WHY I NO LONGER CARRY A SPARE MAGAZINE

[@tessahbooth]

Thanks to those of you who watched the video, and to those of you who shared your thoughts in the comment section below! Something I'd like to add as a point of clarification is that this video is specifically discussing my personal choice not to carry a spare magazine *on my person*, but to instead prioritize other tools in it's place. That said, I often have a spare, or two inside of my vehicle. No, I likely won't need it, even there, but it's of no cost to me or sacrifice of other tools to have it there. The cost to benefit ratio changes. I also have a full IFAK in my vehicle, and other vehicle related emergency supplies. Maybe the next video should be about the items I prioritize in my vehicle?

[@jakejudson8578]

Stop it! Just kidding!

[@project86xero]

If I used a vehicle to get from A to B on the daily instead of a bicycle or public transportation, I probably wouldn't carry a spare on me either. I have been far from home and had a baseplate explode on me. So thats why I'm glad I had a spare and continue to carry one. But every person's situation is unique. What's right for me may not be right for you. TBH your more prepared than 90% of Americans with just carrying the mace and flashlight EVERY DAY. The gun puts you at 95% and the tourniquet... 99% total Stacy (Chad) move right there.

[@aldewitt9]

Good idea. I put all the stop the bleed supplies on the outside pockets.

[@jakejudson8578]

@@aldewitt9 let it bleed

[@shuumai]

Carrying a spare or two in the car does make sense. For one, in case you end up in the middle of a protest/riot. Actually, just have a spare firearm with it! Could just hand it to an unarmed passenger in a very dicey situation.

[@BlackRifleMedic]

I just carry three pistols

[@R3TR0--93]

I got you beat, I carry 6.

[@BlackRifleMedic]

@@R3TR0--93 I need to step up my game. Lol

[@TheScaleTech]

4 J-frames. One in each front pocket and one on each ankle

[@sg51psd04]

Shoulder rig, appendix, 4 o'clock and ankle holster.

[@fredlaughlin6343]

That is a "New York reload".

[@killingfield]

I really appreciate that you included a link to a counter opinion. That's EXACTLY how informed decisions are made. Excellent. This is why I keep watching.

[@skootr924]

Yep, me too. Great comment 🇺🇸

[@hmmreally620]

All though I disagree, I second the comment about 2nd opinion link

[@crypto1300]

I'm in Hawaii, so limited to 10 round mags. So I carry a spare, pepper spray, a flashlight, knife and tourniquet. But, I'm a 200lbs guy and can easily conceal all of it.

[@musicman1eanda]

Wow they're complying with Bruen and giving out carry permits!?

[@crypto1300]

@@musicman1eanda yes, but the process is 🤪

[@ayowser01]

bro, become ungovernable 😀

[@akdm82]

Seriously? I’ve heard that they’ve never given out a permit or at least not to anyone except celebrities or their body guards.

[@melwestlake8539]

I heard Hawaii just said the 2A doesn't apply to their state. Not so?? I hope for all of you there that's not true or the lawsuits are piling up telling the state to pound sand, which I hear you have a lot of!! 😂

[@Martin42944]

2010: carry vs don’t carry 2015: 40 vs 9mm 2020: micro compact vs full size 2024: spare mag or nah? I’m okay with this progression

[@keithkreatives]

LMAO! So true

[@duckvenom]

Spare mag is more than extra capacity for multiple attackers, it's malfunction and troubleshooting expediency when seconds are minutes and cops are running a little behind schedule.

[@quattrocity9620]

quickly fixing a malfunction IS the primary reason to carry a spare.

[@JamesSullivan-ru4op]

There is no justifiable reason to NOT carry a loaded spare magazine or even two. None. Zero. That is not simply an opinion, it is fact under fire. It seems to be me she speaks from a point of inexperienced soccer mom rather than someone actually concerned with the survival or hers and herself. My wife and I actually went so far as to carry the same pistol so if one us runs out or falls, the other can just hand over or grab the magazines and get on with business.

[@quattrocity9620]

@@JamesSullivan-ru4op She definitely doesn't give off "inexperienced soccer mom" vibes. She gives off EDC inventory management vibes. A lot of guys I know carry a firearm and an extra mag, but don't have a basic first aid/ trauma kit. They have no basic tools (screw drivers, pry bar, flashlight). When balancing health, comfort, likelihood of use, what happens if you need it and don't have it, how often something is used, limited space or carrying capacity and concealability, compromises are made. Maybe you choose your firearm (and loaded magazine) knowing you aren't going to carry a mag instead of everything else you feel is more important or useful.

[@LordSStorm]

​@@quattrocity9620How many times have you ever seen someone use a spare mag to fix a malfunction issue in a civilian self defense encounter?

[@LordSStorm]

How many times have you ever seen someone use a spare mag to fix a malfunction issue in a civilian self defense encounter?

[@nokachi3339]

I've had a glock oem mag baseplate come off when I entered my truck. Spring, follower, and all my ammo came out. Needless to say, I was happy I had a spare mag.

[@andershilmo1866]

Had a similar thing happen I was able to retain the spring and ammo. Just knocked the base pad loose. Also knocked the base pad loose on on other occasion.

[@003333333333]

John from ASP didn't see it, so I'm sure it didn't happen. Nice try though.

[@James-x5w9c]

Put the mag back together and reload the ammo.. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@nokachi3339]

@user-jn1wp6pj5i yeah imagine that happened during a self defense situation, bot

[@BobD-hu9hs]

Bummer. But an easy fix: get a good sidearm 😬😬👍

[@melwestlake8539]

I carry at least one spare but always two with my 1911s. I thoroughly respect how you explained your reasoning and it does make sense. Very well said. For me the spare ammo is the most important part.

[@bostonpicker7947]

I appreciate your thoughtfulness in weighing the options. I also appreciate your pov that this is what works for you, and that there are multiple pov’s. Thanks for bringing tge issue to your channel.

