One in the chamber?

[Kmac]

I was showing a friend my conceal carry choice and took out the magazine, unloaded the chamber & locked the slide back before handing it to them. His first comment to me, and mind you this guys is a CCW holder as well, was "wow, you have one in the chamber?!" My response, "yes, what's the point of carrying concealed if you aren't ready to use it at a moments notice...it's like having a car with no wheels...useless."

Does anyone carry without one in the chamber?

[spleify]

Always carry hot.

The example I give is its like having a hot rod with no engine. All show and no go..

[Irving]

We've had this thread before a few times. I think at least one or two people are converted each time.

[rondog]

A suggestion -

Have your friend put on a white t-shirt, load his magazine with snap caps, but don't load the chamber, then holster his weapon as he would normally.

You stand ready as the attacker, with a big red magic marker, cap off, ready to go.

Then, you attack him with the marker as quickly and "savagely" as you can, while he tries to draw his gun, rack the slide, and bring it to bear on you. Be sure to occupy/attack his hands/chest/face as much as you can.

Then stop and assess his "wounds", and the wisdom of carrying an unloaded gun.

[dan512]

rondog, good suggestion. To me it's akin to someone (maybe say my dad) saying "it's ok, I've got the pistol in the car." Well a whole lot of good that does you here inside the store. If it's not on you ready to go you may as well have left it at home.

[DingleBerns]

Hand gun: one in chamber
Colt carbine: chamber empty
Benelli shotgun: chamber empty

Only at work, otherwise they are all ready to go.

[ChunkyMonkey]

2 in my Stevens' chambers [Flower]

[LippCJ7]

Yep I carry a Glock and I carry with one in the chamber, my wife carries a Sig and does not but she is new to CCW, its only a matter of time and she will to.

[ray1970]

Appendix carry with a round in the chamber makes me a bit nervous. Probably why I wouldn't carry that way.

Anyone who carries a handgun with an empty chamber is going to feel pretty silly when they are attacked suddenly an they have to fend off their attacker with one hand and draw their weapon and chamber a round with their other hand all while being stabbed in the neck and chest repeatedly.

Those cute little techniques where you can hook the rear sight on your belt or whatever to rack the slide won't play out so smoothly in a real work situation.

Bad things happen quickly. Best to have a weapon that can be deployed and used quickly with one hand if necessary.

[blacklabel]

I went through a 2 or 3 week period where I wasn't comfortable with carrying a cocked and locked 1911. Once I got over that I've carried everything chambered and ready to go.

[Colorado Osprey]

Interesting scenerio... I think if you just want to draw on your buddy get him drunk and draw on his forehead with a permanent marker when he passes out.
It has been proven that if a knife attacker when within 21 feet and you have a holstered loaded gun... the knife still wins- Loaded or not.
That said a unloaded gun is like having an empty fire extinguisher... useless.


A suggestion -

Have your friend put on a white t-shirt, load his magazine with snap caps, but don't load the chamber, then holster his weapon as he would normally.

You stand ready as the attacker, with a big red magic marker, cap off, ready to go.

Then, you attack him with the marker as quickly and "savagely" as you can, while he tries to draw his gun, rack the slide, and bring it to bear on you. Be sure to occupy/attack his hands/chest/face as much as you can.

Then stop and assess his "wounds", and the wisdom of carrying an unloaded gun.

[Great-Kazoo]

We've had this thread before a few times. I think at least one or two people are converted each time.

http://www.ar-15.co/threads/102187-IS-IT-LOADED-Follow-up-to-Do-you-have-a-fire-arm-with-in-arms-reach

[ChuckNorris]

I carry a Glock with one in the chamber - always!

[Monky]

You guys scare me with all this talk of loaded guns.. I carry hugs!

[Fromk]

I carried with an empty chamber for a long while when I started. It was way more comfortable for me to build up a routine that way. Since I don't carry to work (and normally directly go between the office and home) I was pretty much only wearing it on weekends so I wasn't getting that daily reminder. The bottom line is that I know it was exactly the right way for me to go about it.

I also spend the majority of my time in low-risk areas and wasn't so overly concerned about needing it. I also kept myself VERY aware that the chamber was empty so I knew to take the necessary step in case of emergency.

[Sawin]

I carry a Glock with one in the chamber - always!

No you don't. Chuck Norris carries 2 matching 1911's. I'm calling you out. You're a fake!

