New gun owner and lots of questions!

[jonkie]

1. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect
and should u have a bullet in the chamber?

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?

3. when at gym how should u be caring? because if u have a moon bag
and you doing bench press someone could take it off u.

4. how long should u keep round for?

5. when carrying a internal should the silver clip be between your
belt or over it?

6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one?

7. what is your opinion on placing the accessories that reduces the
distance of the trigger?

8. last one tactical lights should i get one?

 

[passintime]

New gun owner and lots of questions!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect
and should u have a bullet in the chamber?
2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?
3. when at gym how should u be caring? because if u have a moon bag
and you doing bench press someone could take it off u.
4. how long should u keep round for?
5. when carrying a internal should the silver clip be between your
belt or over it?
6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one?
7. what is your opinion on placing the accessories that reduces the
distance of the trigger?
8. last one tactical lights should i get one?

1. Not under your pillow. Accident waiting to happen, esp. on a glock with no safety. Should you have a round in the chamber? I do, but I've had a safety course and think you should, too. If you have kids in the house, it should be kept out of the reach.

2. I never carry inside the waist band while driving. I place my gun next to me in the console. Don't want the gun to injury me further by putting extra pressure on bones and what not in case of a wreck.

3. I would never carry while working out and don't trust gym lockers.

4. I change mine out about once a year.

5. I put my clip over my belt for extra support.

6. I love the lighter triggers on the glocks.

7. ask someone else.

8. I think tac lights just scream "Here I am" and compromise your position.

 

[Drgong]

Hello, welcome to THR!

. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect
and should u have a bullet in the chamber?

Depends, do you have kids in the house? If so you should put it in a safe (there are safes that one can open in under a second for sale). No kids then I would recommend on the dresser next to you.

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?

will let other recommend, also make sure you have proper permits for a gun concealed in your car, each state has its own rules...

4. how long should u keep round for?

Rounds can be good for YEARS, generally a lot of folks buy a pack of there carry ammo for there birthday or christmas and use the old ammo at the range.

6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one?

I would not, as the glock lacks other safety features.

8. last one tactical lights should i get one?

Not much into the tactical stuff, but if you want to get something, I think the lasers are better then the lights...

 

[MJRW]

1. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect and should u have a bullet in the chamber?

Under the pillow always strikes me as a bad idea. When evaluating whether or not you should keep it fully loaded, you need to evaluate your safe access limitations. Who else has access and should they? How quickly and reliably can you respond with the gun's condition as stored? For example, I have no children and I keep the weapon I carried that day handy and loaded. I also keep a locked shotgun not far from me intending that my handgun keeps me safe while I'm preparing the shotgun. If I had children, I would add a level of security by putting that hangun in some form of quick access safe. If I had roommates, I would keep everything locked with codes.

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?

I can get to my IWB handgun while driving. On longer trips, I remove my holster and put it between my seat and center console or in the pocket of the door.

3. when at gym how should u be caring? because if u have a moon bag and you doing bench press someone could take it off u.

I don't believe in carrying while at the gym. If I can't keep it securely directly in my control, I don't carry it. There are times that you end up unarmed, this is one of those times.

4. how long should u keep round for?

Generally I will keep ammo no longer than a year. My carry/defense ammo gets fired off roughly every 6-8 months.

5. when carrying a internal should the silver clip be between your
belt or over it?

What silver clip are you talking about?

6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one?

7. what is your opinion on placing the accessories that reduces the
distance of the trigger

I'm not for it. I am just uncomfortable with the idea of a lighter trigger than factory and design for a weapon in which the safety mechanism is basically the trigger. I'm ok with it on firearms that rely upon additional means for safety such as a grip safety, thumb safety, or a longer double action trigger. But on this, it kind of bothers me.

8. last one tactical lights should i get one?

Not necessary, though they are nifty. It creates some options, but a good flashlight used correctly will serve similar purposes. At that point, it is largely about your budget limitations and where your money is most wisely spent.

