turning an 8 round mag into a 9?

[CherStew]

I have an M&P Shield 9 mm. So I'm thinking that if I chamber a round from the 8 round ext. mag, I can drop the mag and load another round. That way I have one in the chamber and 8 more in the mag. Good idea or not?

[macski222]

Any other way would be pointless. Full mag, one in the chamber.

[shawn mccarver]

Here is how I determine whether to top off the magazine. With the action closed, I attempt to insert a fully loaded magazine. If the tolerances are such that insertion is not problematical, then I top off. If insertion of the full magazine with slide closed is inconsistent, than I load one round down, especially in spares, as those may have to be inserted with the action closed (tactical reload), or one handed, due to an injured arm, etc.

[sschrick]

that is pretty much the way it was intended. nothing new about that concept

[Inusuit]

Standard procedure.

[Tradewind36]

That's the way I do it. I also found a 10 round mag for the Shield on ebay, I haven't tried it yet, won't use it for carry but will add some convenience at the range.

[MP1SG]

the magazine is still going to be 8 rounds. you just have 9 rounds in the gun, look at magguts if you want to make your 8 round magazine a true 9 round mag having 10 in the gun

[mlk18]

If you look up most gun manufacturer sites, blogs, review sites, etc. you will always see guns listed as 15+1 or 8+1. Well you just figured out the +1.

[EdJG]

Originally Posted by MP1SG

the magazine is still going to be 8 rounds. you just have 9 rounds in the gun, look at magguts if you want to make your 8 round magazine a true 9 round mag having 10 in the gun

Looks like a nice option - how reliable is it?

Ed

[CherStew]

to have one in the chamber and the mag fully loaded. Thanks for the affirmation. I didn't see anything wrong with it. They don't teach you that in your first one-on-one class.

[MP1SG]

Originally Posted by EdJG

Looks like a nice option - how reliable is it?

Ed

I have 4 mags set up with magguts 3 8 rounder and 1 7. All have been 100% reliable well over 800 rounds in my main carry mag and at least 200+ through my others

[motorcyclejoe]

I probably will regret saying this but - I don't like carry one in the chamber. I know I'm making it more complicated, and adding time to when you are able to fire a round, but I'm willing to take that risk to make negligent discharges less likely. I also like that not carry a round in the chamber will prevent a child from picking up the gun and firing a round. I we all would never leave a gun where a child could have access, but if you read the paper, you know it happens all the time. Humans are not machines - they make mistakes. In addition, if someone snatches your gun they will also be unable to fire quickly.

[fz1fan]

Originally Posted by MP1SG

I have 4 mags set up with magguts 3 8 rounder and 1 7. All have been 100% reliable well over 800 rounds in my main carry mag and at least 200+ through my others

This might be a stupid question but I will ask anyway... I heard that if you modified your carry gun in anyway and if you had to use it, there could be a chance they can use this against you in court. Not sure if this is true or not?

[mlk18]

In the world of litigation anything and everything will be used against you if it ends up in court. But that does not mean it will be successfully used against you. You will read story after story about modifying guns, using reloads, putting skulls on the slide, an engraved cover plate, etc., etc. will guarantee a huge judgement against you or 30 years in prison. Of course no one has ever been able to provide documentation that those consequences have ever happened. I actually researched it in my home state with the help of the AG's office and we never found a single case where a modified gun otherwise used in a justified shooting changed the outcome.

[Snowninja]

I've never not topped one off. No problems with that so far. And as far as not carrying one in the chamber, for reasons stated in one of the above posts, I say the following only half tongue-in-cheek...
How would you carry a revolver? Not have one under the hammer for negligent discharges, but then do you not have one in the next chamber in case someone tries pulling the trigger?
Any time I've ever needed a gun, I needed it right then. The only time I've ever had to draw on something in defense (a charging rabid dog) I barely had time to clear leather and flip of the safety, much less take the time to chamber a round. Not for me, thanks.

[MSUDawgs]

Originally Posted by macski222

Any other way would be pointless. Full mag, one in the chamber.

I didnt realize there was another way...

one in the pipe and a fully loaded mag....

[CherStew]

Motorcyclejoe makes a valid point; as I am about to be a first time grandmother. But the point that having that chamber ready, cause when ya need it, ya need it, is very valid too! When a child is in the house you keep your gun locked. You don't need to get a lock undone and chamber a round. You need every second? You given me a lot to consider...Thanks!

[CherStew]

I have decided to chamber a round and top of the mag. So I have one loaded and 8 more ready. My husband and I live alone, no children. Once my grandchild is born; we will keep it locked so that only we can get to it. We were told to have practice drills to be ready if needed. I live in Oklahoma; we practice tornado drills; this is no different.