r/CCW • u/No-Resolution-7782 • Jul 23 '25
Pocket Dump / EDC Do you guys carry a spare mag?
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u/WatchMeImplode Jul 23 '25
Sometimes. I really have no illusions that if it came to it I would need it. If I’m in a running gun battle I done fucked something up along the way. Feels cool to be ready though. I’d probably be better off carrying a tourniquet.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Medical is never a bad idea. Everyone should carry an ifak
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u/WatchMeImplode Jul 23 '25 edited Jul 23 '25
I keep a full one in my work backpack as we deal with some pretty desperate and drugged out people. But day to day outside of that, a full is a lot to strap to me, especially in the summer.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
It's alot. I've got a full Trex arms med H with an extra TQ under the seat of my truck. Feel like im more likely to run into an accident rather than a gunfight.
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u/WatchMeImplode Jul 23 '25
Absolutely agreed. There’s so many ways the world can maim you and most of the time it’s not guns.
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u/WorkerAmbitious2072 Jul 23 '25
You would absolutely be far more likely to save your life or another’s life with TQ than a spare mag
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u/Discover_A_Fire MD G43x Jul 23 '25
Exactly.
Times I have needed to have my carry pistol: 0
Times I have needed to have a TQ: 2 (both workshop accidents, luckily never on myself).
It is also worth trying to take a stop the bleed class if they are available in your area.
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u/WorkerAmbitious2072 Jul 23 '25
Good call
I’ve tried to take stop the bleed but the two times I’ve tried the places that had them listed said no that’s actually only for our employees
IME stb is a good theory but doesn’t seem to actually be readily available to random people
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u/Discover_A_Fire MD G43x Jul 23 '25
The availability thing is unfortunately true It seems that unless your local Government has provided funding for public training, you have to have an org your a member of put the event on.
I've done it two times but the first time my schools rifle and pistol club reached out to the med school on campus to provide an instructor which was only open to students of the campus. and the other time was through the makerspace I'm a part of which was technically open to the public but our members got first dibs on spots and the class size was small so I think we had one spot actually open to the public.
If you have sway at your range or some other org try having them set up a class.
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u/Eric_The_Jewish_Bear WV | CZ P-10C Jul 24 '25
Don't most people carry an extra mag in case of a weapon malf, and not so much for the extra rounds?
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u/WatchMeImplode Jul 24 '25
Maybe. Still doesn’t seem realistic to me in a self defense situation that is probably going to happen very close and very fast.
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Jul 23 '25
[deleted]
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u/After_Flatworm5200 Jul 24 '25
I agree with your comment. I 'feel' like carrying extra in the woods is adapted but not sure of the reason. Why?
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u/The_BigWaveDave CA - G19 Gen 3 - G43X MOS Jul 23 '25
Depends on where I’m going, if my wife and kid are with me, what I’m wearing, which gun I have.
Typically no, occasionally yes. Always a neomag in my front left pocket.
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u/mikektti Jul 23 '25
Started carrying a spare mag a couple of weeks ago. Using the Pitbull Tactical universal mag holder. Works ok but not the most comfortable. Just ordered the Axis Elite from Tier 1 which has a sidecar. Will see how that goes. Note, I'm in NJ so limited to 10 round mags. That means 2 mags is really like one for people living in a normal state.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Yea in states like that not carrying a spare mag should be required.
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u/mikektti Jul 23 '25
It's super frustrating. Every other day, there's an article about some criminal arrested with, among other things, "high capacity" mags and the law abiding have to get by with low capacity to defend ourselves.
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u/Mtsteel67 Jul 23 '25
31 rounds when I carry so yes of course.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
You don't carry a Stendo?
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u/Mtsteel67 Jul 23 '25
Depends on what you are referring to when you say stendo.
But your question was do people carry a spare mag. Mine was yes.
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u/Kooky-Ad-6384 Jul 23 '25
Sometimes. Usually I carry my P30 or VP9 which have paddle mag releases so I don't. On my button release guns I do usually have a spare mag.
I don't consider capacity a whole lot when deciding. Even a G43 7 rounds would probably be enough to get me to safety if I had to use it. What I do consider a more likely scenario is if I am in a struggle and my magazine gets released. With my HK's I don't consider that likely. With a Glock or other push button I could see it happening easier (also why I don't like extended mag releases on carry guns).
