How many rounds is enough?

[Brownie]

Most civilians who carry a firearm and may get involved in a self defense shooting carry either a 5 shot j-frame, a 6 round revolver, 6-10 round auto, or a hicap auto that will hold up to 19 rounds.

If you find yourself in just such a personal self defense situation, how many rounds do you feel is going to be enough against one aggressor?

Keep in mind the difference between how many rounds you carry in the gun and what you would expect to have to use not being the same answer here.

I carry 17 rounds in my G-17 plus 1 up. I think I'll probably only need 3-4 of those on tap for any one given self defense shooting. If it gets to be an unusual event, I may need 8-10, which still leaves me with almost half on tap.

I voted 6-10 but feel I'll only need 4-5 maximum. I feel 6-10 should pretty much get me out of anything I find myself into as a citizen, by then I'll either be down and out or have extricated myself from the problem while expending that many.

[DocH]

I'd say 6-10 to be on the safe side but hope against hope that 1-5 would be plenty for one BG.

[kilogulf59]

I agree with both of you, though I voted 1-5 mainly because Brownie stipulated one assailant. That combined with the fact that I carry a five-shooter and truly don't believe, in an actual face-to-face encounter, that I would have time to reload anyhow.

Not to get off topic, because I feel this directly relates to the poll, but does anyone have any statistics on armed encounters? I don't mean police involved either, street holdups, attempted muggings, home burglaries, invasions, etc.

Lately, I've been wondering a lot about this, "am I more apt to encounter one or multiple assailants?".

Brownie and/or moderators: Are you compiling these poll results or are they just for the sake of discussion?

[Roundeyesamurai]

I voted "16-19" because you just never know.

I like to do things according to the philosophy that it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

[Dave James]

I vote 6-10, only becauseone experience required me to change mag's in a 1911:p

[DocH]

KG,I don't know what the stats are on these things,but my feeling is that you are more likely to be confronted with 2 or more.These thugs like to operate in packs. There is ,of course,the nut cases that have to be contended with,who are more apt to try something on their own.
I think if you don't look like an easy target(and I apparently don't) you're going to be left alone by the lone thug.
I'm a little guy,but I've been asked numerous times over the years if I used to be a drill instructor! Thank goodness I apparently give off that vibe,because it can certainly work in my favor.
I, of couse,have never been one,but my wife says that I have a walk that says"Don't screw with me."
It's not intentional,maybe I just walk funny,but I'm grateful for it if it works.
Sorry. Didn't mean to get off topic here.

[JMusic]

Voted 6-10 though half the time I only have 5 in my J frame.
Jim

[Brownie]

KG,

I've created the polls threads I've started with two thoughts in mind.

To get others thoughts on the subjects and compilation of answers, which I believe will help in developing the courses further.

[kilogulf59]

Thanks Doc and I agree.

Brownie, that's what I figured.

[Guantes]

I also voted for 16-19. 99.999% of incidents would not required that amount. but knowing my luck, I will opt for the maximum.

A more precise answer, as I mentioned in another poll, enough to prevail.

B,
While I understand your reasoning asking these questions, I believe answers will nearly always be based on, stats, personal experience, gut feelings or more abstract feelings. Never the less a good subject to instigate thought.

[Brownie]

RES,
G,

I wanted to know how many you thought you'd need to end it and understand why people like you two and I carry more rather than less.

Like I said, I carry 17+1 but expect I'l not need more than 4-6 to end an altercation.

G,

Getting a feel for others thoughts on various subjects does indeed bring thought, some of the stats gathered can't be used for the reasons you stated, and some will be an enlightenment which may be incorporated into the training.

[RAM]

16-19, The Boy Scout in me says be prepared!

[Brownie]

I think some people are missing the question by their answers.

The question was how many rounds would expect to expend in an SD situation, not how many you carry in the off chance you'll need them.

[RAM]

OK,

2-4 per bg.

Edited to add: Funny how easy it is to be side tracked from the thread here in short attention span theater!

[Brownie]

Thanks RAM,
The boy scout in me whispers the same thing it does to you :D

[JMusic]

Sorry Brownie I was counting what I had in the gun. Two.
Jim

[steve2267]

I think some people are missing the question by their answers.

The question was how many rounds would expect to expend in an SD situation, not how many you carry in the off chance you'll need them.

Umm, actually, the original question was how many rounds do you think you would expend "against one aggressor"?

Not how many rounds would you expend in a self-defense scenario (where many of us expect more than BG).

Not how many rounds do you carry in your gun, or on your person.

If someone expects it will take 11-19 rounds against one aggressor... I sure wouldn't want to meet that guerrilla in a dark alley! :eek:

[Guantes]

Given the parameters, without extended distances, cover, etc, just an average sd situation, if I couldn't end it with 4-5 I would be very disappointed and probably wounded.