This post is not meant to justify one method over another. I'm curious as to the general opinion on carry with a round chambered or not. Thoughts??

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Chambered. If I need it I don't want to waste time racking the slide.

I carry chambered as I think an empty gun is a useless gun. BUT, I did see a video of an Israeli who could draw what looked like a striker fired wonder 9 and chamber a cartridge and fire it really quickly.

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Quando omni flunkus moritati.

Chambered with the safety on.

Thread started yesterday morning:

One in the Chamber?

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

we've covered this topic with a goodly amount of heat months ago.
the result ... some hard feelings and a strong leaning toward chambered.

to reiterate my stance I'll gladly offer what I did then.

"an empty chamber is a forfeit in a gunfight"

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it just needs more voltage

Alway's chambered.

djh

No brainer! Always with one chambered.

You never know when or under what conditions you will need to fire your weapon as quickly and having to rack a slide is too much under most severe circumstances or your supporting hand may be injured or otherwise occupied.

I got into a situation that had I not had a round chambered it could have been fatal for me so it will not happen again!

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26

Chambered. Safety on. Know your gun, have a good holster for it.

It depends on the situation...

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Centennial Every Day

Problem is you can not know the situation now can you, always be prepared not caught off guard!

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26

No kidding, this is getting to be a daily thing.

Does it have an IL? :what: JK...

It's usually the newbies that re-ask questions. I highly recommend if you're a new guy to make sure you search the topic or take a quick stroll through all the other posts to assure it wasnt just asked...

It'll definitely prevent cranky folks lol...

Thanks for the replies. I also feel chambered is the way to carry. I tend to think the few seconds it may take to chamber a round could be the difference in surviving an unfortunate encounter. For those of you getting uptight about the reposted topic, my apologies. I am indeed a newbie and in no way meant to ruffle feathers. Thanks again.


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Don't sweat it. This subject is one that has come up repetitively lately, it's the subject we're whining about, not you. Have a good evening.

I carry a revolver 99% of the time so yes one in the chamber. I have to admit that since I mostly pocket carry that if I do carry my auto it is usually unchambered. Just my preference.

You can carry an auto with an empty chamber?

Only if you don't really want to be prepared to defend yourself!

Not to beat a dead horse, but I originally carried without one in the chamber. I personally don't think that the time in racking the slide would be that huge (and I practiced racking it as I drew it).

But a post here made me switch my behavior. The point being what if someone has already griped my left arm. Or as posted earlier here, the arm is already occupied somehow. Since then I always have one in the chamber.

Honestly, as long as it's in the holster, it's safe. Chambered or not. Just need to be aware as you put it in the holser.

To further beat the mutilated horse, it is my opinion that if one is not comfortable with carrying a loaded firearm with a round in the chamber, they should not be carrying at all.

Always chambered. Always.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

Interesting reading. Only one actually mentions that the type of gun you carry might make a difference (and this is a revolver).

Professionally I've carryed a SIG 210 (SA only) for over 20 years. Except in direct war situations (Croatia 1995. Iarq 2003 and 2004) I've always carried the gun with out a round in the chamber. Today I carry a Beretta 92 FS and I always carry it with a round in the chamber.

Also situation is vital. Some people ought to carry a gun with out a round in the chamber. Any way the more inexperienced (rookie) the more you have a tendency to fire before thinking (I've trained hundreds of young unexperienced soldiers). In some situations the split second it takes to put a round in the chamber (with my SIG 210 it happens before I'm actually up and pointing at a target....guess it is a matter of practice) is what gives your brain the signal "DON'T FIRE!" (or "do fire" if needed). I think this in some situations have saved lives.

So I think there is no correct answer. It is all about gun, situation, experience, and "mental" state you are in.

If everyone just lived by the great rule: "Don't touch the tricker until you actually are 100 % sure you want/need to fire", carrying a round in the chamber or not, probably wouldn't be a interesting question.

I think that the hidden nucleus of this conversation is people (perhaps subconsciously) not feeling feeling comfortable with carrying a gun. There may be a couple of reasons for this. Perhaps a gun that isn't fully trusted? Maybe not enough trigger time/training with that particular firearm?

An interesting and related topic to this, is back when another person at our sheriff's department was running for the position of sheriff. One of the things that he said he would change, is that single-action autos would not be allowed as off-duty weapons (1911's and Browning Hi Powers!). He said that it was because that they typically had light triggers and had a different protocol for use that was too different from our Sig 226's, complicating training. He also said that a trigger like this left little room for error. (All triggers leave little room for error.)

Naturally, all of the gun-people at the department balked at this and told him that it was ridiculous. Some of these people had been shooting single action autos longer that double action (one particular deputy for sure!). He wasn't elected, but this topic is still discussed at the department.

