Conceled carry advice

[tectrry]

I filled out my application for my permit to carry but haven't turned it in yet because the two M&P pistols that I have (which I put on my application) do not have thumb safeties. If I carry with one in the chamber, should I have a pistol with a safety? I'd like the opinion from the forum about carrying with or without a safety. I've seen lots of threads about with or without a chambered round, but in my mind that is not even a question, it has to be ready to go, but I'm not sure if it is smart to carry without a safety. (It's probably just a newbie type of question but that's why i asked it to this experienced group).

 

[jimmib]

as has been said many times on different threads ...it is a matter of personal preference...I carry the BG380 (I know don't pick on me) without the safety on as the holster covers the trigger and with DA action I am not worried about an accidental discharge...again just my personal preference...

 

[RobzGuns]

Are you asking if it's LEGAL to carry with a round chambered, if the pistol has no safety?
Glocks are still sold in CA, aren't they?
Never seen a Glock with a manual Safety and almost everyone I know carries with one chambered.

 

[Maddmax]

None of my M&P's have a manual safety and I carry with one in the chamber.

It's what ever YOUR comfort level and experience dictate. Only YOU can make that determination.

 

[tectrry]

No, not asking if it is legal, just wanted advice. I guess I just wanted to have someone tell me that I'm not stupid for doing it.

 

[red2rider]

Train for the style you will be carrying. Doesn't all that much matter if the safety is on or off provided it's carried correctly.
Get real familiar with your firearm presentation. Your life might depend on it.

 

[thezoltar]

If you carried a revolver it would not have a safety.

 

[Smitty357]

My safety is between my ears. But what works for me may not work so well for others.

 

[MSG Glenn]

I carry an M&P40 full size & a 40C. Neither have a safety. Before that I carried a Glock 23 & Glock 21 as duty weapons. No safety. Always have a round chambered. Always top the magazine giving me the mag capacity +1. Always carry in a holster that covers the trigger guard. Always keep my finger off the trigger until I'm ready to shoot. Always reholster carefully insuring there's nothing that can get jammed in the trigger guard like a piece of material from a shirt.

The modern striker fired pistol is completely safe until the trigger is pulled. Besides in an oh, **** situation I don't want to take the time to flip the safety off & chamber a round.

A little trick to get your confidence up - pull the cocked but unloaded pistol from your holster a whole bunch of times. If you hear a click then you know you need more training in being careful & safety conscious.

 

[handgunner356]

I would have no problem with that style of gun, but I'd make sure I had a proper holster for it. Again it's what you train with that's most important.

 

[formernuke]

Modern pistols have plenty of built in safety's. I also carry glocks which do not have safety's so I don't use them on my M&P's. If you want to go for it just make sure you don practice draws with a safety checked firearm and practice removing the safety with your thumb as you bring the pistol into firing position.

 

[tectrry]

Thanks everyone. I feel better now. I will practice and train as much with the holster as I have prior to thinking about carrying. (which is about 6K rounds per year) I know I need to get to the point where everything is almost automatic. Thanks again!

 

[agksimon]

Keep in mind that in a crisis situation, your fine motor skills go right out the window and trying to flip off your safety might get you killed. If you want a little taste of that, shoot an IDPA event without any prior practice. It's not as much stress as a real confrontation, but it's more than standing at a static range punching paper. Stress does funny things to people.

 

[CommonCents]

I just got a 9C with safety. People always say train train train w/out one, well, you can train train train to be effective with one too and have an added level of comfort. The 9C safety can be removed if you wish, so if you gain confidence and with practice you keep your trigger finger in its proper place then you can decide.

 

[bob98366]

Always carry in a holster that covers the trigger guard. Always keep my finger off the trigger until I'm ready to shoot. Always reholster carefully insuring there's nothing that can get jammed in the trigger guard like a piece of material from a shirt.

+1 Do these. Safeties in modern pistols are crutches for those who don't have their mind focused properly and probably shouldn't be carrying without more training.

 

[Jaysq]

I have the Shield which has a safety. I turn the safety on to holster and then switch the safety off. Holstering is the most likely time to get an AD. Without a safety, be alert while holstering. Get a top quality holster that will cover your trigger and you will be fine.

 

[bartelt]

in the service you always (for the most part) have the safety on in condition one, and its a simple thumb safety like the m/p, and there are times when that can be stressful. with that said, I waited to find a mp9c w/o any sort of safety. personal preference. like above, make sure you have an adequate holster with a trigger guard, and practice draws at home so you don't drag your booger hook over the trigger

 

[AGoyette]

+1 Do these. Safeties in modern pistols are crutches for those who don't have their mind focused properly and probably shouldn't be carrying without more training.

I strongly disagree with this statement. I have been shooting since the '80's. I have no idea how many rounds I have down range, probably 10s of thousands. I have shot with some amazing shooters, Scott Warren, Taran Butler, etc. I am not some newby who is just starting out. I traded a polymer gun that had no external safety for one that did. I am used to having an external safety and having one on my cc gun just gives me an added layer of comfort. You can NEVER be to safe in my opinion.

 

[ginzo]

I have 2 M&P .40's. I am removing the TS on both. I was a new gun owner when I bought the 1st, and wanted the same "accessories" on the 2nd so I wouldn't have to think about which 1 was with me. Now I feel comfortable enough to be without them.

As CommonCents stated:"keep your trigger finger in its proper place"

 

[tectrry]

I appreciate all of the great advice. I've only ever shot pistols without the safety, and I am very comfortable with them at the range. I will follow all of this great advice and start to practice out of my holster (I think it is a good one - Galco Summer Comfort and it covers the trigger well). My local range also does IDPA events twice a month which I think I will start to do as well. Thanks again.