What's your minimum mag count for a carry weapon?

[IndySSD]

15 in the Glock, 1 spare 15 rd mag in the holster slidetop magholder and a third 15 round mag in my flashight and multitool belt clip (looks like a cellphone case).

Some people say "Why carry 45 rounds of .40 S&W"? I say well... the equipment I was already carrying had some empty room an my AK wouldn't fit.

 

[Fixer]

I have 5 for my main gun, but only carry it with the one in it. Figured if I need more than 13+1 of 45 acp then I should of brought my AR-15.

 

[bw210]

I carry two spares for three reasons. First is because of possible mag failure. Second is because of single stack capacity of eight per mag. Third is because the double mag holster gives a nice "footprint" about the same size as my IWB holster and feels equally well on strong/weak side

 

[revance]

4

One in the weapon, one for backup, and two for range use. Need at least 2 at the range so you can practice tactical and speed loads. 4 also happens to be the minimum recommended for most classes, so thats another reason.

 

[Prometheus]

I realize we have a lot of members who weren't into guns back before 2004...

From 1994-2004 the nra sponsored assault weapons ban was in effect making it illegal to produce any new magazine over 10 rounds in capacity.

This meant that glock 17 mags reached a height of $80 for used and $100 for a new G17 magazine. Not just at gun shows, but on line. I saw some g17 mags as high as $125 at gun shows and they actually would sell. Heck new beretta 92f mags would run $50-60.

Those of us who remember the days of $100 g17 mags and $75 12 round hk usp 45 mags tend to buy extra magazines when we see them cheap.

With the flood of g17 mags and 92f mags onto the market since 2004, it would be decades before another ban would push prices on them to $100.

However that new XDm mag would triple in price over night (at least) if another ban were passed before barry gets out of office.

A stored empty mag will last for a century. If nothing else, it's an investment you can always recoup your money on... assuming you didn't over pay for it.

 

[skeetman28]

I like 4 mags for each gun I own...tho only carry 1 extra with me...you never know who else is coming to the gun fight....

 

[matthewdanger]

I do not keep them all loaded but I like to have at least 10 magazines (and often more) that have been tested for function for each firearm I own. They are going to get dropped, stepped on, and used one after the other in training so it is nice to have plenty of spares.

 

[Captain Bligh]

I can answer the question two ways. I hate to stand at the range and load magazines. Ideally, I'd like to have however many magazines (depending upon capacity) as is required to load out a box of ammo (50 count).

When carrying, the one in the gun suffices nicely for me. I'm unlikely to encounter a prolonged fire fight. If I need more than what's in the gun, someone should be calling my next of kin.

 

[bobcoop06]

I have five magazines for my XDm. I don't carry a spare, however. If I need more than 17 rounds of .40 S&W, or have a failure, then I'm screwed. Then I revert to my 7 rounds of "backup" .25acp in my pocket. Hopefully it will be enough to make someone duck while I run away!

 

[trigger_happy57]

i like to carry extra mags with hollow points but like ihateiraq said i will probably be dead before i have to use the 3rd mag or the perp is going to be swiss cheese

 

[stormryder]

depends on what I am carrying.
1911-2 xtra.
m9-1 xtra 15rd.
They should hold me until I get to my truck and get the m4gery and the rest of my gear.

 

[Vic_Mackey]

I normally carry two 8 rd mags for my .45. BUT, in a "pinch" I keep a 15 rd and a drum mag in the truck! I won't lie, I can hit a nail on the head at 50 yards, but when leads flying back at me, I throw punches in bunches!

 

[Squib]

After reading about living in NWI, I'm not sure I would feel comfortable with just a pistol. I'm thinking, at least at home, a carbine and at least 4 30-round magazines would be a good start.