[@JamesSullivan-ru4op]

Survival is not a point of view. It's circumstance of do or die. Carry a spare magazine or two. It just isn't that hard or problematic. Her "perspective" here is akin to flying crossing the Atlantic by only taking on enough fuel to get most of way. Her "advice" is poor and can definitely get her dead while the perpetrators live on.

[@jasonmcclish2580]

Carry a spare. To me, it's like driving a car without a spare tire. The likelihood of needing it is slim . But if you do need it, you'll thank God you did bring it. That being said. That's my opinion and not gospel. You do what you think is right . Honestly, I don't even get why people get butt hurt over topics like this. You do you.. Stay safe, and God Bless ..

[@andershilmo1866]

I have damaged several mags actually lol. I do tend to be hard on things.

[@James-x5w9c]

The chance of getting a flat tire is way more common than the likelihood of needing a spare mag

[@JakeCamo]

Also there’s probably millions of examples of civilians using their spare tires. I think there has yet to be one legitimate civilian shooting where a spare magazine was used. To me that example would be more like you brining a spare engine just in case

[@Truth-Justice-Freedom]

@@James-x5w9cActually, the way we should think: Carry a gun=HAVE a car; USE a gun=DRIVE a car; Chance of need a spare tire WHEN driving the czar=chance of need a spare mag WHEN using the gun. Got it? N thx.

[@billvojtech5686]

But do you carry 4 spare tires?

[@fivevs1]

good question. The reason I would carry a spare is for malfunctions. That’s the only reason but when I think about how many times I’ve had a malfunction with any of my Glocks it’s zero. my training magazines are not treated very gently either and they just keep working after years and years and years. So likelihood that my carry magazines which are kept in immaculate shape, would have a malfunction are near zero. I can probably do without that magazine. however, I do carry a spare magazine, because I’m the one guy that will comment on here that got into a gunfight as a civilian to save my life. I did not need a spare magazine. I was actually using a revolver at that time, but I’m already such a statistical anomaly I figure let’s not chance it.

[@sleepteam]

Glad you made it out alive.

[@fivevs1]

@@sleepteam ty

[@FishFind3000]

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Plus for me it actually helps me conceal better.

[@andershilmo1866]

@@FishFind3000I agree a spare mag for me does help me conceal better as well. Although a knife can help as well.

[@sleepteam]

@@FishFind3000yes, it evens out the sides for me too.

[@Fr_dG]

My two reasons: 1) Malfunction possibility 2) I live in California and am limited to 10 rounds per mag. So I'm at a disadvantage already. . But carry how you are comfortable, so that you carry as often as you can 🙂

[@shuumai]

Also older micros have lower capacity, so a spare is an alternative to replacement. Also spreads the weight out. And the spare could be extended without causing the grip to print more.

[@MrTeamzud]

You're already at a disadvantage by living in California

[@selaxlife7621]

​@MrTeamzud u keep telling urself that while im drinking an iced tea wearing shorts in the middle of January while ur shoveling snow jst to get to work....lmao

[@selaxlife7621]

​@MrTeamzud how many fire fights have u been in? How many sucky winters u have to endure? I rest my case. Born and raised in Los Angeles...and proud of it.

[@shuumai]

@@selaxlife7621 how's the traffic and cost of living in LA?

[@Killer-SeveN]

Tessa, I am 100% with you. As someone who also got into gun ownership in the recent years with some hesitation but now full heartedly decide to take responsibility to defend myself and having options to do so, in the unlikely but still possible event, I been watching your videos with grest relief to see someone of similar mindset and stances on safety, concealment, and not giving in to online Reddit or gun forum myths and fear. In general there is only so much I can conceal and comfortably carry. As such, I must prioritize. I also came to the conclusion that a spare magazine is of lower priority to carrying a less lethal weapon (i.e. POM pepper spray), a flashlight, and a tourniquet/trauma kit. Deadly force is a last resort and regardless of the stakes, I cant ignore there are scenarios where those tools are more likely to be of use before the firearm. Even if I get into a deadly encounter with a threat, there are plenty of stories where a defender still is injured with a traumatic wound and put in a critical condition or even die from their injuries before or even after getting into the ER. People talk about the hypothetical of a fight with deadly weapons and WWYD w/o a spare mag but don't think of the possibility where they could have that mag and still lose their life by being underprepared. Carry a spare mag if you wish, but consider these other tools as well. Your gun is more likely to fail due to poor technique or maintenance before a hiccup of the mag, its not more common than needing to diversify your self-defense options.

[@andershilmo1866]

I carry a spare mag, two knives and pepper spray flashlight for 5 years know. An impact weapon as well. Definitely diversify your options. Options is King always had medical in my car but will be diligent to carry two tourniquets from know on.

[@totoro6214]

Mag failure is actually the most common source of gun malfunctions (high adrenaline and accidentally releasing the mag as often seen in police bodycam footage being an example besides the typical mechanical issues). I'm already carrying so much that it's wedging open space all around my waist, so adding extra mags doesn't seem to make my waist any bulkier. But I completely agree with your regarding priorities. I think a knife, flashlight, tourniquet, and pepper spray would likely see way more action than a gun or spare mag.

[@sgtzsquad]

Each person must count the cost on what tools you have. You have thought it through for you and are comfortable with it. Carry on! Semper Fi!

[@redtyfoon]

I appreciate you for diving into this topic. I wish the gun world would focus on the "Carry how you live" philosophy. It's natural way to have your firearm integrated in you're life rather than a "Live to carry" attitude about it.

[@andershilmo1866]

I agree that many are more gun ho about it especially about carrying a gun. I personally have carried small and large guns. It takes a few small accommodations to carry a larger firearm, or an extra mag. Are the accommodations to myself or yourself worth it to have a carry a larger gun, or do I think I will be okay in a gunfight with a smaller gun. Which is different than saying I want a gun I will probably only carry if I have a smaller one. The old saying you can’t have to big of a gun in a gun fight rings true. But there are also plenty of those hand cannon crowd that rarely have one on them if you check them. Just realized the limitations of a smaller gun. My personal philosophy is carry a large gun much of the time, compact for the rest of the time. The subcompact only comes out for when I really do not want to carry or I need to be very discreet/ deep concealment.

