Large capacity vs Less capacity.....for a carry gun

[Scarlett Pistol]

I got a Stealthgear AIWB when they were on sale for black Friday. It is my first time trying AIWB and it's my favorite position for IWB now. With the holster, a strong belt,  and the position weight hasn't been an issue at all for me.

[Indy_Tim]

The majority of us, non LE carriers will pass our firearms down to our heirs when we pass, having never pulled them from the holster in anger.  Most of those that do pull a firearm in anger will not have to pull the trigger.  The majority of those that have to pull a trigger in self defense will do so 3 or less times.  By shot 3, people are generally either running, bleeding out or figuring out what just happened.  The dynamics for a civilian compared to LE are very different.  LE will give chase, call in backup and can have dogs and helicopters on the scene before long when someone makes a run for it.  But, with your average civilian, a thug can run, knowing full well that we are not going to run after them.

Given all of that, my personal focus is on making those first three shots count as much as possible.  I want those first three rounds to be as effective as they possibly can to either entirely prevent return fire or at least reduce the effectiveness of it.  One of my most commonly carried pistols is a Dan Wesson CCO.  I shoot that gun very well and am willing to give up capacity with that gun.  There are times that I do find comfort in capacity and I'll dial it up at times and carry anything from a P01, SP01C or P09/40.

I'm not suggesting that anyone that carries higher capacity pistols is doing anything wrong, but for me, what I wrote above is what how I've come to think about the issue.  To each there own.  For me, it's all about that first three rounds is my primary concern.  Whether there are 5 more behind it or 14 more is not as important as those first three.

[CZ Aficionado]

The majority of us, non LE carriers will pass our firearms down to our heirs when we pass, having never pulled them from the holster in anger.  Most of those that do pull a firearm in anger will not have to pull the trigger.  The majority of those that have to pull a trigger in self defense will do so 3 or less times. 

I tend to be of the same mindset......being prepared, putting yourself in the best position at all times.....situational awareness.....its not being paranoid, it making awareness part of your being....realizing all things have risks, mitigating them to an acceptable level, recognizing and adjusting to move out of possible bad situations before they deteriorate, sitting closer to the exits at a theater, at least knowing where they are and the quickest route to them....just a few seconds to know how to get out, instead of be cornered and having to fight.  This is kind of why I broached this subject in relation to CCW and capacity levels.  Mitigating risk to zero isn't realistic, I do however believe that there are circumstances that could dictate more available "fire power" being a factor to consider....

I live in a mountainous region of the country, when in the wilderness I carry appropriately, in National Parks its illegal to carry.....when out hiking you have to make the determination......bear, mountain lion, wolves, snakes......the government thinks those predators are more important than your ability to protect yourself.....but I digress, my apologies 

[Diamondbackmike2004]

Its always nice to have friends.... Your ammunition feels the same....

[ShoMeMule]

The majority of us, non LE carriers will pass our firearms down to our heirs when we pass, having never pulled them from the holster in anger.  Most of those that do pull a firearm in anger will not have to pull the trigger.  The majority of those that have to pull a trigger in self defense will do so 3 or less times. 

I tend to be of the same mindset......being prepared, putting yourself in the best position at all times.....situational awareness.....its not being paranoid, it making awareness part of your being....realizing all things have risks, mitigating them to an acceptable level, recognizing and adjusting to move out of possible bad situations before they deteriorate, sitting closer to the exits at a theater, at least knowing where they are and the quickest route to them....just a few seconds to know how to get out, instead of be cornered and having to fight.  This is kind of why I broached this subject in relation to CCW and capacity levels.  Mitigating risk to zero isn't realistic, I do however believe that there are circumstances that could dictate more available "fire power" being a factor to consider....

I live in a mountainous region of the country, when in the wilderness I carry appropriately, in National Parks its illegal to carry.....when out hiking you have to make the determination......bear, mountain lion, wolves, snakes......the government thinks those predators are more important than your ability to protect yourself.....but I digress, my apologies 

Not entirely accurate. The United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, goes by  state law of the state the park (or particular part thereof), is located. Of course buildings where employees are stationed or work in are off limits.

[Birds Away]

Your life will never be put in jeopardy by having too many rounds.

[tattooo]

I would think more rounds are a plus....

