How many reloads do you carry for revolvers?

[TheBigAR2003]

I have just started carrying my j frame as my primary gun at work (probation officer) i have to carry on the belt or shoulder holster so pocket carry is out of the question. I have been carrying a glock but have decided to carry the j frame from a practicality standpoint its smaller and easier to conceal.
My only real concern is ammo capacity going from a 13 rnd plus a 15 rnd extra mag to a 5 shot. I am currently carrying 1 speedstrip and 1 speedloader. How many speedloaders or speedstrips do people usually carry? I figure the speedstrip will work for tactical loads and the loaders can be used regular reloading so how much is enough?

 

[colt_saa]

How many rounds of ammunition were expended in the most recent Probation Officer involved shootings?

In your shoes I would be carrying a P229 or similar sized, holstered sidearm. Perhaps even an M&P compact

I have had a J-frame in an ankle rig for backup since the eighties.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

The fewest rounds I routinely carry are 23: 6 in a K-frame, 5 in a J-frame, and 12 in two speed strips. I've been known to carry a lot more than that, especially at work.

Okay, I'll add my work carry info: 6 .357 Mag in a 4 inch S&W 686-6, 6 .38 Spl in a 2 inch S&W 12-2, 5 .38 Spl in a S&W 642-2, 24 .357 Mag in 4 speed loaders carried in 2 double pouches, and 6 .38 Spl in a speed strip in my back pocket. Doesn't include the concealable body armor, Taser®, OC spray, expandable baton, Motorola, handcuffs, or key ring.

Incident armor, AR, and shotgun are locked up.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I carry a 642-1. I carry 2 Safariland Comp I speedloaders in JOX speedloader pouches on my belt.

My reasoning:

1) While it is highly unlikely I would need to shoot my gun in self defense, let alone need a reload, if I am forced to shoot in self defense I don't want to wait for the cavalry with an empty gun...in my city the average 911 response time is around 9 minutes.

2) Under stress I may not be able to reload as smoothly as I can when practicing, so fumbling the reload is a possibility. If I fumble, I'd rather grab a 2nd speedloader from my belt than try to find the speedloader (or, worse case scenario, loose rounds that spilled from the loader) I dropped on the ground. Once the gun's been reloaded I can look for the dropped loader/ammo.

This is just my opinion based on my own practice experience, but I don't use tactical reloads with revolvers. I think they make more sense with semi-autos (though I actually prefer the reload-with-retention technique). Doing a tactical reload with the revolver requires opening the cylinder, pushing the ejector just enough to lift up the fired cases, finding the fired cases, removing them, and refilling those chambers with live rounds. Given the circumstances, I'd rather just dump the cylinder contents and get a speedloader to refill the chambers. Plus it keeps my reload protocol the same (KISS principle).

When I carried speedstrips I often practiced a partial reload, i.e. reload just 2 rounds and back to firing in the event I don't have time to fully load the cylinder. I'm inclined to agree with those who say one is more likely to run out of time than run out of ammo.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I carry a Model 36 in Lobo IWB with 16 extra round. 8 round
speed strip in each of my back pockets. I never worry
about number of rounds because if I ever need to fire, it will
be center hit.

 

[haywood]

Two Five shot Snubs. Two Speed Loaders. Some times I add a couple Speed Strips.

 

[jmace57]

642 with a single five shot speed strip. That should be enough for me to run away.

 

[Will Carry]

I sometimes carry a speed loader but most of the time I do not carry any extra ammo. I have been a shooter all my life and I practice a lot, but I'm not fool enough to think I could actually reload a revolver in the middle of a fight.

 

[Rpg]

I don't carry reloads except in the woods.

If I can't solve a problem with what's in my gun, more ammo won't help.

OP's job duties may suggest otherwise (what have folks in the same job who've used their guns needed?) so his decision may be different than mine.

 

[kenv1950]

60-4 3in.loaded no extras , I live in a very safe place in the mountains

 

[hannstv]

I believe you would need to be pretty optimistic to believe you would have time to run a J frame dry three times and have time for a fourth reload. There is a point where you might as well go back to the Glock if you are going to be carrying that much extra ammo.

 

[TinMon]

I carry a BUG G34 which I can draw quicker than reloading my PC627. Your mileage may vary. I have had decades of practice using a semi auto and less than a week with my revolver. I do pocket carry 2 speed strips w/ 7 rounds on each as a back up to my back-up though.