To me, if a gun is to be carried, it must be carried in a manner that makes it immediately available to deploy and utilize. Like someone stated earlier, I also carry a revolver, so an empty chamber is a non-issue to me, but I have and do carry autos often and have never carried with an empty chamber. In an unpredictable and rapidly evolving encounter with a bad guy, there will be a number of details that will command my attention. I do not want to add "racking the slide" to that number of details.

I have been in situations where I have had to carry a Glock without a holster. I will NOT carry chambered in those situations. Everyone has to work out there own plan of self defense and it is often not as simple as we want it to be.

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Centennial Every Day

Thanks for sharing the insight. It sounds like it really boils down to the following: type of gun, personal comfort, situation and training. Not trying to simplify because each of these will be different for everyone. I'm fairly new to concealed carry and want to be as safe and aware as possible.


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If you already told us I'm sorry for asking but what do you carry?

CW, being new to CC, I know this is a serious issue to you. That said, it's a very well worn path. Pretty much every new guy asks. As you get more comfortable carrying, so will the notion of being cocked and locked. Which brings us to the question. Yes, you should, just as soon as you're comfortable doing so.

If you are uncomfortable carrying with a round in the chamber you are probably not doing it right. I probably wouldn't carry a round chambered in a Glock with Mexican carry, but then again, I don't carry that way either.

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- Change it back -

There are always exceptions. Photoman pointed out one. If you can't carry in a holster for some reason, and there is more possibility that the gun would go off by accident with its five pound trigger than that you would have to use it, your odds are probably in favor of not carrying with a round in the chamber. That is a special case, and I bet Photoman more often than not does carry with one in the chamber.

Violent incidents can happen so quickly that you would be lucky to even get your gun out of your holster before you are killed in a lot of circumstances. Your opponent isn't going to stand still while you take a second or two to rack your slide, if you still even have two usable hands to rack it with. That is standard procedure. But, as Photoman pointed out, and his was a good example, sometimes you don't get to do what you'd like to do and decide that it is better to have a gun with the round not chambered than to not have the gun.

If you are not comfortable carrying with a round chambered under ideal circumstances, meaning normal everyday carry in a good holster, you need to get comfortable with it. Start carrying around the house with a chambered round until you can wrap your head around the concept. All of this supposes you have a normal carry gun that is in common use for self defense. If you are carrying a Single Action Army, for instance, carrying with a round under the hammer is not a good idea at all!

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Peter
S&WCA #2620

I will say this, I have had the sound of racking the slide save my beacon, at the time I was on a empty chamber and have since always carried with a loaded chamber. But I am willing to use the slide sound,if I think it will keep me from having to shoot some dumb punk. Ivan

Interesting comments so far.

I try to simplify things. I always have all my weapons chambered - when carrying or just in the vault. If I went the other way, I am afraid I would lose valuable seconds in a "use of force" situation - probably by the adrenaline causing me to first pull the trigger and then realizing it wasn't chambered and then having to rack it.

At least with it always chambered I don't have to guess and I know to ALWAYS be careful in handling my weapons.

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M&P-9FS,Shield40,642,32ColtPPS

While you're getting familiar with your carry gun and gear, I believe it's perfectly fine to carry with an empty chamber until you're more comfortable and confident. You managed to stay alive this long without carrying a gun, so my guess is you will survive a period of time carrying a gun without a round in the chamber if that is what you choose.

IMO, the best thing you can do for the safety of yourself and others while carrying is to learn to keep your paws off the gun. Leave it holstered! Don't be the jackwagon who yanks his gun out for show and tell. The less handling of a loaded gun in and out of the holster the better.

I carry autoloaders having no safety with a round chambered. That is how they are designed to safely carry... in a proper holster.

I have a Smith M&P 9mm, No safety, so unless I am going to a bad section of a city I dont have one chambered, but I will chamber one if I feel the need too.

Not carrying chambered is simply dumb.

Next time your in a store, at the bank, or buying fast food look around you. The people that could bring out a weapon are already on top of you. If their weapon is already out why would they wait for you to put a bullet into the chamber.

If they have attacked you with a knife or blunt object like a bat you might need that support hand to block the attack instead of going to your gun to chamber a round. In law enforcement there is a reason shooting from retention (within arms length) is taught and practiced.
You can not determine what someone else is going to do, you can only react to it.

Practice drawing and carrying with an empty chamber and you will gain the confidence you need to do it for real.

I have read that carrying a single action with one chambered is not the safest thing to do, the mp9 is basically single action. There is no long pull like a hammer type handgun. How do you feel about carrying chambered in the mp9 and other striker fire types with no safety.


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Not a problem IF the gun is properly holstered in a holster that covers the trigger.

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Centennial Every Day

Ok. Just recently got my ccw, I have an mp9 and a raven holster that seems very secure. I feel safe with a round chambered (mainly because I practice a lot). But the stuff I have been reading about single action and a chambered round did raise my concern a bit.