[IDescribe]

Correct. 

It's not a coincidence that whenever this conversation comes up, the proponents of lower capacity also happen to be revolver or 1911 enthusiasts.   

[Indy_Tim]

They are unless you choose an inferior caliber to achieve high capacity.  A PMR30 holds a lot of weak ammo.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[CZ Aficionado]

Okay......the "less capacity" crowd seems to be keeping a low profile here, so for the "large capacity" group......whats an acceptable regular carry capacity you are comfortable with, that would include loaded firearm and extra rounds in spare mag(s)......just wondering what the thinking is........my normal carry with the 640 is 5 loaded, 5 more on a speedstrip/speedy loader.....thanks

[Birds Away]

When carrying a compact I usually carry 16+1 and a spare 16.  When I carry a full size it is 19+1 with a spare 19.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

PCR or 75B Compact fully loaded with 15,spare mage with 14. The 2% of the time that I have to carry my 640 it's 5 loaded and 2 5rnd speed loaders.

[Grendel]

I remember reading a line by someone famous, like Ayoob, or Cooper, or someone similar: 'Always carry the biggest pistol you can successfully conceal' or words to that effect.

I am guided by this. In spring, fall, or winter, it's normally a full size pistol or possibly a compact (G19 or the like) and extra mag, in summer, a pocket pistol (G43 or LCP) and extra mag.

The extra mag serves two purposes, it obviously gives a reload for extra rounds, but also covers me should I get a stovepipe, double feed, or other life ending malfunction.

In closing, consider this: you will never lose a fight by having too many rounds of ammunition.

[PPS1980]

All BS aside,the best carry gun,is the one you have on you when it is needed. The tragedy exists when someone forgets to strap on their gun because of forgetfulness,or because it is uncomfortable. Then all of a sudden they are in a situation  where they need it. The perfect gun is the one you will carry- 24-7. Im no expert,but I have carried for over 40 years. Scotty   

I agree with all but the notion that one might forget their gun. If carrying is that much of an afterthought then that person needs to take things a bit more seriously. Strapping on one's pistol should not become the same mundane task as slipping a wallet into a pocket.
I would also add that the best gun is the one that you will practice with and become proficient with. I know far to many people who think an airweight J frame is just the perfect gun to pack the problem is it's one of the hardest guns to master and these guys are carrying guns that they haven't put 30 rounds through. Yikes!!

I carried a 442 for a long time. I encountered all the comments (my favorite is "Its so cute, whats it going to be when it grows up?"). As for accuracy, under 7 meters and I'm golden. Past that and I wonder if it is really a life threatening situation that doesnt allow for withdrawal.

[M1A4ME]

Many years ago one of my partners (small LE department in the mountains of WV) had an odd understanding/belief about statistics and gun fights.

He carried a S&W M59.  Remember those?  Fifteen shot 9MM.  Well, my partner carried six rounds in his pistol and no spare magazine.  Evidently the Chief was okay with this because that's how the guy operated (we worked straight evening shift, same days for 3 days and by ourselves 2 days so we covered the whole week).

I asked to look at his pistol one night while we were in the office.  He had a hollow point (don't remember the brand) in the chamber and some FMJ rounds in the magazine.  A mix of different brands and even one European military surplus round.  I was amazed and disappointed that my back up was such a mess.  I asked why he only had six rounds in the gun and he told me, "I read the annual FBI report on police officers killed each year.  I know the average gun fight only sees 2.7 rounds fired till the fight is over.  I've got twice that many rounds in my pistol.  That's all I need."  I was to find out, later at the range, that he couldn't hit the target if he had two boxes worth of loaded back up magazines, but that's another story.

I asked him if he understood how the average number of rounds fired was calculated and found out he didn't understand averages either.  I gave up (I refuse to descend into the insanity of anyone else's little world.)

When things go south, they seldom follow the book or the averages.  I follow the rule of "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."  I carry a fully loaded magazine in my double stacked compact (whether .40 S&W or 9MM) and three larger than standard back up magazines - on me.  Hope I never need'em.

And, I remember when folks said single stack just wasn't enough rounds.  That's why the "wonder 9" came about.  And more followed.  I sort of chuckle, these days, when people start talking about going back to where we were in the 70's.