One in the chamber?

[ATM]

...And what if the BG catches you off guard and snatches your pistol? - or a kid runs up to hug you in the store ? (which has happened - I'm a Sunday school teacher, my kids have friends, etc.) I just feel safer knowing the gun won't off unless racked.

Do you have a decent holster? With a bit of retention and a covered trigger guard, these issues are largely negated. The gun won't go off unless the trigger is pulled.

 

[GoBoilers!]

Has your hammer ever dropped on your empty chamber yet?
If not, does that make you feel a little more secure about the fact that it won't whether there's a round chambered or not? Just wondering.

No, the hammer has not dropped yet. I did have the embarassing "slipped out of holster onto bathroom floor" event happen once, but even then, the hammer did not drop. And that did make me feel more secure in knowing that I will (dome day...) carry with one in the chamber.

But like I said - it is all relative in how I see my risk versus comfort for now.

GB-

 

[JetGirl]

it is all relative in how I see my risk versus comfort for now.

GB-

I understand. I wasn't poking the bear...just curious.
We all have our own reasons for what our comfort levels are.
I'm betting when you do start carrying with one in the chamber, you'll look back and wonder why you didn't sooner. Just a guess.
Thanks for answering back, by the way.

 

[oldfb]

I guess another interesting question would be if those who don't carry one in the chamber are new to carrying and just a little uncomfortable (but may consider/plan on changing once used to carrying in general), or if they have been carrying for a while and still have the preference to be without one loaded.

I "carry" chambered when out and about when holstered but leave the chamber empty on the nightstand 1911.

There are times when I would throw the gun and holster in the dog park bag with out chambering.

I felt I was marginally less secure unchambered than cocked and locked but for most days at the park I dealt with it.

I can visualize many more scenarios where a fully loaded mag with an empty chamber may seem to be a better idea.

Gun grabs especially with off body carry come to mind. It also makes it easier to keep from trying to draw when caught unaware with a gun in your face scenario.

I think that the major concern should be what you remember...

Limit the switching up between chambered/unchambered carry because it could lull you into a sense of complacency/security.
Especially if you dryfire or lovingly fondle that new pistol.

My ND had a factor of complacency figured in, because of all my dryfire drills. I got comfortable with the trigger going click instead of bang.

Going chambered always will be my greatest opportunity for another slip up during the transition but my reinforced safety practices will keep me from ever dropping a hammer on a live round.

Until you can consistently remember and your muscle memory is convinced that the gun is always loaded you are most at risk for a Accidental/negligent discharges.

Also for the noobs or really anyone. Please practice extreme safety when chambering your carry round. I recommend one of those kevlar pads to point at when chambering or clearing your firearms. Your neighbors below your apartment or next door may chip in.

It took 18 yrs for me to get bit and I was fortunate not to lose my finger.

 

[Paco Bedejo]

I carried my XDm unchambered in my MTAC holster for about a month (my 1st handgun, ever). During that month, I was mindful to build what I see as a good habit; never let the web of my hand engage the grip safety & never let my finger go into the trigger guard. After a month of successfully handling it in this manner, I was comfortable carrying the correct way (chambered).

5 months later, it's now second nature for me to handle it with 3 fingers on the grip, thumb vertical against the back of the slide, and trigger finger extended along the bottom of the slide. My hand doesn't touch it in any other configuration unless it's boom-time.

 

[redneckpastor]

I carry one in the pipe when i have the need to but not all the time like when i am doing something with the children at the church i dont because even though my gun is holstered and protected from getting to the trigger i still think i need to show caution there. Might just be that i dont have the confidence yet still under the 2 year mark for carrying. Most the time though i do carry one in the pipe though!! just not every time.

 

[ATF Consumer]

I think all the caution one can show is by leaving a chambered weapon holstered until it's hammer time. Anything less would be negligent.

 

[jstrahl]

When I first started carrying I wasn't comfortable with one in the chamber, however I always have one in now. Also my girlfriend doesn't like it, but if she doesn't know, it doesn't hurt her

 

[jeremy]

The only time there is not one in the chamber when I have a firearm on my person is when I am out of ammo!

Except in uniform because appearently soldiers are not safe carrying a loaded system around.... Love the Army....

 

[theweakerbrother]

When I first started carrying, I had a Glock 22 and was uncomfortable with carrying one in the chamber. Many argue that it is a club, paperweight or worse without one in the tube. I now agree with that but you have to meet your level of comfortability... and overcome it, if you aren't carrying one in the chamber.

Now I tend to think of it as somewhat like this:

No gun: terrible
Gun without one in the chamber: not as terrible
Firearm on person and loaded: Glad to have it but pray I never need it.

 

[GetA2J]

I carried my XDm unchambered in my MTAC holster for about a month (my 1st handgun, ever). During that month, I was mindful to build what I see as a good habit; never let the web of my hand engage the grip safety & never let my finger go into the trigger guard. After a month of successfully handling it in this manner, I was comfortable carrying the correct way (chambered).

5 months later, it's now second nature for me to handle it with 3 fingers on the grip, thumb vertical against the back of the slide, and trigger finger extended along the bottom of the slide. My hand doesn't touch it in any other configuration unless it's boom-time.

Paco, I'm not trying to be a smart elick or anything but I am having a hard visualizing the "thumb vertical against the back of the slide" statement, or its intended advantage. Can you elaborate? Is your thumb along the side of the slide near the back or is it actually at the back of the slide "I guess to help holster" or push the gun with your thumb?
For me: Nay time my hand is on the handgun I have a firm shooting grip on it. My trigger fuinger is along the side of the frame and the safety stays on until I intend to unload, load, or fire. My thumb is always in a position to manipulate the safety to the proper position.

