A hot chamber or a Cold chamber?
What firearm and why do you carry the way you do?
If you're gonna carry, it should be hot! Otherwise what's the point!
Glock 29 or 30, in the waistband, just in case!
I pray to the good lord, I am never put to that test!
I carry a few different handguns and I always carry hot.
My CZ PO-6 is a de-cocker, De-cocked double action ready.
My Stoeger Cougar is a de-cocker with a thumb safety. I carry that de-cocked with the safety on. I could carry it de-cocked with the safety off, but I don't.
My 1911's I used to carry C-1, I have recently switched to C-2. I have been practicing with the C-2 and I don't like it. I think I am going back to C-1.
My PT-25 is double action only safety on.
I sold my Glock-23, I was just not comfortable with with no external safety. YMMV
If there isn't one up the pipe what's the point? If you ever have the need to pull a gun then there is likely no time to rack the slide.
As for carry.
Smith and Wesson 1076 or 645 in a Jackass Rig
or
Smith and Wesson 4513TSW IWB
Each with a minimum of 2 spare magazines.
Always this.......
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp240/LeMat_photos/Forum%20Guns/IMG_20130418_105404_167_zps76a62b07.jpg) (http://s415.photobucket.com/user/LeMat_photos/media/Forum%20Guns/IMG_20130418_105404_167_zps76a62b07.jpg.html)
This when I'm heading to town with the family......
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp240/LeMat_photos/Forum%20Guns/IMG_20130703_082319_575_zps49d3746c.jpg) (http://s415.photobucket.com/user/LeMat_photos/media/Forum%20Guns/IMG_20130703_082319_575_zps49d3746c.jpg.html)
Steve, you have understanding how each pistol works, its do's and don't's. This is where many people get hung up! They fail to understand how things work and why they work like they do. I suppose it has to do with being a gun person or not! ???
I have found the Glocks design with its safeties in mind to be very simple and not overly complex. No other controls to worry with or think about, just control the trigger! 8)
Now, things to consider with it carried "HOT", Holstered and holstering, where nothing can snag or make contact with the trigger is important with any weapon. I like the trigger guard covered, but have seen some molded holsters where the design is pressed too deeply, that is a concern. Small straps and snaps that can get inside the trigger guard is a concern.
I can say when nature calls and you need to drop your pants, you can or will drop your firearm, this is where the holster can really avoid this problem, but having a firearm that is not going to discharge if dropped, is the key! Yes some people have taken them off during this operation and forgotten to pick their stuff up, if you know what I mean! :-[ Not me so far! ::)
My S&W 10xx series guns all have slight variations with respect to safety and design/function...SA/DA and DAO. Another concern is "Second Strike" capability. DAO, will require you to rack the slide, to pre-cock the action, for the trigger to engage the cocking action.
Many like the 1911 setup "cocked and locked" and have a memory reflex to unlock and press.
Sometimes people are their own worst enemy, but not taking the time to prepare with and understand all aspects and responsibilities with their firearms. :(
Always one in chamber... that's (imo) the only way.
But, I carry ones that are da/sa or my older sig da only... no safety except a trigger finger and your head!
( btw , had a colt 45acp series 70, learned on revolvers and transitioned to semi da only... in combat shoot forgot to take off safety and lost valuble time... never carried it agn... traded in for a sig p220 )
i almost always carry a 1911 in condition 1. When my G29 gets its holster time it also have one on the chamber.
Shadow as always makes good points about a quality holster and trigger discipline, which extends beyond keeping you booger hook off the bang switch. it also includes being aware of the trigger at all times.
Hot, in cold season in coat pocket G20 or Sig 220. Hot season, hot waist band G20.
Always one in the chamber or a full cylinder.
With a double action revolver you could get away carrying with the hammer on an empty chamber but giving up one round in a revolver is not advisable.
My 1911's C-1, same way I learned to carry it in Nam. G20 C-1(carefully). Do what you are the most comfortable with, not what others say you should/have to do. As long as you are following all the safety procedures with the type of gun you are carrying its your decision.
When I was carrying a 1911 in the military, it was always C-1. Now I am always carrying a Glock. With a striker fired pistol is it called C-1? Anways, always one in the chamber.
always carry hot
RIA 10mm in c-1, in a forward-canted Galco Hi-Ride hip holster. ;D
My buddy who carries a 1911 always gets on my case for "not" carrying condition 1.
I carry a Sig P938, because it is small, and my preferred piece to carry for that reason alone. However, it does not have a grip safety. Because of this, I really do prefer to carry condition 3, and if necessary, use a side stance/elbow technique if needed in the one in a million chance I'll ever need my sidearm.
Colt 1911 Govt model cocked n hot or a G19 w/one in the pipe. Depends on how I am dressed.
