[OldStrummer]

I am really liking my new LCP II! I'm debating keeping the Hogue HandAll grip sleeve on it because it slows down my draw-from-pocket, but that's a different issue. What I'm wondering about is this:

I carry in my back pocket most of the time, with a Bear Creek Back Pocket holster, but sometimes in the front pocket with a Sticky. But I prefer to carry with the 6-round-plus-1 and use the 7-round magazine as a backup. But I've been carrying the backup magazine "naked" in a front pocket, and wonder about the possibility of lint getting in it. I carry nothing else in that pocket, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't put the mag into a pocket pouch. If so, which one?

Blackhawk makes something called the Sportster Universal Mag Case that holds a single mag of any standard size (single stack or double stack) or a folding knife. Sticky makes a variety of pouches in different sizes and capacities, and I'm sure DeSantis and others make them, too.

The primary reason I'm reluctant to just go out and buy one is that they all seem to slow access to the mag. I'm thinking that if the SHTF and I've gone through 7 rounds, I want to be able to just drop the empty, dig into my pocket and insert a fresh load. Pouches have flaps or sides that bury the mag, and thus seem to require both hands to get to the ammo.

What does everyone else do? I don't feel the need to carry an extra mag with my 9mm or .38 carry guns. Maybe I'm just downplaying the value of .380?


ETA: Oh, I also don't want anything much larger than the mag itself, if I decide to go that way.

 

[pennsy]

I don't usually bring my spare mag with me but when I do I use something like this to keep the top round from being moved out of place and lint free. Chances of needing a reload are slim though.

https://www.amazon.com/OUTBAGS-OB-1...GPNBSHQCS9M&psc=1&refRID=8J50D4KDHGPNBSHQCS9M

 

[True Grit]

I don't carry an extra mag with my LCP much either. If I do, it's in a nylon multi tool sheath that fits the mag perfectly. I'm not worried about that showing. It simply looks like a simple multi-tool on my belt.

 

[toytraindoc]

I don't carry an extra mag with my LCP much either. If I do, it's in a nylon multi tool sheath that fits the mag perfectly. I'm not worried about that showing. It simply looks like a simple multi-tool on my belt.

+1 toytraindoc

 

[rclark28]

I always carry a spare mag and or a speed loader. Just do. I carry a spare mag in a old leather knife case on my belt and when I put one in my pocket I use the Clinger Mag pouch. I often wonder about this myself regarding extra ammo. Better safe than sorry I guess. After 40 years habits are hard to move on from. No you are not crazy for wondering about this subject. If you are indeed crazy it is probably other factors than this. I love the mag pouch by Clinger, there are other ways but this keeps things clean and organized. Good luck on your quest. You have a great day and be safe.

 

[OldStrummer]

I always carry a spare mag and or a speed loader. Just do. I carry a spare mag in a old leather knife case on my belt and when I put one in my pocket I use the Clinger Mag pouch. I often wonder about this myself regarding extra ammo. Better safe than sorry I guess. After 40 years habits are hard to move on from. No you are not crazy for wondering about this subject. If you are indeed crazy it is probably other factors than this. I love the mag pouch by Clinger, there are other ways but this keeps things clean and organized. Good luck on your quest. You have a great day and be safe.

I looked at the Clinger Mag Pouch and liked it! No flaps or Velcro to hinder access to the mag. Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[True Grit]

I looked at the Clinger Mag Pouch and liked it! No flaps or Velcro to hinder access to the mag. Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

If you like the Clinger, check out Remora too. They are about half the price and often on sale. I seem to get a free one when I get a holster from them, but don't carry an extra mag that often. Mostly use them for mag storage in my range bag.

 

[rclark28]

My daughter has the remora for her smaller elsie mags. They too have gotten used and have held up with time. Good value. Good price. I keep my clinger mag pouch it fits many mags depends on what your needs are.
https://remoraholsterstore.com/product/remora-single-magazine-holder/

 

[OldStrummer]

I have two Remora mag pouches. I find them too wide for my liking. The Clinger is more long and slender, which befits a mag better, IMO.

 

[seery]

Not crazy at all.

My wife has always carried two identical pistols, but never a spare/backup magazine.

 

[OldStrummer]

Not crazy at all.

My wife has always carried two identical pistols, but never a spare/backup magazine.

In the Westerns, some cowboys wore one gun, some wore two. But ALL of them had extra ammo on their gunbelts.

 

[SGW Gunsmith]

I always carry a spare mag and or a speed loader. Just do. I carry a spare mag in a old leather knife case on my belt and when I put one in my pocket I use the Clinger Mag pouch. I often wonder about this myself regarding extra ammo. Better safe than sorry I guess. After 40 years habits are hard to move on from. No you are not crazy for wondering about this subject. If you are indeed crazy it is probably other factors than this. I love the mag pouch by Clinger, there are other ways but this keeps things clean and organized. Good luck on your quest. You have a great day and be safe.

Well, if anyone thinks they may be "crazy" for carrying a back-up, or two, of fully loaded magazines, then, I'm thinkin' you're in pretty dang good company:

Added belt weight for two 9 MM fully loaded magazines is negligible. Fact is, I don't notice any extra burden at all. I hope to never have the need to expend 24, 9MM rounds so that I can safely go about my daily business, but, it's darm comforting to know those magazines are full should that need ever arise.

 

[lws380]

I make pocket mag holders as well and of course in only leather. I'd recommend something to protect the mag while in the pocket. Lots of gun problems (jams, feeding, etc.) can be traced to mag problems. A cover of some sort protects the lips of the mag as well as helps keep lint and junk out of the magazine.

I agree that the chances of doing a reload in a defensive situation is very unlikely. And doing it from a pocket magazine is likely even less. I also make clip on mag holders that would allow much quicker access for a reload. The Boy Scout in me said to carry an extra mag, because it was easy to do and better on me than in my vehicle or back at home.

Many years ago I decided to use IWB for conceal carry. Once I did that I dumped the extra mag and replaced it with a second gun. Commonly referred to as a NY Reload. If the first one runs out, just grab the second one. My Seecamp is so small it easily works as the number two gun.

Over the years many thinner single stack guns have been produced that allow easy IWB carry and concealment IMO. I prefer that method as access is much better and faster than pocket carry. Access to back pocket while sitting is ok, but not super smooth. Front pocket access while sitting/driving is nearly impossible without looking like your are having a seizure. That is what drove me to consider IWB.