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dihappy wrote: However, i love 1911's and unfortunatly, no decocker.

Actually, Bill Laughridge of "Cylinder and Slide" fame... has a SFS kit that can be installed on your 1911. It allows you to carry the weapon with the hammer down but it remains fully ready to fire when you release the thumb safety.

Basically, you load your weapon as per usual (insert mag., rack slide) then you simply push the hammer forward (it will come to rest perfectly safe against the FP stop). When you need to use your weapon...just disengage the thumb safety and the trigger returns to the cocked position ready to drop. All safety features are retained (and one additional one added).

Personally, I see no reason to let the hammer down on a live round in a 1911, but... the SFS might be something to look into for those needing a way to safely lower the hammer.

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/

Dihappy,

Sorry to hear about this incident.

No need to beat yourself about it.

I see nothing wrong with your regiment for unloading your weapon and lowering the hammer. You simply became a victim of your habits.

It is all too easy to "forget a step" of the process (Check the chamber) especially if distracted in any way.

When that happens, you will default to your general level of gun handling habits. I commend you for pointing the firearm in a safe direction (we will normally do what we practice).

The only thing I would suggest you add to your procedure is this: Make it your practice to "Press Check". Even after dropping the magazine, locking back the slide and visually checking, I still press check one last time before dropping the hammer.

To borrow a term from my friend (Jbirds) I am a "press check junkie" and it has served me well.

Thank You... for sharing and reminding us all to be especially careful when loading/unloading.

Flint.