[@ecobasetech4558]

There is no such thing as one type of carry fits all.

[@heyitsjeffagain]

This is one of the most rational, reasonable, thought-provoking, and well-presented “talking head” videos on a gun-related topic that I’ve seen in 50 years of being a gun owner and 38 years of being a certified law enforcement officer. Well done!

[@timsmith1125]

So many variables to consider, yet I agree that each individual situation is unique and one has to choose what works best for them. Kudos for including the link to Massad Ayoob’s presentation. He also did one on pepper spray as being an alternate way of responding to a situation, somewhere between harsh words and using lethal force.

[@jeffpritchard4341]

You make solid points and I appreciate you giving your opinions versus telling others what they should do. I recently dropped a holstered Glock. The base plate came off (broken) and out pops the spring. If this had been a hot situation not having a spare magazine would have been a big problem.

[@cokedaz]

If not mentioned already, the reason for a spare is not because you have used the entire magazine, it is based off of issues with the one magazine you have. It could be the one moment the spring decides to break, issue with the magazine being loaded incorrectly, something lodged in it. Perhaps under stress the release could get bumped and be dropped, or bumped while carrying and it slipping out, falling out of reach. Having a spare is a good option. Having a light or a medical kit may be more likely and more useful, but generally you may not die because you don't have one, but if your gun doesnt function at all you will. So as long as you are 10000% confident in the magazine working and not having it get bumped out accidentally or in a struggle then you do you.

[@christophersmith2544]

For the reason of the most common failure of semi autos is almost always magazine related, not because I don't think I'm carrying enough rounds in my edc

[@jamesb2651]

Interesting perspective. I personally carry an extra magazine but my needs are different than most. I respect your decision and your reasoning.

[@ITSecurityFTW]

I carry a spare, but I also don't carry pepper spray. Where I live pepper-spray is JUST the slightest bit below a gun in terms of how much trouble you can get into. Also prosecutors in my county have argued in the past that if you carry pepperspray but use your gun you "were looking to kill him!". I talked to a 2A defense attorney and he said from the standpoint of an attorney trying to defend someone it makes his job easier for them to NOT have pepper-spray. I picked make my defense attorneies job easier over extra options. I need to survive to provide for my family, and I can't do that from jail.

[@inspector4133]

I admire your list of edc. Also love your use of advising people, not telling them what to do. I used to carry a spare mag (two actually), but you're right I've other priorities for my limited edc space. Thanks for the video.

[@MiguelGonzalez-iw5wp]

I always carry 2 spare mags (17+1 in the chamber, and two 17 round mags). It's more of an absolute just in case type of situation. Most videos I've seen of self defense shooting do go fast, but I've seen those few where it's like five bad guys against one good guy and the bad guys don't run when shot at; they shoot back. I also remember two distinct videos where the good guy runs out of bullets, they have no spare mag, and the bad guys are still in the game... So yeah, I always carry 2 spares.

[@akira357]

Your CCW is a p365 Xmacro. 😎

[@Gieszkanne]

Where do you live? In a ghetto?

[@OOICU812]

I occasionally carry a spare, but I always carry. See how that works. 😊

[@Bahamut69]

I really respect your perspective because there's not a lot of level headed and women viewpoints available. As for me, I also choose not to carry an extra magazine...the hellcats are so small I just carry two! 😂

[@JohnHolliday1911]

All about figuring out what works for you. Extra magazines aren't always about more ammunition, but, they can also fail. It's a complex issue, and all up to the individual. Carry on.

[@AK-ky3ou]

Your gun can fail as well. Always carry a foldable rifle caliber carbine, full sized service pistol with at least 17 rounds and a subcompact backup with at least 10 rounds. 3 mags minimum for each.

[@RedGoat2035]

@@AK-ky3ou get a Glock it won’t fail

[@thirdactwarrior317]

I carry a spare for two reasons: 1) The magazine is generally the weakest link in auto pistol reliability. You can get a follower stuck (I have, in a shooting course), you can get deformed lips on the mag that you wouldn't notice on visual inspection, and it is possible to accidentally release the mag while shooting. When any of those happen, the second mag is a lifesaver. 2) Nobody, ever, survived a gunfight and and thought, "Wow, I had way more ammo than I needed! Sgt. Tim Gramins of the Skokie PD is a master firearms instructor. He fired 33 rounds of .45 hollow points to take a bank robber down who was returning fire at him. He hit the guy 14 times, several in supposed kill zones, but the guy didn't go down until the 14th round. Sure, police shootings are a bit different, but it is an example where bad guys sometimes just don't go down with one mag. You go to all the trouble to carry and get training and then you die in a fight when you run out of ammo. Everyone has to decide where their limits are. I decided 12+1 in the gun and 12 in a spare mag. As to other stuff: A flashlight is a must, but if you have taken an intensive low light shooting course, you know that you don't need as big a flashlight as you might think. Medical: I plan on the other guy needing the medical aid, not me. And I was taught in the Navy to improvise serious casualty medical with everyday items. Pepper spray is great, but it should go on your keychain with a quick release.

[@truthseeker9454]

Props to you for referencing sources from both perspectives. That's just good research and very considerate of you toward your viewers. Respect.

[@dlmsarge8329]

An outstanding explanation of your choice and such a respectful acknowledgement that others can and may hold a different view. Tye reasonable respect you show is much needed these days but not often seen. Well done.

[@JamesSullivan-ru4op]

She is introducing complication, multiple points of failure into a high stress situation where second and third guessing gets you or others violated or dead. There is no justifiable reason to not carry an extra magazine or two. None. Zero. Extra magazines are simply not that heavy or bulky to not carry. Multiple attackers are a genuine threat. Maybe they will fear her flashlight and flee in terror? Maybe she can get lucky enough to empty the pepper spray into an attacker and the attacker doesn't resist? Maybe she gets away but the attacker also gets away and offends again. Maybe the attacker then offends again and the result is even worse. The only valid thought she poses here, "... if no extra magazine, why carry at all?" Stop the threat without introducing complication in a circumstance where one is not capable of dealing with it. Get rid of the unnecessary points of failure.

