Posted on 11/30/2016 10:38:43 AM PST by rktman
If there’s one topic that can cause a lot of heat in shooting circles, it’s whether or not you choose to carry with a round in the chamber.
When you research this topic or bring it up, particularly around experienced shooters, you’ll find a lot of strong opinions like, “only an idiot would carry without a round in the chamber,” or my all-time-favorite, “you might as well carry a brick for as much good as an unloaded gun will do you.” And these experienced shooters have these strong opinions because there is ample evidence, and many examples, where not having a round in the chamber has cost a good person their life.
That being said, the decision to carry with a round in the chamber, or not, is a personal choice once you understand all the facts and have good information. So let’s look at the reasons why you would want to consider carrying a round in the chamber, and some tips and techniques to help combat the fears and concerns that may prevent you from doin
(Excerpt) Read more at womanwiseguns.com ...
While I don’t really expect that I will run into a maniple of NVA here in WEST Virginia ... your story does illustrate why I always carry with a round in the chamber.
I keep my P229s loaded and de-cocked. Same trigger pull as my DA ruger revolvers. I’m good with that.
I can cock the sig hammer out of the holster with either hand without losing time or aim.
The glocks I don’t carry.
Rather than carry an empty gun, just get a J frame and have 5 when you need them.
I’ll add this.. I’ve only pulled a gun for defense once. It was a 22 revolver, and there were 8 guys. If they rushed me, I’d have been able to get one, or at best two shots off.
They didn’t rush me. They didn’t do the math and say “8-6=2, we can take him!” They didn’t laugh at the .22 hole in the barrel. I had taken it with me to do some plinking, and it was what I had. Ended up leaving without shooting.
I’d much rather carry without a round in the chamber than not carry. And since this article is aimed at ladies, some of whom keep their guns floating around in a purse...
Drink seventeen cups of coffee, swallow a few Benadryl, then jump into the pool in January, then try to draw your weapon and chamber a round. That will approximate for the average non-combat experienced person what it will feel like when you find yourself in a lethal force equation.
Good Luck.
The problem with having to rack the slide, is that it assumes you have both hands available. If the bad guy got too close, and you need one hand to hold him off as he's trying to grab your gun, then you have a problem.
It's the same sort of question as the first gun fighting rule: "carry a gun, and make sure the caliber starts with a .4" against the rule: "hits are better than misses, so carry a 9 mm". Both can be right depending on the shooter and the situation. I like the 9mm, and I'm faster with my second shot on the 9mm than I am with the .45. However, I'm faster and more accurate on my first shot with the 1911 because I have so much experience with it. I can aim and hit in the black very quickly with my Glock 9mm, but my 1911 is already pointed at the black before I look at the sights.
In certain areas, I'd want one in the chamber, if I went there at all. However, my rule is don't go to those places. In other areas, or around groups with lots of kids, especially wrestling with kids (which is a lot of fun), I prefer not to have one in the chamber.
I’m a big Sig fan(own six - all da/sa) and carry hot. Don’t like Glocks. A Glock carry is like a 1911 with safety off. Yeah, “brain is your safety” mantra.
What I would like to do is find a functional light shoulder holster for a 38 without a hammer. Any ideas Freepers?
What the heck do women officers do?
Exactly what I was taught. I have a Ruger .380 APC and I carry with round chambered ready to go & 6 in the mag
.
Oorah - and blessings back to you.
Chainmail 1965-69 and 1973-96
Lucky Gunner has some real world tests on .380 APC ammo.
Some is excellent, other hollow points not so much. With good ammo, the days of .380 being a “pipsqueak” round are over
Yes. Glock. One in chamber. Kevlar-snap holstered in my purse. Always. Tactical shotgun loaded for bear within easy reach under bed. Always. 180-lb Old English Mastiff tried and true as well. ; D
My Glock-43 has a 5.5 pound trigger pull. This makes it as safe as a revolver with a similar trigger pull. What makes it safe is the heavy trigger pull. I carry with one in the chamber.
“I only carry DAO pistols with long, heavy trigger pulls. No safeties and round in the chamber. “
All my and my wife’s carry/house defense guns are DA/SA with hammer and one in chamber, pistols and revolvers.
Not saying that is the best rule but it is what we use for consistency so my wife knows that whatever she picks up will work in a similar fashion.
also agree revolver!,
can keep on empty cylinder if you like,
great for carry in jacket pockets,
don’t have any eject/jam problems, and
much easier to collect up brass to reload.
Then there are we “old-school dinosaurs” with revolvers that ready to go at all times without a single concern about such clap-trap. You might also notice your local PD is likely mostly armed with Glocks that don’t meet your standards. Do you turn and run every time you see one of them? Your final line is the solution to your apparent discomfort: PRACTICE!
“I’d much rather carry without a round in the chamber than not carry. And since this article is aimed at ladies, some of whom keep their guns floating around in a purse...”
Chances are that the lady that is carrying one floating around in her purse is not going to be able to rack a pistol in an emergency ...
“What I would like to do is find a functional light shoulder holster for a 38 without a hammer. Any ideas Freepers?”
My advice is to get a 38 WITH a hammer. I despise hammerless revolvers. Why give up the accuracy of a single action trigger pull (if time allows), for a theoretical snag free advantage. Any revolver can be drawn snag free by using the proper technique.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.