[Aloha_Shooter]

A suggestion -

Have your friend put on a white t-shirt, load his magazine with snap caps, but don't load the chamber, then holster his weapon as he would normally.

You stand ready as the attacker, with a big red magic marker, cap off, ready to go.

Then, you attack him with the marker as quickly and "savagely" as you can, while he tries to draw his gun, rack the slide, and bring it to bear on you. Be sure to occupy/attack his hands/chest/face as much as you can.

Then stop and assess his "wounds", and the wisdom of carrying an unloaded gun.

Cute scenario. What do you do with the marker when the friend understands you're inside the range for hand-to-hand and decides to first knee you in the junk and then swipe the barrel of the pistol through your dental work before racking the slide? Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good arguments for carrying with a chambered round but a lot of what I'm seeing here is specious nonsense equating carrying with empty chamber to walking around while all your ammo is locked up at home. I think the point you're driving at is that there are a handful of rare but significant scenarios where the carrier won't have time or ability to rack the slide and would be better off having one in chamber ready to go but you're not acknowledging that most of the time they will.

OP should be happy that his friend is carrying and ready to respond in a moment-and-a-half's notice rather than trying to make him feel like trash for not being ready at a moment's notice. What's more important is that he knows the drawbacks, is situationally aware and thinks ahead of time about what to do when faced with various scenarios.

[TriggerHappy]

Appendix carry with a round in the chamber makes me a bit nervous. Probably why I wouldn't carry that way.

Anyone who carries a handgun with an empty chamber is going to feel pretty silly when they are attacked suddenly an they have to fend off their attacker with one hand and draw their weapon and chamber a round with their other hand all while being stabbed in the neck and chest repeatedly.

Those cute little techniques where you can hook the rear sight on your belt or whatever to rack the slide won't play out so smoothly in a real work situation.

Bad things happen quickly. Best to have a weapon that can be deployed and used quickly with one hand if necessary.


If you don't trust a round in the chamber while appendix carry, you really shouldn't trust it any of the other ways either. Just my .02. I carry appendix, always one in the chamber.

[Kmac]

Always carry hot.

The example I give is its like having a hot rod with no engine. All show and no go..

Exactly!

[Kmac]

We've had this thread before a few times. I think at least one or two people are converted each time.

Otherwise, you shouldn't carry or serious reevaluate why you are.

[Kmac]

A suggestion -

Have your friend put on a white t-shirt, load his magazine with snap caps, but don't load the chamber, then holster his weapon as he would normally.

You stand ready as the attacker, with a big red magic marker, cap off, ready to go.

Then, you attack him with the marker as quickly and "savagely" as you can, while he tries to draw his gun, rack the slide, and bring it to bear on you. Be sure to occupy/attack his hands/chest/face as much as you can.

Then stop and assess his "wounds", and the wisdom of carrying an unloaded gun.

Love it!

[rockhound]

gun is hot, i purposely carry a gun with a significant trigger pull, no safety, round in the mag, the trigger is stiff enough that if it were ever to go off it will be because i pulled the trigger and meant it.

[Kmac]

I always keep mine in a holster regardless if it's in my waistband or not so as to prevent an unwanted trigger pull...the only time it's out of it's holster is when I store it in the safe.


gun is hot, i purposely carry a gun with a significant trigger pull, no safety, round in the mag, the trigger is stiff enough that if it were ever to go off it will be because i pulled the trigger and meant it.

[RCCrawler]

Carrying without a round in the chamber is like driving around in your car without a seat belt on. Sure if you think you're going to get in a wreck you can just put your seatbelt on.

[sellersm]

Another point of view: http://thinkinggunfighter.blogspot.com/2010/09/myths-of-israeli-method-of-carry-or-why.html

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Carrying without a round in the chamber is like driving around in your car without a seat belt on. Sure if you think you're going to get in a wreck you can just put your seatbelt on.

Damn good analogy.

[losttrail]

Locked, cocked, ready to rock. 1911A1

The only way to fly. (Western Airlines reference for those that remember)

[spqrzilla]

You know, if someone needs a period of carrying with an empty chamber to acustom themselves to carrying a loaded gun. I'm not going to make fun of them.

[BlasterBob]

You know, if someone needs a period of carrying with an empty chamber to acustom themselves to carrying a loaded gun. I'm not going to make fun of them.

