Tag: magazine capacity

Concealed Carry, Gear and Equipment

Should You Carry Backup Magazines?

Mark Schneider

There is an ongoing debate about whether CCW holders, Armed Security Guards and Law Enforcement should carry backup magazines or how many should be carried. Some argue that the average self-defense encounter does not require extra ammunition, while others believe in preparing for worst-case scenarios.

Three Back Up Glock 17 Mags in A Zero Nine Mag Carrier

Personally, I believe you should always carry a backup magazine—or even multiple backups. As a security professional, I carry three backup magazines on my vest while on duty. My duty firearm is a Glock 45, and since Colorado has a magazine limit of 15 rounds, I ensure I have enough ammo to handle any situation. When I conceal carry, I always carry a backup magazine using the Tulster mag carrier, which looks like a pocket knife sitting in my pocket and makes carrying an extra mag discreet and convenient.

Here are my key reasons why carrying a backup magazine(s) is essential:

1. Having Extra Ammo for a Gunfight

The most obvious reason is simply having more ammunition in case a gunfight lasts longer than expected. The USCCA’s 3-5 rule states that the average self-defense shooting for a CCW holder lasts 3 to 5 seconds, occurs at 3 to 5 yards, and involves 3 to 5 rounds fired. Statistically, that means a standard 15+1 setup should be enough in most cases.

However, statistics don’t mean much when you’re the one in the fight. I prepare for the worst, whether on duty or carrying concealed. According to Tom Givens, an expert in self-defense training, data from FBI gunfights (2012-2016) showed that 92% of engagements happened between 6 to 10 feet, with an average of 3.7 rounds fired. While that suggests a standard magazine should be sufficient, I’d rather have extra ammo than wish I had it when my life is on the line.

2. Dropped or Lost Magazines

In high-stress situations, psychological and physiological effects can impair performance. Factors like tunnel vision, loss of fine motor skills, adrenaline dump, auditory exclusion, and the fight-or-flight response all come into play. Under such stress, there’s always the possibility of accidentally dropping your magazine or hitting the mag release.

Other scenarios include:

  • The mag hitting an object while taking cover and dislodging.
  • The magazine breaking or failing.
  • Needing to clear a stoppage and dropping the mag.
  • The mag falling into an inaccessible spot—like under a car or into thick grass—during a nighttime encounter.

If that happens, do you want to waste precious time fumbling for your magazine, or would you rather grab your backup and get back in the fight? Even seasoned professionals make mistakes—Clint Smith, founder of Thunder Ranch, once broke his 1911 magazine getting out of a patrol car and his 1911 Handgun temporarily became a single shot gun.

3. Magazine Malfunctions Happen

Magazines are one of the most common failure points in a firearm. Springs wear out, feed lips get bent, and debris can cause feeding issues. If your primary magazine malfunctions in a fight, having a backup allows you to quickly swap it out and keep fighting.

4. Multiple Attackers

Self-defense situations don’t always involve just one threat. If you’re facing multiple attackers, your ammo could deplete fast. Home invasions, carjackings, and active shooter incidents all present scenarios where extra rounds could mean the difference between survival and running out of ammo.

5. Extended Engagements

While statistics suggest most gunfights are over quickly, not all fights are typical. If you’re caught in a prolonged engagement—such as an active shooter scenario, a barricaded suspect situation, or a gunfight while retreating to cover—you’ll want as much ammo as possible.

6. Active Shooter and Terrorist Attacks

In active shooter scenarios and terrorist attacks, you may face an extended fight, multiple attackers, or the need for additional rounds to neutralize the threat. In these unpredictable events, having extra ammunition can be a life-saving decision.

Consider the October 7th, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel, where attackers opened fire on civilians and security forces, leading to prolonged engagements and many casualties. Had those caught in the attack not had the proper amount of ammunition, the outcome could have been even worse. This kind of threat highlights the importance of being prepared for not only common criminal encounters but also the possibility of facing a terrorist or extremist attack.

7. Different Carry Considerations

Tulster Neo Mag on a Shield Arms Magazine
  • Security Work vs. Concealed Carry: When on duty, I carry three extra mags. When carrying concealed, I carry one spare with a low-profile Tulster mag carrier that looks like a pocket knife.
  • Low-Profile Carry: If you want extra ammo but are worried about printing, magazine carriers like NeoMag, SnagMag, or belt-mounted options make carrying easy.

