But, seriously, no I do not worry that 5 is not enough.
Those that Carry a J...Ever Worry that 5 Isn't Enough?
- Thread starter Nalapombu
- Start date
But, seriously, no I do not worry that 5 is not enough.
just plain joe
Member
During the summer months I carry a J-Frame due to the fact I'm mostly in shorts/summer clothes. I've never felt out-gunned. I do carry at least one speed loader though and I practice with this weapon system.
Consider practicing with the short barrel along with reloading drills. While the J-Frame conceals well, it takes practice with the short barrel to be accurate. There is no such thing as a "free lunch".
JPJ
Consider practicing with the short barrel along with reloading drills. While the J-Frame conceals well, it takes practice with the short barrel to be accurate. There is no such thing as a "free lunch".
JPJ
I agree.
I see very strong shades of George Zimmerman in his thinking.
An armed citizen is greatly exceeding the scope of hie or her authority by following criminals. This guy doing it while his GF is in the car just makes it even worse as he was placing her at risk as well.
Getting and carrying a larger capacity semi-auto will not solve this dude's underlying problem with poor judgement. He should have learned something from this but unfortunately, he reached the wrong conclusion.
----
That possibly illustrates another factor - the invincibility factor - that might result in a higher percentage of armed citizens getting shot relative to police officers.
Carrying a gun doesn't give you superpowers and it won't make you invincible no matter how man rounds you carry or how good a shot you are.
Your goal in carrying a firearm for self defense should be strictly for self defense and getting you and your immediate family and loved ones out of imminent danger. If you find yourself crime fighting or moving toward dangerous situations you've just badly misinterpreted what concealed carry is all about.
Even defense of others, who legal in most jurisdictions is very tricky and fraught with legal peril as you usually don't know the totality of the circumstances. Shoot a guy trying to grab a kid from a lady on the street? Congratulations will not be in order when the police discover you've just shot the legal custodial parent recovering his child from the hands of his bat **** crazy ex who had kidnapped the child. You'll be going to jail for a long time.
That's a case where it may be appropriate to call 911 and follow the guy - as a life is at stake, not someone's wallet, but you need to see an imminent threat of life or serious bodily injury before you're able to legitimately shoot.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2012
- Messages
- 3,347
- Reaction score
- 5,573
So far it has been fine for me and I try to live the "J frame lifestyle" but feel better with more rounds on board or a gun that's easier to shoot well at speed with SD loads.
There is always a situation that will need more rounds or longer range or some other variable. The chance of needed to use a firearm in SD are pretty low but we still carry, it just up to you how "prepared" you want to be. There are some guys I know that are better armed with a revolver than some others with an AR. As long as you can shoot it well and train with it it's better than nothing, but if I ever get in a SD situation I'm hoping for an M1 Abrams and it's 155.
Ya place yer bet and take your chances.
The big question, Shorty, is - How well do you "run" that Abrams? Does it do you any good if you can't make headshots on a dead run???
Seriously, I'm still trying to digest the fact that my 442 and a speed strip is a "weapon system." I feel under-trained suddenly.
First thing the guy in the vid had best do is get legal. Don't know about Texas, up here you get caught with a concealed weapon and no CPL, even if you're in the right, you'll wind up cuffed in the back seat of a police cruiser. Second, what difference did capacity make at the end of the day? He never drew/discharged his weapon. Third, and most important, why was this guy playing cop? Especially with his girlfriend in the car. As soon as he called 911, he should've put as much distance between him and the perps as possible. Chances are if this guy had the Glock with extended mag, he'd have played "hero" and waded right into the middle of this to save the day, (spare me). We're likely to hear from this guy again down the road, only it'll be on a news broadcast.
This is strictly a personal choice to me. I've always carried two and will continue as long as the Good Lord allows me to remain on the planet. I do also carry a 5 round speed loader for the J-Frame. For me it's a backup or drawn as a primary when I would be unwise to draw the primary weapon. I do not look or seek out trouble or issues but ole' Mr. Murphy is a funny lad,....... I just prefer to have and not need so to speak.
ocinsomniac
Member
Agreed, very foolish indeed, carrying without a license, playing undercover cop, AND doing a video on Youtube detailing his experience.
5 rounds is certainly on the low side. It should handle most situations. It's a lot better than 14 rounds in the truck. Since I got my 642 I've went from hardly carrying my compact Glock vs almost always carrying the Smith. That's a win for 5.
We are in the same place. I think the job does that to you when you have seen enough Murphy for several lifetimes.
Cal44
Member
I agree.
When the guy making the video starts following the robbers when they are running away from the restaurant, then a role reversal occurred.
Then the guy making the video, especially when he is illegally carrying, could be viewed as the aggressor and if a fight broke out, the robbers might be considered as defending themselves with the video guy considered the aggressor.