Good to hear because we have to do what we are really comfortable with..... I normally keep an empty chamber but figure it's my choice and believe that if I were to venture into a very questionable area/vicinity, I'd just go ahead and chamber a round. The .45 auto in the night stand is also kept with an empty chamber as I do NOT want to risk having a "bad dream" and unconsciously grab the .45 and accidentally shoot my Mrs. Figure if I have to rack the slide back to chamber one, it'd hopefully wake me up enough to realize what I'm doing.
Over cautious - maybe but it's my choice.

[Kmac]

Good to hear because we have to do what we are really comfortable with..... I normally keep an empty chamber but figure it's my choice and believe that if I were to venture into a very questionable area/vicinity, I'd just go ahead and chamber a round. The .45 auto in the night stand is also kept with an empty chamber as I do NOT want to risk having a "bad dream" and unconsciously grab the .45 and accidentally shoot my Mrs. Figure if I have to rack the slide back to chamber one, it'd hopefully wake me up enough to realize what I'm doing.
Over cautious - maybe but it's my choice.

I agree, it's your choice...the issue I have with your statement is if you chamber a round when you think you're entering a questionable area, you might as well always have it chambered or not carry at all. Chances are if any of us ever have to use our weapon, which I hope I never do, it'll be when we least expect it...not when you think it's a sketchy situation. But, that's the beauty of living in a free country, it's your choice...just not mine.

[ChuckNorris]

No you don't. Chuck Norris carries 2 matching 1911's. I'm calling you out. You're a fake!

Things have changed since I cut the beard off!
Gotta go with the times!

[hatidua]

We've had this thread before a few times.

ya'think?!

[Shiro]

There are legit reasons to not have one in the chamber, but you must accept that fact that you are not ready for a quick draw situation

[kidicarus13]

There are legit reasons to not have one in the chamber
Would love to hear them.

[Great-Kazoo]

There are legit reasons to not have one in the chamber, but you must accept that fact that you are not ready for a quick draw situation


Would love to hear them.

Like wise. Then again it's up to the individual gun owners comfort level.

As a disabled person, it's one less thing i need to react for / to.

[Squeeze]

Like wise. Then again it's up to the individual gun owners comfort level.

As a disabled person, it's one less thing i need to react for / to.

^^^ This. In a gunfight, time is money. Less movements/actions I have to do prior to getting hollow-headed friends on the way to the threat is always a good thing. [Awesom]

[cofi]

one in the chamber no safeties 3.5# trigger lighted springs etc

[asmo]

Cute scenario. What do you do with the marker when the friend understands you're inside the range for hand-to-hand and decides to first knee you in the junk and then swipe the barrel of the pistol through your dental work before racking the slide? Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good arguments for carrying with a chambered round but a lot of what I'm seeing here is specious nonsense equating carrying with empty chamber to walking around while all your ammo is locked up at home. I think the point you're driving at is that there are a handful of rare but significant scenarios where the carrier won't have time or ability to rack the slide and would be better off having one in chamber ready to go but you're not acknowledging that most of the time they will.

Please come to the SouthNarc ECQC class next weekend. Any concept that you will have time to do much of anything will be deeply challenged.

[losttrail]

Cute scenario. What do you do with the marker when the friend understands you're inside the range for hand-to-hand and decides to first knee you in the junk and then swipe the barrel of the pistol through your dental work before racking the slide? Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good arguments for carrying with a chambered round but a lot of what I'm seeing here is specious nonsense equating carrying with empty chamber to walking around while all your ammo is locked up at home. I think the point you're driving at is that there are a handful of rare but significant scenarios where the carrier won't have time or ability to rack the slide and would be better off having one in chamber ready to go but you're not acknowledging that most of the time they will.

OP should be happy that his friend is carrying and ready to respond in a moment-and-a-half's notice rather than trying to make him feel like trash for not being ready at a moment's notice. What's more important is that he knows the drawbacks, is situationally aware and thinks ahead of time about what to do when faced with various scenarios.

It's amazing how fast an attacker can cover ground. Even if you know it's coming, getting your shirt/jacket pulled back, getting your grip, drawing your iron, racking the slide, takes more time than it does for an attacker to cover 21+ feet. If you could walk around with your iron in your hand, then maybe an empty chamber would make some sense.

