Carrying One in the Chamber

invictustacticalreview.com ^ | 9/17/2014 | unknown

[rktman]

Today as I was chatting with a new concealed carry permit holder, he asked if I carried one in the chamber. I said that I did, and explained a bit about why I do.

First off, I carry a gun because I don’t know what might happen. I’ll probably never need it, but someday I might, and it’s no burden to carry just in case.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Always use a holster. Pocket holsters are good.

[lostboy61]

My draw time difference between Israeli carry or one in the tube is 2.6 too 1.3 seconds. I can draw and put two in the chest and two to the head before most can draw, rack and fire the first round. I also carry one of the safest handguns made the Springfield Armory XDM-40. Internal drop safety, grip safety, trigger safety. round in chamber indicator and cocked indicator. Outstanding balance, night sites and 16 in the mag and one in the tube.

[Georgia Girl 2]

agreed. Always use a holster.

[T-Bird45]

I’m in OK and can state specifically that you were told a falsehood by someone who shouldn’t even hold a license if he couldn’t stay awake for the instruction that covers the law. Unfortunately, this is the kind of goober that’s found on the other side of many gun stores, spreading their lack of knowledge upon the unsuspecting.

[spetznaz]

Condition one or Condition three. One will always be faster, although there are some people who can bring a gun to action from three faster than one would believe. Which is best? Well, when SHTF one is better. However, if someone doesn't feel comfortable with one - for whatever reason - then three is perfectly valid as long as someone practices consistently to engage from it (including from disadvantageous positions).

What irks me, however, is when some people say that people who carry in three should not own a gun. Truth is that most people will never need to use their firearms for self defense, and moreover, those who need to use it will almost never be in a situation where they don't have that second to rack the slide. Sure, situation like the Trayvon /Zimmerman situation can arise (someone on top of you pounding your face in), or a situation where your arm is injured and you're trying to rack the slide using your night sights off your belt ...but most self defense situations are not that.

Thus the argument that gun owners who carry in three need to sell the gun and buy mace is moot. A gun will always be a prudent choice.

And talking about statistics ....I am sure there are SIGNIFICANTLY more people who have had negligent/accidental discharges carrying condition one than there have been people carrying condition three who have been killed by assailants because they didn't have that second to rack the slide.

[Okieshooter]

I am an Okie and it is legal to carry one in the chamber.

[Lee'sGhost]

Man! That’ll scare the shi’ite out of you.

S&W M&Pc racked. No safety.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Same here. I carry my Ruger LC-9 with one in the chamber and thumb safety on. No other way to carry IMHO.

[CrazyIvan]

Same here. I like the added safety of a trigger that needs just a bit more effort than a striker fired. Grew up on revolvers so the double action doesn’t put me off like some folks. I hit very well with it.

[suijuris]

1911... hammer down or hammer cocked with thumb safety on...?

I go hammer down. Perhaps not the best if you are going to get surprised from behind, but I have always had an extremely good sense of situational awareness.

Sui

[edpc]

My carry gun is a Kimber Ultra Carry II in a Fobus holster. Since it has no thumstrap, I carry it in condition 2. Aside from the time factor, I carry with a round in the chamber to have the +1 available.

[yarddog]

I once read of a Texas Ranger who carried his 1911 with one in the chamber, safety off and the grip safety taped.

When someone asked him if that wasn’t dangerous he supposedly said “it sure is”.

I thought that was funny but I certainly wouldn’t do it.

[afsnco]

And don’t forget the obligatory sound effect of the gun being cocked, even Glocks.

[thorvaldr]

I’ve seen videos, some people are VERY fast from condition 3.
But for me Travon Martin proved to me why I carry condition 1.
I depend on keeping my trigger covered with a good holster, keeping my booger hook off the bang switch, and the approximately 3 mile long trigger pull on my PF-9 to protect me from negligent discharges.

[Controlling Legal Authority]

My firearms instructor related a personal anecdote of his where he felt he was being sized up for an attack or robbery and merely pulling out his pistol and making it visible resolved the situation. I doubt that a can of mace would have worked as well.

[Ancient Man]

Springfield Armory XDs .45 here. Striker fired with trigger and backstrap safeties. Always ready to rock.

[wrench]

“Hammer blocks have been around for a long time.”

As late as the mid 80s, Colt recommended hammer down on an empty chamber on their snakes for carry. I still have the instruction manual from when I had one.

[basalt]

Glock 19 here...one in at all times, with 15 helpers ready for orders...

[Red in Blue PA]

No state which allows ccw has that rule.

[Red in Blue PA]

I hope you mean Condition 3 and NOT Condition 2!