Should we carry a spare magazine? and why?

[timmy]

When we consider a pistol, especially our own pistol, we often think that we need ammunition for it.

Actually, each separate cartridge is a part of the pistol. When we run out of ammunition at the range, we go home because the gun has simply become a thing. When we run out of ammunition in a self defense situation, the gun ceases to be a weapon and again becomes a thing (except that we can still throw it at someone). The brass cartridge case of each round serves to seal the chamber and ensure that all of the high pressure gasses go out the bore.

A similar situation is true for the magazine of the pistol. Without a magazine, our pistol becomes a single shot. Not only does the magazine function as a repository for spare ready ammunition, it also controls the reediong of a new round into the chnaber of the gun by its "feed lilp," the curved edges that retain the cartridge until the slide pushes it forward into the chamber. If these lips are not shaped correctly, we will lickely get a failure to feed and the pistol will jam.

A second point of magazine failure can exist if the follower in the bottom of the magazine does not exert sufficient constant pressure correctly against the cartridge column. This can happen if the follower becomes jammed in the magazine well, or if the spring breaks or has become worn. The result, again, will be a failure to feed and likely result in a jam.

So, not only does a spare magazine provide additional ammunition, should it be needed, but it also helps to ensure our pistols will stay working in case the magazine in the pistol fails to do its job.

Magazines for 32 Auto pistols are quite compact and easy to carry, and a magazine pouch on the belt can eliminate fumbling in a pocket for the spare magaine. A good puch can also prevent cartridges from coming out of the magazine when carried in a loose pocket.

I'd recommend that piistol users consider carrying a spare, loaded magazine.

[hornet22]

Spare magazines for fast reloads