[@scottmayhew2227]

I think it should be a matter of personal choice. Pick what you think is your most likely scenario and decide.

[@tnpsheepdog3289]

I like the extra stability that sidecar style holsters offer and they obviously have a mag caddy so I carry a spare mag. I definitely wouldn’t feel under equipped with just the mag in the gun, but at the same time it doesn’t hurt to have more ammo. At the end of the day it’s just personal preference and no one should care what others do…you’re responsible for you own safety and what you carry to keep yourself safe is up to you. Great video Tessah!

[@Alex-ic3zp]

I carry a spare I think it helps with the concealment and balance of my rig. Plus I like my woobie.

[@olddirtyburt7522]

I prefer to carry as much as I can. I like 2extra woobies, if I can.

[@Tony-nx2cj]

I live in Washington State and my G19 they have reduced the capacity to 10 rounds so I carry two spare magazines for a total of 30 rounds. I do carry tourniquet and flashlight as well but I am a man. I appreciate your honesty.

[@MRPosserLivestreams]

It always comes to personal choice and comfort level. Thank you for the video. 2 is one, one is none 😂

[@fishngame]

It depends on the person. The less bulk the better, for most. TRAINING properly, chances are, you will not need to reload. Remember, if something happens, you are not there to get into an all out war, you are in survival mode. Shoot your way out of harms way and escape!! Don't be a hero!! It's hard enough for some people to pick a ccw that is comfortable enough to carry every day. Some are just fine with it and are good with having extras like another mag, flashlight, etc.. but most people will not want to carry all of that every day.

[@nathanjohnson3668]

This is the mission! Wish more would understand it. And if gun nut wants to carry an arsenal cause it makes them feel safe then so be it. But not everyone has to do the same thing. Dress for your mission and let others do the same.

[@Kathymorganhartz]

Thanks so much for the insightful answer. Many items to consider and I will watch those other videos as well. Keep up the good work and videos

[@Greenmachine305]

Great video. I agree with the assessment. My choices are uniquely personal given my activities at any given time. In general, I choose not to carry extra ammo, but there are some situations I find myself in when I will.

[@sawhite27]

You do you. Just glad to hear you carry and are not out violating people. Setting a good example for "others" to follow. Next topic: Empty Chamber or Carrying HOT?

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

First off, this is the first time I've seen you or your channel. Your plain-spoken, hyperbole-free style is appreciated. Your production style is also professional and "just right". Finally, your logical, pragmatic analysis is something we need more of. Thanks for putting it out there. You've earned my sub, comment and like.

[@tessahbooth]

Thanks a bunch, I appreciate you noticing the attention to detail that goes into these videos! Glad to have you here!

[@BakaGaijin66]

A man much smarter than me once told me: "It's better to have it and not need, than to need and not have it"

[@SnakePliskin86]

I say, do what you want! I carry a spare for malfunctions. I’m an okish enough shot that if one or two attackers…attack me, one should be fine. I’ve found new ways to carry a spare where it’s not even noticeable. It’s like you said. Prioritize what you need. I also keep spares in my vehicle along with a larger IFAK, and other kit. And at work I don’t keep my IFAK on me, it’s in my backpack.

[@NESig]

I have no problems carrying the gun, spare mag, hand held light and POM spray. Nice to have a spare mag. Sometimes mags fail. I've heard that Mr. Murphy can show up at the darndest times, like in the middle of a gunfight.

[@nolangillentine773]

"Two is one, one is none" is a very true statement, but let's narrow that down a little... when your mag fails, or is accidentally (or intentionally) ejected, or any number of other scenarios... it could be the last regret you ever have in a deadly situation.

[@sbgroen]

Good reasoning, for sure. I carry a spare, no pepper spray, and only a small keychain light (a 150 lumen Olight I1R 2 EOS rechargeable for that survival situation). Pepper spray seems like poking the bull when I should be running away, which I won't hesitate to do. Everyone's different.

[@chiphungerford]

I have a great appreciation for your videos and the way you present information. I think each time you arm yourself you need to assess where you are going, who you will be defending, etc. Your choice to have a layered approach to personal defense seems to be well thought out, light for least aggressive but the ability to identify a threat or blind and strike an assailant. Moving up to pepper spray to disable and repel an attack then a firearm to neutralize an assailant. Your approach seems like it would be very defendable in court if you ever needed to defend yourself. Thanks for the thought provoking video and keep the content coming.

[@jimcoon]

I’m 70 years old. Got my CHL when I was in my late 20’s when Oregon first allowed it. So for a little over 40 years I have carried a J-frame in an ankle holster - never have carried extra rounds. The ankle holster is because I sat a lot in my work-life. I was in a car or in an office. If someone jumped out of a tree or came out of an alley and attacked me, there is no way I am going to get to my ankle in time for my revolver to be of use. But I have also used strong-side OWB carry and if someone jumped out of the bushes and grabbed me then a firearm carried that way isn’t a great option either. I have trained other ways to deal with being grabbed or knocked to the ground. And my ankle is always a lot closer to me than my truck or the safe at home. If I’m in a situation where I see something bad about to happen I can access my ankle in about 3 seconds. Or if walking into a parking garage I can place the revolver in my hand inside my pocket BEFORE I enter the parking garage. There are options. I have kept myself in shape throughout my life so I don’t have a beer gut to deal with. But I’m still not parking a gun in appendix position because I just find it really uncomfortable. (yes, I know what Clint Smith says about comfort and packing a gun) So if I carried a semi-auto, which I have at times, I leave the spare mag at home. Great video, thank you!

[@davidr7333]

Thanks! When measuring/determining risk, you must consider 2 parts - the cost and the probability. If the cost (impact) is very high and the probability moderate, it is still a high risk. But if the probability is quite low, the risk is only moderate. Example, a meteor fall only is fatal, but what ii the probability - AND what could you do about it? As such, the risk of needing a tourniquet, etc is more likely.

