How do you carry your SAO weapon.

[JJW]

How do you carry your SAO weapon. I'm referring to autos such as the Colt 1911. Do you carry it with one in the chamber and hammer down, or cocked and locked, how? It is probably the most popular style of weapon. I have fired them at the range and agree they are a very comfortable weapon to shoot, but have never carried one.
I'm just curious. Thanks in advance.

 

[NCIC105]

Cocked & Locked....

Carrying any other way is like wearing a condom with a hole in it!

 

[Kimber 2010]

1911? Condition One. If you're gonna carry it, carry it correctly. (where law allows, obviously)

 

[Treo]

This thread has been done to death. I agree that if you are going to carry an SAO pistol that you carry it cocked and locked.

That said, I doubt very seriously that SAO is the most popular design out there

 

[Firefighterchen]

What's the average poundage of a sao? What makes carrying a 1911 with a 3 pound trigger, cocked and unlocked compared to a Glock with a 3 pound trigger any different? (I don't carry a true 1911 [unless you consider a p238 a real 1911], what's their common trigger pull? )

Do you think a thumb safety will stop a negligent discharge with someone who has poor trigger discipline? What about someone with good trigger discipline?

 

[creatism]

If I ever decide to carry a 1911 again, it will be cocked and locked like it was intended!
Had a ND carrying one with the hammer down. It's not carrying with hammer down that's bad it's putting the hammer down on a loaded chamber that the main issue. I maintain it's not a matter of if but when you mess up, that's the main issue!
Needless to say I learned my lesson.

 

[SGB]

CONDITION 1

 

[ozarkgunner]

I carry my Tokerav half cocked. One in the chamber. It's from 1960, so has no safety. Safest way to carry, with one in the chamber, as far as i know. The hammer pulls back about an 1/8th of an inch, the trigger cant be pulled. So no chance of something gettin into trigger and having an AD, like we've heard of Glocks doing.

 

[Killam1357]

I cary a double action. Loaded and chambered. Hammer dropped, there is a drafty that makes that safe when the trigger is not pulled.

 

[gunnerbob]

I carry my Tokerav half cocked. One in the chamber. It's from 1960, so has no safety. Safest way to carry, with one in the chamber, as far as i know. The hammer pulls back about an 1/8th of an inch, the trigger cant be pulled. So no chance of something gettin into trigger and having an AD, like we've heard of Glocks doing.

Mmmm, Tokerav....

 

[lhuff]

As creatism said, once you put one in the chamber, there is no safe way to lower the hammer. At best, ND; at worst, bye bye thumb. One in the chamber, hammer back and safety on. Also known as cocked and locked or condition one.

 

[fxstchawg]

Only way I was taught and practice with. Condition One. I do carry a full size Colt 1911 on a regular basis. Weather changes and I carry a G27

 

[richardnorton]

Wow if you carry a 1911 with a round in the chamber and any other way that cocked and locked you and an accident waiting to happen. The safest way to carry it is unloaded with the ammunition in the locked glove box, but then you may as well leave it at home. If the gun is loaded and a round is chambered he best is cocked and locked, if you carry hammer down the chamber should be empty, and if you cary a 1911 on half cock you are an idiot.

 

[Treo]

Wow if you carry a 1911 with a round in the chamber and any other way that cocked and locked you and an accident waiting to happen. The safest way to carry it is unloaded with the ammunition in the locked glove box, but then you may as well leave it at home. If the gun is loaded and a round is chambered he best is cocked and locked, if you carry hammer down the chamber should be empty, and if you cary a 1911 on half cock you are an idiot.

You are aware that JMB designed the weapon with no external safety right?

 

[oldwindways]

Weight vs Distance

What's the average poundage of a sao? What makes carrying a 1911 with a 3 pound trigger, cocked and unlocked compared to a Glock with a 3 pound trigger any different? (I don't carry a true 1911 [unless you consider a p238 a real 1911], what's their common trigger pull? )

My understanding is that it has more to do with the length of pull than the actual weight of the trigger. On a DA/SA, a DAO, or a Glock, there is some take-up, and then a length of tensioned pull before the break. On a 1911 or similar SAO pistol, there is only a short pull (roughly 1/2" on a Glock, as little as 1/10" on a tuned 1911 apparently). This is why pocket carry of single actions is generally discouraged as well. Because you know exactly when the trigger is going to break, it has the potential to be more accurate and faster, but it also makes it easier to accidentally or negligently discharge if you are not taking proper precautions.

 

[firelooker]

That's one of the reasons I bought a Ruger P345. Plus it's very comfortable to carry all day long.

 

[hjc4604]

I carry My Springfield Armory Government Model 1911-A1 cocked with the safety on and a cartridge in the chamber. If the hammer is down, it is resting on the firing pin and may discharge if struck. The grip safety should help prevent accidental trigger activation if the safety is somehow knocked/moved to fire while in the holster, which I have discovered once while carrying in my Smart Carry. Keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot helps as well. I live in the Peoples Republic of Maryland so I only get to carry when I'm traveling, which is not often. I have permits from Utah and South Carolina (In SC, you must own property to get a nonresident permit). You don't want to have to rack the slide in a defensive situation. A firm grip to de-activate the grip safety and flipping the safety to fire are both quiet and unobtrusive maneuvers.

 

[PathinAZ]

I have a Colt 1991-a1, and it's been one of my primary carry weapons for many years. I usually carry in a Cross Breed IWB holster where I can tuck a shirt over for full comcealment. I have always carried as it was designed to be, cocked and locked with 1 in the pipe. From all that I have read, the Colt 1911 series are actually safer that way (rather than hammer down w/ 1 still in the pipe). As for any form of carry, you need to practice regularly with the rig your currently using to promote greater safety. I actually like knowing (by sight and feel) that my hammer is in the position I want it to be (compared to an internal pin)with just a thumb click away from firing. I have carried an S&W M&P .40 for a while, great gun but my preference is still 1911 style. Still, the only right way is the right way for you. Good luck in your endeavors..

 

[Firefighterchen]

What's the average poundage of a sao? What makes carrying a 1911 with a 3 pound trigger, cocked and unlocked compared to a Glock with a 3 pound trigger any different? (I don't carry a true 1911 [unless you consider a p238 a real 1911], what's their common trigger pull? )

My understanding is that it has more to do with the length of pull than the actual weight of the trigger. On a DA/SA, a DAO, or a Glock, there is some take-up, and then a length of tensioned pull before the break. On a 1911 or similar SAO pistol, there is only a short pull (roughly 1/2" on a Glock, as little as 1/10" on a tuned 1911 apparently). This is why pocket carry of single actions is generally discouraged as well. Because you know exactly when the trigger is going to break, it has the potential to be more accurate and faster, but it also makes it easier to accidentally or negligently discharge if taking proper precautions.

After I posted I went and looked at other forums that have asked the same question. Thanks for your input, exactly what the other forums were saying. Length means more than weight in this instance.

But it comes down to discipline right? Glocks and DA firearms have been negligently discharged. If its properly holsters, how is it any more unsafe with the safety off? Gun shouldn't go bang without pulling the trigger right?

Even my da/sa...same scenario...when its holstered, why shouldn't I cock back the hammer for a better first shot? Trigger is fully covered, the firearm will not discharge until I make it...

I carry my firearms the way they were designed...but I feel some designs are there for the lowest denominator...

Would you tell someone that was carrying 1911 their safety was off if you spotted it? What would you say to them if they told you that's the way they carry it?

 

[Deserteagle]

My Glock is more of a single action than a double action so I'll reply to this as well. I carry with a round in the chamber, and there are no safeties I need to worry about.