"Don't forget your magazines!!!" pistol or rifle

chadio · February 15, 2022, 12:49 AM

At my most recent range visit, in between strings of fire, I noticed a family of 4 ( with two boys appeared 12 to 14 y.o.) setting up - they appeared to have roughly 3 rifles total. After a cease fire, they set up their targets. Exchanged hello, pleasant small talk, etc. Seemed like a very nice family looking forward to the shoot.

After line hot, I shoot a few more, and notice that they are packing up. I had to ask, why they were leaving. "We forgot all of the magazines" "No big deal, stuff happens"

I felt horrible. Dad, Mom, kiddos getting out for fun and missing a critical component. If I could only re-live that moment, I would have offered to let their sons shoot the remainder of my ammo in my rifle just so the trip was not a total waste.

This brings me to a possible consideration: when you store a pistol or rifle that is magazine fed into your safe, why not... out of habit... leave an empty magazine in it ?

bamaranger · February 15, 2022, 01:45 AM

My dad refused to hunt with a rifle equipped with a detachable mag for that very reason......you find it detached at a most inopportune time.

I will store most of my rifles (with flush mount mags) with an empty mag installed, just to avoid misplacing them. But , extended mags as on AR, AK and others take up room in the safe and create sharp edges that can mar other guns, so the mag well on those types are empty. For whatever reason, my handguns are put up with empty mag wells, unless said pistol/ revolver is for ready carry or use.

FrankenMauser · February 15, 2022, 02:08 AM

Rifles with detachable mags have a spare in the gun case they are typically transported in, plus one in the 'big' range bag with rests and targets.
Pistols have at least one spare mag in the 'small' range bag, which can stay for a small trip or have to be removed for a 'big' trip. If removed, it is a reminder to make sure I have a spare mag.

All firearms are stored with a mag in place.

It has still occurred, though. Distractions happen.

jmr40 · February 15, 2022, 09:13 AM

I ALMOST always keep an empty mag in all of my detachable magazine firearms. But I've also made that mistake a couple of times when I didn't double check.

One thing that helps prevent that from being a problem is that with most guns I bring several pre-loaded magazines with me. Especially for my AR's or semi-auto pistols.

eflyguy · February 15, 2022, 09:29 AM

I was big into radio control models for many years. Several times, I witnessed folk headed home without flying or driving. Yeah, forgot the transmitter.

Wildernesshunter · February 15, 2022, 10:30 AM

Invariably, I tend to always forget to take something to the range. I am always in a hurry to get out the door, excited to shoot and in my rush I forget something. Over the years, I have forgotten mags, ammo, hearing protection, targets, etc...

Last week I forgot my cleaning kit..... hence I did not have a cleaning rod.... hence I couldn't clear the barrel of my AR when a spent shell wouldn't eject. Had to pack up the gun and go home to clear the brass. Shot the gun one time.

........

Prof Young · February 15, 2022, 11:03 AM

Yeah, I've gotten to the range w/o a magazine for one or more of my handguns. That's how I wound up with no less than five 45 acp mags. (Bought one at the range.)

Twice, while in the field, I've had to cut a cable lock off a shotgun because I forgot the key.

Life is good
Prof Young

Shadow9mm · February 15, 2022, 12:21 PM

When loading up its always, gun, ammo for the gun, mags for the gun. Ears and eyes are a given.

DaleA · February 15, 2022, 01:43 PM

Well like they say, memory is the second thing to go as you get older.

I've got a 'range list' printed out (I've printed out several copies) that I keep in my range bag and I really do take a look at each item on the list before I leave. It's saved me on more than one occasion and the list isn't all that long either.

seanc · February 15, 2022, 02:16 PM

Last trip to the range, I forgot my spotting scope. Didn't ruin my day, but I wasn't able to do as much as I wanted.

Mk VII · February 15, 2022, 06:35 PM

We forgot the bolts for all the club rifles one time.

LeverGunFan · February 15, 2022, 07:16 PM

I've never forgotten the ammunition or the magazines when I've gone to the range. But I have forgotten my wallet, so I couldn't sign in or pay for the range time.

Ed4032 · February 16, 2022, 07:35 AM

Got to the range to site in my 300 savage model 99. No mags needed. But I forgot to bring ammo. Lucky me the range had one box they could not get rid of.