At least I think that's would be how it would be viewed in California -- although Texas might have different laws.
The video guy is very lucky he wasn't carrying his double stack and tried to intervene, and the girl friend needs to find an new boy friend.
MOONDAWG
US Veteran
Shorts, t-shirt and a J frame April-mid Oct.
Layers, jeans, overcoat, mittens, long johns the rest of the time, with a J.
I never dress around a gun. Carry a large steel gun in summer?
Layers, jeans, overcoat, mittens, long johns
the rest of the time, with a J.I never dress around a gun. Carry a large steel gun in summer?
Shorty 45 MK2
Member
You got it wrong I'm huddled on the floor telling the crew to take care of the problem.
You just feel that way cause you can't play Call of Duty with your 442 and speed strip.
6thtexas
Member
I dunno, but I was a cop for 21 years. I figure nowadays that if I am in a situation where I need more than 5 shots, I am somewhere I should have avoided in the first place! Sure you may be accosted by a murderous gang of outlaw bikers or whatnot but the chances of that happening rank right there with being hit by a meteor or winning the lottery.
EDC nowadays is a 442 or 60 and maybe one speedstrip. Backup is a clean set of heels!
EDC nowadays is a 442 or 60 and maybe one speedstrip. Backup is a clean set of heels!
For a primary duty weapon? Yes. Then again, I'd not lose sleep if I were to return to work and was told I'd be carrying a 6-shot full-size revolver again. (My last 3 issued weapons were 7+1, 8+1 & and now 15+1, so it's not like I'm exactly a capacity enthusiast for my own part.)
For a secondary/backup, off-duty or retirement CCW? Not so much. 5 rounds is enough for how I assess my potential risk on my days or nights regarding my normal activities.
Yes, the little 5-shot snubs can be harder to run than larger revolvers and pistols. Hardly surprising. Even some folks who shoot full-size revolvers well can have trouble with the little 5-shot snubs. That's where training, experience and personal judgment come into play.
I seldom see any of the other cops and instructors with whom I work put in any more range time with a snub revolver than may be absolutely required for periodic quals. I've always got at least one of mine that's dirty from being used for training/quals or practice, though.
Why? Because I enjoy shooting them.
Last edited:
Lobster Picnic
Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2010
- Messages
- 1,573
- Reaction score
- 998
I would consider a NAA mini revolver instead of a speed strip if you carry a 5-round J-frame. It's not much larger or heavier than a speed strip, and having 2 guns gives you a lot more options. Being able to draw and fire with either hand could be a difference maker. Also, you have the option of handing your 2nd gun to a friend; now you can cover each other, or split up without one being vulnerable, etc.
Lightfoot4
Member
The flaw in his thinking with regards to capacity is thinking he's got to have a bullet for each bad guy. Even if the sight of his gun doesn't deter them, they are going to scatter after the first shot.
Sure. I am aware of the realities of armed confrontations. When I carry my J frame I'm concerned if 5 is enough or that my accuracy will be sufficient.
When I carry my Glock 23 I am more concerned about ending the confrontation in the first few rounds (less time for the bad guys return fire to find me).
The only times I have not been overly concerned about which handgun I'm carrying is when I have had a 12 gauge pump in my hands.
When I carry my Glock 23 I am more concerned about ending the confrontation in the first few rounds (less time for the bad guys return fire to find me).
The only times I have not been overly concerned about which handgun I'm carrying is when I have had a 12 gauge pump in my hands.
CTI1USNRET
Member
Those that carry a deringer...Ever Worry that 2 Isn't Enough? (Many advise you to carry at least a J.)
Those that carry a J...Ever Worry that 5 Isn't Enough? (Many will call you a fool.)
Those that carry a 1911...Ever Worry that 8 Isn't Enough? (Many advise you to carry a spare mag.)
Those that carry a Hi Power...Ever Worry that 14 Isn't Enough? (Many advise you to carry a spare mag.)
Those that carry a G17...Ever Worry that 18 Isn't Enough? (Many advise you to carry a spare mag.)
If you're looking for consensus regarding your PERSONAL comfort level ... you're blowing in the wind and the wind is constantly changing.
Those that carry a J...Ever Worry that 5 Isn't Enough? (Many will call you a fool.)
Those that carry a 1911...Ever Worry that 8 Isn't Enough? (Many advise you to carry a spare mag.)
Those that carry a Hi Power...Ever Worry that 14 Isn't Enough? (Many advise you to carry a spare mag.)
Those that carry a G17...Ever Worry that 18 Isn't Enough? (Many advise you to carry a spare mag.)
If you're looking for consensus regarding your PERSONAL comfort level ... you're blowing in the wind and the wind is constantly changing.
Similar threads