If I'm wearing a belt it's the 1911 with two spares. If sweats or drawstring pants I roll the G19 with Fobus paddle and Blackhawk clip on mag holder with 17rd reload. No exceptions.
The reliable firearm, that gets the nod, is always in ready condition. When bad happens, it's quick, and so must we.
STI Perfect 10 condition 1 in a Kramir IWB horse hide, Colt 1903 slide lock off one in chamber in a horse hide pocket holster.
G33 .357sig HOTT with clip draw.
But of course, HOT.
:o 8)
For those that carry Cold, you are only fooling yourselves and quite frankly, should not be carrying at this time. Get the training that you are in need of for your chosen action type and the confidence that you are lacking in your manual of arms.
It's just training, don't be embarrassed to ask for some.
We'd all like to keep you around a bit longer. ;D
Quote from: MOUNTAIN WILLIAM on March 28 2014 08:57:50 AM MDT
Get the training that you are in need of for your chosen action type and the confidence that you are lacking in your manual of arms.
It's just training, don't be embarrassed to ask for some.
I would add...If you are not comfortable, work into it. Train at the range, then carry with the gun set up as if HOT, but cold. Keep track of how often the action is "tripped" at the end of the day.
When I started carrying, I carried my CZ with one in the chamber, hammer at half cock, safety on. And I kept track of how many times the safety was bumped off when I put the gun away at night. Over time, I realized that the advice was right. A properly functioning firearm in a good holster doesn't change its mechanical configuration on it's own.
I know my firearms are functioning properly as I get out and shoot with them a good bit. I know I have good holsters as I carefully researched before I bought, and tested them extensively at the range before I rotate a new type into carry.
I now carry a 1911 cocked and locked and don't hesitate to run around in the yard playing catch with the kids or crawl under the bronco to help my daughter work on it.
Quote from: sqlbullet on March 28 2014 09:11:03 AM MDT
Keep track of how often the action is "tripped" at the end of the day.
[...]
I now carry a 1911 cocked and locked and don't hesitate to run around in the yard playing catch with the kids or crawl under the bronco to help my daughter work on it.
I've never found my thumb safety inadvertently switched off, either. If I ever DO, I will immediately do whatever it takes to increase the switching resistance (and/or to modify my holster to reduce the chance that the thumb safety can be switched while the gun is holstered). When I first got my 10mm Kimber, I didn't like how little resistance there was when changing the position of the thumb safety ... on a trip back to Kimber, they replaced the thumb safety (without me asking) to a different type (I don't know who makes it), and it was noticeably more resistant to switching.
But I also very much value the fact that I have REDUNDANT safeties on my 1911 ... in the unlikely event that the thumb safety gets switched off, I've still got the grip safety (and vice-versa). It's that redundancy (including the additional redundancy of my Kimber's grip-lever-controlled firing-pin safety) that allows me to stay worry-free with my 1911 pointed at my spleen all my waking hours (vertical under-the-shirt shoulder holster).
Hot
Social occasions:
9MM M&P Shield
357 Sig in P239 Sig Sauer
Back up in the woods or hunting:
.45 1911 cocked & locked
Newest edition... 10mm Glock 20SF ;D
Personally, I recommend carrying with one: up-the-spout. The only philosophy, I know that doesn't recommend this mode of carry is the "Israeli Method", where the autopistol is quickly charged by racking-the-slide, when it is presented from the leather to the target. Which seems to add an unneeded step time-wise, when your life is in jeopardy. If you are uneasy with the 'Colt-Browning System' of: cocked and locked. Then opt for a contemporary DAO pistol, or a modern revolver with a transfer-bar safety.
I wish I had the option to even be IN this conversation. But here in NJ I am screwed as I am NOT allowed to protect myself outside of my HOME. Carry is only for LE or retired LE. I guess I am not good enough to be allowed to protect myself or my family. I guess we are expendable unfortunately. OH well only a couple more years and I should be out of this state. GOD willing.
But when I do, it will be G 29 or 32 or possibly a XDM 3.8 C 9mm and HOT with a lot of time at the range with a holster and gun practicing till its second nature. I wont carry right away till I am 100% confident in my carry setup. I refuse just to be able to legally carry and just strap something on and go out. I have to be comfortable with everything before I do. In other words it has to be right in my head before I will carry. Its something that is very serious and GOD willing I will NEVER have to use my weapon in self defense. I hope none of my 10mm friends never have to use yours either. GOD BLESS
Brian
Brian we'd be glad to have you in Arizona, see ya soon. 8)
Thanks.
Flag staff is on our list of places to check out along with the Carolinas both N and S.