[@Just1Guy1000]

I appreciate your take on this and your EDC loadout video. For me I stopped carrying a spare for a time but have since started carrying one again. As one person pointed out in another thread, it kind of balances the load. One thing I did want to ask is with so many good lights out there from reputable makers in a smaller footprint why you choose to carry such a large one considering your size and usually smaller carry bag/purse/etc.

[@andershilmo1866]

It does do wonders for balance og out the load I agree.

[@andershilmo1866]

1 gun, spare mag,a fighting knife, a razor knife I don’t like to sharpen knife’s anymore, pepper spray, flashlight. Things I will be starting to carry a tourniquet , ankle gun, and an ankle med kit because I can and it’s not that hard. If you don’t want to carry a spare mag maybe at least keep one in your vehicle so that you can have an extra at least there. I have had an ar, and two pistol mags become none reliable. None even during hard use. So carrying a spare even if just in your car is not a bad idea. Especially while traveling or if you have a Long commute. If a SHTF type of situation. Most of my family and a couple friends have the same gun as mine so if I need to give them one then I also would have one to give them. I am a just under 6 foot guy, 200, pound guy that wears looser closes with pockets so I have space and it’s not as uncomfortable to carry this much as it would be on a smaller frame. So i wouldn’t expect others especially smaller frames to do so.

[@wv_shooter9618]

I always carry 3 to 4 mags for my shield plus and spare lcp max in the cargo pocket

[@JumboRadish]

I was an armed guard and my partner never carried an extra magazine. He said "if I never need more than 15, I'm in real trouble"

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

I'm used to going into danger in an M-113A1 armored personnel carrier. It has plenty of backup, guns and ammo, for 7 to 10 guys. When things go bad, go big!

[@intoeverything2023]

I always carry an extra magazine. I do it for malfunctions. If a tap and rack does not get the firearm up and running then I drop or rip the mag out and use my "spare" magazine to get back running. I practice this by loading snap caps randomly. 99% of the time a tap and rack works. I do "set up" other malfunctions that require magazine removal. It's much faster to grab a magazine from a known location than taking my eyes off of what's in front of me to look down to find the magazine I just dumped or ripped out. That's my 2 cents. Thanks for your video.

[@franklindjservices9844]

Thank you for your common sense comments about personal choice. I SELDOM carry an extra magazine as part of my everyday carry. When I’m camping remote (mountains, off grid) I carry extra magazines (large cats, bear, etc).

[@bwofficial1776]

Your reasons make sense and I agree with John Correia that what you have in your gun is what you're going to use at your gunfight. I still carry a spare magazine because I like having it to balance out my waistline but I could be persuaded to swap it out for a med kit, particularly since I never have less than 11 rounds on tap thanks to modern micro-compacts. If I'm going to need a spare, I 1) shouldn't be there in the first place or 2) should have brought a bigger gun with a bigger magazine.

[@WilliamYoung-j7v]

I have had mags fail in training courses and at matches. I carry two spares. I’m an old guy from the days when shooting in matches many of use had at least 10 mags in our range bags. We would number each mag so if one acted up we knew which one it was and take it out of service. I have had the base plate on the mag of my carry gun come off leaving me with just one round in the gun. Clint Smith who owns Thunder Ranch talks about the same thing happening to him when he was a cop. Having taken three of Ayoob’s courses his take is to have two of everything. Two gun, two lights, two knives and so on with his mindset that anything mechanical can fail and it will do so at the worst possible time.

[@msven]

I carry based on risk profile: Iraq/Afghanistan, 6 extra 5.56 mags. Downtown ATL at night, extended mag or spare + pepper spray. Around my low crime city, no spare mag + pepper spray.

[@michaellynn7745]

I carry all of the above, including a spare magazine and karambit, mainly in the event of multiple assailants. I've watch the ASP channel as well and generally agree that it's very rare to reload a high capacity handgun. My DTFS and speed reloads are significantly above average @ 25 yards, practicing every weekend for hours, so carrying all of it is just a matter of daily routine and training discipline. In the winter, I even wear my soft bullet proof vest with my hoodie and winter coats for fun. It's also an extra layer of warmth. Using a gun is already highly unlikely, so at a minimum I carry my IFAK and OC spray. But since I almost always have my backpack/attache with me, I try to bring as much as I can and stow my tools in there, especially when wearing a suit or preppy clothes. However, when dressed casually, I prefer bringing everything to the party and wear them on my person. While everything seems very safe in suburbia, I'm sure people used to feel the same way at parades, shopping, and during road rage incidents, and other seemingly innocuous transition spaces. The choice of tools enables force modulation, depending on the threat level, so I like the optionality, especially since the cost is de minimus. As I become older, I'm not as fast or strong or flexible as I used to be, and more injury prone, so I am not as likely to go mano-a-mano anymore, especially if my tools can be used as force equalizers. I am not dependent on my tools, but I definitely feel more secure having at least an IFAK on me - if not for me, then my family during an outing. While I can improvise, it's better to have purpose-built tools that I can easily carry and conceal - just in case whatever is lying around is not sufficient.

[@Uncommonsenses]

I’ve never understood why so few people grasp the simple fact that different people need different tools to solve different problems.

[@haroldchase4120]

Personal choice. Your logic is sound though . Blessed be

[@jimchin2619]

A spare mag can serve more than one purpose, not just for having more rounds. My mentality is, if the mag in my firearm malfunctions for whatever reason, at least I can drop that mag and replace with my spare to get the firearm up and running as quickly as possible.

[@SinCityVillain]

I'm just a guy. Not an expert. Not a police officer, SEAL or movie hitman. 1 weapon, 1 light, 1 pepper spray feels right to me. I suppose I could carry extra mags for the inevitable chase scenes and flipping over the hood of my SUV and running tactical reloads like John Wick against mobs of bad guys trying to cut me off for the gas pump line at COSTCO. My goal is protect myself and stop the threat and get home so I can go to work and pay for crap I don't need. Since I don't live in or commute through Beirut, I'm fine with the items I listed and some situational awareness.

