Understocked or Overkill? The Perfect Number of Magazines for SHTF

When it comes to preparedness, the question of how many magazines you should have often sparks heated debates. Magazines, while often overlooked, are a critical component of any firearm setup. They wear out, can break, and are easily lost under stressful conditions. But how many is enough for a survival situation? Let’s explore the concept of a “bare minimum” magazine count for pistols and rifles, and see how to strike the right balance between being prepared and going overboard.

The Role of Magazines in Preparedness

A firearm is only as effective as the magazines it uses. Without reliable magazines, even the best firearm is rendered useless. This makes magazines a vital part of any SHTF (Sh*t Hits The Fan) plan. Magazines are consumable items – they wear down, springs weaken, and they can fail under extreme conditions. Therefore, having an appropriate number of spares is essential for long-term use.

Six Magazines for Pistols: A Good Starting Point

For handguns, six magazines is often considered the bare minimum. This setup typically includes:

• Two Duty Magazines: These are loaded with your chosen defensive ammunition and stored for emergencies. They’re not for regular use, and their reliability must be verified beforehand.
• Two Training Magazines: These are used at the range or during drills, allowing you to practice without risking wear and tear on your duty magazines.
• Two Backup Magazines: These are kept in pristine condition, stored away in case your other magazines fail or are damaged.

This approach ensures you’re prepared for training, emergencies, and long-term durability.

Rifle Magazines: The 21-Magazine Rule

Rifle magazines serve a slightly different purpose, given the higher round count and increased likelihood of being used in rapid-fire scenarios. A recommended bare minimum for rifles is 21 magazines, divided as follows:

• Seven Duty Magazines: Reserved for emergencies, these magazines are pre-loaded and not subjected to routine use.
• Seven Training Magazines: Used during practice to avoid wearing out duty magazines.
• Seven Backup Magazines: Brand new and untouched, these serve as replacements for damaged or lost magazines during long-term use.

This setup provides ample redundancy, ensuring you have a steady supply of functioning magazines no matter the scenario.

Why So Many? The Redundancy Factor

Preparedness is built on redundancy. Magazines are mechanical devices, and like any mechanical part, they will eventually fail. Springs weaken, followers wear down, and feed lips can become damaged. Having spares ensures you won’t be caught without a functioning magazine when you need it most.

Special Considerations for Niche Firearms

Not all firearms are created equal. Specialty weapons like precision rifles or hunting firearms may require fewer magazines, as they’re not typically subjected to rapid-fire use or heavy abuse. For these types of firearms, a six-magazine setup similar to that of pistols is often sufficient.

Training vs. Duty: Keep Them Separate

It’s crucial to distinguish between training magazines and duty magazines. Training mags are subjected to drops, dirt, and abuse, while duty mags must remain in pristine condition for emergencies. Mixing the two could result in a malfunction at the worst possible time.

Spare Parts: A Cost-Effective Alternative

Instead of stockpiling a massive number of magazines, consider investing in spare parts such as springs, baseplates, and followers. These components are less expensive and can extend the life of your existing magazines, making them a practical option for budget-conscious preppers.

Weight and Portability: The Balancing Act

While it’s tempting to stockpile as many magazines as possible, weight and portability are critical considerations. Carrying too many loaded magazines can weigh you down and reduce mobility in a bug-out scenario. The 21-magazine setup for rifles is a storage recommendation, not a carry guideline.

Magazines for Everyday Carry

For those using firearms in a concealed carry or everyday carry (EDC) role, the requirements may differ. Carrying one magazine in the firearm and one spare is typically sufficient for most civilian self-defense scenarios. However, your total stockpile for such a weapon should still meet the six-magazine minimum.

When Is Enough Really Enough?

Preparedness isn’t just about numbers – it’s about being realistic. While six pistol magazines and 21 rifle magazines are good starting points, individual needs may vary. Factors such as the firearm’s purpose, your level of training, and your budget should guide your decisions.

Never Forget Function Testing

Before considering any magazine part of your arsenal, it must be tested for reliability. Function testing ensures that your magazines feed properly with your chosen ammunition. This step is especially important for duty magazines, as they need to perform flawlessly when it matters most.

Planning for the Long Term

Preparedness isn’t a one-time effort. Regularly inspect your magazines, replace worn parts, and rotate your stock to ensure all components are in working order. Preparedness is a mindset, not just a collection of gear.

Not Set in Stone

The perfect number of magazines for SHTF scenarios isn’t set in stone, but having a clear plan and a well-rounded stockpile is essential. Whether you adhere to the six-pistol and 21-rifle magazine guideline or adapt it to your unique situation, the key is to strike a balance between preparedness and practicality.

So, how many magazines are enough for you? Only you can answer that, but remember: when it comes to SHTF planning, it’s always better to be slightly over-prepared than dangerously understocked.