A Round in the Chamber Carry?

[Keith B]

A gun with an empty chamber is not much more than a brick.

[John Galt]

A gun with an empty chamber is not much more than a brick.

I was originally hesitant, but have now come around to this way of thinking.

[Rayden]

Only on TV do they rack the slide

[mojo84]

Only on TV do they cock a glock.

[WTR]

I carry with a round in the chamber. However, here is an interesting article. http://thinkinggunfighter.blogspot.com/ ... r-why.html

[Jago668]

I carry with a round in the chamber. However, here is an interesting article. http://thinkinggunfighter.blogspot.com/ ... r-why.html

Point 1 on Speed. Author just makes up numbers and then says his made up number make less difference than numbers that he didn't even bother to make up. This is further undermined in his Point 4, where he says people are untrained. You can't be so trained that chambering a round only adds half a second, and then be untrained. I've seen a couple of videos with firearms instructors on youtube where it is closer to 0.8 to 0.9 seconds added on.

Point 2 on Safety. The only good point he makes is at the very end, where if you are having to handle your gun all the time condition 3 is the way to go. The rest of it is solved by stop playing with your gun. Compounded by the millions of people that carry every day across the US and how few problems you here about.

Point 3 on Firearms. Just laughable. Decent firearm, decent holster, and entire point disappears. Entire point centers around behavior that I never hear anyone advocate.

Point 4 on Training. So people with little to no training should depend on a method that is the most difficult to get a gun into the fight. That they will magically somehow rise to the occasion.

The author is correct in that you will spend more time everything normal than defending your life. However when you contradict yourself inside your own article, make up numbers, and then when pretty much the entire thing can be refuted with use a decent gun, a decent holster, and stop touching it. I'm not impressed.

[oljames3]

I carry with a round in the chamber. However, here is an interesting article. http://thinkinggunfighter.blogspot.com/ ... r-why.html

I carry my DA/SA auto-loader with a round chambered, hammer down, safety on. I have done my own due diligence, risk analysis, and strategy/tactics review. This works best for me and mine. YMWV

I found the article at the link above to be enlightening. Mainly because of the author's emphasis on the fact that one size does not fit all.

That we do carry is a point on which we can and should agree. What and how we carry are personal decisions based on personal choices.

As a 63 year old disabled veteran, I find carrying an auto-loader ready to fire when I disengage the safety and squeeze the trigger to be my best option.

[rytchard]

I found the article at the link above to be enlightening. Mainly because of the author's emphasis on the fact that one size does not fit all.

That we do carry is a point on which we can and should agree. What and how we carry are personal decisions based on personal choices.

I 100% agree with your comment above. One of the reasons I recently purchase a Springfield XDs 9mm is that it comes with some built in safety features, i.e. grip safety, trigger safety, etc., that don't require my same level of attention as pulling the slide, de-selecting a manual safety, etc. It allows me to feel comfortable with one in the chamber for EDC and doesn't require me to have additional steps to use my firearm in the rare event it is ever required.

[Javier730]

Only on TV do they cock a glock.

Ive seen it.

[oljames3]

I personally asked the Assistant Chief, an LT, and an officer of my city's PD. They carry a round in the chamber. Those who carry 1911s carry them in condition one.

[cmatson89]

I just filed for my CHL here in the state, but I plan to carry one in the chamber and safety on. I want my gun ready as soon as I decide I need it, but I have small children and I feel more comfortable with the safety on.

[stingeragent]

I'd say it's whatever works for your situation although I prefer one in the chamber. Anyone ever try and stress charge there gun. Meaning, unholster your firearm under stress and charge it quickly with no issues? If not you need to try it if you plan to carry unchambered. Although most of us will never encounter a situation that we need to use our firearms, a single issue as you attempt to charge it, could be the end. A lot of it comes down to your dedication on not only knowing your firearm in and out, but not letting the situation happen that anyone else can access it even for a moment if it is loaded. I remember reading a story on here where a guy and his friend were picking up something on craigslist or something similar. The CHL holder put his gun in the center compartment, and somehow his passenger fumbled in there for something in the compartment and pulled the trigger. You have to never allow for that situation to happen. You also have to be consciously aware to never put your finger in the trigger guard until you are ready to send a round down range. Most modern guns will not fire even when dropped. It is that trigger that gets you. Consistent practice with a 100% unloaded firearm is without a doubt necessary. Practice dry shooting drills. Practice if someone tries to take the weapon from you. Practice if the kiddos are pulling at your shirt where your gun is holstered. This is necessary.

[AJSully421]

I never once even contemplated the possibility of carrying a handgun without a round chambered. You shouldn't either.

[Steamboat]

Only on TV do they cock a glock.

Ive seen it.

I'm glad that I'm not the only one that has noticed that!
I started carrying about two days after joining this forum.

[Idratherbecamping]

1911 .380 - yes with safety on!

Glock 17 - no

Just don't have the comfort level yet!