8. Real-World Lessons & Historical Incidents

History has shown time and time again that having extra ammo can be critical:

  • 1986 FBI Miami Shootout – FBI agents ran out of ammo, leading to tragic results.
  • 1997 North Hollywood Shootout – Police were severely outgunned and low on ammo.
  • Kyle Rittenhouse Case – He fired multiple rounds against multiple attackers, and extra ammo was crucial.

Final Thoughts

While the statistics suggest that a single magazine might be enough in most gunfights, self-defense is about preparing for the worst, not hoping for the best. I firmly believe in carrying extra magazines because malfunctions happen, fights can last longer than expected, and multiple attackers are a reality. The addition of carrying extra ammo can be a lifesaver in the face of both everyday threats and extraordinary events like active shooter incidents or terrorist attacks.

Carrying an extra magazine(s) adds very little weight or inconvenience but provides a significant increase in survivability. Whether you’re a CCW holder, security professional, or law enforcement officer, a backup magazine(s) is an essential part of being truly prepared.

News

Judge VanDyke Stands Strong for Second Amendment Rights

Mark Schneider

In a courageous and unapologetic defense of the Second Amendment, Judge Lawrence VanDyke of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit recently posted a video in which he gave a powerful demonstration on firearms. In this video, VanDyke disassembled several handguns from his office to shed light on a vital issue—the flawed California ban on large-capacity magazines—and to help educate the public and his colleagues on the importance of understanding firearms before making life-altering legal decisions.

Judge VanDyke’s message was clear: In the case of Duncan vs. Bonta, the court’s ruling to uphold California’s ban was based on a lack of real understanding of firearms. He felt it was necessary to step up and show that those making decisions on gun laws should have firsthand knowledge of the items they seek to regulate. His decision to post the video was not an act of rebellion, but an effort to foster greater transparency, knowledge, and responsibility when it comes to critical constitutional matters.

While his colleagues quickly criticized the video, calling it “improper,” VanDyke’s action can be seen as an attempt to bridge a gap—ensuring that judges and lawmakers involved in gun law cases have a genuine understanding of firearms and their function. How can anyone reasonably make decisions on matters like magazine capacity if they lack even the basic understanding of how these tools work?

The ruling in this case, which upheld California’s ban, ignores a fundamental principle: California’s magazine restrictions infringe on Americans’ rights guaranteed under the Second Amendment. VanDyke’s dissenting stance serves as a reminder that laws should protect individual rights, not undermine them, and that the legal system must account for real-world implications when deciding on constitutional freedoms.

Attorney General Rob Bonta, who celebrated the ruling, claimed that the ban is essential to combat gun violence. However, many argue that such laws do little to deter criminals and only limit the rights of law-abiding citizens who wish to protect themselves. The Second Amendment is a right, not a privilege, and as such, it should not be subjected to arbitrary restrictions.

VanDyke’s actions, though controversial to some, stand as a powerful reminder that judges must truly understand the issues at hand, especially when they relate to fundamental constitutional rights like those in the Second Amendment. It is refreshing to see a judge stand up and demand a better understanding of firearms before making rulings that affect the very rights that define this country.

Legal & Law, News

Colorado’s Magazine Capacity Law and Its Impact on Security Guards

Mark Schneider

Introduction:

On July 1, 2013, Colorado enacted a magazine capacity law limiting the rounds a magazine can legally hold to 15. This law prohibits buying or transferring any magazines with a capacity over 15 rounds. Understanding this regulation is crucial for armed security guards, who must balance the need to be prepared for potentially high-risk situations with the necessity of adhering to state law.

1. What the Magazine Capacity Law Says

Under Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-302, large-capacity magazines are prohibited, with certain exemptions:

  • CRS 18-12-302: “Except as otherwise provided in this section, on and after July 1, 2013, a person who sells, transfers, or possesses a large-capacity magazine commits a class 2 misdemeanor.”

The only exemptions under the law are for law enforcement, military personnel, or individuals who owned high-capacity magazines before July 1, 2013 (grandfathered magazines). Security guards, however, are not exempt from this regulation, which directly impacts the options available to them on the job.

