And even if you were to carry a revolver with the hammer cocked, it wouldn't make much sense to have an empty chamber behind the barrel, would it?
Novice Question -- Pocket Carry with Empty Chamber?
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And even if you were to carry a revolver with the hammer cocked, it wouldn't make much sense to have an empty chamber behind the barrel, would it?
Pocket carry, and I sometimes do it, has limited applications. From a seated position, unless it is a cargo pocket, you will not have access to the handgun. From a standing position, it is slower to draw than from a IWB or OWB holster. If your assailant is close to you, by the time you get the pistol out of your pocket and rack the slide, the fight will already be over.
When I pocket carry, it is with a S&W Model 640-1, so DAO, no exposed hammer, in a pocket holster, and all chambers are loaded. Modern revolvers with a transfer bar or hammer block are perfectly safe to carry with all chambers loaded as the safety prevents the firing pin from resting on a primer.
When I pocket carry, it is with a S&W Model 640-1, so DAO, no exposed hammer, in a pocket holster, and all chambers are loaded. Modern revolvers with a transfer bar or hammer block are perfectly safe to carry with all chambers loaded as the safety prevents the firing pin from resting on a primer.
In my opinion, the only gun that should ever go in a pocket (with a holster of course) with a round chambered is a DAO model with a long, heavy trigger pull - be it a S&W revolver, Seecamp, RM380 and the like. And absolutely nothing else should be in that pocket. Period.
moosestang
Member
I also have a P365 no safety, and have been experimenting with both a kydex and a soft pocket holster. As a novice, I'm having a hard time convincing myself that I could draw the pistol from my pocket without accidentally pulling the bang switch due to the light trigger pull.
On the other hand, I'm perfectly comfortable pocket carrying my S&W 642 in a remora holster. DAO with a 10 lb trigger pull makes it seem difficult to fire accidentally. But some would argue that 5 rounds aren't enough. I'm OK with the tradeoff.
On the other hand, I'm perfectly comfortable pocket carrying my S&W 642 in a remora holster. DAO with a 10 lb trigger pull makes it seem difficult to fire accidentally. But some would argue that 5 rounds aren't enough. I'm OK with the tradeoff.
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You mentioned training. 
I would take a course from a reputable instructor or facility and see what they recommend and why, not only in equipment but readiness and carry modes. I suspect you will find none will recommend pistol carry with an empty chamber and few will allow pocket carry and drawing in a beginner class. Good luck in your decisions.
I would take a course from a reputable instructor or facility and see what they recommend and why, not only in equipment but readiness and carry modes. I suspect you will find none will recommend pistol carry with an empty chamber and few will allow pocket carry and drawing in a beginner class. Good luck in your decisions.
STRONGLY suggest you take more courses, such as the NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home, learn and practice carry techniques, then you will be able to answer your own question.
Fear of carrying a chamber-loaded gun is common with untrained / inexperienced new shooters, and the cure is training and practice.
Pretend that you were learning to drive for the first time. Would you take one 4-hour course and tackle rush-hour traffic?
NRA Pistol Instructor
Fear of carrying a chamber-loaded gun is common with untrained / inexperienced new shooters, and the cure is training and practice.
Pretend that you were learning to drive for the first time. Would you take one 4-hour course and tackle rush-hour traffic?
NRA Pistol Instructor
Ol' Drover
Member
Many years ago I was robbed at gunpoint while working undercover. I gave them everything they asked for, but the guy with the .25 auto pointed between my eyes decided to kill me anyway.
I survived only because the time it took him to rack the slide to load a round gave me time to get a M-37 out of my belt.
I've only needed a gun a few times in my life but when I did, I needed it right then. My advice is to find a safe and comfortable way to carry with a round in the chamber
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I survived only because the time it took him to rack the slide to load a round gave me time to get a M-37 out of my belt.
I've only needed a gun a few times in my life but when I did, I needed it right then. My advice is to find a safe and comfortable way to carry with a round in the chamber
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Baltimoreed11754
Member
If you need it but your weak hand or arm is hurt or busy fending off an attacker how do you plan to rack the slide? Carry it ready to go. If your safety pops off while carrying get a different holster, if the safety won't stay engaged get another pistol. Just saying but there's no safety on a Jframe.
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How fast do you need to be? Somebody comes up behind your and puts his hand on your shoulder in the dark, can you pump 3 rounds into him before you find out he wanted to say, you had dropped your car keys?
I am not a law enforcement officer. When I walk the dog in the dark, I carry, but I am not in any hurry to draw and shoot.
If you are going somewhere that instant firing of your weapon is needed, I suggest you rethink your destination and bring a friend. Of course none of this applies to the folks in law enforcement.