 

[federali]

Tactics and duties decide

I think that one or two reloads for the J-frame is adequate. However, if you're going on a raid or if your duties require you to kick in peoples' front doors, then by all means take the Glock and the J frame as a bug.

 

[JK-linux]

I carry based on a best reasonable guess as to what I may be dealing with. I'm not on the job anymore so a J Frame + 5rd strip, Glock 26 with no extra mag or Model 65 + 6rd strip is usually it.

That said, were I day-to-day working directly with people who don't play by societies rules, and simply not being there anymore wasn't a reasonable option, I'd probably be packing something more. People sometimes react badly when they think you may take away their freedom. Were I doing your job in today's climate, personally I'd be packing a smallish duty weapon like a Glock 19 or Colt Commander + a spare mag and a J frame. That's just me though - belt and suspenders.

 

[bigwheelzip]

When I carry a revolver (7 shot), I also have a double HKS speedloader carrier.

 

[camsdaddy]

I carry two speed strips with my model 60 or my model 65 and sometimes I carry both. One speed strip is loaded with 4 38 gold dots. The other speed strip has 4 158 lswc and 2 snake shot. I carry the lswc in case something needs shooting that I don't want to waste high dollar defensive ammo.

 

[31FordA]

My primary carry for work is a SP-101. I generally carry a 2x2x2 pouch with 6 rounds on my belt. When serving warrants I add a speedloader and a speed strip or two in my coat pockets, along with an additional revolver (340M&P) as a New York reload. Most of the time I also have a .32 Keltec in my pocket as an additional back up. I also always have a knife, currently a Kershaw Blur.

 

[Zebra War Wagon]

When I carry my J frame (640-3), (357 Mag) I also carry 12 additional rounds. (Shoulder holster with opposite side ammo carrier)
Sometimes, if I throw my 642 in my pocket, I just go with the 5 in the cylinder Buffalo Bore 158 LSWCHP +P.
Never felt under gunned or disadvantaged.

 

[snowman.45]

I don't think anyone can foresee all potential situations. As a result, when carrying one of my J-frames, I carry a couple of speed strips and/or a couple of speed loaders or any combination thereof. While the odds are not good that there will ever be a need for a reload, none of us know how a situation is going to evolve.

If carrying a semi-auto, with or without a BUG, I always carry a spare magazine. This is only partially for the off-chance that I'll need more ammunition after expending a full magazine, and more for the potential of a magazine or ammunition failure.In my experience, center mass shots may or may not stop a suspect, depending upon mindset, intoxication level, etc. Anyone who thinks that the "one-shot stop" is a certainty may be deluding themselves. Extra ammunition is cheap insurance in many situations.

 

[DD357]

K frame and usually 1 reload, but occasionally I'll carry an additional one.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

642 & 1 reload

 

[digiroc]

My 360PD is on me about 95% of the time. I feel that reloading a revolver is a good way to get shot if in a gunfight, of course so is running out of ammo.

If I'm relying on the 5 shot only, I'll throw a speed strip in my pocket. If I'm going very far from home I'll have a NY reload ready, usually a 3rd gen Smith of some type.

My 404PD is the usual choice, as it conceals well. I just received a 3914DAO that may occasionally replace it once a few more boxes of ammo go through it without failures of any type.

I also have a 3914 LS that has proven itself enough for carry and a CS9 that sometimes replaces the 360PD in appendix carry.

When carrying a semi-auto, whether as primary or back-up, I'll slip an extra mag or two in my back pocket.

digiroc

 

[petepeterson]

1) While it is highly unlikely I would need to shoot my gun in self defense, let alone need a reload, if I am forced to shoot in self defense I don't want to wait for the cavalry with an empty gun

I'm inclined to agree with those who say one is more likely to run out of time than run out of ammo.

These were the two thoughts I was going to post. I carry 5 spare rds in a speedstrip, with the occasional round of snakeshot when warranted.

 

[Fastbolt]

I typically carry 1-3 speedstrips. Depends on how I'm dressed (I pocket carry my snub.)

Sometimes an additional speedloader, in addition to the speedstrips, if I'm wearing a jacket.

Maybe a pair of speedloaders if I'm not carrying speedstrips.

Sometimes to 5 speedloaders if I'm dressed and carrying my camera case (used to be my common motorcycle riding setup).

You're looking at a case that barely holds a J-frame in the main pocket, and easily 5 speedloaders in the outside (front) film roll pocket.



Now, that's for an off-duty/retirement weapon.