2. How This Law Impacts Armed Security Guards

The magazine capacity law creates practical challenges for security guards who need to be equipped to handle various threats. Many standard firearms, especially 9mm handguns, typically have a magazine capacity above 15 rounds. This restriction forces security guards to make choices that could impact their effectiveness:

  • Firearm Selection: Security guards may have to choose firearms that offer 15-round magazines or smaller, which could limit their choices and potentially place them at a disadvantage in a defensive scenario.
  • Limitations Against Criminals: Criminals often disregard magazine capacity laws, and illegal magazines with capacities exceeding 20, 25, or even 30 rounds are common. In a gunfight, a guard limited to a 15-round magazine could be at a disadvantage if faced with an opponent carrying higher-capacity magazines.
  • Reloading Requirements: Guards carrying 10 or 15-round magazines may need to reload more frequently during incidents. Carrying additional magazines is often necessary, which increases the load-out and complexity for security personnel.

3. Compliance Tips for Security Guards

Despite these limitations, there are ways security guards can maintain compliance with Colorado law while still preparing for duty effectively:

  • Choose Compliant Magazines: Opt for 10 or 15-round magazines for popular models like the Glock 19 or 22, ensuring that they meet the legal requirements.
  • Consider Magazine Blocks: Magazine blocks can convert higher-capacity magazines to comply with the law. However, it’s worth noting that the law doesn’t explicitly permit or prohibit this modification, though most law enforcement agencies accept it as compliant.
  • Purchase Factory 10 or 15 Round Magazines: A possible option is when a manufacture offers Colorado state compliant magazines. As an example, Glock offers 15 round magazines that will fit the Glock 17 or 45. Those handguns typically come with 17 round standard magazines.
  • Carry Extra Magazines: To offset the capacity limit, carry additional magazines. This could be an additional fourth or fifth(Standard load is three). Although reloading may be necessary, carrying extra magazines can improve preparedness and help mitigate some of the limitations imposed by the law.

4. Training to Overcome Capacity Limitations

With limited magazine capacity, training becomes even more crucial. Guards should practice tactical reloads and efficient magazine swaps to ensure readiness:

  • Emergency Reloading: Practice reloading under stress through both dry practice and live fire on the range. Training for fast reloads with cover can be invaluable in real-life scenarios.
  • Situational Awareness: Developing strong situational awareness can allow guards to assess threats and position themselves optimally, compensating for the reduced magazine capacity.

5. Legal and Civil Liability for Non-Compliance

For security guards, compliance with the magazine capacity law is critical not only for staying within the law but also for avoiding legal and civil liability. Violating the magazine capacity law could result in significant consequences:

  • License Risks: In cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, security guards must be especially diligent. Denver, for instance, explicitly requires all guards to adhere to state and local laws, including the 15-round magazine limit. A guard found in violation risks losing their security guard license, affecting their livelihood and career.
  • Civil and Criminal Liability: Carrying a non-compliant magazine could also expose a guard to civil or criminal penalties. If a security guard is involved in a defensive shooting while carrying a high-capacity magazine, they could face both civil lawsuits and criminal charges, which could impact both their freedom and financial stability.

Remaining compliant not only protects a guard’s career but also reduces the chance of severe legal repercussions in a defensive incident.

6. Perspectives on the Law’s Effectiveness and Limitations

Since its enactment, Colorado’s magazine capacity law has shown little evidence of reducing crime. In fact, crime rates have reportedly increased since 2013. According to Rally for Our Rights and data from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, crime rates have risen despite multiple gun control laws passed within the state. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such laws in improving public safety. Many armed citizens and security professionals argue that this law restricts their ability to defend themselves and others effectively.

7. Legal Considerations for Security Companies

For security companies, understanding and adhering to magazine capacity laws is crucial:

  • Company Policies: Companies should establish policies that ensure compliance with state laws to avoid potential liability issues.
  • Training on Compliance: Guards should receive training on magazine capacity restrictions and understand the importance of compliance for both legal and professional reasons.

Conclusion

Colorado’s magazine capacity law places unique challenges on security guards who must comply with the law while staying prepared for the realities of their profession. The law restricts guards to a 15-round magazine limit, which may disadvantage them against criminals who don’t follow these restrictions. However, with the right training, careful equipment choices, and compliance strategies, guards can still maintain effectiveness on the job.

Security guards play a vital role in maintaining public safety, and it’s essential for them to balance legal adherence with tactical readiness. Staying proficient in reloading techniques, carrying additional magazines, and maintaining situational awareness are key steps in bridging the gap. Lastly, guards are encouraged to stay informed, actively protect their rights, and support efforts to uphold the Second Amendment, ensuring they have the tools necessary to protect themselves and others in any situation.