re: Someone explain to me the need for buying so many mags

No panic here. Haven't overpaid for anything and prepared enough to not have to be in the rush. As far as your earlier response to being prepared, lots of citizens had to defend themselves in the rodney king riots. Police left them on their own because they didn't have the means to control the situation for a time. Personally, I would rather be left with a few hi cap mags and long range rifle, than a wheel gun and a box of ammo in a situation like that.

Next natural disaster, watch the news and you will see stories of looters and how limited LEO are in patrolling, due to being stretched thin.