Reloading during a self defense situation

[Fastbolt]

I sometimes wonder if some people expect for there to be a "routine" defensive shooting incident, like some people talk about LE making a "routine traffic stop" (which becomes anything but "routine").

The cop has a better chance of surviving the "routine" traffic stop - (which isn't routine) - if not caught too much by surprise, and if he/she can better respond to rapidly unfolding events based upon training, experience, awareness, mindset and being able to effectively use any and all equipment, and tactics, at hand which may be necessary.

As far as trying to differentiate between the potential need for more than the original 'on board' ammunition load-out in the gun, based upon whether it occurs inside or outside someone's residence?

Some people wear running shoes when running or engaging in another sporting activity. Some wear them as a fashion accessory or statement. Some just like their comfort. Who's "right"?

Arguing about ammunition capacity, and the amount of any spare ammunition carried on someone's person, may be a minor footnote in the overall picture of any particular shooting incident which involves the lawful use of deadly force.

If it's a personal choice (versus agency policy to carry a "minimum" number of mags or spare ammo), then it's also a personal risk.

With most decisions comes the potential for unfavorable consequences.

 

[66 shooter]

Concealed carry is a life style changing decision that has to be taken very seriously, as I'm sure it usually is. Your mindset should be that if you are indeed going to carry a deadly weapon, then you also need to carry any additional equipment necessary, which included at least one reload and common sense. And I'll say it again, no mater what method of reloading you carry...practice..practice and practice, until it's second nature.

 

[WR Moore]

I sometimes wonder if some people expect for there to be a "routine" defensive shooting incident, ......

AMEN! It will also not occur in a location where "those kind of things don't happen".

 

[ClayCow]

If statisics show that 99.9% of the time you wont need something or something wont happen, youd ignore it too. But when it comes to this issue, people throw common sense out the window and start thinking theyre going to luck out and be the winner. At any other time, theyd pick up the hot dog which had been on the ground for more than 10 seconds, but not with this.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

If statisics show that 99.9% of the time you wont need something or something wont happen, youd ignore it too. But when it comes to this issue, people throw common sense out the window and start thinking theyre going to luck out and be the winner. At any other time, theyd pick up the hot dog which had been on the ground for more than 10 seconds, but not with this.

Guns are a hobby for a lot of folks. For some, the hobby spills over to carry. Multiple guns, reloads, endless practice.... It's part of the hobby. Statistics and likelihood have little to do with it and that's perfectly fine.

Some folks may feel uncomfortable and unprepared without carrying multiple guns and reloads. For me, it's the opposite. I would feel silly and uncomfortable. Either way, no statistics required. It is what it is.

Number of guns carried, reloads, caliber, bullet style, weight, carry method, type of action, sights.... on and on and on... How many invest that much time, money, study and decision making with their nutrition which is infinitely more likely to impact their life? Hobby. No statistics required.

 

[Frizzman]

I've ALWAYS carried at least one reload, be it speedloaders or magazines. I've never needed them so far but my psychic powers are lousy and I cannot predict the future needs. I'm not willing to bet my life on not needing to reload. I have never needed my flotation device when on the water but I still wear it. I wear all the protective gear when I ride my motorcycle. No useless salad bowl helmet, shorts, tank top or flip flops for me. I've hit the pavement and had my head and hide saved by the gear...These days, I frequently carry two J Frames so my first reload is the New York reload. I carry a couple speedstrips. If I carry my G27, a G22 mag is on my belt. I have been involved in conflicts involving firearms and I NEVER wished I had less ammunition.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I love extended threads. If I was inclined I'd search backwards to see how or why this restarted from last year but I imagine it's the software, putting it on the opening page list. Anyway....reloads.....yes and no for me.

1. Yes, I happen to carry a leather strip (I hesitate to call it a speed strip because using it is a slow process) with 6 rounds of .38 Special in my briefcase that i take to work. Not because I worry about needing a reload but because I have the leather strip and it drops easily into the briefcase so why not?

2. Yes, if you consider my 638 a "reload" for my 642, or vice versa, because the 638 is usually in my car while the 642 is in my pocket, and sometimes I tote the both, one in my pocket and one in a "murse"/"man purse". Sometimes....and even sometimes in my briefcase (the murse, of course, is not carried to work). But it's not for any particular reason except that i can so sometimes I do.

3. No, because on any general day or evening when I'm out, the 642 is IT. No backup gun on me, so speedloader, no leather strip. I'm just not worried about an assault from a crowd of opponents.

