View Full Version : Carrying Extra Magazine On Duty?
Just curious where most of you carry your extra magazine(s)? For on duty I was looking at a 20 round mag in a butt-stock pouch and an active shooter bag loaded with a few 30 rounders.
Our rifles are relegated to cases in the trunk. I carry a 4 magazine subload with 30 rounders with the rifle. The subload is the buckle kind and I wear the receiving half of the buckle on my inner belt. Takes less than 30 seconds to get it put on. For times when it is not practical to put on the subload (weight, nature of call, etc), I have 4x30 rounders in the pockets on the outside of the case and will grab one and toss it in a cargo pocket.
On another forum I can think of a couple of members carrying a 20 rounder (usually a PMAG since they are more snag-resistant) in a duty belt pouch. Blade Tech makes one, as do several other suppliers. The nicest one I saw was made by Deployment Solutions.
I carry an extra mag on my person at all times. Extra mags are also kept in the cruiser doors, glove box, in a bag in the trunk (resupply), and my tac gear is obviously loaded with mags as well. Depending on a few variables, there are times when there is more.
Do cops get issued ammo like m193 or do you get hollow points/self defense ammo?
I know it's off topic but since the po-po will be in here anyway I figured I'd ask :)
Do cops get issued ammo like m193 or do you get hollow points/self defense ammo?
I know it's off topic but since the po-po will be in here anyway I figured I'd ask :)
We are issued the Winchester 64gr Power Point soft point. We issue enough for the magazine in the gun and one extra magazine. If you choose to carry several 30 round extras, you supply your own. Most guys just load these with fmj.
Chest rig or bandoleer (Eagle PB) w/ 3-5 mags.
I carry an extra mag on my person at all times. Extra mags are also kept in the cruiser doors, glove box, in a bag in the trunk (resupply), and my tac gear is obviously loaded with mags as well. Depending on a few variables, there are times when there is more.
Non LEO here so I was curious in what role you serve for your LEO agency?
I have always assumed that the AR's in LEO dept's were primarily kept in the truck or in b/t the seats like shotguns and thereby unless a rare active shooter or similar scenario unravels the AR is seldom used. Am I wrong in thinking this and do you gents use your duty ARs more frequently than I imagine?
GreenMtn675
12-05-10, 16:10
I like to have a 30 round Pmag or a 20 round pmag in my duty bag. I can throw it in my cargo pocket and then grab the rifle which is in the trunk. I am working on putting together a small go bag to throw over my shoulder for more serious problems.
I have been using the belt mounted integrated mag pouch by Center Mass Inc. So far it's been just fine. Most of the officers I work with say, "What's that?" Then I pull out the 20 rnd Magpul mag and they say, "Now that's a good idea."
My bosses are thinking of making a bulk purchase for every officer, but they are waiting for the SRT guys to finish their one year eval on them before making a decision.
Fog
Ours are racked above the driver with a stock pouch containing a spare 30 rd mag. Some cars have a bag w/2 more 30s, a pistol mag, and some first aid supplies. I also have an Eagle Industries Active Shooter bag w/3 30rd mags and some first aid gear, etc.
I have an Eagle active shooter bag in my vehicle that has the shoulder strap. If I get that, you can just throw it over your shoulder and I have 4, 30 rounders and 2 extra Glock duty weapon mags!:D
Non LEO here so I was curious in what role you serve for your LEO agency?
I have always assumed that the AR's in LEO dept's were primarily kept in the truck or in b/t the seats like shotguns and thereby unless a rare active shooter or similar scenario unravels the AR is seldom used. Am I wrong in thinking this and do you gents use your duty ARs more frequently than I imagine?
We don't have shotguns, so the AR is our only long gun. We teach that the AR should come out anytime you have the time to get it. Calls involving weapons, bank alarms, etc. all have at least one officer on scene with one. Also if we are searching a building, or open field, or going on a K9 track we have at least one.
I have always assumed that the AR's in LEO dept's were primarily kept in the truck or in b/t the seats like shotguns and thereby unless a rare active shooter or similar scenario unravels the AR is seldom used. Am I wrong in thinking this and do you gents use your duty ARs more frequently than I imagine?
