I would respectfully disagree with the part in red. A proper & consistent loading technique (ie, done safely, & done the same way each & every time) will mitigate the likelihood of holstering an unloaded pistol, but the press check is absolutely to verify a round actually is loaded. To ensure the gun is in battery a visual check of the slide being flush with generally suffice, or a mild tap on the rear of the slide with the heel of your palm to seat the slide forward (or to seat it into battery if it isn't).TVGuy wrote:You don't press check to make sure your weapon is loaded, it's done to ensure you have a round in full battery and the weapon is in a condition that will fire when needed.tbryanh wrote:I understand the value of unloading when disarming, but weighed against the increased possibility of an accidental discharge, leaving the gun loaded wins out for me.Agoraphobic Penguin wrote:Whenever I have to disarm myself, I leave the gun in a lockbox with cable attached to my car seat frame and hidde from view. I also take the mags and clear the chambers so if stolen it won't be able to be fired immediately.
I am also one of those who is against press checking to see if your weapon is loaded.
I believe the safest way to handle a semi auto pistol is to load it and leave it alone.
There is no danger in a properly performed press check, but the amount of danger in having a FTS/FTF condition if the immediate need for your weapon arises is quite high.
With most modern pistols a press check may not be needed since several incorporate the ability to verify via a loaded chamber indicator. (Glock: the extractor will be flush on an empty chamber; slightly protrude when loaded & can be felt in dark. S&W M&P: same thing, plus a cut out section on top for visual indicator. Some Rugers, I think: big indicator on top of chamber pops up when loaded).
I typically forego the press check these days, but anytime I'm reattaching the holstered gun to me (it typically stays loaded in the holster when off-body, but secured to prevent unauthorized access), I instinctively check the loaded chamber indicator. It's habit, & ensures that I didn't clear the gun the last time I handled it.
I do absolutely agree with you that, along with most other things, when performed correctly it's not dangerous.
ETA: I just Googled it, & it seems SIG's have a loaded chamber indicator on top, similar to the Ruger. For the OP, if you're satisfied with your technique, then stick with it. If you ever want visual confirmation, you may already have it sitting right on top of your Sig. As far as your ,(OPs) comment about only seeing the base of the round when doing a press check, that's exactly what you're looking for (is it loaded, or isn't it..). If you pull back far enough to cock the hammer, just de-cock as you normally do when loading.