Extra Ammo

While I'm thinking about extra ammo on patrol, here is the new more compact Maxpedition "Mag Bag Double" I just received.( click here for specs )It will fit 4 30 round mags upfront and 2 pistol mags on the side. Inside space is very limited, but lined with soft hook and loop.  My plan is to transport this back and forth daily from the vehicle.  This will allow me to keep a fresh snack inside, as well as other things I don't want exposed to the extreme Texas temps when left in the car. Also, the smaller size was needed so allow it to stay up front with me at all times, even if I have a front seat passenger. 

I removed the waist belt, because I'm unlikely to use it, the fewer things I have around me to snag on stuff the better.  On the molle side I put a sheath to hold a multi-tool and my Spyderco Resue.  I already had some hook and loop shotshell holders from High Speed Gear Inc. so they worked out nicely on the inside of the bag. They can be ripped out and put in my pocket if so needed. The quality of the bag is standard Maxpedition stuff, as expected, overall it's well made, water resistant and should last.  Basically, I am using it like an Active Shooter bag, extending its use without impeding function. 

What's In My "Mini-Patrol Bag"

Realizing the intended purpose for me is primarily ammo, it's holding: 2 30 round P-mags, 2 Glock 17 Mags, 3 HSGI Shotshell holders with 10 rounds of buckshot and 5 rounds of slugs, Spyderco Resue, Gerber Multitool, Fenix PD-32 flashlight, 4 CR123 batteries, mechanix gloves, light stick, Advil, Power Crunch Whey Protein Bar, travel size Sunscreen. 

About Extra Ammo

How many rounds do you carry? A lot of officers I know feel pretty safe with their high capacity autos and a couple of extra mags on the belt. Let's face it, on the surface it would seem like a really bad day to burn through 3 fully loaded Glock 17 mags, 51 rounds.  It has become popular these days to have 3 pistol mags, even better if you can do it. How about the long gun? A couple of 30 round mags, even down loaded by a few rounds, that is well over 50 rounds of high quality firepower. 

A quick search on the web will easily reveal countless situations where LEs have faced long lasting shootouts.  The recent incident in Stockton, CA is a good example.  Thankfully, facing gang members armed with AKs with extra mags taped to their bodies is not a common thing, but it happened. I am sure none of those officers started their normal day shift thinking they would face a violent 45 minute ordeal ending in hundreds of rounds exchanged, 15 police vehicles knocked out by gunfire including an armored SWAT unit, but it happened. 

I recently purchased a smaller bag from Maxpedition to carry with me on patrol, I'll be putting up a quick show and tell on it soon. It is much smaller than my current bag for convenience sake, hopefully allowing me to keep it handy. 

I don't think carrying extra ammo means throwing a box or 2 in your BOB or wherever, it's not going to work like that. You need to have loaded mags, ready to go, easy to carry and completely accessible from the drivers seat.  The bag or other method you choose to carry these items needs to be easy to manage, move with, tested and practiced with. 

Just a thought. 

OWB Kydex for S&W Shield 9mm

Just a quick afternoon project, offers me another choice over the IWB. 
Trying a suede adhesive pad to soften areas that make contact with the skin.

Using a Blade for Backup?

Whether you are Law Enforcement or an armed citizen do you carry a knife for backup?  Is it a folder or fixed blade?  How bad would things get before you would deploy a knife in an attempt to defend yourself? If under attack or a violent gun takeaway senario could you reach and use a blade?  

Some of those questions can't be answered with any real confidence, too many unknowns. I have always carried a folder in such a way that, at least in my mind, I could use it if my gun side was under attack.  A fixed blade would seem to be faster, not requiring  you to hold it in a certain way so you can get it open. My problem is I already have a packed duty belt and have ever found a comfortable way to carry even a compact fixed blade.  I have tried a couple of push knives and other styles and even partially concealed between my duty and garrison belt is difficult and uncomfortable. 

I'm a big Spyderco fan, these are a couple of my blades I consider defense oriented, and they are easy to carry for sure. But ease of deployment in a life or death situation is unsure at best. 

I suppose my philosophy would be; It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.  

IWB for Smith and Wesson Shield 9mm

I am really liking my new S&W Shield, it has become my primary off duty gun. So far about 250 rounds through it without issue. Came up with this Kydex IWB, it works well but a high ride OWB holster may be a bit more comfortable and is in the works.