Let me ask this--based on your training, is it feasible to reload in the circumstance of a street attack (21 foot scenario, for example)?/QUOTE]
My first answer would be that it is not possible, let alone feasible, for me to reload in any circumstance if I don't have a spare magazine in the first place.
My second answer is that based on my training, I should ideally try to find cover prior to reloading. Barriers between us and BGs are always nice to find or create.
My third answer would be that if I'm stuck in the open, if I have a spare magazine in a belt carrier I can reload in about two seconds. It would be a long two seconds, with bullets flying... fishing for a magazine in a pocket would probably add a few seconds to the process.
My fourth answer would be that my training includes well over a thousand hours of hand to hand (3-4 times a week in more intensive training years, at 2-2.5 hours per session; I'd say about four and a half years qualified as "intensive", while several others have been at 1/3 to 1/2 that rate), and since the 21 foot scenario is based on an attacker closing distance with a melee weapon, that I'd have a better chance than many of fending him off long enough to drop and replace a magazine. This assumes I keep my cool and don't freeze up when a live blade, hatchet, or whatever is moving at me.
My final answer would be that tools don't make up for training, so train as much and as realistically as you can; but even with training, there are things that will be very, very hard to do if you don't bring the right tools.
OldMarksman also asked:
And this--if you had a twelve shot compact, do you think you would carry an extra magazine?
To which I'd say, my go-to CCW at the moment is a CZ75D PCR, which has a 14 round magazine, but I carry a spare. Again, I was trained that one should always have a spare magazine with a semi-auto, regardless of capacity, so that's what I usually carry unless my clothing just won't allow it.