Brian
When the lil' woman and I moved to Arizona we did pretty much the same routine that you're doing now. We figured that we'd stay a couple days in each town of interest, going from Flagstaff all the way down to Tucson and decide where we wanted to live.
We arrived in Arizona coming from the East on I40 and we could see the heavily snow capped San Francisco Peaks for what seemed like days before we finally got to Flagstaff. We stopped at the first burger joint we came to and sat down in front of this huge picture window so that we could watch all of the hang gliders drifting around at the snowline. While we were eating the lil' woman asked if we'd be able to get a room this early or if we'd have to wait until 2pm or so. I asked her what difference was it going to make and she replied that we hadn't made any sort of informed decision about living in Flagstaff. My instant reaction to her comment was, "Here it is straight up noon, on the Fourth of July, in Arizona and we're looking at huge snow capped mountain tops right outside the window... I'm not living here."
If you don't mind freezing cold temperatures and horrendous snow storms, you'll like Flagstaff. But if you're sane (and don't mind year 'round tourists) Sedona is nice. Slight snow, warmer temps and fantastic scenery. If you're looking for the late '50's or early '60's life style with the same views as Sedona, give Cottonwood a look. Heavily family oriented and laid back. Cottonwood is a true one horse town and this week it's plugged in at WalMart.
One round chambered, with a holster/clothing combo I'm used to.
I always carry with a loaded round.. In my Glocks, 1911, and revolver.
Keep the handgun in a properly designed holster. For my carry firearms, I carry in holsters designed to fit the model perfectly and hold it securely. I do not unholster unless I am unloading the ammo. At night, if I know I'll carry it again the next day, it stays holstered and loaded in a secure place. If there's no reason to unholster and unload, I don't do it.
I also use holsters that maintain their form while unholstered.. This way if the need to reholster happens you won't have to fight against the holster.. Very important when carrying IWB.
There's plenty of videos on YouTube showing how nearly impossible it is to rack the slide and get a shot off under stress.
Also.. With a 1911, some people panic about their hammer back and safety on with a chambered round and think lowering the hammer manually is the thing to do. I can't think of a more foolish thing to do... sooner or later you will fire off a round like that. It will likely happen in your home while getting dressed as well. Hopefully the round doesn't hit a family member.
Compared to a Glock, lots more has to happen to fire a round in the 1911. You've got to flick off the safety, you have to depress the grip safety, you have to pull the trigger.
To me, a 1911 is virtually assured not to go off if dropped... If it hits the ground muzzle up, the inertia may cause the trigger to move back, but the same inertia is pulling the grip safety back. It it drops muzzle down, inertia may force the grip safety down, but the inertia will move the trigger in the opposite direction to fire.. I think that's a neat safety feature.
Practice drawing from cconcealment (with an unloaded firearm) and practice reholstering. Drawing from concealment has it's issues... You've got to get clothing out of the way quickly and safely.
Reholstering is particularly interesting. You need to make sure the clothing is out of the way as well. There's some YouTube videos of firearms discharging while reholstering. Usually it is some artticle of clothing getting pulled into the holster and pulling the trigger .. Common culprits are the little drawcords on jackets made to adjust the jacket for snug fit around the waist. I remove them.
Here's a good video of why it's important to practice holstering:
Especially if carrying loaded. Be careful out there!
Always HOT, but ..... I've carried a Concealed Handgun daily since 1978 & have kinda sorta got use to it ...... ;D
Quote from: dsonyay on May 11 2014 07:44:49 AM MDT
To me, a 1911 is virtually assured not to go off if dropped... [...] If it drops muzzle down, inertia may force the grip safety down, but the inertia will move the trigger in the opposite direction to fire.
[...]
The issue there is that, when dropped on the muzzle, the firing pin can keep moving downward when the muzzle is suddenly stopped by the floor, and fire the gun without the hammer falling. That can be made less likely by using an extra-extra-strong firing pin spring, and a lighter (titanium) firing pin (less inertial mass). Even better is a firing pin safety. I greatly value the grip-lever-controlled firing pin safety on my 10mm Kimber Eclipse 1911, more for the extra redundant safety protection it gives me during drawing and handling, than for drop protection.
HOT!!
Once one has been in a 'situation', you will understand.
red
G20 in an alien gear IWB at the 3-oglock position or my G36 in a LAG tactical Kydex IWB holster at the 5-oglock position.
They never leave the house unless they are "hot". condition one is ready to go, condition 3 is in the safe.. I also go "plus one" in the 36 however for the G20 I dont see the need. 15rds of 10mm is plenty!! :P
All depends on what your surroundings are. I am a walker, so 90% in the pocket or waistband is of the utmost. It does me no good having it under garments. When your being rolled on, your rolled on.