4. No, because in those situations when I think that where I'm going could include an "opposing crowd", even if it's a mall or the movies, etc., and the crowd that could be a problem is an evil gang of some sort, or even "Tangos" [it's going to happen in America eventually], then I just up the ante to a high cap 9mm, preferably my fairly easy to conceal 6906, and I've more than doubled my firepower. If I can't solve my problem in 12 or 13 rounds before help arrives I probably needed an AR, anyway, and it's adios Yoda time.....

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

In Honolulu years ago, it wasn't Lions, but Tyke the circus Elephant

that had enough and killed his trainer and went amok.

When you watch the video, a Honolulu Police Officer is shown emptying his S & W 5906(I think) into the elephant with minimal results.

As I was told, it was a 308 into the brain that ended that.

 

[Practical]

Tell yourself whatever you want to! You just need to reinforce your preconceived notions and make sure you don't change your views based on new information.

Since the number one cause of failure of a semi-auto is MAGAZINE related.

I think it makes sense to have at least one spare.

When it comes to revolvers and capacity is already half of a modern semi auto it makes sense to have one reload.

If you read about Police shootouts, almost all cases where the officer dies it seems like the shootouts last a lot more than 1 magazine.

Heck the broadcast media just had a cop shootout review called "In an Instant" this week of a shootout a cop had with a felon who would die before he went to jail. The felon went through two guns worth of ammo using 2 1911 style guns and the cop went through 2 Glock 22 magazines!

 

[poordevil]

Aloha,

In Honolulu years ago, it wasn't Lions, but Tyke the circus Elephant

that had enough and killed his trainer and went amok.

When you watch the video, a Honolulu Police Officer is shown emptying his S & W 5906(I think) into the elephant with minimal results.

As I was told, it was a 308 into the brain that ended that.

Yes, I saw that. The poor elephant went amok in a circus hat! If I were an elephant I would hate to be shot dead while wearing a circus hat. And I believe the rifle that ended it was a .30-30. Not really an elephant gun. But that's another discussion.

 

[ClayCow]

We are not police. Keep that in mind.

 

[WR Moore]

We are not police. Keep that in mind.

Absolutely true. Some folks think we're potential victims/prey and they just don't care about us-once we've provided them whatever they need, regardless of how twisted that need may be.

 

[DevilDog72]

My father once told me " son... it is better to have it and not need it ... than ...not have it and need it"

 

[ClayCow]

My father once told me " son... it is better to have it and not need it ... than ...not have it and need it"

Do you have millions of dollars saved up? Its better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it.

 

[Rastoff]

Do you have millions of dollars saved up? Its better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it.

Now you've just fallen off the map. Of course it would be great to have millions of dollars saved up. That would cost...well...millions. That's not so easy to obtain.

Another magazine full of cartridges only costs a few dollars and is easy to carry.

 

[ClayCow]

Im just tired of all these sayings people bring up. Same things over and over and over again. Those who carry extra judge others who dont.

It may be easy to carry but unnecessary imo. But i dont care if you do.

 

[Tony twist]

A handgun is used to fight to get your rifle.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Im just tired of all these sayings people bring up. Same things over and over and over again. Those who carry extra judge others who dont.

Ido.

Confucius say:

Those not carrying extra guns and ammo don't understand the threat and importance of preparedness. Otherwise, those who carry extra guns and ammo are mall ninjas.

One cannot be true without the other. This truism is why discussion forums were invented!

 

[rwsmith]

The Long Black Veil

I wouldn't run too far, just to a point of safety so you can call it in to 911. Otherwise you might be cast in the wrong light by "witnesses" and perhaps your "victim" if they call the police.

Ten years ago, on a cold dark night
Someone was killed, 'neath the town hall light
There were few at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran, looked a lot like me

She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me

The judge said son, what is your alibi
If you were somewhere else, then you won't have to die
I spoke not a word, thou it meant my life
I'd been in the arms of my best friend's wife

Johnny Cash

 

[stantheman86]

I carry revolvers, so I usually carry a spare speed strip. They fit right in the watch pocket of the carpenter jeans I usually wear, or in one of my pockets. I carry two more speed strips in the console of my car.

The only time I don't carry a reload is for my NAA mini revolvers, but I plan to get speed strips for the .22.

I just don't like autos for defense, but out of necessity in the summer I have had to carry my Beretta .25 or LCP because they are so light. Hardly ever carry the 2nd mag for the Beretta and don't even have one for the LCP.