It will probably vary somewhat depending on department policy, but I deploy mine any time I think there's an elevated chance of a shooting. I know that's vague, but they aren't just for the big SHTF scenarios. If we have info someone my be armed, the rifle usually comes along.
I've been experimenting with using the Maxpedition Universal CCW Holster to carry an extra 30rd PMAG in my cargo pocket (we wear the 511 duty pants that are lined with hook and loop in the cargo pocket). It seems to work alright, but I've only been using it for a week or so. You can adjust the tension and height somewhat so you can either have the mag sticking up out of the pocket, or all the way down with the cargo pocket flap closed over the top.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/UNIVERSAL-CCW-HOLSTER-34p48.htm
Not LEO, but I have a bag with 3 30rd mags and 2 pistol mags if something really bad happens where I have a responsibility.
Side cargo pocket (Class Bs) or rear pants pocket, if necessary.
For patrol, I used to have a stock mag pouch, but I moved to a redimag. I think this is a much more elegant solution. For my purposes I try to keep my duty belt as light weight as possible. So personally I would not carry a rifle mag on it.
I also have 4 more mags on my plate carrier and some extras in case I need to resupply the first six.
Somebody makes a duty mag holster that keep an AR mag behind two pistol mags. I can't for the like of me remember who makes it. If memory serves a 20 rounder fit pretty well. Personally a two 30 rounders via a coupler and another in your back pocket should cover 99.999% of any situation you would run into. If you feel you need more get a bail out bag stocked up.
...Somebody makes a duty mag holster that keep an AR mag behind two pistol mags. I can't for the like of me remember who makes it...
It's made by Center Mass Inc, as mentioned by fog0fwar earlier in this thread. :D
I carry Pmags in my soft case. I also have 1 Pmag in a chest rig. It really depends on on how much time I have to deploy it. If I choose to leave the chest rig in the car, I'll throw an extra magazine in my cargo pocket.
The long gun comes out anytime I think I'll probably need a gun. It's also great for non-criminal calls like putting down injured deer or coyotes. It's amazing the number of coyotes were getting in the suburbs.
Matt
Am I wrong in thinking this and do you gents use your duty ARs more frequently than I imagine?
Its not uncommon for me to pull my carbine out a few times a week, sometimes a few times in a shift if its a busy day. My pistol is drawn on a much more regular basis. I will point out that I work a busy area, and with a damn good group of men.
I carry the sub-load also. Put the female end on the under belt and once the big belt is on the female end is almost invisible under my Taser. I keep the other half in my go bag on the passenger seat. I grab the sub load, clip it in quick and I'm good to go. I carry 4 30 round Pmags and a knife. Along with stuff to make holes I carry stuff to plug holes.
As far as ammo it's a Federal load designed for LE only. And if I have time to get a long gun it's always my rifle, and I carry a shotgun but rarely grab it. Bank alarms, holdup alarms, weapons calls, etc.
LowSpeed_HighDrag
12-05-10, 21:00
Im not a LEO, but my cousin is. I asked him about this question. He said he carries a spare 20rd Pmag on his belt. He apparently pulls his AR out alot more than I thought.
Its not uncommon for me to pull my carbine out a few times a week, sometimes a few times in a shift if its a busy day. My pistol is drawn on a much more regular basis. I will point out that I work a busy area, and with a damn good group of men.
are you telling me that somebody out there is actually dumb enough to **** with you?
i don't even know what you look like and you scare me :laugh:
Its not uncommon for me to pull my carbine out a few times a week, sometimes a few times in a shift if its a busy day. My pistol is drawn on a much more regular basis. I will point out that I work a busy area, and with a damn good group of men.
Off topic: What is your duty sidearm?
westcoastfrog
12-05-10, 22:15
+1 for the center of mass IMP. i'm not leo but i've been using one for .mil type stuff and i love it. perfect for those times i want an extra m4 mag but don't want to rock full kit. the only problem i found was compatability with pistol mag pouches though i'm told that most pistol mag holders geared towards uniformed leo work better.
I carry a 20 round Pmag with a ranger plate on my left hip on my duty belt. My rifle is loaded in my bag with a 20 round Pmag and there are 4 30 round Pmags in the outer pockets of the rifle bag. I can change out the 20s for 30s if time permits during SHTF. We carry Hornady 68gr OTM made specifically for our department from a local manufacturer.
