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loveslattes wrote:Thanks for the replies. I am in the DFW area so class suggestions will be appreciated. Actually, Dallas is more convenient than FW, but I've noticed an appealing class at Shoot Smart in FW.

Crossfire teaches a gun safety class near the Texas Motor Speedway. My wife enjoyed it a great deal. I was with her and thought the class was very helpful.

SF18C, thanks for mentioning that. I should have included that in what I wrote.

loveslattes wrote:Hello everyone. I got my CHL a couple of weeks ago. I have purchased a Sig P238 to carry. I got it at about the same time as my license so have only been to the range with it 3 times. I had never even shot before late October, but have been practicing weekly since then (mostly with a 9mm). I was very excited about getting my license but have found myself uncomfortable actually carrying. And it's because I'm afraid of an accidental discharge.

I understand that the "proper" way to carry my Sig is "cocked and locked". I am not nervous about carrying it without a round in the chamber, but I want to be able to carry it the way it is intended to be carried. Can I get some suggestions or feedback?

I read somewhere to chamber a snap cap and go "cocked and locked" with a full magazine and carry like that for a few months to get comfortable with it. But (remember, I'm a newbie) I thought snap caps don't actually eject. If I needed to use the pistol, wouldn't that place me in a complicated position?

The reason you carry a weapon is for self defense. Even if you develop tremendous awareness of your surroundings, the likelihood that you would have to fire your weapon shortly after drawing it in a life threatening situation is high. Furthermore, your adrenaline will be pumping and you will have tunnel vision, so remembering to remove a snap cap or to rack the slide will be difficult and most likely cost you precious seconds that could mean the difference between life and death. Your best chance to survive lies in constant practice, developing excellent situational awareness and having your weapon ready to go when needed.

loveslattes wrote:So I'm thinking maybe I should just carry with an unchambered round (and the safety on) for a few weeks until I get comfortable with that.

What happens if you need your weapon during that time?

loveslattes wrote:But here is my real question... if I have it cocked and locked and something causes the hammer to release (but not the trigger), will the gun fire?

The next time you go to the range, test it. That will give you the confidence you need to carry cocked and locked. The more familiar you become with the operation of your weapon, the more comfortable you will be carrying it in a prepared defensive posture.

loveslattes wrote:I realize I've just shown a lot of ignorance with this question but I am trying to make certain I understand.

The only stupid question is the one you never ask.

loveslattes wrote:And please know that I do see a defensive carry/shooting class in my future (and maybe one for females).

I can highly recommend Crossfire if you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. In fact, my wife is considering taking her class again and bringing one of our daughters with her.

loveslattes wrote:I was really looking forward to getting my CHL and, now that I have it, I am really understanding the huge responsibility it is to carry and be safe. Thanks for your feedback!

That's the greatest realization you could have had. You are well on your way to being another responsible CHL holder.