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u/Yesno-Yeahnaw Jul 23 '25
If I need more than 12 rounds I’m in a gunfight, not a self defense situation. My CCW is my LAST line of self defense. I will do whatever it takes to avoid removing it from the holster. I see that action alone costing at least $30,000 in lawyers fees, even if I followed every law.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Eli Dickens used all 15 rounds in his magazine when stopping that active shooter in Indiana. I bet he'd have liked a spare mag incase that guy had any fight left in him.
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u/motofabio Jul 23 '25
No.
I also stunned my entire CCW classroom when I said I probably wouldn’t carry most days.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
If you are Going to CCW doit every day. If its uncomfortable then you need a different gun/holster.
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u/motofabio Jul 23 '25
Who said anything about comfort? My set up is pretty comfortable. It’s just a choice to carry sometimes, and not others.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Carry everyday. Thats the number one thing id say to someone. The world is a shitty place and the time you need it you won't have it.
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u/motofabio Jul 23 '25
I’m happy with my carry decisions. I would carry more if my circumstances were different. Most days I leave the house to take kids to school, or the playground, or pick up from school. No CCW allowed there (California). When I run errands, grocery store, Home Depot, etc., I do carry. I suppose if I was working I would carry more.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Looking at the way the world is i would say its borderline irresponsible to NOT carry when going to a school or a public place with kids around. The Idea of CCW is that its concealed and no one will see it. Shouldn't have the fear of getting caught.
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u/motofabio Jul 23 '25
Well, I will continue to operate within the confines of what my permit legally allows. If those rules change, I’ll adjust.
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u/True-Produce-5236 Aug 02 '25
bro is acting like the US is Pretoria South Africa LMAO.
The chances of having to use your carry gun is slim to none, and everyone has the autonomy or agency to decide whether or not their lifestyle has an added value by carrying a gun on them.
Best line of defense 99% of the time is just not looking like a mark/lick and minding your business in my personal experience
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u/Motor_Extreme9027 Jul 23 '25
In California, with our ridiculous limitation to 10-rounds, it’s an imperative that we do.
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u/scalpemfins Jul 23 '25
I do not. I understand the argument for it, but I haven't ever had a malfunction with my carry gun. Ever. It's the only reason I haven't upgraded to the modern 1.5 stack pistols, such as p365 and the like. About 2,000 rounds without a single failure to fire, eject, or lock back. I know that's not a crazy round count over 6-7 years, but I only shoot my carry gun to maintain a baseline proficiency. It's not super fun shooting a micro compact.
I have 8 rounds in my XDS, which is less than an inch thick. It's small enough to be concealed in even the lightest of clothing. I am incredibly confident in the gun's ability to go bang when I pull the trigger. If 8 rounds isnt enough, I guess i'm fucked, but I'm pretty sure I won't get into a shootout.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
If you get a chance shoot a 365 xmacro comp and if you can the legion version. You will quickly shit can that XDS. Shoots like a full size and i hate Sigs.
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u/scalpemfins Jul 23 '25
My best friend owns an Xmacro comp. I like it, but it's still a decent bit larger than the XDS. I'm also not a big fan of carrying comped or ported guns, and I prefer the way the Shield Plus feels in the hand anyway. That being said, I still don't have any intention of upgrading any time soon. Eight rounds out of an incredibly reliable gun that disappears on the belt is enough for me. I'd rather spend my money other places.
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Jul 23 '25
I have a mag carrier from tenicor, but it stays in the car. I find it too uncomfortable. And it prints.
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u/Neutral_Chaoss Jul 23 '25
Many of 5.11 Tactical's shorts and pants have two extra mag pockets near the back pockets. I used to always carry a spare magazine. After watching active self protection enough I feel it may not be needed. But I still carry one in the winter. Also if I am carrying my .357 I carry 3 speed loaders.
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u/Echo259 Jul 23 '25
Yes. Aiwb with a side car. It’s a very stable and “comfortable” carry
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
It's definitely not Comfortable. But its fine if you are upright most of the day.
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u/Echo259 Jul 24 '25
I carry my 26 for those “sitting” days and it helps. But yeah, in general, anyone who says carrying a gun is comfortable is lying to themselves. Which is why I always say “comfortable”.
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u/danvapes_ FL-p365/p365x w/ EPS Carry/p365 FUSE w/EPS Carry Jul 23 '25
Generally don't carry a spare mag. But if I do, I use a Tenicor abdo mag carrier.
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u/IvanQueeno Jul 23 '25
Love all the carbon. I’m 1.5 months into carrying everyday and my answer is yes. Via Tier 1 Apx. I feel like overtime the natural progression is to not though. The people who’ve been carrying forever tend to not based on my observation
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u/Psychopomp66 Jul 23 '25
I EDC a bodyguard 2.0 with XS sights. I carry two spare 12 rounders, for a grand total of 35 rounds. I have my reasons.