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then you need a gun you feel safe with.

an empty chamber is a forfeit in a gunfight. this is dictated by reality and must be entered into ones consideration.

Striker fired is a good bit different from a true SA such as a 1911
A true SA's trigger is right there, give or take some creep in some implementations there of. they rely upon the use of the safety.
a striker system does have some take up, although much lighter than most revolvers, and usually shorter as well, but it is there. these rely upon the trigger being guarded while carried.

The thing to bear in mind with empty chamber carry, is that despite your best efforts, you may very well have an injured, disabled, or otherwise occupied limb, by the time you realize you need your gun.
I don't care if your a newcomer or a seasoned Navy SEAL. this can happen to you.
Arlington is full of those it did happen to.

You may still lose the fight, but it should never be because you adopted an over complicated system that fails under pressure.
your attacker will not wait to shoot, shank, bludgeon, incinerate, slash, electrocute, crush, decapitate, disembowel, hang, strangle, pepper spray, or do any number of other not nice things to you, not limited to forced exposure to Beyonce songs.

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it just needs more voltage

I carry a M&PC .40


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Chuckle worthy indeed!

Rack one in and top off the magazine. Enjoy the serenity that a loaded weapon provides. If it's kept in a sturdy holster that covers the trigger guard on both sides and not fooled around with, you're golden and should have no safety issues.

We all have only 1*, so each to their own.

Carrying an empty chamber pressumes two things...

1. You'll have time to chamber a round.

2. You'll have two hands available to chamber a round.

If you're "off hand" is busy fending off blows, holding a phone, holding a flash light ad nausem; you're gonna be outta luck.

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NULLI SECUNDUS

If you're fending off blows when you realize you have to draw your weapon it ain't gonna matter if you have one in the chamber or not. You've already lost the "awareness" part of the battle.

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Minimize the variables

This argument has been around and around and around and around and around the internet. I've come to the conclusion that it's your gun and your life, you decide and you live with the consequences

I agree... This subject is like beating a dead horse issue brought up all the time when a newcomer posts the question and UNFORTUNATELY ALWAYS turns into "how you should be carrying" instead of simply answering the question of "how do you carry, personally?" without adding any comment...

A semi-automatic handgun without a round in the chamber is NOT an "empty" gun... It still holds 8/10/15 or 17 rounds depending on your state laws and caliber and could fire within a matter of split second.

A gun with a round in the chamber does increase your chances under certain conditions and also adds some risks under certain conditions.

There has been many lives saved because there was a round in the chamber statement is as true as there has been many lives lost because there was a round in the chamber!

Carrying a gun on you is a BIG responsibility!

How to act with it begins when you decide to carry, not only when you're in a life threatening situation.

So, like some people indicated carry always and carry safely... That means whatever you have to do and be "SAFE".

Thank you for joining us with your decision to carry!

Carry Gun = Chambered
Chamber Empty = Paper weight.

This post = Nonsense !

One of the little realized plus's of concealed carry is it's surreptitious nature. No one knows you have it. If you are in a business that is suddenly being robbed or in which something illegal happens you can choose whether to take action or not. You are probably not the target and the perpetrators don't know you are armed. In the even you suddenly feel in jeopardy or a family members life is threatened you can take action and it will be a surprise. The element of surprise can be the edge of victory in a confrontation.

You give that up if you decide to carry a 3 lb non aerodynamic brick, which is what a pistol without a round in the chamber is. In order to get into action you not only have to drawn but then you have to rack in the top round on the magazine which can't be done very quietly with the majority of the weapons today. If you try to do it slowly and quietly with many types of weapons you will be introducing a malfunction in a large majority of the cases. That's why people are taught not to ride the slide forward when loading a semi. To just rack it normally lets everyone know exactly what just happened and will probably draw fire.

I know that many people are products of their early military training where handguns are carried without rounds in the chamber. This is especially true if you trained with the 1911A1. MP's even carried the weapons with the magazine out and in their pouch and then had to load a mag and rack the slide if trouble occurred....at least on post stateside during the late 60's and early 70's.

As a former chief firearms instructor for a major state agency and for the state LEO academy I would not only argue against having no round in the chamber as a matter of general policy, but would state my opinion that if you want to carry a 3 lb non aerodynamic brick on your belt then you don't need nor should you be issued a concealed carry permit. My reasoning is that in your lengthy and loud deployment of your weapon, you are inviting people to shoot in your direction and it is highly likely that you will get yourself or someone else hurt or killed when and if you do. That action would also bring a tremendous liability upon you personally and also upon your instructor and certifying body. The only safe course is to keep the weapon holstered and do nothing. Hence no need for the weapon or permit.

Chambered. I dont need to be fumbling around with an attacker AND a slide.

Always chambered - Glock 17.