If I were to return to full-time active duty I'd only carry a snub as a secondary weapon, or at most as a meeting, conference or court appearance weapon. Not as a primary duty weapon, even if only plainclothes.

A 6-8 shot revolver as a primary duty weapon? Sure. 1-3 more rounds in a larger and more easily controlled primary weapon.

Given my druthers when it came to returning to carrying a smallish pistol for plainclothes duties? I'd go back back to carrying a 4513/4013/3913TSW, or one of my G26/27's ... or a Shield 9/.40, at the smallest.

However, that's presuming the timer and repeated duty course-of-fire scores reflected no significant differences between running the smaller guns against the larger "compact" or full-size guns.

There's probably a difference when it comes to frequency of potential elevated risks, in your daily risk assessment, comparing being armed off-duty (or retired) and being actively engaged in having to go out and repeatedly insert yourself into the lives of folks who have demonstrated a tendency to run afoul of the law and the criminal justice system.

Dress accordingly.

G26 with a snub as an approved secondary? Probably more realistic, and "better prepared", than carrying a snub as a "primary" (and no secondary).

Just my thoughts.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I'm not any kind of an LEO. I don't think I'll ever need a reload.

When I go to my office I carry a small briefcase and there is one speedloader in there and one leather strip with 6 rounds - because I can. I have extra rounds in my car, too. Because I can and it's easy to do. Otherwise, I virtually never carry a reload.

In the event that I go someplace where I think there might be an issue and if I don't switch to a hi-cap semi-auto I might carry one speedloader but that's it.

 

[Fastbolt]

I'm not any kind of an LEO. I don't think I'll ever need a reload.

When I go to my office I carry a small briefcase and there is one speedloader in there and one leather strip with 6 rounds - because I can. I have extra rounds in my car, too. Because I can and it's easy to do. Otherwise, I virtually never carry a reload.

In the event that I go someplace where I think there might be an issue and if I don't switch to a hi-cap semi-auto I might carry one speedloader but that's it.

Nothing wrong with that.

I often carry more than 1 speedstrip/loader because it's a longtime ingrained habit, from the days when I carried a pair of speedloaders on and off-duty when I carried a service revolver.

Now that I'm coming up on having been retired for 8 years, I've noticed that I'm more increasingly more comfortable carrying a single speedstrip, or a single spedloader when I pocket a J-frame (or a single magazine for whatever pistol I may choose to carry).

I'm no longer deliberately going out to put myself in Harm's Way every few minutes of every day, so I'm not against adjusting my gear to reflect a diminished risk environment and risk assessment.

My camera case carrier dates back to several years before I retired, when I was still carrying a little more gear against the potential that I might find myself coming across a situation where I decided to invoke my status and take an enforcement action.

That camera case was the only one I could find that had a stitched belt loop (versus snap or Velcro), and it handily rode on my belt when I was wearing my jeans and leather riding jacket. That way I could keep my weapon on my person, while removing my riding jacket and enjoying the sunshine in one of our beach towns. Nobody ever gave it second glance, and none of my LE peers ever realized that it contained a weapon (unlike how a fanny or belt pack attracts their trained eyes ).

 

[johnnyflake]

When I do carry a revolver, usually it's my Charter Arms Pitbull .45acp which is a 5 shot. For backup ammo, I carry two 7 round 1911 .45acp magazines, one in my left front pocket and one in my right rear pocket. I have practiced pushing rounds out of a magazine, right into the cylinders of the revolver. For me it's works very well. That's 14 backup rounds.

 

[Donn]

I'm retired and make it my business to avoid dangerous areas and situations. So, if I'm carrying my old Model 49, two speed loaders or speed strips come along. If that's not enough, sux to be me.

 

[TheBigAR2003]

Probably 90% of my time is either in the office or in court. The rest is my field days. I dont feel undergunned with the snub. Our state department has only had 1 shooting in its history and the 1 round fired worked. I will still carry the glock on my field days so the snub will be my primary gun for mostly office and court days. We dont do any high speed tactical stuff and we just have the local PD handle our arrest warrants for us. I have just stepped up my reloads now its 1 speedstrip in back pocket with 4 rounds 1 speedloader front pocket and an extra speedloader in a jacket pocket. I think you guys are right if i run the snub dry 4 times and still havent solved the problem then it was a problem i wasnt going to be able to solve by myself.

 

[Richard Simmons]

My M49 reloads every time I pull the trigger so I guess that means I carry four reloads.