How Many Magazines Should I Have?
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When someone is new to concealed carry, it’s natural to have many questions and concerns. One fairly common question is how many spare pistol magazines they should carry. Many beginners believe the rounds the pistol holds are enough to defend themselves in an emergency, so they doubt the need for more magazines.
However, you never know how many rounds you’ll need in a dangerous situation.
Carrying Spare Magazines
It’s often recommended to have at least one spare magazine when carrying a concealed firearm. Some people even carry multiple magazines with them, depending on their pistol style. Having a spare magazine provides extra protection in case something goes wrong.
If there’s a malfunction or failure to feed, having a backup magazine can make all the difference. What if you encounter multiple attackers or miss your target? You may need to fire more rounds than you initially anticipated.
One magazine may not be enough. Under these circumstances, having a spare magazine can be life-saving.
How To Carry Spare Magazines
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The answer varies based on personal preference and body type. Some people prefer to keep their extra magazines in a pocket on their dominant side. Others carry them on the opposite side of their holster or in a bag or a purse.
The key is finding a position comfortable enough to allow quick access and provide the right level of concealment. Always practice reloading with your spare magazine and get comfortable with the process. In a self-defense scenario, you want to reload quickly and efficiently. It may take some time to find the perfect position and number of spare magazines to carry, but preparing for any situation makes a world of difference.
How Many Magazines Do You Need?
Some factors to think about when deciding how many spare magazines include:
- Capacity: How many rounds does your firearm hold? You may not need as many spare magazines if it is a higher capacity.
- Threat level: Are you in a high-risk area where you may need to defend yourself against multiple attackers? If so, carrying more spare magazines may be necessary.
- Distance from help: If you’re in a remote area, having more spare magazines gives you a better chance of defending yourself until help arrives.
- Personal preference: Some people prefer to carry multiple spare magazines or speed loaders for peace of mind, while others may feel more comfortable with just one.
Consider both the capacity of your firearm and the situation you may find yourself in when deciding how many spare magazines or speed loaders to carry. With a single-stack gun, having two or three spare magazines could be necessary due to their minimal round count. For double-stack firearms, carrying one to two extra magazines significantly boosts the round count and provides the right tools in case of a malfunction.
Reloading Revolvers
When it comes to revolvers, things can get tricky. Having two or three-speed loaders with you would be ideal. But where it gets complicated is deciding how to carry them on your person discreetly and comfortably. When carrying for self-defense purposes, having one spare magazine or speed loader may suffice. Being able to reload quickly can be crucial in a defensive situation, so it’s always better to have more than you need rather than not enough.
Concealed Carry Considerations
Once you decide what firearm and how many magazines you want to carry, look at concealability next. Your clothing choice may change to help avoid “printing” – where your firearm’s outline is visible through clothing. Wearing loose-fitting clothes or even shirts and garments with different patterns can break up your gun profile.
Choosing pants and shorts with more or deeper pockets can also accommodate an extra magazine. Getting a sturdy belt that is rigid yet has some play paired with a quality holster can go a long way. Those two things ensure your holster is snug against your body so it doesn’t shift during the day and draw unwanted attention.
Range Training
Another common question is whether you can use the magazines you carry to train with at the range. My answer to that would be no, and here is why. I keep my training magazines separate to ensure that my concealed carry setup is always in top condition. It allows me to maintain a higher level of readiness in case of a sudden threat. It also ensures that I’m not using worn-out or neglected equipment when it matters most.
When swapping out magazines after the range, you can also take care of your firearms and gear by cleaning and maintaining them regularly. Doing so will add to their durability and effectiveness. While others may have their own preferences, I think keeping training or range magazines separate from my concealed carry setup is the best approach.
Personal Experience
I’ve been carrying concealed for the past nine years. Over those years, I’ve gone through trial and error to find the perfect setup. A considerable aspect of concealed carry is to do what works best for you. If your setup is uncomfortable, you’re less likely to carry it daily.
As for how I carry, I opt for one spare magazine on the opposite side of the holster, which is always in the appendix position. This allows for easy access and keeps the tools in a confined workspace for me to utilize when needed. In the end, there are many ways to carry it, but all that matters is what you are comfortable using.
Be Responsible, Be Ready
Concealed carry isn’t just about carrying a firearm; it’s about being prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally to protect yourself and others. It’s a huge responsibility that everyone should take very seriously, and feel confident in your ability to handle it if needed.
I believe in continually training and improving your skills. Make time to regularly practice at the range, take classes, and stay updated on changes in laws and regulations regarding concealed carry. When it comes down to it, you may need to be the first line of defense for you or your family. Stay sharp and be prepared.
Looking for more articles about gun magazines? Check out our helpful guide on handgun magazines!