Jumpsuit side leg pockets modified so that it is a perfect fit for a 30 round mag + the one in the gun, unless the detail calls for something else and then I dig into the trunk.
It is in our policy to have at least one spare mag on us or in the rifle. (we purchased P-MAG cupilers last year and added B.A.D levers to all the M4's). Since I use an AUG style rifle, I keep a spare 30 rounder on my duty vest in a side pocket and two more 42 round mags in my carry case. I have learned through experience that keeping a spare on/near you is vital since you may not get a chance to run back to your vehicle or bag if sh@$ starts going.
I'm not smart enough to use a mag clamp, so my vote is for the Redi-mag. I don't care for the extra weight on the rifle but I have an extra mag when I deploy my rifle and I'm not carrying around an extra 2/3-1 pound on my belt the rest of the time. That keeps me from running afoul of the uniform nazis and my lower back happy.
Jumpsuit side leg pockets modified so that it is a perfect fit for a 30 round mag + the one in the gun, unless the detail calls for something else and then I dig into the trunk.
I know the genius that came up with that idea, and have shamelessly copied it. :D
Our department issues enough ammo for 2 magazines. As another poster said, if you want more, you pay, or scrounge.
Patrol gets Federal 62 gr. bonded. SWAT carried 75 gr. TAP. I suspect, and would appreciate, standardizing, but that may or may not happen.
Most officers keep one in the magwell (required), and the other mag either in a pocket in their squad bag, or on their belt in some sort of pouch.
Personally, I'm assigned to plainclothes. I still keep my AR in the rack. My active shooter chest rig sits on top of my squad bag, so if I want one mag and not the whole kit, I can grab it and go. If I want the whole thing (2X20, 2X30, 4XG22, trauma kit, etc), it's there as well.
I also keep a mag full of patrol ammo in the passenger door map pocket, in case I have a passenger.
I used to have a redi-mod on the gun as well, and it is a slick setup, but its also a little heavy, and I have space on my body and in my clothes to carry spare ammo if needed. I switched the redi-mod over to my HD gun, where there's less of a chance that I'll have a spare pocket to stuff a mag in.
Thanks gents for shining some light on that subject as I have wondered for many yrs about the times and procedures regarding LEO's and Duty ARs(actually the curiosity prob. started after the North Hollywood shootout)
I just would think there is a delicate line that a LEO has to skirt when dealing with a gun that is perceived by many if not most to be a full blown Military style combat rifle and I imagine for most just seeing their local LEO having to pull the AR would be quite alarming. That said, the AR belongs 125% in the properly trained LEO hands. I can say personally I love to hear that you three guys have that much access and ability to pull the AR when and where you see fit and necessary to protect either yourselves or the public.
I would run 10x faster from a 5.56 TAP T2 load than I would from a 9mm or .40 Speer Golddot load guaranteed:D
I use a 5.11 Active Shooter bag that I put together myself: 3 30 round PMags (28 in each), an extra flashlite, 3 QuikClot gunshot kits, 550 cord, flexicuffs, a Sharpie marker, 1 bottle of water, 1 RMJ Forge tomahawk for locked doors and stuff and some chemlites. My dept only issues 60 rounds (Federal TRU 55 grain) and we aren't supposed to carry anymore...accountability, dontcha know. Anyway, I have scrounged more and won't worry. We issue a Rem 870, but the rifles are personally owned. The policy is hopefully changing to allow the officer more latitude on when to get it out. I think that there are times when looking like I am in Baghdad or Kabul has its' advantages.
jklaughrey
12-06-10, 09:57
Have active shooter bag if needed. Also have bladetech mag carriers I can throw on duty belt if needed, or rather feel the need. Where I work long gun is used quite a bit. Somewhat rural and metro area. Lots of "end of world anti gov't types" around here with their arsenals. So yes on a call out in the county always roll with backup and deploy long guns.
Beat Trash
12-06-10, 13:30
Ar is carried in the trunk, with two 30 rd magazines. Officers are taught to load one and stick the other in the rear pants pocket. This works well enough until the first time you find yourself running. I did this once, but K-9 located the magazine by doing an article search.
