How many magazines for does one need?

[ooops]

It is not about need, it is about want...There is no right or wrong answer, only opinions.

Exactly.
Opinions are what I asked for with basic arguments.
I didn't even know about some issues I might need to consider.

Listening to different opinions is kind of "pseudo-experience" and that helps to make initial decision. Later, with the real experience that may change, but for the beginning ....

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate your helpful replies!

 

[disturbed0013]

I have about15 mags for every gun I own

 

[Dohmein]

I have many for each pistol. More for those firearms that could be affected by any future ban. I also bought all mine before all this political nonsense got really out of hand. For what I paid for 10 or 12 would get you 3 or 4 now... I guess I was lucky but like many I knew it was just one tragedy away from the supply/demand and price gouging to start.

In time and hopefully when things are back to normal I would say however many you can afford is good but then again if its for home defense only a large amount of mags do not seem worth it but that is up to you.

 

[Jyezahn]

As many as you want for range/practice. One for carry. I don't believe there has ever been a concealed carry (civilian especially) shoot situation needing more than one mag. In fact, the average shoot situation, even including police shoots, is 3-4. Thus, your 10, 13, 15...is more than sufficient. You have to account for anything that exits your barrel. If you're missing the mark, you're in a world of hurt. If you're hitting your mark, one should do. Use three just in case.

Unless you take into account the recent home invasion of the mother and her children, where she emptied her 6 shot revolver at the BG, and he was able to walk out of there. Oh, and then of course, police shootings tend to get out of hand (especially in New York, since those guys can only seem to hit innocent bystanders instead of the perp)

Think there were more than 3-4 shots by the police in this vid out of Kansas? Guess they were missing the mark...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwJjY6lIaIE

 

[Rastoff]

For the price of ten mags I can buy a gun.

Not a gun you want. Unless you know a place I can get a M&P for $200. And, if you're paying $60/mag or more, you're getting ripped something fierce.

The most I ever spent for a mag was $41 and that was because I was desperate at the time.

 

[Rastoff]

The reason you carry an extra mag is not for more rounds. Sure, no one ever left a shooting wishing they had less ammo. Still, the reason to carry a back up mag is in case of a malfunction. You want to at least have the opportunity to fix it and still be in business.

 

[AZ115]

Off the top of my head... I have 4 total magazines for my M&P 40c, 6 magazines for my 1911 and only 1 extra magazine for the Ruger LCP.

So, I guess it depends how many mags I fell comfortable with for each gun. I could not imagine 6 mags for a LCP, although they might come in handy some day.

 

[zotzer]

Three months ago, I would have said five. Now? As many as I can find, if it's a firearm I like and plan to keep for a long time. Magazines are a fail-point....almost falling into the "disposable" category. With the current climate, which is going to be with us forever, IMO, that means if I see them, I will buy them. I am sure I'll find a limit somewhere...maybe around the 15 mark?

For the AR, I always thought ten, but now am at 20 and counting.

 

[karrrhu3]

4 minimum, 10 is nice. I have 4-8 mags for my .22s too, since they do wear and break in use.

 

[Tundra5.7]

I agree with those who have stated as many as you want or can afford. What is "reasonable" to one person may not be "reasonable" to another.

 

[danysw]

During “normal” times I would say that 5 mags are enough but in moments like this I would say: Buy as much as you can afford. During regular times in a country like ours you can always buy anything you need as soon as you need it if you have the money. Nobody have 10 spare tires for his car or 5 coffee makers for “just in case”, you need it… you buy it, it’s simple.

 

[JNewell]

I think the bare minimum is a total of three, but magazines do wear and get damaged, so spares are a good idea. I have two Shields and a totaly of 12 magazines (6x each 7- and 8-shot).

 

[Skunkhome]

I like to have at least 1 magazine for each gun I own. If they come with 2, then that's even better.

Your preference probably represents 90+% of all gun owners. Most would prefer 2 magazines but won't go out of their way to buy more if they have just one. I frankly don't mind loading magazines at the range it slows me down and gives me a break from the line. I have no double stack magazines and I rarely fill them to capacity except for CC. As for precious range time, the cost of ammo Is usually the limiting factor in my case. I like to take my time and enjoy the experience of shooting with others.

 

[fdw]

I feel comfortable with 3. When going to the range I carry the self defense rounds then pop in a mag. with the range rounds. I then just reload the one mag. Streatches my time out and with the speed loader I really don't mind reloading there and it doesnt' take long.

For self defense at home, I keep at least 2 mags loaded.

 

[danysw]

I'm just like you Skunkhome. Range time is not a problem, ammo cost is. Usually never load full my mags in the range and like to reload, in that time I watch another shooters, talk to them, etc. It's a "relax time" between shooting sessions.

 

[jerneedog]

As many as one is able to purchase!

 

[Maddmax]

I watch another shooters, talk to them, etc. It's a "relax time" between shooting sessions.

There you go. That's what it's all about. Relax time,trading "notes" and making new friends.

 

[Maddmax]

Three months ago, I would have said five. Now? As many as I can find, if it's a firearm I like and plan to keep for a long time. Magazines are a fail-point....almost falling into the "disposable" category. With the current climate, which is going to be with us forever, IMO, that means if I see them, I will buy them. I am sure I'll find a limit somewhere...maybe around the 15 mark?

For the AR, I always thought ten, but now am at 20 and counting.

If the price is right I'll always grab more mags for my handguns. I don't sell or trade anything and I've been at this hobby for well over 50+ years. As for MSR's,everyone also needs a back up handgun and you can never have too many mags for your MSR's. I have 25+ and still counting,slower now with all this going on,but still counting. When PMags were $12.-$15. I'd always grab a handful when I picked up cheap ammo.

 

[snowman.45]

Never fewer than 3, and most often, as many as I can get my hands on. Semi-auto pistols and rifles without magazines are just fancy single-shots. BTW, there is no shame in being a "gun nut", anymore than there is being a "car nut" or anything else. Such labels are a bit offensive; plays into the anti-gunner's efforts.

 

[dullh]

My arbitrary number I settled on for me is 6 magazines per handgun, 10 per rifle.