Do what you are comfortable with.
I am not a law enforcement officer. When I walk the dog in the dark, I carry, but I am not in any hurry to draw and shoot.
If you are going somewhere that instant firing of your weapon is needed, I suggest you rethink your destination and bring a friend. Of course none of this applies to the folks in law enforcement.
Do what you are comfortable with.
OFT II
US Veteran
I wouldn't carry with an empty chamber but it's your gun, your pocket and your life. Do as you wish.
I'll be the first to admit that pocket carry is far from perfect. It is indeed terrible when seated, and it severely limits the size of the gun. Nevertheless, I will dispute the claim that it is always—or even usually—slower than IWB or OWB when standing. If you're caught flat-footed, it absolutely is. *But* pocket carry does convey one significant advantage that no other carry method can match: you can actually have the gun in-hand without anyone being the wiser. If I am in a location where I might possibly be approached by a person with nefarious intent (out-and-about at night, pumping gas, walking to my car in a parking lot, at an ATM, etc.) I will usually have my right hand in the pocket with a grip on the gun.
I've never had to point a gun at another human being in my civilian life, but I've had many conversations with strangers who had no idea that I was fully prepared to do exactly that. I am not saying this method is best for everyone, but based on my lifestyle and mode of dress it absolutely works for me.
Capt. F.
Member
You might as well carry a rock instead if you need it "quick in a hurry". Besides, a rock is cheaper.
I feel step 1 in a gun fight is having a gun. You won't have a gun if your not comfortable carrying it. Start off carrying the way your comfortable. In time you'll get used to it and evolve. I certainly don't carry the same way I did in 1990 when I got my permit. A Ruger LCP 380 now comes with a pretty nice pocket holster. I'd receive it to anyone.
……… as a side note, anyone ever notice in movies the guy with the gun always racks the slide before he uses gun. Even if it's a cop they always rack it. Pistol or long gun. Drives me nuts. My wife is tired of me pointing this out lol
……… as a side note, anyone ever notice in movies the guy with the gun always racks the slide before he uses gun. Even if it's a cop they always rack it. Pistol or long gun. Drives me nuts. My wife is tired of me pointing this out lol
pantannojack
US Veteran
Was it Jane Mansfield once asked: "Is that a rock in your pocket? Or are you just happy to see me." ? A rock may help you to buy time to disengage and then rack your weapon. A re engagement might then look as an aggressive move to a ambitious prosecutor. I like safety first as my policy which is why I don't carry a 1911 chambered, cocked, and locked. A double action revolver seems a idiot proof tool; But who would recommend an idiot to carry a loaded gun?
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If it helps you sleep better at night, you can easily add the manual safety to your P365. Several suppliers offer "kits" with the necessary parts to do so.
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I've carried for many years. If you are going to pocket carry, first get a small enough pistol/revolver, one that will not sag your pants even with no belt. Next choose a stout formed holster. For cost effectiveness, the DeSantis Nemesis is durable and sufficiently stiff; my choice for Ruger LCP and others up to about 16 oz. A pistol the size/weight of a Glock 26 is the upper end of pocket carry and will require a belt IMO.
On the empty chamber side, my advice is DON'T. Likewise my advice for engaging a manual safety; DON'T. If you need your pistol likely it will be "right now" and your other hand may be occupied pushing your attacker off you or some such. Your "safety" should be a sufficiently stiff pocket holster and a well trained trigger finger. Must practice to achieve well trained.
On the empty chamber side, my advice is DON'T. Likewise my advice for engaging a manual safety; DON'T. If you need your pistol likely it will be "right now" and your other hand may be occupied pushing your attacker off you or some such. Your "safety" should be a sufficiently stiff pocket holster and a well trained trigger finger. Must practice to achieve well trained.
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This is solid logic.
With my glacier like reaction times I most certainly don't need the added obstacle of having to chamber a round in my mouse gun.
hyena
Member
+1 on this. I can think of two occasions where I already had my Bodyguard in my hand, inside my pocket, when I felt it might be needed, and the potential attackers never knew. I have several pocket holsters for my BG. I used to use the Nemesis, but have learned it is much faster to grab and draw the gun from the Mica, so that's what I use now. YMMV. It's good we have so many options.
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Properly, you would store your emergency $100 bill rolled up in the empty chamber. Just sayin'...
gmiller0737
Member
Whatever You are Comfortable with But don't carry without a Holster that covers the Trigger & never carry anything else in that pocket,I carried a LCP for Years with one in the Chamber & Now often Carry a Glock 42 with a round chambered always in a Pocket Holster,Downside to Pocket carry no way to draw from sitting & even with a holster lint can find it's way into your gun
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