[@AK-ky3ou]

Is Beirut extra sketchy or something?

[@Playgroundia]

Absolutely agreed with you! I too rock with a pistol but in place of the flashlight, I carry a WPS Nero on my right front pocket. I have been wanting to get pepper spray as my final EDC item. I'd heard that POM and SABRE were the go to ones and I figured I would go my Rural King and see what they had and I would just go buy whatever they had in stock.

[@JamesSullivan-ru4op]

The problem with this line of thinking: Adding in different deterrents that have to be carried in different places introduces not only second guessing methodology, but also wasted time recalling the location of each choice and then physically grappling to get a hold of and then ready for use. Pepper spray is not more effective than the firearm. A Taser or a flashlight with a built in Taser is not more effective than firearm. When one is a high stress situation like self defense, the human brain is simply not capable of reasoning through a bunch of steps and different physical manipulations to employ different methods. If one carries a gun for self defense, carry the magazines and forget the other crap. Stop the threat with the single most effective method. Keep it simple. As you point out, this isn't a movie and actors are not in true life or death, high adrenaline, high stress circumstance.

[@sleepteam]

I carry a stock 43x and I want more than 11. No hate though, everyone has to do what's best for them.

[@YSBRYD-CATH]

Outstanding video & very well presented. I'm on the 'not carry a spare' team, primarily based on all the research I've done. Yes, it could be a mistake, but the odds of A) a civilian needing to use a gun (miniscule) and then, B) using a gun and needing to employ a spare for a civilian self defense episode (even more miniscule). That's simply not the way the vast majority (talking 99% plus here) of civilian self-defense encounters play out. In fact (and this is just my best guess based on lots of reading), it's highly unlikely that a civilian in a self-defense encounter will ever need or use more than 3 shots. Are there exceptions to that assumption? Absolutely, but, again, the odds are almost infinitesimal! And I carry a Glock, so I really don't worry about malfunctions 😉

[@mok2323]

Im trying to remember the last failure I've had that required a different mag that wasn't expected. My carry mags are all OEM but I've got some third party for range capacity & a ftf or stovepipe are not uncommon. Or its due to cheaper ammo at the range, which is why my carry ammo is always HST or Gold Dot as those have never failed me at the range but I still use blazer & even cheaper if budget demands for target practice. Lucky enough to always have a mag or 4 of the good stuff with me. Everyone has their reasons for carrying whatever.

[@2copy3copy4cpoy]

my reason for carrying a reload is that it costs me basically nothing. I already keep a light, knife, medical, and OC spray on me in various pockets, and dedicating space for another mag doesn't compromise any of that, so if my wardrobe allows for it, why not? Having thigh pockets is the only reason this works for me, though, and if my pants didn't have them I probably wouldn't carry extra ammo.

[@45SIG58]

Why is it a hot button issue? Everyone can decide for themselves and allow others to do likewise. Personally I always carry a spare mag

[@45SIG58]

Great discussion Tessah

[@AshGreen359]

There's more cost for a woman. Because of clothing choices. I wear cargo pants and have plenty of pockets. I carry a multi tool with a bunch of extra attachments and they come in handy almost every day. I also carry a bright flashlight that I use every day. And I carry a stun gun and my handgun, that I've never needed to use in self defense. So adding a spare mag wasn't such a big deal. What really convinced me was seeing a body can video of a cop shooting a man 13 times before he stopped advancing with his knife. He got his hand on the cop's gun causing it to malfunction so she had to clear the malfunction costing another round. I'm in California where we are only allowed 10 rounds. Also, the point that you may need to drop your mag to clear a malfunction, it's easier to drop it on the ground and replace it with a fresh one. However if I were a woman who is wearing yoga pants or a dress carrying all that stuff would be a higher cost. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hovbpJukhtpof68si=mkeedqaSlNKqDP6C

[@jsedbe0624]

Agreed. Wardrobe has a lot to do with EDC. I wear comfortable cargo pants on a regular basis, so I have plenty of room for a spare mag. I still have empty pockets right now.

[@Pouncer_Fox]

Believe it or not, but I currently daily carry five spare mags. The reason why I do so is NOT because I feel the need for five spare mags, but because I can do so comfortably, AND if I don't, the weight of my gear is not balanced on both sides, resulting in discomfort. However, there was a time in my past when I did not carry ANY spare magazines. Again, the rationale was the same, where it was simply because I could not do so comfortably when you add all the other gear that I was already daily carrying. I say all this to illustrate that, having been on both extreme ends, I do understand both sides of this "debate", and in the end, I also fully agree it is up to each individual to decide what works best for them for daily carry. At the same time though, I would also say that the journey continues as we explore and further evolve our daily carry process, and perhaps to continue to pursue methods of carry that is both more practical as well as comfortable. I'm already working on what I hope is the next iteration of my daily carry, but only time will tell if things work out or not.

[@UhideNcryWhileIseek]

5 lol. If you're a cop sure but that's even a stretch there but if you're just a civilian come on 3 is a lot at the absolute super most. But 5 is bc you need to be wearing a bicycle helmet bc you're a bump risk to yourself 😂 I carry 1 spare 43x mag on my belt depending on where I am. That's it. No uneven weight nonsense. I have a knife, oc spray, and my medkit is in my vehicle.

[@markteedot]

I appreciate your thoughts. When I go to church I carry 2 extra, 30 rounds total. I live in California. Most other times I carry one.

[@petesheppard1709]

Clearly and thoughtfully stated. Well done!

[@itzSudden]

Good video. Could you please make a follow-up that covers your trauma medical kit? What you carry, why you carry it (both the kit in general and the specific components of the kit), how you carry it (the holder/wrap/bag) and where you carry it (off-body vs on-body (and where)). Thank you!

[@tessahbooth]

Check out last weeks video for all those details :)

[@itzSudden]

@@tessahboothgood call, thank you!

