA strongly suggests that you find, enroll, and attend a comprehensive and reputable firearms safety course. Firearms safety is all of OUR responsibility.
We want to thank you for taking out the time to stop by our lane at the shooting range!! We hope that you enjoyed your stay and hope that you stop back by early and often to catch up on all PSA updates! We truly hope that we were able to hit the target, and if you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to shoot them our way!! We look forward to shooting the breeze with you soon again!!
And as always….remember to watch your six and stay low!!!