TexasCHLforum.com

I carry 1911's and usually one extra mag. on the belt. Occasionally I wear a double mag carrier, but not often. For me, the primary reason for the extra mag. is for a backup in case of a mag failure, as Braden said, but the extra ammo is also nice.

However, as Clint Smith points out, "the fight will last until you win, loose, or run out of ammo. How much is enough, who knows?" I often hear people say something to the effect that, "if I can't stop 'um with 5 rounds of 38 Special, then I shouldn't carry a gun" to justify carrying a 5 rd. 38 snub with no extra ammo. We can all get 5 rds into a stationary target with a 2" snub, but try that while you are moving and your target is scrambling to avoid your muzzle flash. I have a drill I use in the NRA Personal Protection classes I teach. After the range portion of the class is almost over, I have everyone shoot on the move. Most are surprised at the reduction in their hit percentage. I then have them do that same drill, but with a swinger (swinging target). It's not unusual to see 0 to 2 hits from a full mag. It's a real eye-opener! It's also a great incentive for students to practice on moving targets. With practice, such shots are not difficult, but I suspect that most folks who carry an S&W Mod. 60 in their pants with no extra ammo probably don’t spend much time on the range shooting moving targets.

How much ammo is enough, unfortunately we will never know the answer to that one, until the fight is over. Ask the FBI about the 1986 Miami shootout!

Regards,
Chas.