Off duty equipment

[Blackhorse1]

So, for work I carry 2 xtra mags and a surefire when I am on. Although the belt gets heavy it's better have it and not need it than need it and not have it. My problem, being a year out of the military, is that I tend to carry all of it when I'm not working! I keep running scenarios through my mind, playing TDG's in my head all day like what if I get called into work on my day off? what if something goes down during the day and I need the surefire to go from Hi-Lo light area? what if something happens and I don't have enough ammo (I remember reading the story about the gas station incident someone posted with the pregnant lady and her possee..) blah, blah, blah!!! It's 99.9% likely I'm never gonna need that much ammo as a civilian, ever, but I find myself carrying it anyway. Am I still suffering from Corps withdrawls? Too paranoid? Too prepared?

My question to all is what does everyone carry in casual situations? Xtra ammo? Flashlight? Zipties ? and why....

I have a date soon and I don't feel like feeling like Rambo but there's always that what if.....

[hygyliac]

First allow me to welcome you to our Site. Good to have another new member who is already a CCW holder!
As for "carrying your house on your back" . . . we are now "PFCs" and our first option is no longer swift aggression but cautionary discretion. You carry enough to get you (and yours) out of harms way. Standing your ground and turning into the threat is your last choice after exhausting all other options. You are not retreating, you are advancing in another direction.

[Poogsdad]

Welcome Blackhorse 1. Thank you for your service.

As a man who retired from military service in 1995, I do understand some of the transition issues you may be experiencing and will most likely continued to deal with for a while.

As Hygiliac has already stated we are now "PFCs". Our priorities have now shifted from mission, unit, and fellow marine to our family, friends, and self.

It is OK to think about yourself and loved ones now, rather than others, you have earned it.

If you find yourself in a hot situation as a civilian, your first priority is swift disengagement rather than aggressive engagement. This will be a sharp shift in mindset for you, I know it was for me, but you will eventually get used to it.

As for carrying too much gear, having enough to effect a prompt disengagement is what you need. Having said all this I still routinely carry two weapons with a reload for each and a SureFire Light as well.

Thanks again for your service and welcome to the forum.

[OCRancher]

I echo the opinions of the above two writers. No need to engage, but rather, disengage is possible, using the CCW as a last measure to save life.

[Blackhorse1]

Originally Posted by OCRancher

I echo the opinions of the above two writers. No need to engage, but rather, disengage is possible, using the CCW as a last measure to save life.

I understand we are on the defensive now so working 12 hr. shifts with all I carry makes me wonder if I should carry that much all the time.. I would like to think the mag in the weapon is good enough but it is kinda foolish "putting all your eggs in one basket" so to speak. For work, the dbl mag and the surefire are a must but is it wise to tone it down and just have ammo in the firearm? I don't have a 2nd weapon on there yet so should I supplement with more ammo?? It'd be nice to know there's CCW's out there carrying as much (or more!) as me. I don't wanna feel like a weirdo or anything.

[CalCCW03]

First of all, great answers Hygiliac and Poogsdad. Well said.

How much you carry is entirely dependant on what you're comfortable with. Most of the time I only carry what is loaded in my carry gun (8+1). I do have spare mags and ammo in my car. However, if I am venturing into questionable areas I will strap on an extra mag.

[NSP]

I would also like to thank you for your service

[Mtn. Medic]

I carry the six rounds my pistol holds and that's it. Never much cared for the additional bulk of a speedloader on my belt or loose cartridges in the bottom of my pockets.

But I guess that's just me.

[Blackhorse1]

Originally Posted by NSP

I would also like to thank you for your service

Much appreciated NSP. It was time well spent!

[rickr96]

Just like with a lot of life’s questions, my answer to this question is, "It depends."

It depends on what weapon I'm carrying. If I have one of my Glocks, I carry just the mag in the weapon. If I have my Kimber .45, I carry an extra mag.

It also depends on my "threat assessment." I carry for defensive purposes and I imagine should I ever have reason to use my weapon, it will be just like +90% of all civilian use of force scenarios; wham-bam and over in seconds.

While I know anything is possible, I plan for the probable and if I find myself in a Hollywood style shoot out, facing multiple BG’s and firing off dozens of rounds, I've already made several mistakes that have me in doo-doo way over my head.

Welcome to the board…

[Blackhorse1]

Originally Posted by Mtn. Medic

I carry the six rounds my pistol holds and that's it. Never much cared for the additional bulk of a speedloader on my belt or loose cartridges in the bottom of my pockets.

But I guess that's just me.

I'm guessing you're a believer of the whole "if you can't do it in 6 you can't do it at all" then huh?

Tombstone makes me wish I was born a few decades ago...

[Blackhorse1]

Originally Posted by rickr96

While I know anything is possible, I plan for the probable and if I find myself in a Hollywood style shoot out, facing multiple BG’s and firing off dozens of rounds, I've already made several mistakes that have me in doo-doo way over my head.

Welcome to the board…

Just call CCWInstructor.

[Mtn. Medic]

Originally Posted by Blackhorse1

I'm guessing you're a believer of the whole "if you can't do it in 6 you can't do it at all" then huh?

Tombstone makes me wish I was born a few decades ago...

A couple of things apply. The threat assessment and avoiding the deep doo-doo in the first place, (as mentioned above) comfort, and lastly, that little ditty about gun control meaning the ability to hit your target.

I don't feel naked.

[Spicy McHaggis]

I usually carry my .45 with 7+1 along with another 7rd mag in my pocket. I always have at least two knives on me and I carry a Surefire at night. I tried the mag holder on the hip, but quickly got rid of it. If I continually went to LA or other rough areas, I would probably throw another mag in to my pocket. If I can't stop a threat in 15 rounds, then I am probably outgunned / outnumbered and it wouldn't have helped anyway.

[Blackhorse1]

Originally Posted by Spicy McHaggis

I tried the mag holder on the hip, but quickly got rid of it.

Out of curiosity, what kind of mag pouch did you carry? Sng/dbl? Why did you ax it?