**Shane Tuttle** · February 16, 2022, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadio

This brings me to a possible consideration: when you store a pistol or rifle that is magazine fed into your safe, why not... out of habit... leave an empty magazine in it ?

I absolutely refuse to store a magazine in my firearms. My mindset is all guns are always loaded. "Well, Shane, then why don't you just keep a magazine in your guns while stored if you have that mindset?"

Because I'm a fallible human being.

The only times magazines are in my firearm are if I'm carrying on my person, in my vehicle while I'm in it, or placed in the house such as my nightstand for the purpose of immediate access to defend myself or loved ones.

That's just how I am. And I don't fault anyone that does store an empty magazine in their firearm in their vault. Just not how I roll, is all.

eflyguy · February 16, 2022, 09:47 PM

My pistols are loaded with JHP and distributed around the house. I just clear them before going to the range and leave the loaded magazine at home.

All the spare empties are on the shelves with the associated ammo, and that includes rifle magazines - none of my rifles are loaded, as I would never use one for HD. So I just grab the ammo and magazines as needed.

**44 AMP** · February 17, 2022, 12:15 AM

All my unloaded guns are stored with an empty magazine in place. That way, the mag doesn't get lost or forgotten, its always there. Spares are separate, as is ammo.

SO even if I forget the spares I always have one magazine to use, as long as I've got the gun, and remember the ammo!

Rhodester · February 17, 2022, 12:58 PM

After several forgettable moments like those mentioned, I finally made a check list of what to take. I just need to remember to look at the list.

Pahoo · February 17, 2022, 01:12 PM

This thread reminds me of the time a bunch of us went up to deer camp, in south central Wisconsin during archery season and one of the guys, had to phone his wife, to bring his arrows up and she was not very happy. .....

Be Safe !!!

P-man · February 18, 2022, 05:02 PM

That leads me to the time I got halfway to my bowhunting spot and realized I left my recurve bow and quiver at home!

I had an extended cab pickup at the time and sure enough, a spare longbow and arrows were back there. I continued on to my evening hunt, just with a different bow and arrows than normal.

So said, Ive forgotten things on trips to the range, but Ive never forgotten so much I couldnt shoot something for a while.

Im a tad more careful on loading at both ends now as the range is 17 miles from the house.

dwhite · February 18, 2022, 08:11 PM

Was at an IDPA event and heard a gentleman uttering some pretty harsh words.

Turned out he had his 45ACP 1911 and a whole bunch of 9mm ammo.

He had driven quite a ways to get there too. Wasn't going to just run home and pick some up.

Slotback · February 19, 2022, 02:40 PM

I hate when stuff like that happens. Therefore I triple check before I load up and head out.

chadio · February 23, 2022, 01:46 PM

Have never forgot mags yet, however I am putting them in my guns as we speak....

Metal god · February 26, 2022, 02:04 AM

Quote:

All my unloaded guns are stored with an empty magazine in place. That way, the mag doesn't get lost or forgotten, its always there. Spares are separate, as is ammo.

SO even if I forget the spares I always have one magazine to use, as long as I've got the gun, and remember the ammo!

This sounds like a good idea . All my semi auto pistols are unloaded without mag in . I've done this because there is a full mag of ammo loaded next to every pistol in the safe . I'll have to put a bit more thought to it but keeping most with empty mag in the pistol and maybe 1 or 2 semi ready would be a better way to go about it .

Quote:

Just imaginig how they must have felt having discovered they forgot something as such at home

I don't have to imagine , I've done it and it sucks . I would have loaned them some or walked the line to see if anyone else had what they needed . I've forgot the ammo once , now "there's" a faceplant for ya ,haha . I mean I shoot a lot so I'm bound to forget stuff from time to time . I've never fully forgot as in never even thought about what mags or ammo and just left . it's usually something like getting stuff ready and pull that mags out to put in bag . Then see something else I need or have to do something real quick and set the mags or ammo down and never pic them back up .

