The Importance of Spare Magazines for Everyday Carry Gun Owners
For gun owners who engage in everyday carry (EDC), the question of carrying a spare magazine or extra rounds, especially for revolver owners, is often a point of discussion. The ability to change magazines or cylinders on the fly is not just a matter of personal preference but can be a critical factor in survival scenarios.
Why Spare Magazines?
As people with firearms continue to advocate for personal defense, many carry an extra magazine or rounds as part of their safety protocol. This is especially important for concealed carry (CCW) enthusiasts, as many recognize that 'stuff happens.' One key argument is the preparedness factor: it is always better to have and not need, than to need and not have. As one experienced officer
stated, 'Do you have a spare mag or not? More often than not, the answer is yes.'
Law Enforcement Experience
Based on 37 years of experience in law enforcement, I have seen the importance of having additional ammunition. During my career, I carried a variety of pistols, beginning with a six-shooter Smith Wesson model 28, for which I carried 12 extra rounds in two speedloaders. My last pistol was a Glock 45, which had a 17-round magazine with an additional round chambered. I kept two spare 17-round magazines for the Glock 45, as I knew that backup in a rural county could take many minutes in the event of an emergency. With these extra mags, I could exchange one when it jammed or stopped firing, ensuring I had fresh ammunition ready to go.
Modern Carry Practices
Today, in my concealed carry setup, I use a Glock 43X with a 10-round magazine and one round in the chamber. While I don't carry a spare mag, this setup helps to minimize bulge and weight around my waist. However, I rely on the extra magazines for other firearms. When it comes to my primary carry guns, I generally carry at least one spare magazine. This is a wise rule to follow, as excess ammunition can never come in too handy during a deadly force confrontation. For backup guns, I carry a Ruger LCR and a Kel-tec P-3AT, both of which can benefit from spare magazines, especially in situations where ammunition capacity is lower.
The Role of Magazines in Firearms Reliability
Magazines remain a critical point of potential failure in firearms. They can jam or fail unexpectedly, even if they have functioned flawlessly up to that point. Carrying a spare magazine ensures that you have a fresh one if yours malfunctions. This is especially important for firearms with a smaller capacity, such as revolvers, micro .380s, sub-compact 9mm pistols, and even 1911s. In high-stress situations, you can't predict how your firearm might behave. Thus, having a spare can provide a crucial safety net.
Active Killer Situations
In the current age, we must also consider the risk of active killer situations. In such scenarios, the ability to continue engaging an aggressive or dangerous threat is paramount. If you find yourself in a situation where the good guy with a gun is trying to keep a would-be mass murderer pinned down until help arrives, spare ammunition could make all the difference. For firearms with limited capacity, having a spare magazine or two can be a game-changer. For example, a revolver with a six-round capacity or a smaller semi-automatic can benefit greatly from an additional magazine in a life-threatening situation.
In conclusion, spare magazines are an essential part of an EDC plan. While some people argue that they create bulges and add weight, the preparedness they provide is invaluable. In high-stress situations, having a spare magazine can mean the difference between life and death. Whether you carry a revolver or a semi-automatic, the wisdom of carrying spare ammunition is universally recognized. It is always better to have and not need, than to need and not have.