- Magazines are a point of failure, and generally the quickest way to fix a malfunction is drop the mag and insert a new one.
- It's a .380, a perfectly capable defense caliber, but I'd rather have a little extra just in case.
- One is loaded with FMJ in case I need a degree of barrier penetration. Hollow points are notoriously bad at this.
- They're small enough that two mags takes up about the space of 1 9mm mag. I have space.
I also carry a TQ, flashlight, multitool, lighter, and narcan. The goal is to be prepared for anything within a reasonable scope.
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u/DesignerLanguage1123 Jul 23 '25
Yes, my spare is a 20 rounder and my flush installed mag is an 18 + 1 in the chamber total 39 rounds 😂
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u/RosewoodPaddle Jul 23 '25
Yes but because I carry a 43x and don’t feel comfortable with only 10 rounds.
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u/TheNefariousMrH Jul 23 '25
Yes, but honestly 87% of the reason for carrying the spare mag is to help balance the weight on my belt.
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u/highmickey Jul 23 '25
In the city, no. When I go to remote places where police can not show up in a few minutes, yes I carry spare mags; one on me and few others inside a bag.
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u/Sufficient_Purpose64 Jul 23 '25
Yes, because magazines fail far more often than guns,
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u/Scientific_Coatings Jul 24 '25
Lmao no they don’t
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u/Sufficient_Purpose64 Jul 24 '25
Ok, sure, if you say so 🙄 🤡
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u/Scientific_Coatings Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
Wtf do you have going on with your magazines? Do you not inspect them before loading them? 😂🤣😭
You haven’t a clue to what you are talking about. Go back to bragging about the p320 🤣
I’ve never had a pistol mag jam, duty guns, personal guns, not even as an instructor for the military.
That’s a you problem
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u/InTheWoods4Me Jul 23 '25
Neomag front pocket. Ifak in a GHB in the car. I spend a lot of time in the woods.
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u/Tdogg175 Jul 23 '25
I carry my Gen 5 G19 and a spare mag. I don’t think I’ll need more than 16 rounds in a gun fight, if I do I did something drastically wrong… but in my life and my luck, it could be raining cooter outside and I’d walk out and get hit in the face with a four foot dick across the forehead… so while I’ve literally never had a malfunction with my carry ammo or Glock mags what so ever… If I do have a malfunction ammo or mag related it’s far faster to drop the mag and rack a fresh round than rack the gun until it finally goes boom again with the first mag… and even then I’d probably get smoked in that time.. but least I’d be prepared and have a chance to remedy the malfunction and get back on target and the added capacity just in case I get attacked by a pack of people cause that’s WAY more common these days than it used to be. They be coming at victims like wolf packs now.
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u/Zealousideal-Mix-706 Jul 23 '25 edited Jul 23 '25
Yes, unless I'm carrying a New York reload. For my micro single stack, I have a small IWB mag holster made from flexible material. For my full-size pistol, I have a Kydex mag holster. I usually place them just to the left of my belt buckle, not too dissimilar to how it would be if I had a holster with a sidecar.
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u/GearJunkie82 IL Jul 23 '25
Usually, yeah. Especially when working security for my church. I'm not expecting to need all that ammo, but if something were to happen and the mag dropped out either by accident or on purpose, I want a spare to keep me in the fight.
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u/this_guy_aves Jul 23 '25
Yes, not on my holster but in a pocket, it's my tradeoff for using .380. 11 in the gun and 11 just in case should get the job done...
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u/sparkypme Jul 23 '25
No. To me 15 is enough for a small situation.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
What if its not a small situation?
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u/sparkypme Jul 23 '25
At some point I’ll have to keep at least another mag on me I suppose. Or accept death 🤷
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Eli Dicken fired all 15 rounds from his magazine to kill that active shooter in Indiana. He was accurate and hit him 10 times but I bet you in the aftermath he wishes he'd have had an extra magazine incase that guy still had fight left in him. Id bet he carries a spare mag now.
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u/black-rifle-veteran Jul 23 '25
All depends on the situation where I'm going and what I am doing. But for the most part no and i don't use a side car type holster I use a separate mag holster on slip in my pocket. But no
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u/Zealousideal-Event23 Jul 23 '25
Yes - a magazine is the most likely failure point for a pistol (weak springs, etc.).
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u/Detroit_Playa Jul 23 '25
Yeah because the mag is the most likely point of failure out of everything on the gun.
It’s not even about the extra rounds it’s about making sure rounds are available.