But carrying concealed creates more actions and increases the time it takes to just get into position to defend ones self, much less rack the slide in addition.

I'm not attacking or making fun of anyone for carrying with an empty chamber. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[Ronin13]

The way I see it is this... carry however you please, but just know the positives and drawbacks of the different methods and conditions of carry. Personally, I carry and train how I did in the Army- inside the home, locked and loaded, round in chamber. Outside the home, locked and loaded round in chamber. Or like Police carry- you may not have time to take cover, draw, chamber a round, and defend yourself. But if you carry chamber empty, you may have trained to take that into account. If you haven't, you probably should. Train how you plan on fighting. Just keep in mind the time difference from training to real world situations can vary- you may be able to chamber a round in .3 sec at the range when the paper isn't shooting back at you, but IRL the added stress of being in possible mortal danger will make you react somewhat differently, especially if you don't train constantly. Be safe.

ETA: No one has mentioned this, but one would hope carrying concealed would afford you a little extra time due to the element of surprise- of course this depends on exactly what the situation is, may be very different for direct attack on your person or active shooter scenario, but even considering that, I, personally, wouldn't ever carry a firearm with an empty chamber.

[BuffCyclist]

I always carry with one in the chamber and train that way.

During my CCW class, the instructor offered us the chance to experience shooting under high stress situations. It went like this:

We closed our eyes, gun in holster under shirt, facing the target at 5yds. He stood behind us and without warning, grabbed us (with his body on our non-holster side) by the shoulders and started shaking pretty violently. Let me say, that REALLY raises your blood pressure and heart rate and fast too. After about 20 seconds of that, he would let go and the second he let go, you'd have to draw and shoot the target: twice from him, once in front close to body, and while walking back several steps, shoot 3 more times.

I was interested in seeing how it felt, so I went first. It was much worse than I expected and my aim was absolutely horrible!

Granted, he did another scenario where one student had a rubber knife and had to attack another with a concealed gun, from 21ft. Every time, the knife attacker won, even when the teacher had the gun.

If you don't believe these things that people always say, find a way to setup a scenario and test it.

[3beansalad]

We've had this thread before a few times. I think at least one or two people are converted each time.

"...if there's just one life we can save, we've got an obligation to try," Obama said

Always one in the tube. If you think you have time to rack the slide, you may already be too late to save your own life.

[SamuraiCO]

One in the tube always.

[Milt]

"...believe that if I were to venture into a very questionable area/vicinity, I'd just go ahead and chamber a round." That might be difficult to do without 'brandishing' the gun...

If one is uncomfortable with a chambered round in a self-loading pistol, perhaps a revolver would be a better choice.

Playing devil's advocate, that sudden attack scenario is probably fatal to the defender if he/she uses any 'conventional' concealed carry method with any type of handgun. A 'hammerless' revolver carried in a jacket pocket with my hand on the gun and fired from inside the pocket (you need cheap/expendable jackets and a wet rag to try this live fire) is the only way I have been able to reliably beat the 'assailant' in training exercises. A 'melted' pistol carried the same way can sometimes beat the attack, but the 'draw' from the pocket is often too late. If you don't want to do the pocket thing, a cane or walking stick should be your first line of defense - not a bad idea in any case.

With a lot of practice, open carry with a short barreled single-action revolver in a proper holster is another method that is sometimes fast enough, but I ain't Bob Munden...

[osok-308]

"...if there's just one life we can save, we've got an obligation to try," Obama said

Always one in the tube. If you think you have time to rack the slide, you may already be too late to save your own life.

+1. Plus, we as gun owners drill it into our heads to treat every gun as if it is always loaded anyways. It requires the manipulation of the trigger to fire. As long as you aren't fingering your trigger, it will not go off. If you are carrying in a holster, then the trigger should be fully covered anyways. You carry a handgun to stop a threat that can occur in the shortest time imaginable, why would you want to slow yourself down and thus decrease your odds of survival?

[davsel]

One in the chamber? Most unsafe thing I've ever heard. Don't you know the anti-gun crown reads these threads?

Personally, I carry my Kimber disassembled - Frame in holster, slide assembly in front left (weakside) pocket, slide stop in front right pocket. I also carry shells in my left sock and empty mag in my right. I figure I can flop down on my back to fend off an attack with my boots while I prepare my weapon. Most importantly, I want to be sure that I do not accidentally shoot someone while under stress.

