becoming comfortable with one chambered

[Oh Shoot]

I've always carried cocked and locked. The 1911 was designed to be carried this way.

Actually, it was originally designed to be only cocked. Army made JMB add the lock.

- OS

[ProjectDexter]

Been carrying my Xd's chambered. Haven't stepped up to 1911 yet, I feel like I need more training with it before I start carrying cocked and locked. Not a gun trust thing, it's a me thing.

[jcj]

Been carrying my Xd's chambered. Haven't stepped up to 1911 yet, I feel like I need more training with it before I start carrying cocked and locked. Not a gun trust thing, it's a me thing.

I'm a bit confused by your post. Are you saying you're more comfortable carrying your XD chambered than you would be a 1911 cocked and locked?

That's how I interpreted your post and that just seemed strange to me. I've owned/carried an XD and currently carry a 1911. The XD is equipped with a grip safety. The 1911 has a grip safety and thumb safety. Am I missing something or did I misunderstand what you were trying to say? Perhaps you meant that you're just not comfortable enough shooting the 1911 yet. It's late and my brain is running a little slow.

To the OP, I carried an XD45 around for a day or two "cocked" with an empty chamber. I became comfortable with the fact that it was quite safe since I'd have to manage to depress the grip safety and pull the trigger before a mishap could possibly occur.

[Guest waldo]

What is the purpose of a trigger safety?

Edited July 27, 2011 by waldo

[ProjectDexter]

I'm a bit confused by your post. Are you saying you're more comfortable carrying your XD chambered than you would be a 1911 cocked and locked?

That's how I interpreted your post and that just seemed strange to me. I've owned/carried an XD and currently carry a 1911. The XD is equipped with a grip safety. The 1911 has a grip safety and thumb safety. Am I missing something or did I misunderstand what you were trying to say? Perhaps you meant that you're just not comfortable enough shooting the 1911 yet. It's late and my brain is running a little slow.

My 1911 has a very light trigger and I haven't trained enough on drawing and disengaging the safety to be comfortable enough to carry it.

[Oh Shoot]

What is the purpose of a trigger safety?

I think they're kinda dumb myself.

It would prevent something that only grabbed the very edge of the trigger from actually firing it, but can't quite imagine what that would be, so I think it's just marketing hype myself and another mechanical complication.

The 1911 and XD grip safety makes perfect sense to me, though.

- OS

[Guest biohazardmatthew]

I just cant get my confidence up yet to trust the gun from firing the striker pin, or myself accidentally somehow firing the weapon on accident.

As far as I know all modern striker fired guns such as the Glock or Ruger SR9/SR40 have internal pin block safeties which are always engaged until the trigger is pulled. These pin blocks make it impossible for the firing pin to strike the catridge in the event the striker did some how pop on it's own. So as far as the gun itself somehow firing on it's own while in a holster I wouldn't worry about that.

As far as you yourself accidently firing the gun. Simple solution... Never pull the gun out of it's holster in public or around other people for any reason other than to save your life. And when you do take it out of the holster for whatever reason keep your finger off the trigger and the gun pointed safely at the ground until the chamber is cleared.

As long as you follow those guidelines I don't think you should be worried. I have always carried with one chambered and ready to fire from the very first day I got my permit. Because I know 100% without a doubt that if I wait until that stressful moment to try and chamber a round in a life or death situation I will be lucky to live to talk about it. Just ask any LEO why you always keep one chambered and the gun in ready to fire mode.

Matthew

[Guest biohazardmatthew]

I think they're kinda dumb myself.

It would prevent something that only grabbed the very edge of the trigger from actually firing it, but can't quite imagine what that would be, so I think it's just marketing hype myself and another mechanical complication.

The 1911 and XD grip safety makes perfect sense to me, though.

- OS

I agree 100% with you on that one.

[Guest worshipviolin]

It just takes time. Over time you'll be comfortable with one in the chamber while you carry. It's ok to be comfortable as long as you do not get complacent or careless. I've seen many people get to the point that they are so "used" to handling their gun that they forget to keep that muzzle away from everyone else, or to keep the fingers out of the trigger guard. Keep gun safety at the top of your priority list and you (and everyone around you) will stay safe. Lots of people are uncomfortable at first. You'll be just fine.

[EastHipster]

I think you should definitely use a holster that blocks the trigger guard.

I've carried DAO without a covered trigger guard a lot but I don't any more.

Understand the mechanics of your pistol.

I carry a 1911 cocked and locked and don't worry at all.

Trigger is blocked and there is a grip safety.

All of the above said, "Appendix carry" still spooks me.

When you sit, it is aimed at your crotch or your Femoral Artery. Yikes

Edited August 15, 2011 by EastHipster