[jyoung]

How does one safely carry a Star PD with a chambered round?

[MythBuster]

Don't let anyone convince you that it is OK to shoot these without a good buffer in place. I have seen at least three frames destroyed because someone thought it could be done.

In fact you can see the frame start to batter to some degree after firing ONE mag.

[flightsimmer]

Quote: How does one safely carry a Star PD with a chambered round?

Just like you would a 1911, however, I carry with the hammer down because there is no grip safety. Just my pref.

10mm, when you care enough to send the very best.

[MythBuster]

They are safe both cocked and locked and hammer down. Just like a 1911.

[moxie]

Are you saying hammer down on a chambered round (condition 2) or hammer down on an empty chamber (condition 3)? Big difference. Condition 2 is dangerous. Safe carries are 1 and 3.

[flightsimmer]

Hammer down on a chambered round does not force the firing pin into the primer. It's a rebound firing pin just like the 1911.

[MythBuster]

And that makes it safe. A blow to the hammer can not fire the round in the chamber.

[MythBuster]

I often wonder why some who don't understand gun design tend to believe that hammer down carry is dangerous on a 1911 but it is safe on a DA-SA type pistol when both basically use the same type of firing pin design.

[moxie]

The main problem with Condition 2 is that you have to lower the hammer on a live round. This should be easy if you have practiced. And, your half cock should catch the hammer if you slip up. Notice the repeated use of the word "should."
In Vietnam, I carried the .45 in either Condition 0, cocked and unlocked, or Condition 2. With a pure 1911 this is no problem as you have the grip safety. With a Star PD Condition 0 is out of the question as there is no grip safety. And combat is a separate issue. When I carried in Condition 2, I did so thinking that the inertial firing pin design would carry the day, and it did, although there are extreme cases of dropping the gun leading to a discharge. But back home the idea of dropping the hammer on a live round lost its appeal and I changed to either Condition 1, or 3, depending on level of perceived threat, and this applies equally to standard 1911s or the Star PD. Here in the hinterlands I carry Colts and Stars in Condition 3. I know, I know, but I think I'm good.

[MythBuster]

"When I carried in Condition 2, I did so thinking that the inertial firing pin design would carry the day, and it did, although there are extreme cases of dropping the gun leading to a discharge"

The "extreme cases" you speak of are the result of dropping the gun on the muzzle at a long distance on a hard surface.

It has nothing to do with condition two because the same thing would happen condition one or zero.

This is why a firing pin lock was added to the design.

Dropping the gun on the hammer can not cause an AD

[moxie]

Does the Star PD have a firing pin lock (block)? I thought only the Series 80 1911s had that.

What condition do you prefer for the Star PD?

[flightsimmer]

No it does not.

[moxie]

Didn't think so.

By the way, beavertails really get in the way of efficient hammer cocking. Had beavertails been standard, back when, I don't think I'd have carried Condition 2.

[flightsimmer]

Hammer cocking should be done with the off hand with it pointed away from you and others.

[MythBuster]

I agree. Beavertails do not make for a good condition two carry.

[9mmepiphany]

I thought this question is different enough...and the original thread old enough...to warrant it's own thread

[moxie]

Cool. FWIW, the Star PD owner's manual likes condition 3, but says condition 1 is OK if you MUST carry with a round in the chamber.

[351 WINCHESTER]

Condition 1 as the safety locks the hammer. And yes, the frames do crack on a regular basis.