[3beansalad]

^^^^ Are you reading Morse legislation drafts again?

[DingleBerns]

do you where a seat belt?

[Great-Kazoo]

do you where a seat belt?

I know where it is, but don't always wear it[Beer]

[waxthis]

You will NOT have the time rack the slide. If one in the tube concerns you, get a revolver.

[Great-Kazoo]

You will NOT have the time rack the slide. If one in the tube concerns you, get a revolver.

Or drink lots of water;)

[DingleBerns]

I know where it is, but don't always wear it[Beer]

dang it Jim! I can't proof read....[fail]

[generalmeow]

I carry without one in the chamber. I believe there's a greater chance of me making a mistake with the firearm at some point in my life, carrying it for all those years and handling it thousands of times, than actually needing the firearm and being unable to take an extra half a second to chamber a round. The reasons I might need a firearm are infinite. My eventual decision to draw would be instantaneous, but most situations wouldn't require instantaneous trigger pull. I'm sure there are statistics that validate this - many people have drawn their firearms to protect themselves, but only a tiny fraction have pulled the trigger.

I understand all the arguments for carrying chambered as well. Yes, obviously I'd be safer from instant and unexpected attack and I'd be better off. But I believe I'd be in even greater danger of making a tiny mistake within the next 40-50 years that I couldn't live with.

[rondog]

I carry without one in the chamber. I believe there's a greater chance of me making a mistake with the firearm at some point in my life, carrying it for all those years and handling it thousands of times, than actually needing the firearm and being unable to take an extra half a second to chamber a round. The reasons I might need a firearm are infinite. My eventual decision to draw would be instantaneous, but most situations wouldn't require instantaneous trigger pull. I'm sure there are statistics that validate this - many people have drawn their firearms to protect themselves, but only a tiny fraction have pulled the trigger.

I understand all the arguments for carrying chambered as well. Yes, obviously I'd be safer from instant and unexpected attack and I'd be better off. But I believe I'd be in even greater danger of making a tiny mistake within the next 40-50 years that I couldn't live with.

And such is the concept of "personal choice". God Bless America! We still have the freedom to make that choice.

[lex137]

I use to not have one in the chamber now I do because I want to always be prepared. I may not have time to rack the slide. Personal preference though I respect both ways of carrying.

[LeftHandBlack]

Sig P239 strong side carry and of course one in the chamber.

[Lex_Luthor]

I've been carrying without a mag inserted, but thanks to everyone's input, I now carry locked and loaded!

[Coffee]

[Kmac]

I've been carrying without a mag inserted, but thanks to everyone's input, I now carry locked and loaded!

[Coffee]
Nice to see we converted at least one!

[Mick-Boy]

Carrying with the chamber empty is build around the expectation of two luxuries in a gunfight. Time and distance.

If you are accessing a pistol you shouldn't expect to have either.

[eneranch]

I really don't get the whole "carrying with an empty chamber" thing; like Mick said, when time is of the essence, that empty chamber represents your first chance to die in a deadly confrontation. Doesn't make sense to me.

[Lex_Luthor]

Nice to see we converted at least one!

The coffee guy was supposed to show I was being facetious. I definitely wouldn't be carrying without a mag, OR with an empty chamber.

ETA: that video is intense. Definitely worth a watch for someone who carries, chamber empty

[LeftHandBlack]

Only cops on T.V. shows like CSI New York chamber a round when they draw their gun from holster.

[CO Retriever]

You know, if someone needs a period of carrying with an empty chamber to acustom themselves to carrying a loaded gun. I'm not going to make fun of them.

I always carry my Glock 19 hot in a real holster that covers the trigger.

I have a couple of friends and family who are new to carrying and were concerned about carrying their Glocks hot. I shared that jewelry store robbery vid with them and told then to carry with a snap cap in the chamber for a couple of weeks and tell me if it goes off. Most of them do it and realize that if your carry rig is what it should be this is a non-issue and more mental than anything else.

[spqrzilla]

I always carry my Glock 19 hot in a real holster that covers the trigger.

I have a couple of friends and family who are new to carrying and were concerned about carrying their Glocks hot. I shared that jewelry store robbery vid with them and told then to carry with a snap cap in the chamber for a couple of weeks and tell me if it goes off. Most of them do it and realize that if your carry rig is what it should be this is a non-issue and more mental than anything else.