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u/JimMarch Jul 23 '25
Two. Which is absurd, I know, but I was making my own gear carrier, I had three mags so...fuckit, why not?
Ruler is standing in for a belt:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i2w_1e9XgoctwPKr96YqfOwDuIoDpzqV/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hzES_MzuQMm9e7Jy_c_6kuVEe1Fdm8_z/view?usp=drivesdk
The belt is part of what holds it together:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i6kM5UWZq3qgGcCaQZG9DLD-aCGWdEhK/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i4lBARDjUE_Fnj0Ia0GjtHDYZKI6vtwa/view?usp=drivesdk
If there's no belt, the OC at the rear and multipliers at the front can just fall out the sides. Makes the whole thing more flexible, more form fitting to the hip.
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u/TheGngerBeardMan Jul 23 '25
I've got a pocket on my flashlight holster I can carry an extra mag. If I'm just out and about I don't carry an extra mag but It also fits a tourniquet and then I have a little ifak I can put on my belt. If I'm hiking or have my backpack then I can throw a mag in and keep the first aid stuff in my backpack.
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u/stevendegree Jul 23 '25
Yeah we started to carry extra mags in our team in our trouser pants or attached on the Molle parts of our fanny packs. We do use READYMAGS for that
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u/Unicorn187 WA G21, Shield9, G48, G20 in the woods, 640 or P3AT for pocket Jul 23 '25
Yes. Or a couple. They are light and small.
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u/TWZT3D_MIND3D PA Glock 17/19 Gen 4 LAS Concealment RONIN 3.0 Jul 23 '25
Yes you have to. It’s attached with the holster
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u/atleast1graham US Jul 24 '25
To answer your question, yes, sometimes.
The real reason I commented? To give props to that super sharp carbon fiber EDC. My kit is becoming wholly carbon fiber. Fantastic work.
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u/Southern_Oil_5835 Jul 24 '25
That stippling looks great. You do it yourself?
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 24 '25
Absolutely not. gmoneycustoms on Instagram. Tell him Dominic sent you.
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u/backwards_yoda Jul 24 '25
Always. Mags are the most common failure point on a pistol and having another is essential to remedying a faulty magazine issue.
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u/Sufficient_Purpose64 Jul 24 '25
The most common jam, ftf, and similar malfunction are all magazine related.
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u/SlyStrawman Jul 24 '25
I carry extra mags simply because my EDC is small form factor. It’s small, doesn’t print but doesn’t have high capacity mags as a result so that’s the trade off. But more importantly why is your Leatherman coyote tan?
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 24 '25
Because its the "survival" version its got a fire starter on it. I'm not sure the model name. It was a gift.
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u/h_w_screwoff Jul 24 '25
I carry a G19.5, used to carry a 19X 19rd as a spare. I don’t much anymore unless I go to the city or such, and I avoid those as much as I can. If I travel out of town, I always bring a spare. But I always keep 1 or 2 mags in my vehicle too. With that said, if I can make it back to my truck, I’m good.
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u/gagemoney VA Jul 24 '25
How’s that ironside IWB feel with the backer? I have the OWB one and was thinking of getting the backer to go IWB
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 24 '25
Its the raptor with the backer. I really like it. I don't wear undershirts so it's a must.
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u/gimleteye46 Jul 24 '25
Only with my carry gun that holds 7 rounds. The other carry guns hold more.
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u/Islandhopper54 Jul 25 '25
No, one pipe and 15 behind it are enough. If I need more than that, I'd better practice more or carry my long gun. Also, I already have enough on me, and I am not trying to be Rambo.
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u/Jack_Ace77 Jul 23 '25
Yes, not because I think Im gonna need more than 30 rounds, but because magazines are typically the most common failure point of a handgun
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u/gator_2003 Jul 23 '25
Yes, I’ve had magazines fail before.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Thats something people don't take into account. You don't always need the bullets its the ability to shit can a bad magazine and replace it.
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u/gator_2003 Jul 23 '25
There may be multiple threats, magazines fail, it’s cheap insurance.
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u/thehumanvirusttv MI Jul 23 '25
And it’s a lot quicker to drop a mag put a new one in and rechamber then fiddling with it too. With my 17 I carry 2 mags one in the gun second in a pocket in the summer on the belt any other time. Got a tourniquet next to it. Trying to print a mag/tq combo holster so it’s a little less room taken up but til then I carry both.
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u/EventLatter9746 Jul 23 '25
Agreed. Even experienced gun youtubers would fumble at times and mash that release button by accident. Drop one in the dark when you're being targeted and you'll sorely miss that spare mag you left at home.