 

[shooter521]

never let the web of my hand engage the grip safety & never let my finger go into the trigger guard.

5 months later, it's now second nature for me to handle it with 3 fingers on the grip, thumb vertical against the back of the slide, and trigger finger extended along the bottom of the slide. My hand doesn't touch it in any other configuration unless it's boom-time.

Paco, I'm not trying to be a smart elick or anything but I am having a hard visualizing the "thumb vertical against the back of the slide" statement, or its intended advantage. Can you elaborate? Is your thumb along the side of the slide near the back or is it actually at the back of the slide "I guess to help holster" or push the gun with your thumb?

Note the phrases in bold from Paco's post. He is putting the thumb vertically against the back of the slide not to help the holster, but to prevent the palm of his hand from contacting the gun's grip safety. Thus, even if something did bump or snag the trigger on the way into the holster (thus defeating the trigger safety), the gun would still not go off b/c the grip safety is not being depressed.

 

[Paco Bedejo]

Paco, I'm not trying to be a smart elick or anything but I am having a hard visualizing the "thumb vertical against the back of the slide" statement, or its intended advantage. Can you elaborate? Is your thumb along the side of the slide near the back or is it actually at the back of the slide "I guess to help holster" or push the gun with your thumb?
For me: Nay time my hand is on the handgun I have a firm shooting grip on it. My trigger fuinger is along the side of the frame and the safety stays on until I intend to unload, load, or fire. My thumb is always in a position to manipulate the safety to the proper position.

Note the phrases in bold from Paco's post. He is putting the thumb vertically against the back of the slide not to help the holster, but to prevent the palm of his hand from contacting the gun's grip safety. Thus, even if something did bump or snag the trigger on the way into the holster (thus defeating the trigger safety), the gun would still not go off b/c the grip safety is not being depressed.

What shooter521 said.

If you're having trouble visualizing it, make a pretend gun with your thumb & forefinger. Imagine that your thumb is covering the back of the slide, where the hammer would be if it were exposed and your 3 non-trigger fingers are grasping the grip. I'm able to firmly grip my XDm in this way. During the draw, I bring my thumb around to it's proper location as I bring the gun up to position.

This handling method allows me to verify by touch that the hammer is cocked, prevents me from prematurely engaging the grip safety, and aids in re-holstering safely. I use an IWB holster & the top edge of my pants has a slim possibility of engaging the trigger if I'm not careful.

Keep in mind that I have gorilla hands, so this probably isn't for everyone.

 

[w_ADAM_d88]

One in the chamber always. If I have the walther p22 I even keep the safety off.

 

[44 MAGNUM SHOOTER]

One always ready to go BOOM.

 

[x2bax]

One in the chamber, but I only feel comforatble with a auto that has a thumb safety. I have practiced with drawing and take the saftey off in one motion and committing it to muscle memory on my pt709.

 

[rambone]

I think it is important not to give anyone too hard of a time about not carrying with a round chambered. It is better to know your limitations than to do something you are not mentally prepared to do. We'd all be very upset if we were reading a newspaper article about a negligent discharge committed by an INGO'er still getting used to handling a weapon every day.

However, we'd also be very upset if we were reading a newspaper article about an INGO'er who was attacked and died with a full magazine.


My take is that it is something that people do when they are getting used to carrying. I did it for the first week I carried. Eventually most of them will come around. Its not hard to see that the argument that is presented for carrying cocked and locked.

 

[GetA2J]

What shooter521 said.

If you're having trouble visualizing it, make a pretend gun with your thumb & forefinger. Imagine that your thumb is covering the back of the slide, where the hammer would be if it were exposed and your 3 non-trigger fingers are grasping the grip. I'm able to firmly grip my XDm in this way. During the draw, I bring my thumb around to it's proper location as I bring the gun up to position.

This handling method allows me to verify by touch that the hammer is cocked, prevents me from prematurely engaging the grip safety, and aids in re-holstering safely. I use an IWB holster & the top edge of my pants has a slim possibility of engaging the trigger if I'm not careful.

Keep in mind that I have gorilla hands, so this probably isn't for everyone.

Paco,
My apologies for NOT reading before I reply. I now see that you had already explained it completely the first time.

 

[50bmgshooter]

A gun without a round in the chamber is like a car with a dead battery. You don't want to jump your car everytime you need it do you??

 

[Lilsoup]

Now if my bank is getting robbed and this guy takes us all hostage, i would hope that if not me someone would have a gun concealed on them. I think at that point i would not care if he had one in the chamber or not. It give's us options. So Lilsoup no offense but i would not suggest some one to leave it at home. I think it is a personal choice and if you decide to not have one in the chamber then great. I just hope you Carry every day,and have that choice to protect you and your loved one's,as well as good honest citizens.
As for me it really just depends some days i will have one in the chamber and some days i wont,when i am at work i do not have one in the chamber after that any other time i have one in the pipe. I guess its just i feel like i do ALOT of movement and lifting and jumping around while at my work that i am just afraid of having one in the pipe. That is just my opinion, like i said it's one's personal preference either way GOD BLESS YOU for carrying and protecting law abiding citizens from two bit thugs.
GOD BLESS THIS FORUM AND ALL WHO WRITE IN IT.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.

I understand glockster, I just want to be ready if I should ever have to use my weapon, I dont want to have struggle with chambering if the need is ever there for me to have to use my weapon, but you are correct, it is a personal choice, and I appolagize for my first post.