That's fine. It does not refute what I wrote.

[CO Retriever]

That's fine. It does not refute what I wrote.

Wasn't intended to, nearly agreeing and mentioning something that I have shared with others with the same concern.

[dmo]

Definitely one in the chamber. Such a big disadvantage if you don't.

[spleify]

Crazy video

[ChuckNorris]

Always one in the chamber - carry a club if you're worried!

[7insert]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Yxa9IeJEc

"9mm.. Safety always off"

Yeah you should keep safety on.

[skullybones]

For those that carry empty chamber.

What are your concerns? What led you to this style of carry? I ask this with respect. It is not my first choice, but a rational discussion shouldn't be too hard.

[mdsmd]

I have not carried with one in the chamber however as of two weeks ago that changed. We live in a crazy world and we need to be ready at a minutes notice.

[cofi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Yxa9IeJEc

"9mm.. Safety always off"

Yeah you should keep safety on.

no saftey on my glock+ lightened trigger and springs....i carry one in the chamber as long as your fingers off the trigger there shouldnt be a problem

[7insert]

no saftey on my glock+ lightened trigger and springs....i carry one in the chamber as long as your fingers off the trigger there shouldnt be a problem

Yeah as long as you are carrying a modern pistol that should be fine. But a tokarev and guns that are less than steller when dropped you should most likely carry with a safety

[cofi]

Yeah as long as you are carrying a modern pistol that should be fine. But a tokarev and guns that are less than steller when dropped you should most likely carry with a safety


yea i didnt watch the video....my toes owe there lives to glocks drop saftey :D

[William]

Cute scenario. What do you do with the marker when the friend understands you're inside the range for hand-to-hand and decides to first knee you in the junk and then swipe the barrel of the pistol through your dental work before racking the slide? Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good arguments for carrying with a chambered round but a lot of what I'm seeing here is specious nonsense equating carrying with empty chamber to walking around while all your ammo is locked up at home. I think the point you're driving at is that there are a handful of rare but significant scenarios where the carrier won't have time or ability to rack the slide and would be better off having one in chamber ready to go but you're not acknowledging that most of the time they will.

OP should be happy that his friend is carrying and ready to respond in a moment-and-a-half's notice rather than trying to make him feel like trash for not being ready at a moment's notice. What's more important is that he knows the drawbacks, is situationally aware and thinks ahead of time about what to do when faced with various scenarios. I agree with this, but this is one of those arguements where few will find middle ground.

[trlcavscout]

I haven't had to try it on the street but I learned in the Army that an unloaded chamber usually ends a filled body bag. To each their own but I would not leave the house without a hot gun.

They would probably stop after the first shot and run but if
You pull a weapon you are now a threat and as long as you are still moving they will keep firing, I have seen a few guys trying to reload once they are hit a few times its ugly shit! If it ain't loaded don't pull it leave it at home it could save your life. Do some force training and try loading while someone is pumping you full of sim rounds and see how easy it is then decide if you wanna replace the sims with lead.


For people new to packing its fine to ease into it and carry with caps or what ever it takes to build your confidence, but my advice is don't EVER pull a gun that's not ready.

[ar-hunter]

I carry a DA/SA service style pistol, one in the chamber, safety on. I regularly practice drawing and flipping the safety off as soon as the muzzle passes about 30 degrees. I remember watching a video of Israeli Defense Forces drawing, racking and firing, and wondering why, considering their Jericho 941's are just like the Beretta, and can be safely carried hammer down/double action, just like a revolver. I guess it just comes down to your level of risk tolerance/aversion and what scenarios you foresee, both with regards to firearm safety and self-defense. No matter how you carry, there are concessions that you have to make one way or another.

[ZERO THEORY]

Carrying a condition 3 weapon is pointless. If someone suddenly assails you, you won't have time to chamber a round and engage your target.

But more importantly, if you "feel" a situation brewing, you'll blow your cover by drawing down and racking in front of someone. And the DA is going to have a field day when he/she accuses you of instigating the situation by drawing a weapon when the threat wasn't imminent. It would be equivalent to firing a warning shot, me thinks.

[LeftHandBlack]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Yxa9IeJEc

"9mm.. Safety always off"

Yeah you should keep safety on.
Your holster is your safety as far as Im concerned. Train to draw the gun with your finger out of trigger guard every time and your good to go.