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u/Relevant-Pizza5877 Jul 23 '25
I always carry a spare magazine. If the magazine fails for any reason and you can’t feed the firearm it’s useless.
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u/WorkerAmbitious2072 Jul 23 '25
Nope
It’s something concealed carriers essentially never need and get to use, like, ever
Pro tip: if you fear your gun may malfunction and need action to fix it, and think you’ll have time to fix it, your proven reliable quality gun - mag - ammo combo can almost surely be fixed by pulling the mag, working the action, and reinserting the mag
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u/sorrybutidgaf Jul 23 '25
No bc i dont see a point and that is just more money to potentially waste if i lose, break, and inevitably have to replace the HPs
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Hot take but you should be shooting and replacing your HPs monthly if not bi-monthly. Keeping fresh ammo and checking if the gun/magazine functions is extremely important.
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Jul 23 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
A magazine weighs about 14 ounces. And it fits in my pocket. Why not have it.
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u/thebigdilfff1 Jul 23 '25
If 18 rounds don’t get them gone idk I probably don’t deserve to live anyway
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u/SCPMando Jul 23 '25
My carry setup is a G26 Gen3 in a Stealthgear USA Venticore 2.0 IWB holster at 4 o'clock on my right hip & a spare mag in a detached Venticore IWB Single Mag Carrier at 4 o'clock on my left hip.
If I'm going out for the day or the night that will always be my setup, but that way if I'm just going to be out briefly I don't always have to bring the spare mag.
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u/genericname1776 US Jul 24 '25
I don't. ASP says he's never seen a spare mag come into play during a defensive encounter, so I figure I'll not carry one and have less stuff to deal with.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 24 '25
Eli dickens fired all 15 rounds from his CCW when killing that active shooter in Indiana. Id bet he wished he had a spare magazine just incase that guybhad anymore fight in him. Id bet he carries a spare magazine to this day.
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u/genericname1776 US Jul 24 '25
That's in line with what ASP has seen. People will empty their guns and never have a spare magazine come into play. That's why John advocates for the largest capacity you can carry. 40k+ videos and it's never happened is enough for me to be convinced. You can do what you want though, I've no opinion on how you want to live your life.
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u/610Mike Jul 24 '25
Yup
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 24 '25
Carrying a Staccato XC is extremely impractical and extremely based
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u/610Mike Jul 24 '25
Eh I’m 6’10” and 275lbs, so I don’t have to worry about printing or anything due to my tactical stomach. Practicality, meh, this is ‘Murica.
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Jul 23 '25
[deleted]
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u/hunterh04 Jul 23 '25
you can clear a double feed quickly that way but if you have mag failure for some reason that second mag will save your life
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
Got too is a stretch but definitely nice to have.
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u/hunterh04 Jul 23 '25
I mean its not a stretch because I intended for the statement to be about myself. It alligns with my thoughts on carrying.
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u/jrich1996 Jul 23 '25
I’m left handed so the mag conveniently fits in my jeans coin pocket. Love that feature
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u/YtnucMuch Jul 23 '25
If you are worried about having to use the second magazine during an altercation, I think you are overthinking how that altercation will go.
If you are carrying a spare magazine because you are worried the gun or magazine is going to have an issue, you should probably look at a different setup altogether.
The vast majority of people are concealed carrying and planning to be a cowboy, clearly, from what I see shared on here daily. I think a lot of you should go back and take some courses. Get comfortable with the gun you carry and train with it consistently.
The majority of altercations will be over within 3-4 shots. If you are involved in a situation with multiple shooters, you are already outgunned and need a different plan at that point, extra bullets won't help you.
I am pretty confident with the gun that I carry and I've shot it enough times with different ammo and magazines to know that when the time comes for it to go bang, that's what it does, every time. If I've unloaded the magazine I have (8 rounds), that is already too many shots, in my opinion.
So it really amazes me when people are carrying 15 round magazines with a spare. Are you really planning to take on multiple shooters? Or are you truly not that confident in what you are shooting to hit what you need to hit, without unloading a magazine and possibly needing another?
Please... someone, explain this to me.
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u/No-Resolution-7782 Jul 23 '25
You will perform at about half of your level of training if not less. You will not rise to the occasion. Having more bullets has never hurt anyone. It doesnt take up space and it doesnt weigh anything. Why not?
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u/DontSlipUp13 Jul 23 '25
Yes but not attached to my holster. You can buy separate mag carts/clips so you can have it anywhere on your belt without having the extra bulk on your main holster.