I use a Backhawk Mini rifle bandoleer. This holds 2 30rd AR mags and has pockets for 2 pistol mags. I keep a leatherman in one of the pistol pouches, and a spare Surefire G2L in the other pistol mag pouch.
The thing has a shoulder strap. It's quick to throw over your shoulder.
I only load the one mag in the rifle, and grab the bandoleer. This gives me 90 rds. The gun is for Patrol usage, not SWAT. As a Relief Sergeant, I'm supposed to be managing the incident, not partaking therein. Or so I'm often reminded whenever I am debriefing the responding Command Staff officer on scene with a Patrol Rifle in my hand.
Sometimes even as a supervisor, you find yourself being one of the first on scene. You gotta do what you gotta do... Besides, I'll always be a "beat trash" officer at heart!
Dfarmer786
12-06-10, 16:03
I pull my rifle out all the time, working on the Texas/Mex border we have bailouts and dope loads where u never know what's in the vehicle and what the occupants are willing to do to protect it. I have 30rnd mags in every door, two in the glove box, and two in my "raid vest" all with gold dot. O and one locked In my rifle RTR
jklaughrey
12-06-10, 16:07
Are you sure your CS LT isn't moonlighting up here in WA state? I have heard that phrase before myself.
I pull my rifle out all the time, working on the Texas/Mex border we have bailouts and dope loads where u never know what's in the vehicle and what the occupants are willing to do to protect it. I have 30rnd mags in every door, two in the glove box, and two in my "raid vest" all with gold dot. O and one locked In my rifle RTR
Yeah I watch those shows like Border Wars and Cops and Coyotes, etc. and those shows really are filled with AR porn. I would think its a perfect fit for what the border LEO's deal with...in and outta pickups and on atv's, then long walks through rugged territory. Border Patrol gets some badass gear these days b/t UAV's, FLIR detection devices, Blackhawk's....
Thanks gents for shining some light on that subject as I have wondered for many yrs about the times and procedures regarding LEO's and Duty ARs(actually the curiosity prob. started after the North Hollywood shootout)
I just would think there is a delicate line that a LEO has to skirt when dealing with a gun that is perceived by many if not most to be a full blown Military style combat rifle and I imagine for most just seeing their local LEO having to pull the AR would be quite alarming. That said, the AR belongs 125% in the properly trained LEO hands. I can say personally I love to hear that you three guys have that much access and ability to pull the AR when and where you see fit and necessary to protect either yourselves or the public.
I would run 10x faster from a 5.56 TAP T2 load than I would from a 9mm or .40 Speer Golddot load guaranteed:D
You are correct, and unfortunately a lot of that criticism comes from within the ranks at some PD's. I always break it out in the event that any deadly weapon is mentioned either in the initial dispatch or upon report of the first arriving units. The "salty" guys on scene will sometimes dog the guys that break out an AR when the danger level is still unknown, but I could care less as my AR saved my ass one day. Bear in mind that these are the same guys that will walk up and knock on the front door of a guy that called and said that he wanted to shoot himself. Needless to say, there is a stigma with breaking out rifles in a "civilized society", however I will take complaints by civilians and co-workers any day so long as my PD lets me carry one. Better safe than sorry. In my experience, there is no comparison when you talk about first-shot hit ratios under stress between pistols and an optic-equipped AR.
jklaughrey
12-06-10, 16:37
Love the post. I don't listen to the naysayers in regards to a rifle being deployed. We don't have many but a few. They just have been in the game too long and think that a "secondary" is all they ever will need. Then I mention the fact that most population here hunt and have a varied amount of high powered long guns. They don't say much after that knowing full well they are "outgunned" so to speak. Guess that is the reason the sheriff relegates these 2 deputies to "parade" duty often.
Like the others, I have several options depending on the circumstances. A 30 rounder is always in the gun.
I keep 2x30 and 2x20 on my Tac-vest.
I have 3x30 in an Active Shooter bag.
I have 30 rounders on hand with Magpuls on them for rear pocket carry (support side). 95% of the time, I grab the carbine and 1 spare mag. The Magpuls make quick work out of retreiving the spare in my back pocket (deep pocket, under duty belt equiment).