[buckshotbarlow]

how is a modern gun going to go boom in a CCW holster? Are there ants in someones pants playing on a holstered firearm? Trigger finger is the best safety.

[Buckaroobonsai]

Think of the reasons why you carry a gun in the first place. Then consider having to chamber a round first if one of those situations actually happened. That might help you decide.

[3beansalad]

Interesting video I hadn't seen before showing what most of us already know.


http://youtu.be/syxrpLbaEuY

[Great-Kazoo]

Interesting video I hadn't seen before showing what most of us already know.


http://youtu.be/syxrpLbaEuY

Shit, he could have been 20' away and still scored hits, on her.

[kidicarus13]

I would like to think common sense tells everyone you need to have a round chambered. An unaltered factory trigger will not go off in a holster made for your specific pistol. But... to each his own.

[blacklabel]

I would like to think common sense tells everyone you need to have a round chambered. An unaltered factory trigger will not go off in a holster made for your specific pistol. But... to each his own.

But if you don't chamber a round then you don't need a holster. /sarcasm

[osok-308]

If you're afraid to carry one in the chamber, walk around with your gun empty but cocked, at the end of the day, check if it has remained cocked. Which it (almost certainly) has. Now ask yourself "It the firing pin hasn't dropped, am I afraid that it will go off, just because there is a round in the chamber"/

[68Guy]

Shit, he could have been 20' away and still scored hits, on her.
I train in Krav Maga as part of our Church security team. All of us are either current/former military or police and some are active SWAT members for the local PD. We are all concealed carry and training using airsoft, blue guns and rubber knives. As this video showed, if you allow an individual in that "interview" space - you are NOT going to come out well in a deadly scenario. Every single time we tried it, we always received some kind of knife wound. At best, we learned to train stepping to the side while drawing and then taking the shot in the (hopes) that the attacker has already committed to the attack and cannot change angles as quickly. We tried it a few times with an empty chamber and as so many have said in this thread - it is a ridiculous way to carry if you intend to actually protect yourselves. Here is one for you to think about. If you are a shooter that practices the current techniques of a two handed triangle stance, during the draw stroke, your support hand has two functions; to lift up and away your cover garment and, to meet the firearm as it is moving to eye level and being pushed out towards the target. You would have to completely break up that proven technique to introduce a step to rack the slide AND - you darn sure have to hope that a round successfully chambers!! I always carry with one in the pipe including appendix carry and I know there is a round in there because I did a chamber check after I put it there while NOT under duress. In most cases, I leave the weapon in the holster and remove them together from my belt and they do directly into the gun safe at the end of the night so at no time is the trigger of my Glock ever at risk of being pulled. I leave it that way. The other Glock in the safe is in a sleeve and has the weapons light attached (and also loaded hot) so if I needed access in the house, that one comes out! My $0.02

[Kmac]

I train in Krav Maga as part of our Church security team. All of us are either current/former military or police and some are active SWAT members for the local PD. We are all concealed carry and training using airsoft, blue guns and rubber knives. As this video showed, if you allow an individual in that "interview" space - you are NOT going to come out well in a deadly scenario. Every single time we tried it, we always received some kind of knife wound. At best, we learned to train stepping to the side while drawing and then taking the shot in the (hopes) that the attacker has already committed to the attack and cannot change angles as quickly. We tried it a few times with an empty chamber and as so many have said in this thread - it is a ridiculous way to carry if you intend to actually protect yourselves. Here is one for you to think about. If you are a shooter that practices the current techniques of a two handed triangle stance, during the draw stroke, your support hand has two functions; to lift up and away your cover garment and, to meet the firearm as it is moving to eye level and being pushed out towards the target. You would have to completely break up that proven technique to introduce a step to rack the slide AND - you darn sure have to hope that a round successfully chambers!! I always carry with one in the pipe including appendix carry and I know there is a round in there because I did a chamber check after I put it there while NOT under duress. In most cases, I leave the weapon in the holster and remove them together from my belt and they do directly into the gun safe at the end of the night so at no time is the trigger of my Glock ever at risk of being pulled. I leave it that way. The other Glock in the safe is in a sleeve and has the weapons light attached (and also loaded hot) so if I needed access in the house, that one comes out! My $0.02

Absolutely agree...great analysis

[KS63]

Condition 1 on a 1911 from day one. Gun passes all safety checks and is carried in a quality holster made for my pistol. I've never, ever worried about an AD. Ever. I'm confident in my equipment and abilities carrying this way. Any update on the OP's friend?

