[kfox75]

Originally Posted by StoneCat

Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Originally Posted by drvsafe

You may want to try this:

Set up 2 targets, draw your weapon and empty a magazine at one of the targets in as rapid fire as your range would allow. Next run a 100 yard sprint, then immediately pick up your firearm and empty another magazine at the 2nd target at the same speed your shot your 1st target in.

Now compare, then ask yourself the same question...

Originally Posted by danf_fl

The magazine is THE weakest part of any semi-auto pistol.
If the magazine screws up, then your pistol is a rock.

I carry extra mags for that reason.

If I need more than the 8 rounds offered by my 1911, then I am either dumb enough to be in the wrong place, or I should have brought a rifle.

I used to carry 2 speedloaders with my GP100, and a Jennings J22 (let the harrassment comence!) with an extra mag before I got my 1911. Currently, if I need to carry, I have 1 8 rounder in the 1911, and 2 spares on the non gun side, and the same J22 in an ankle holster, plus the additional mag for it in my left pocket. My reason for doing so, all of the above quotes. This is in addition to a flashlight, extra batteries, and 2 knives. I would much rather carry around 9 extra pounds of sh!t, then run out of ammo when my or my family's lives are at risk. Generally speaking, I use observation and situational awarness so that hopefully I will never have to use even 1 round. It is a he!! of a lot easier to avoid trouble, then it ever is to fight your way out of it. YMMV.

[Byron0022]

Originally Posted by danf_fl

The magazine is THE weakest part of any semi-auto pistol.
If the magazine screws up, then your pistol is a rock.

I carry extra mags for that reason.

If I need more than the 8 rounds offered by my 1911, then I am either dumb enough to be in the wrong place, or I should have brought a rifle.

Best reason I've read so far.

[SSGN_Doc]

I could see carrying an extra for the reasoning of having a spare in case something went bad with the main mag.

[Vikingdad]

Originally Posted by SSGN_Doc

I could see carrying an extra for the reasoning of having a spare in case something went bad with the main mag.

By the time you figure out that there is a problem with one of your carry mags the gunfight will probably be over.

[SSGN_Doc]

Originally Posted by Vikingdad

By the time you figure out that there is a problem with one of your carry mags the gunfight will probably be over.

MAybe, but if you're not out of the fight it is nice to have an option instead of waiting for a coup d' gras.

[Rick1967]

Originally Posted by Vikingdad

By the time you figure out that there is a problem with one of your carry mags the gunfight will probably be over.

I have had a mag failure during an IDPA shoot. Actually I goofed up the crimp on my reloads. Bad day at IDPA. But I did find out that I can clear and reload my 1911 in about 5 seconds. That includes the second of "What the heck is wrong with this thing?" I think I would still be in it at that point.

[TexasBear]

Sorry for responding so late to these. I was actually at my CHL class and couldn't respond right away.

First off, I looked for similar posts and didn't find o e that answered my question an I probably didn't find the one that mentioned my initial question.

Second, I can understand the gun jamming and that being pretty much the only reason for carrying a spare. Situational awareness would tell most people if fifteen BGs were around then I'm in a losing fight either way. The average gun fight is 3.5 rounds So I just don't see myself getting into that type of situation. Before anybody says it, I know anything can happen but at that point I need to walk around with my AR.

After reading all of your posts, thanks BTW, I feel that one spare mag would suffice and I just don't see carrying more mags than that being practical for me. I am a big guy, 6'4" 375lbs, so most people don't mess with me anyway. Believe it or not my size usually scares people off by it self.

Thanks for the help.

[Vikingdad]

Originally Posted by Rick1967

I have had a mag failure during an IDPA shoot. Actually I goofed up the crimp on my reloads. Bad day at IDPA. But I did find out that I can clear and reload my 1911 in about 5 seconds. That includes the second of "What the heck is wrong with this thing?" I think I would still be in it at that point.

Do you think that you could have done so well in a gunfight? I'm not saying you couldn't. Things are different in a high stress situation and an IDPA competitin is not as stressful as being in a gunfight I'm guessing.

[JonM]

Originally Posted by Rick1967

I am not concerned about my shooting abilities. I can hold my own with the best of them. I think of being trapped in a situation with an active shooter. The nutcase in Aurora had body armor on.

just for the record he had a mag carrier vest not body armor.

[Vikingdad]

Originally Posted by JonM

just for the record he had a mag carrier vest not body armor.

They are one and the same to your average reporter.