I do that kind of thing maybe not often but enough . Forget the drink I was bringing , ear plugs , safety glasses etc . The thing is I have spares for all of that stuff always in the bag so it's no big deal . However when you forget the mags or ammo there isn't extra in the bag . The one time I forgot the mags I still shot it was just one shat at a time . Ammo last a long time that way lol .

mr bolo · February 28, 2022, 01:53 AM

magazines and ammo go in the same bag, I would never forget those items

usually two magazines for each gun

I dont bring too many magazines, I like to take my time and load each rd , usually only load 5 rds

Prof Young · March 7, 2022, 03:21 PM

Shave, above, brings up a good point. Do you store your mag in the gun? I tend to do that so I won't get to the range without the mag. But I hear Shane's point on the safety issue.

One idea may be to put the mag in the gun but don't seat it. Leave it sticking out of the grip. Maybe best of both worlds.

Life is good.
Prof Young

February 15, 2022, 12:49 AM	#1
chadio Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2011 Posts: 931	"Don't forget your magazines!!!" pistol or rifle At my most recent range visit, in between strings of fire, I noticed a family of 4 ( with two boys appeared 12 to 14 y.o.) setting up - they appeared to have roughly 3 rifles total. After a cease fire, they set up their targets. Exchanged hello, pleasant small talk, etc. Seemed like a very nice family looking forward to the shoot. After line hot, I shoot a few more, and notice that they are packing up. I had to ask, why they were leaving. "We forgot all of the magazines" "No big deal, stuff happens" I felt horrible. Dad, Mom, kiddos getting out for fun and missing a critical component. If I could only re-live that moment, I would have offered to let their sons shoot the remainder of my ammo in my rifle just so the trip was not a total waste. This brings me to a possible consideration: when you store a pistol or rifle that is magazine fed into your safe, why not... out of habit... leave an empty magazine in it ? __________________ Ex - Navy, Persian Gulf Veteran. Loved shooting the M14, 1911, M60, M2

February 15, 2022, 01:45 AM	#2
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,799	Magazines My dad refused to hunt with a rifle equipped with a detachable mag for that very reason......you find it detached at a most inopportune time. I will store most of my rifles (with flush mount mags) with an empty mag installed, just to avoid misplacing them. But , extended mags as on AR, AK and others take up room in the safe and create sharp edges that can mar other guns, so the mag well on those types are empty. For whatever reason, my handguns are put up with empty mag wells, unless said pistol/ revolver is for ready carry or use.

February 15, 2022, 02:08 AM	#3
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,775	Rifles with detachable mags have a spare in the gun case they are typically transported in, plus one in the 'big' range bag with rests and targets. Pistols have at least one spare mag in the 'small' range bag, which can stay for a small trip or have to be removed for a 'big' trip. If removed, it is a reminder to make sure I have a spare mag. All firearms are stored with a mag in place. It has still occurred, though. Distractions happen. __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

February 15, 2022, 09:13 AM	#4
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,974	I ALMOST always keep an empty mag in all of my detachable magazine firearms. But I've also made that mistake a couple of times when I didn't double check. One thing that helps prevent that from being a problem is that with most guns I bring several pre-loaded magazines with me. Especially for my AR's or semi-auto pistols. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

February 15, 2022, 10:30 AM	#6
Wildernesshunter Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2016 Location: Western High Desert Posts: 168	Invariably, I tend to always forget to take something to the range. I am always in a hurry to get out the door, excited to shoot and in my rush I forget something. Over the years, I have forgotten mags, ammo, hearing protection, targets, etc... Last week I forgot my cleaning kit..... hence I did not have a cleaning rod.... hence I couldn't clear the barrel of my AR when a spent shell wouldn't eject. Had to pack up the gun and go home to clear the brass. Shot the gun one time. ........ __________________ John

February 15, 2022, 09:29 AM	#5
eflyguy Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2021 Posts: 335	I was big into radio control models for many years. Several times, I witnessed folk headed home without flying or driving. Yeah, forgot the transmitter.

February 15, 2022, 11:03 AM	#7
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,514	Been there, done that . . . AND . . . Yeah, I've gotten to the range w/o a magazine for one or more of my handguns. That's how I wound up with no less than five 45 acp mags. (Bought one at the range.) Twice, while in the field, I've had to cut a cable lock off a shotgun because I forgot the key. Life is good Prof Young

February 15, 2022, 12:21 PM	#8
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 4,603	When loading up its always, gun, ammo for the gun, mags for the gun. Ears and eyes are a given. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

February 15, 2022, 01:43 PM	#9
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,384	Well like they say, memory is the second thing to go as you get older. I've got a 'range list' printed out (I've printed out several copies) that I keep in my range bag and I really do take a look at each item on the list before I leave. It's saved me on more than one occasion and the list isn't all that long either.

