To chamber or not to chamber

[zeke80]

I just got my plastic this past wednesday and I'm curious if the general consensus is to carry with a round in the chamber or not. I have a Springfield XDm 9mm and it doesn't have the traditional safety or hammer. Any advice?

[USA1]

Chamber !

There's been many discussions on this and the overall consensus is chamber.

[Sidro]

There are some posts asking about this on here somewhere. Consensus is to chamber. In my opinion a gun without one in the chamber is a hammer. Chamber and carry and forget about it.

[Lumberjack98]

First, congratulations on getting your CHL. It's a big step and I'm glad you did it.

Secondly, AWESOME choice in pistol. I love the XD and XDm. Check out the link in my sig for an XD group.

Finally, I agree with the other responses. There have been multiple posts on this. Generally, the reason for not chambering is you won't have time if you need your pistol. Most shootings occur at very close ranges and if you needed it, there is no way you'd have time to chamber a round. Try this with someone. Have an unloaded pistol and have someone come at you and see if you can draw and rack the slide and get on target. You will not be able to do it.

[Manfred]

Looks like a Glock knock off.

I would carry one with a round in it, and if you blow a new hole in yourself somewhere, your friends will call you Plaxico
Best of luck in your new armed endeavors.

-Manny

[Teamless]

Chamber

[Carry-a-Kimber]

Chamber, just in case you run into the guy that can grab the barrel and keep it from being racked You only get one shot at that guy

[cougartex]

Congratulations on your CHL.

Chamber.

[The Annoyed Man]

In case you weren't sure what the others said, Chamber It!

[Grog]

Use a good belt, a better holster and chamber a round. If you're not doing at least #2, I might wait until that was fixed before I would.

That said, I have always had a round in the chamber as that's how I trained.

[carlson1]

I have never understood why this is an issue. If anyone is uncomfortable carrying a semi-auto I would convert to a revolver. Of course I carry the revolver just because.

[WEC]

Welcome to the forum, Zeke. And congrats on the plastic. I think I may know you... Are you originally from Boseman, Montana?

Here's a good thread about whether to chamber or not: viewtopic.php?f=53&t=23319" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cbunt1]

Personal opinion: Chamber. That's what I do with a 1911, Beretta, or Glock. I agree completely with the others here who preach that an un-chambered weapon takes longer to get into action...

That said, I understand your misgivings about carrying with one in the pipe with no external safety. To carry chambered safely, your holster MUST cover the trigger guard completely. Frankly, if you're not comfortable carrying chambered, then I'd rather see you carrying and handling a gun you're comfortable with and in a condition you're comfortable with, than not carrying one at all...

I would also recommend attending one of the many weekly/monthly club-level competitive matches (IDPA, USPSA, IPSC, GSSF, or the like) to get an opportunity to talk first-hand with like-minded individuals and see some of the carry techniques and equipment out there.

Matches are also good for your confidence and shooting/gun-handling skills, especially given that you'll be doing it in a friendly controlled environment.

Personally, until I had been shooting a 1911 in IDPA matches for a little while, I wasn't really comfortable with cocked-and-locked carry myself.

[zeke80]

Welcome to the forum, Zeke. And congrats on the plastic. I think I may know you... Are you originally from Boseman, Montana?

Here's a good thread about whether to chamber or not: viewtopic.php?f=53&t=23319" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I am not from nor have I ever even been to Montana. Zeke is a nickname. That must be what threw you off. Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'll definately keep one in the chamber now. I ordered a Crossbreed Supertuck yesterday and when that shows up in a few weeks, I'm sure I'll be more comfortable with my holster. It seems I may end up spending more money on holsters than my gun.

[Kevinf2349]

It seems I may end up spending more money on holsters than my gun.

Yep that'll happen until you find what works for you. Personally I settled on the Supertuck too ....and don't underestimate the value of a good quality gun belt either.

Stay safe.