Do magazine capacity limitations save lives, or doom them?
We’ve discussed firearms restrictions a lot recently with regard to New York’s SAFE Act, which, among other things restricts magazine capacity. The original proposal included a 7 round magazine capacity limit for handguns, but in December of 2013, the provision was deemed unconstitutional and was struck from the law. However, New York, as in Connecticut, D.C., California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, already has a magazine capacity of ten rounds in effect (for a full list of magazine capacity restrictions by state, click here). California has banned “high capacity feeding devices” effective July, 2017.
Casual shooters and range plinkers may not be effected by restrictions such as these beyond a minor inconvenience of more frequent reloading, but magazine capacity could pose a dangerous risk to concealed carriers.
Consider this news story out of Buffalo, NY. According to the report, a pizza delivery man was attempting to make a delivery when he was attacked by a group of four young males. In a robbery attempt, the men allegedly began striking the delivery man with an unknown blunt object. The report states that, in an effort to defend himself, the delivery man drew his [legal] concealed carry pistol and began firing upon his assailants. Apparently, only one of the attackers was hit and is currently in police custody. The other three fled the scene and have yet to be detained.
In this instance, the victim was fortunate and successfully frightened off multiple assailants without killing anyone. But what if his attackers had been less fearful and more determined? If, instead of running off, the group of youths retaliated by intensifying the beating they were doling to the lone delivery man, would ten rounds, (2 or 3 rounds per “bad guy”) have been enough to save the victim’s life?
Featured image composite courtesy of contributor Sirachai via freedigitalphotos.net
Z0mb3hHunt3r hartcreek Odds are no replacement for skill gained by practice.
hartcreek Are you saying that, based on the video, gun owners shouldn’t be concerned about magazine restrictions?
hartcreek Z0mb3hHunt3r I do not remember saying that Practice or training isn’t something I do. In fact, I have never said that. Practice will never replace Training. Seeing as I speak of wanting the odds in my favor, you would think I practice regularly and train regularly. I have spent more on training with real instructors than I have on firearms, that is why I do not collect firearms and my “Collection” decreased to a few carry pistols, a couple great Compact/Fullsize sidearms, a good Home defense Rifle, A Good Fighting Rifle/Carbine and a good Battle rifle. Always Seek training by reputable instructors. Odds are increased when Skill is increased, so your statement is moot at best.
MichealKelley hartcreek What I am saying is that mag capacity restrictions will do nothing to prevent idiots from performing mass shooting events even though the politicians think so but a citizin can protect thenselves adiquately even with restricted capacity mags if they have to just with a bit of practice to compensate for the few seconds lost do to multiple mag changes. Profenciey is far superior to a higher rate of fire.
hartcreek
Here is a real life situation that would have been better with more than 7 rounds so stop your yapping!!!!!
http://youtu.be/7F1nPSNnaBo?t=18s
This is a theatrical production and in any case the home owner closed his eyes on every shot so the only things it proves is keep your gun on you and keep your eyes open and on target when you shoot.
hartcreek Yeah PSA’s are generally professionally produced, and a lot of people that shoot in a stress situation close their eyes “not smart for sure” but if you watch the making of the PSA you will see that was the first time that actor shot a blank gun.
The point is not that he should have his gun on him, or that this is a produced video. The point is all of his shots landed on target and when the second intruder entered he had only one shot left. Lets not forget the other guys in the car. So 7 rounds was not enough. A 17 round magazine would have been much better!
I think you over looked the point of this PSA.
It doesn’t matter for me I live in a state that has not cap on magazines, so I carry 3 17 round mags for my one gun, and another secondary gun I have 2 15 round and my tertiary gun has 8 rounds and 2 mags at any given time I am holding about 96 rounds at most times! not to mention the 6 inch switch style blade. Paranoid? Maybe! Prepared? YES! I will not even talk about what else I have at home and in my car!