February 15, 2022, 02:16 PM	#10
seanc Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 1998 Posts: 627	Last trip to the range, I forgot my spotting scope. Didn't ruin my day, but I wasn't able to do as much as I wanted.

February 15, 2022, 06:35 PM	#11
Mk VII Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2000 Location: England Posts: 457	We forgot the bolts for all the club rifles one time.

February 15, 2022, 07:16 PM	#12
LeverGunFan Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 426	I've never forgotten the ammunition or the magazines when I've gone to the range. But I have forgotten my wallet, so I couldn't sign in or pay for the range time. __________________ *Support the Second Amendment Foundation and the Firearms Policy Coalition*

February 16, 2022, 07:35 AM	#13
Ed4032 Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 326	Got to the range to site in my 300 savage model 99. No mags needed. But I forgot to bring ammo. Lucky me the range had one box they could not get rid of. __________________ Gun control is like stopping drunk driving by making it harder for sober people to drive.

February 16, 2022, 09:47 PM	#15
eflyguy Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2021 Posts: 335	My pistols are loaded with JHP and distributed around the house. I just clear them before going to the range and leave the loaded magazine at home. All the spare empties are on the shelves with the associated ammo, and that includes rifle magazines - none of my rifles are loaded, as I would never use one for HD. So I just grab the ammo and magazines as needed.

February 17, 2022, 12:15 AM	#16
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 30,484	All my unloaded guns are stored with an empty magazine in place. That way, the mag doesn't get lost or forgotten, its always there. Spares are separate, as is ammo. SO even if I forget the spares I always have one magazine to use, as long as I've got the gun, and remember the ammo! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

February 17, 2022, 12:58 PM	#17
Rhodester Member Join Date: January 30, 2019 Location: North Canton, Ohio Posts: 38	After several forgettable moments like those mentioned, I finally made a check list of what to take. I just need to remember to look at the list.

February 17, 2022, 01:12 PM	#18
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Make a list and check it twice !!! This thread reminds me of the time a bunch of us went up to deer camp, in south central Wisconsin during archery season and one of the guys, had to phone his wife, to bring his arrows up and she was not very happy. ..... Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

February 18, 2022, 05:02 PM	#19
P-man Member Join Date: December 29, 2001 Location: Grand Forks, ND, USA Posts: 30	That leads me to the time I got halfway to my bowhunting spot and realized I left my recurve bow and quiver at home! I had an extended cab pickup at the time and sure enough, a spare longbow and arrows were back there. I continued on to my evening hunt, just with a different bow and arrows than normal. So said, Ive forgotten things on trips to the range, but Ive never forgotten so much I couldnt shoot something for a while. Im a tad more careful on loading at both ends now as the range is 17 miles from the house.

February 18, 2022, 08:11 PM	#20
dwhite Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2007 Location: Wake County, N. Carolina Posts: 379	Was at an IDPA event and heard a gentleman uttering some pretty harsh words. Turned out he had his 45ACP 1911 and a whole bunch of 9mm ammo. He had driven quite a ways to get there too. Wasn't going to just run home and pick some up. __________________ 10th Amendment - The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

February 19, 2022, 02:40 PM	#21
Slotback Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2010 Posts: 163	I hate when stuff like that happens. Therefore I triple check before I load up and head out.

February 23, 2022, 01:46 PM	#22
chadio Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2011 Posts: 931	Have never forgot mags yet, however I am putting them in my guns as we speak.... __________________ Ex - Navy, Persian Gulf Veteran. Loved shooting the M14, 1911, M60, M2

February 28, 2022, 01:53 AM	#24
mr bolo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2012 Posts: 432	magazines and ammo go in the same bag, I would never forget those items usually two magazines for each gun I dont bring too many magazines, I like to take my time and load each rd , usually only load 5 rds

March 7, 2022, 03:21 PM	#25
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,514	Storing mag in gun . . . Shave, above, brings up a good point. Do you store your mag in the gun? I tend to do that so I won't get to the range without the mag. But I hear Shane's point on the safety issue. One idea may be to put the mag in the gun but don't seat it. Leave it sticking out of the grip. Maybe best of both worlds. Life is good. Prof Young