 

[Scoutsout2645]

1. Do you have kids, or is your house all adults? If the first, my preference would be a small, single gun-type locker that uses a push-button lock instead of a key--much easier to open in a stress situation (do a google search on handgun safes, you'll find plenty). I have seen electronic and manual versions of these and both have their pros and cons. Once you find one, practice opening it by feel (eyes closed, lights out etc).
If no kids, in the nightstand or something like a bed holster (again, google it and you'll find plenty of options). I frequently wind up waking up w/ my hand under my pillow, so I would highly discourage keeping it there unless you're bored with having your ears attached to your body... Wherever you decide, keep it there consistently and practice getting up, drawing your weapon and moving to a good defensive/ambush position.
Definitely keep one in the chamber. In a high stress situation (like a home invasion) you might forget your weapon is "cold", or you might give yourself away by racking the slide--lots of good tactics options in that section of this forum.

2. I ALWAYS prefer a holster over a fanny pack. Not for tactical reasons--I just think the "man-purse" looks, umm, questionable. Do what's comfortable for you.

3. If you feel the need to carry INSIDE your gym, get a new gym. Seriously, I'm down w/ the whole CCW thing, but some of this is knowing your environment and your limitations. I carry TO and FROM my gym but not while I'm working out--I have guys w/ prison ink at my gym but they're there to work out, not to fight.

4. Keep your ammo in a dry, climate controlled environment and it should last years, but if your ammo supply lasts that long then you aren't shooting enough! Good policy is to shoot off and replace your hollow-point/HD ammo once each year...make it a christmas gift to yourself.

5. Unless the waist fabric on your pants is sturdier than mine, the belt clip needs to go on the belt to properly support your weapon.

6. NO. It's light enough. It's the only "safety" you have...NO. If you think the Glock's trigger is too heavy, then do some finger strengthening exercises at that gym from #3.

7. If you're talking about things that reduce the trigger pull, see #6.

8. If you're primary focus is HD, Streamlight's M3 is a good one for your Glock. Check the tactics page for the tac-light debate, but you should have some plan for lighting up your target for good target ID. Whether you choose a gun-mounted tac-light, or shooting while holding a light in your off-hand, it's essential that you practice using and shooting with the light.

 

[RustyShackelford]

real or someone having a laugh...

Are you having a laugh? Are you having a laugh?...

RIP, HBO's Extras...


Rusty

 

[Orange_Magnum]

1. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect
and should u have a bullet in the chamber?

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?

3. when at gym how should u be caring? because if u have a moon bag
and you doing bench press someone could take it off u.

4. how long should u keep round for?

5. when carrying a internal should the silver clip be between your
belt or over it?

6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one?

7. what is your opinion on placing the accessories that reduces the
distance of the trigger?

8. last one tactical lights should i get one?

..............................................................................................

1. If your gun is big enough you don't need a pillow. The muzzle of a smaller gun can be inserted in the ear during sleep. A bullet in the chamber keeps wax from building up.

2. When driving you may want to hold onto your gun with one or two hands as your steering wheel may not offer enough support going through sharp corners.

3. At the gym you should hold the gun between your knees while on the different machines.

4. One month.

5. The clip of an IWB holster shall go inside your underwear.

6. Keep the trigger but sell the rest of the Glock.

7. Leave those worries to the new owner.

8. If you go to bed early you don't need a tactical light.

These were silly answers and they helped me pass 15 minutes while there was nothing on TV. Couldn't resist. Better answers are found elsewhere in this thread. Enjoy your new Glock.

 

[Bill2e]

Training, Training, Training.

Get it, even if you don;t need it, it will not hurt you. Read this board, Listen to Tom Greshams GUNTALK pod cast ( and others)

And NO to under the pillow.