[@wtdconcepts]

I agree with the sentiment. However I’ve got a pair of Viktos jeans and vertex pants that have those extra slit pockets so it’s really easy to just leave a spare mag in my jeans. But if I had to carry another mag on my belt I’d more often than not opt out

[@visualist6x6]

You are absolutely correct! Make your own threat assessment. Where you live and work makes a difference. What are you willing or not willing to do if that threat occurs? Do you carry less-lethal alternatives? Do you carry an IFAK? It's up to you. I know what I carry.

[@ReversePolarity5]

As a guy, I've found it difficult to carry an effective trauma kit on my person. I usually have an off-body sling bag with trauma gear in my car, but wish I could have one more readily available when I'm out of the car. Tried ankle rigs, but haven't been able to get them to work for me. I have a small, but very effective, O-light clipped in my pocket, and a knife. I gave up carrying less lethal options a while ago. Otherwise, I carry a 10+1 P365, but always have a 15 round spare mag. During some range drills, I felt like I still felt like I ran out of rounds (26) too quickly and am not willing to drop below that amount. If it was just a case of defending myself and family from a lone thug, 11 may seem sufficient, but I'm seeing more and more instances of multiple assailants and active shooter situations where I just don't want to be caught short.

[@lc3853]

As an infantry soldier with solid PTSD, I think you spend too much time in fantasyland. Try a productive/creative hobby instead of imagining bad guys all around you. It's exhausting!! I don't care how many mags you carry, I'm cooking chili.

[@ReversePolarity5]

@@lc3853 I like chili.

[@SplashOfOrange]

Well stated. The thing for me in my own EDC philosophy is that if I'm only carrying weapons and ammo then it feeds the image that I'm an aggressor even if I act in legitimate self defense. Carrying helpful but non-lethal items helps reinforce that my intent is to be a protector, and that I understand a firearm is just one of those tools. I do carry a spare mag sometimes, and always when I specifically serve on the church security team, but on typical EDC days sometimes the spare mag is what gets triaged to make a spot for other items that increases my overall protective capabilities instead of reinforcing just the one. Conceal and Carry on!

[@Yurkevich22]

I mean it's just math, statistics, and probability - the chance of you needing a firearm is already really really small (for most people), let's say like 1 in 10,000 (probably even less). That's 0.0001. Now the probability of you needing a spare let's say is 1 in 1,000 (probably less with a reliable gun. SO the probability of both A) needing a gun AND B) Needing a spare is 0.0001 x 0.001 = 1e-7 = 0.0000001...which is like 1 in 10 million (if I'm right)? Which is ridiculously low. Now, the probabilities I've used here are obviously not exactly correct, but you get the point. When you have two already improbable events, you have to multiply the chances to find out the chance of BOTH happening at the same time and that's how the number gets super super low.

[@timg7627]

Exactly my thoughts too.

[@bbazzracing]

Carrying a spare magazine depends on where I'm going

[@Lemminjoose]

Exactly. If I'm going to my local Publix, I probably won't. If I'm going to a Publix in Nashville or Atlanta, I might carry 4 mags.

[@bbazzracing]

@@Lemminjoose 😆

[@1awrenceofarabia]

I'm 100% in favor of prioritizing a flashlight and OC spray over a spare mag. Those are items I can use to preclude the use of the gun in the first place, a much preferred outcome. I'm only carrying a spare mag if I expect to get into a *gunfight* not just a run of the mill self defense encounter. My risk of gunfight also happens to be nearly zero. Are you an LEO or have a similarly dangerous occupation? Go carry a spare mag. But the rest of us normies need to be honest about the kinds of situations we are likely to encounter.

[@radarking9857]

I carry a spare. Mag failures are one of the most common reasons stoppages occur with auto-loading tools. But as you rightfully said, it's really a cost benefit analysis for the individual person to decide what works for them.

[@BryanTorok]

For 38 years I daily went into the belly of the beast. Early on I carried a 6-shot revolver and two speed loaders. Later I switched to semiauto and two spare mags. Still later I switched to different semiauto and two mags (52 rounds total). Still later I went to the semiauto and one mag. The one consistent thing is that outside of practice and training, I never needed any of them. Good luck (mostly) and tactics. But I know people who did need theirs and some who actually needed a spare mag or two. I very much like your analysis. You can't carry everything you would like so carry what you are most likely to need or would be the most important if you needed it. One thing to consider: These days it is fairly easy to get 10 to 12 rounds in CC or EDC sized handgun, so having a spare mag may be less important.

[@WorldMoneyWins]

I always used to carry a spare mag, but it had fallen by the wayside. (Lazyness, and too much stuff) I know I should for my own risk tolerance though. Very well thought out video. I like hearing perspectives I dont agree with, and I can see and appreciate your conclusions.

[@windsnowandstatic9075]

This is one I’ve had to grapple with for years. What I’ve found is that as you’ve found as well is: If I don’t have to sacrifice concealment, movement, and other far more often used tools a spare mag on body is a good insurance policy for the unlikely scenario within the unlikely scenario. I actually will change which gun I carry and even its configuration dependent on style of dress, and situation. Mainstays are my Glock G45 and the p365X. Training malf clearing is huge no matter what spare mag or not. A lot malfs are from one handed shooting or fighting up close where grip and form are compromised. Trying to grab for a spare mag in those situations is going to be hard no matter what let alone manipulating the pistol. So while training to clear malfs spare mag or not is important. But more important is to train in how to get yourself into an “out” to where you can free hands and self up to not have to work in the compromised position. The flashlight and spray are great tools to avoid having to get into the gunfight to begin with. Funnily enough my day to day carry on a ranch is a 10mm semi auto pistol with two spares in open carry. Less worry about people threats. More concerned about fuzzier things with pointy teeth. Spare mags are great, but like anything we do, gear without good planning and training is just weight and feel good totem effect.

