Tag: security guard gear

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.

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

• 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.