Concealed Carry Should I Carry With One in The Chamber?

 

Should I Carry With One in The Chamber?

by Matthew Maruster

One persistent question is, “should I carry with one in the chamber?” My answer is “yes,” but the reason may not be what you expected.

Carrying a Glock 19 with one in the chamber in the AIWB position. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

A Round in The Chamber Question Divides Gun Owners:

I have been carrying firearms daily for over 15 years now, first as an off-duty police officer. I carried my duty weapon with a full magazine and a round in the chamber, so the idea of carrying my off-duty concealed gun with one in the chamber came naturally to me.

I quickly realized that the fundamental question of carrying an everyday carry gun EDC loaded divided concealed carriers.

I'm not here to bash people who disagree with my decision to carry my EDC gun loaded. However, if you don't, I want you to consider carrying with a round in the chamber. If you want to carry condition-one (round in the chamber) I want to provide you with a way of gaining confidence to carry concealed with a loaded gun.

Common Arguments Against Carrying a Gun With a Round in The Chamber:

You might have heard (or used) some of these arguments to support an opinion that carrying with a round in the chamber is unsafe.

1. It is just too dangerous. The gun could go off inadvertently and cause injury or death.
2. It does not take that long to rack the slide and chamber a round.
3. I like single-action firearms. It is not safe to carry them loaded with the hammer cocked.
4. My gun does not have an external safety, so it is unsafe to carry with a round in the chamber.
5. One of the safety rules states, “Keep the weapon unloaded until ready for use.”

Let me begin by addressing these concerns. ......Read the full article here.......