[@nathanjohnson3668]

I love your argument about it being a cost to benefit analysis that you have to choose for yourself. Every argument on all these topics is. I’m an outlier in the CC group. I choose a small caliber gun in 22lr or 380 over 9mm. I have all of them but I tend to like to shoot the 22s and 380s more and I definitely prefer to carry the 22 over all others. The shooting world has become further and further down my list of priorities for my time and I can still be very accurate and consistent with smaller calibers than I can with larger calibers even 9mm. I personally need to consistently train with a micro 9 to be any good with it. I also hate carrying that brick (even the micros). Mouseguns serve me better and I am good with them with minimal training. I also prefer to spend my time and resources in medical training and learning how to be better at situational awareness and de escalation techniques as I feel those are better tools than a gun is in saving my life. Either way you slice it, we all have to choose where to sacrifice our time and we really shouldn’t argue about who does what or what might be better. All bullets kill and it’s better to have a gun then to not have one. If you feel better carrying an extra mag, you do you. If she feels better carrying pepper spray and medical, cool. At least she still has her gun and she knows how to use it effectively. That’s a win imo. And I wish more people would do the same even if everyone just used mouseguns.

[@ASPextra]

Awww thanks for the shout out Tessah! I really think you’re on a great path. Maybe you and Mitchell and me and Laura should grab dinner some time soon!

[@gopibble]

I carry a spare for my truck but not on me.. if I’m in a situation where I’m needing more than weapon holds,something has gone terribly wrong in our society. On a separate note, you mentioned a piece of clothing some time ago that women wear but might aid in comfort for me keeping my weapon off my skin.. something similar to a tube top. Do you remember what that thing was ? Many thanks

[@cetifoxproductions]

I regularly watch the ASP channel. And you laid out some very reasonable arguments. My EDC combination isn't strictly EDC. Don't get me wrong, I am carrying something any time I leave the house. But, there will be variations that depend on: What I'm wearing, where I'm going, what kind of situations I'm likely to find myself in. I work on an Air Force base, and personal carry is restricted. This means I have no choice but to switch to my non-lethal EDC config--which will be pretty light since I'm on a military installation during the day. In stark contrast, if I'm going to a nighttime event somewhere, I'm more likely to have my full lethal+non-lethal EDC in play. If, however, that event is one where I might be wearing not-so-loose clothing my carry config may very well be scaled down to not include a spare mag, for example. Ultimately, it makes no sense for most people who regularly carry to be uber-strict in their configuration. Make smart choices and be prepared to function in any configuration you're running with.

[@tessahbooth]

I appreciate this comment and perspective! Mission should drive our gear selection and your comment is a great example of that.

[@aldewitt9]

I carry a spare when I go out of town. I have a belly band holster perfect for driving and I can fit an extra into it. Any time I am in my car I have a full trauma jump kit (Israeli bandage, tourniquet, chest seals, Coban, and a BVM resuscitator). Any time I am not in my truck I have a smaller med kit with quick clot and a tourniquet. If I am in my truck I also have a Glock 21 and 4 spare mags accessible. So most of the time I just carry my P365 in a kydex holster sans reload when I am out somewhere like the mall. Enjoyed your balanced take on this.

[@la5081]

I really appreciate this post. Thanks for sharing. I'm thinking of adding POM pepper spray to my EDC (thanks to ASP).

[@phenamenol]

I personally would advise anyone out there with a pistol to always carry a spare mag …mags can become damaged … ejected and we are seeing more and more where these animals are now hunting in packs … plus some of them are now taking all kinds of designer drugs and can keep coming after being hit multiple times ..so what you think was enough might not be …better to have it and don’t need it … but that’s my personal opinion

[@RidersRange]

My normal daily carry is a single-stack Staccato C DUO (love that gun), so I always carry a spare mag. On the rare occasions I carry something else, it is usually double the capacity, so I don't always carry a spare mag for that gun. To each his/her own.

[@dennisborg7751]

I think it’s a false dichotomy to think that one must choose between a spare mag or an IFAK. They are not mutually exclusive. Furthermore, I respect the opinion of Massad Ayoob who is a well-known and respected expert in this field, and his take on carrying spare mags is very different than John’s at ASP.

[@thedownwardmachine]

John at ASP is right, a civilian reload in a gunfight COULD happen, but it's so unlikely as to be statistically irrelevant. I don't yet carry but am considering carrying two pistols, one waist and one ankle backup. That covers the unlikely reload/malfunction scenario, it spreads the weight, and it makes defending from certain positions (seated, on back) easier. But just one gun without a reload is totally reasonable and way better than the gun you left at home.

[@a2ztacticalacademy]

Yep. Real estate around my waist and pockets is already a premium. Spare magazine went very low on my priorities and medical, fighting blade, and OC spray took over. No spare mag for my EDC

[@MrBodyguard54]

you make great points. i would add low capacity states and low capacity gun may be a reason to carry a reload.

[@IAmThePrepper]

I also just read comments about training mags and carry mags. I never thought about that and I think I will start keep my carry mags from training mags so won’t mix up.

[@ViewlessSquid]

I live in NY with round limit restriction, so I carry an extra mag. If I could run something bigger than 10rds, I would probably leave the extra mag back or just carry it in my car.

[@michaellane1316]

Reading many of the comments. Thanks to everyone for being respectful, polite and honest. It would seem to be upon each individual as to their own level of comfort, mentally, physicality, skills. The same could be said about the spare tire your vehicle comes with. In this day and age they provide a spare that only meets the requirement of safe driving at a certain speed to get one to a location to have the flat replaced or repaired, not for normal use as an alternative. Therefore it is to get one out of a fix. To myself, the magazine is like the tires on the vehicle, if it goes flat, (empty) there is no spare. If one cannot remove themselves from harms way with the now almost norm of at least 10 rounds, then one may be hopelessly involved in a situation of true life or death after the initial confrontation. Maybe another point that can be made is should it becomes a courtroom case, the prosecutor may be looking at the reason for carrying so many rounds when in most cases they go after excessive force scenarios. Many things one might consider but bottom line should be, your comfort level, not anothers.