Handgun Picture Taking Question

[theGinsue]

So I've noticed in almost every picture folks here take of their handguns (at least for semi-auto's), the hammer is back and "cocked".

What is the purpose / reasoning behind this?

[Irving]

In case there is a break-in during the photo shoot.

Duh.

[gnihcraes]

my thought is they just dropped the mag, worked the slide and put it down for the picture... (that's what I hope they have done anyway)

maybe they are hoping the "flash" will help the photo... ha ha.

[bobbyfairbanks]

I don't think it really matters. If anything they just unloaded it. It is loaded so for someguns the hammer needs to be forward to operate the safety. they cocked it cause it looks better.

[DD977GM2]

My response is for 1911s only as I have never owned a Sig or other pistol with a hammer.

Cocked and Locked is the only way to have your 1911. Hammer cocked and safety engaged with a round in the chamber. If the hammer is down and round in chamber, you must manually cock it or if no round int he chamber, must cycle the slide to chamber a round and those two options are difficult to make happen when you need to get rounds down range in an attack or emergency with a POS trying to kill you etc.

[Ridge]

my thought is they just dropped the mag, worked the slide and put it down for the picture... (that's what I hope they have done anyway)

Thats how I did it when I had a gun with an external hammer...

[MrPrena]

I usually put hammer down when I take picture, but it maybe more of a preference (up or down).

[Marlin]

Well, as long as you aren't pointing it at me...

[SA Friday]

Well, as long as you aren't pointing it at me...

Awesome! IT LIVES....
Hey, if they are pointing it at you, can you tell if the hammer is down?

[Marlin]

Is that like, "If a tree falls in the forest"?