[Irving]

I once had a CZ 75B cocked and locked come out of the holster and bounce down the stairs.

[osok-308]

I once had a CZ 75B cocked and locked come out of the holster and bounce down the stairs.

No discharge? Good to hear, I am always curious why people choose to not carry one in the chamber.

[jmg8550]

Always one in the chamber.

[Irving]

No discharge? Good to hear, I am always curious why people choose to not carry one in the chamber.

Unfortunately it killed everyone in the room, just like that scene in True Lies when What's-Her-Face drops that Uzi down the stairs.

[Bailey Guns]

Yeah, well you probably didn't look nearly as good doing it as Jamie Lee Curtis.

[Irving]

I WAS married to Rambo at the time though.

[Kmac]

Condition 1 on a 1911 from day one. Gun passes all safety checks and is carried in a quality holster made for my pistol. I've never, ever worried about an AD. Ever. I'm confident in my equipment and abilities carrying this way. Any update on the OP's friend?

No, I'll have to ask as I haven't seen him in a while...he doesn't conceal carry on a regular basis, so my guess is nothing's changed. Those of us that carry everyday (or close to it) already understand the crazy, idiotic world we live in. So, why would we take a chance like not having one in the chamber? I wonder if those that don't carry with one in the chamber are the same ones who don't conceal carry on a regular basis. Who can confirm or deny my hypothesis?

[sellersm]

I train in Krav Maga as part of our Church security team. All of us are either current/former military or police and some are active SWAT members for the local PD. We are all concealed carry and training using airsoft, blue guns and rubber knives. As this video showed, if you allow an individual in that "interview" space - you are NOT going to come out well in a deadly scenario. Every single time we tried it, we always received some kind of knife wound. At best, we learned to train stepping to the side while drawing and then taking the shot in the (hopes) that the attacker has already committed to the attack and cannot change angles as quickly. We tried it a few times with an empty chamber and as so many have said in this thread - it is a ridiculous way to carry if you intend to actually protect yourselves. Here is one for you to think about. If you are a shooter that practices the current techniques of a two handed triangle stance, during the draw stroke, your support hand has two functions; to lift up and away your cover garment and, to meet the firearm as it is moving to eye level and being pushed out towards the target. You would have to completely break up that proven technique to introduce a step to rack the slide AND - you darn sure have to hope that a round successfully chambers!! I always carry with one in the pipe including appendix carry and I know there is a round in there because I did a chamber check after I put it there while NOT under duress. In most cases, I leave the weapon in the holster and remove them together from my belt and they do directly into the gun safe at the end of the night so at no time is the trigger of my Glock ever at risk of being pulled. I leave it that way. The other Glock in the safe is in a sleeve and has the weapons light attached (and also loaded hot) so if I needed access in the house, that one comes out! My $0.02

That is good 'food for thought'.

[tawm]

About I started carrying my CM9 with one in the chamber about 3 months ago. I went about 2 months carrying without a round in the chamber before coming to the same conclusion most of you did. I carry mine almost everywhere.

[Pistol Packing Preacher]

1911 with one round in the chamber and safety on! Ready in an instant! 8 in the mag + 1 in house! 2 extra 8 rounds handy!

[Irving]

I'd carry with two rounds in the chamber if I could.

[hurley842002]

I'd carry with two rounds in the chamber if I could.

FTW....

The only reasons not to carry with one in the chamber, is because you don't trust yourself to keep your finger off the trigger. If that is the case, please correct that issue, but thanks for not carrying with one in the chamber.

[Bailey Guns]

I'd carry with two rounds in the chamber if I could.

You need a Joe Biden SxS. Not really two rounds in one chamber, and you can't CCW a shotgun, but you can fire them both simultaneously. Pretty close to your vision.

[Irving]

I guess I'm only left with the double 1911.

[Great-Kazoo]

I guess I'm only left with the double 1911.

WHY,You
http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.5031761527570600&pid=15.1

[rockhound]

if you don't rust your carry weapon with a round chambered, it might be time for a new gun

[blacklabel]

if you don't rust...

Or just the occasional cleaning and light oiling. No need to do anything drastic.