As far as ammo...4 mags are loaded with issued Federal 62 grn bonded. The rest is personal M193. Trust me, if I even get through 2 mags of issued ammo, the M193 should be the least of anyones concern. Most are issued 60 rounds of duty ammo.
bsmith_shoot
12-06-10, 17:14
http://www.originalsoegear.com/microrig.html
This in black for me.
I also use several options. My AR-15 is carried in a nylon case in the trunk. In addition to the thirty round magazine in the rifle, I keep several spares and a Eagle/CSAT active shooter bag in the case, If I have to grab the case and move quickly, I have the ability to load up the bag.
A plate carrier with three rifle magazines and two pistol magazines is also in the trunk if I have time to throw that on.
I also keep an active shooter bag with several magazines, an IFAK, and a multi-tool in the trunk.
Like the others, I bring the rifle if I see a significant possibility of weapons.
El Vaquero
12-06-10, 22:09
Colt Commandos are kept inside the car along with the shotgun. We have two 30rd magazines coupled ready to go and an extra one in a bag inside the car. I also keep an extra 30rd mag and an extra pistol mag in a small bail out bag.
I have a 6 mag dropleg pouch from "Black Hawk", and a buttstock pouch, if I need my AR I can quickly strap the dropleg on to any trouser belt and it has a leg strap like the dropleg holsters, kind of annoying if in a battlefield situation (tried it) I stuck to the molle pouches back before I retired from the Military but in Law Enforcement if you're called out at any hour that pouch is great to have.
Alaskapopo
12-11-10, 00:01
I issue out P mags coupled in Springer precision magazine couplers with bad levers on all of your guns and give them to officers with personal guns.
That way the ammo is on the gun and the coupled mags reload faster and make great mono pods for shooting from prone or off a barricade.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Magazines/30203030.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Magazines/sideview.jpg
I use the 30/20 coupled mags myself because it allows my rifle to fit in my patrol bag.
Pat
Our department issues enough ammo for 2 magazines. As another poster said, if you want more, you pay, or scrounge.
Patrol gets Federal 62 gr. bonded. SWAT carried 75 gr. TAP. I suspect, and would appreciate, standardizing, but that may or may not happen.
Most officers keep one in the magwell (required), and the other mag either in a pocket in their squad bag, or on their belt in some sort of pouch.
Personally, I'm assigned to plainclothes. I still keep my AR in the rack. My active shooter chest rig sits on top of my squad bag, so if I want one mag and not the whole kit, I can grab it and go. If I want the whole thing (2X20, 2X30, 4XG22, trauma kit, etc), it's there as well.
I also keep a mag full of patrol ammo in the passenger door map pocket, in case I have a passenger.
I used to have a redi-mod on the gun as well, and it is a slick setup, but its also a little heavy, and I have space on my body and in my clothes to carry spare ammo if needed. I switched the redi-mod over to my HD gun, where there's less of a chance that I'll have a spare pocket to stuff a mag in.
Note to self: Swipe Ed's spare ammo for my squad box.....
Hey Now!
It was actually harder for me to get the spare pistol ammo than the spare .223 ammo.
All my old SWAT ammo (the current duty ammo) found its way into my basement somehow:confused:.
I have an Eagle active shooter bag in my vehicle that has the shoulder strap. If I get that, you can just throw it over your shoulder and I have 4, 30 rounders and 2 extra Glock duty weapon mags!:D
I have the same set up plus a 30 round mag in a buttstock pouch.
All of our department issued ARs carry a RediMag. 1 20rd PMag of "Penetrator", and 1 20rd PMag of "residentially friendly" soft point. What goes in the magwell is determined by beat assignment.
Personally owned/carried rifles are to be equipped with RediMag or RediMod.
I have 2 30rd PMags in my bailout/shooter bag along with 2 more pistol mags each for duty and back-up along with various other fun-time sundries.
PdxMotoxer
12-14-10, 22:09
Like a few others (non-leo's)
I for one have learned a bit from this thread and even got answers
for many questions i didn't even know i had.
It's not like the topic of guns comes up when talking to a LEO that you don't personally know.
The only LEO's i know wear ties. (and sometimes ear pieces)
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