Carry Gun or SAW

Many people that carry concealed or open, think they need to carry enough ammunition to defend themselves against an onslaught of attackers. This is evidenced by the extra magazines they carry in addition to their weapon. These people watch too many Hollywood movies.

I have seen police carry extra magazines, but the LEOs may encounter multiple threats during the course of their duty, which justifies the surplus ammunition. Many LEOs carry the extra magazines only because it is their department’s policy to do so. I’ve often heard LEOs complain about the extra weight they must carry around. These police officers lament the resultant back problems from the weight of the extra ammunition requirement. However, if they should really need the extra ammunition, they are glad they have it.

However, for those of us that carry for self and family protection outside of our homes, the likelihood of us needing all that extra ammunition is quite remote. In a personal defense situation, few rounds are actually fired. If the assailant finds out the victim is armed, the likelihood of an attack is considerably reduced. If the assailant is armed as well, and the attack progresses, very few rounds need to be fired before the attack ceases. When the situation is abated, whether someone is injured in the gunfight or taken flight, the police must be notified and involved. If the attacker has run off, it is not for the victim to initiate pursuit. This is a job for law enforcement to undertake. This is why they have all that extra ammunition.

In most places, an attacker armed with something other than a gun is considered a threat when within 7 ½ yards of their intended victim and advancing. You will often see videos of police telling an armed subject to “Drop the weapon!” until the suspect is within that range. When the advancing suspect crosses that range, police will open fire on the suspect. The distance is lengthened when the assailant is armed with a firearm, but that threat must be determined by a court of law, in accordance with the laws of that state.

In summation, if attacked and forced to defend yourself or others, stop the threat and call 911. Whether you stop the threat by shooting your attacker or vacating the area, get safe first and then call the authorities. Pursuit is their business, not yours. Your business is to protect yourself and the innocent from harm in the face of imminent danger.

I prefer to carry a compact, single stack, 45 ACP (with which I am proficient) and a phone. I have no doubt my defense set-up is adequate for any situation I might encounter as a civilian. It seems foolish, to me, to have to carry many pounds of extra ammunition unless I’m going to war.

In that scenario, a belt fed SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) is my preferred carry weapon.