 

[doc2rn]

1. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect
and should u have a bullet in the chamber?
A: in a quick lock gun case bolted to the nightstand beside your bed; it can be opened in under 2 seconds easy

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?
A: Cross draw is usually considered ideal for driving, but alot of ingenious guys on here have found ways to mount very versitile holsters.

3. when at gym how should u be caring? because if u have a moon bag
and you doing bench press someone could take it off u.
A: Thunderwear, smart carry, or bellie band are the best options

4. how long should u keep round for?
A: I try to rotate ammo that has been chambered repeatedly out after 1 week

5. when carrying a internal should the silver clip be between your
belt or over it?
A: depends on how heavy weapon is and your ability to keep pants up

6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one?
A: There is a reason they made it as heavy as it is due to the lack of an external safety.

7. what is your opinion on placing the accessories that reduces the
distance of the trigger?
A: Anything that does this is likely to make the weapon go off when you draw from your holster.

8. last one tactical lights should i get one?
A: Yes

 

[FranklyTodd]

1. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect
and should u have a bullet in the chamber? No for pillow. Nighstand, in holster that covers the trigger. Chamber = yes.

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack? I don't know what internal means, but I assume you mean on the body. Depends on where you are wearing. I have a revolver in the glove compartment in case I'm carrying in a way that's tough to reach sitting in a car. I can't see strapping on a fannypack every time I drive the car.

3. when at gym how should u be caring? because if u have a moon bag
and you doing bench press someone could take it off u. Seriously? I wouldn't carry in the gym. And *** is a moon bag? If I felt I had to carry in the gym (the advice to change gyms was great! ), I would use SmartCarry.

4. how long should u keep round for? I don't know. I've never kept the same rounds in a gun longer than 2-3 months. I'm positive you could do it much longer.

5. when carrying a internal should the silver clip be between your
belt or over it? Ah, clip draw? I would never do it (uncovered trigger) and in my state it's illegal (must have a holster). Short answer is - try it! Behind the belt obviously conceals better - try that. If the gun moves too much, put it over the belt. I don't think there's a firm rule.

6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one? I think the stock Glock trigger is too light and short for civilian CCW, but I know many do. If I were to carry a Glock it would have the NY1 trigger. Lightening the trigger should be saved for competitive shooting. Lightening the Glock trigger on a carry piece invites not only accidents, but if you ever get involved in something, lightening the trigger will make you look very bad in court. And with the adrenaline dump that accompanies a SD situation, NO WAY is a lighter trigger going to make you quicker or mor accurate. Bad idea!

7. what is your opinion on placing the accessories that reduces the
distance of the trigger? No, no, no! Along with issue above, anything you do to a modify a gun, unless you are a gunsmith, is only going to increas the odds of a failure. If the gun doesn't fit you, get a different gun!

8. last one tactical lights should i get one? What would you do with that? Get a flashlight, learn to shoot with it.

 

[dispatch]

jonki
Welcome to the forum, but please remember you are not doing IM’s. Relax, take your time, and use real words. A lot of us older guys kind of blow you off as not serious about it when you are not serious about your communication techniques.

 

[ursus americanas]

The only guns in the gym should be your bulging biceps!

But seriously, if you CAN carry while lifting, ditch the membership and save yourself the money. You can't properly do squats, deads, dips, curls etc and be packing. I lock my weapon in my locker with a properly built lock while hitting the weights, five days a week. I strongly suggest a burly "master" lock.

 

[DWARREN123]

Always have it with you or secured where no one else can get it..
Do not carry while working out.
I like one in the chamber.
I also like IWB holsters and the clip goes over the belt to help hold it.
I did not replace any parts on my Glocks, I did put in a frame grip plug and purchased extra mags.
I do not care for rail lights and lasers and such.
Ammo can remain good for years but I like to trade mine out about every 3 or 4 months.
While carrying and driving I use a IWB holster set up for cross draw, i.e. right hand holster at my left front. I can draw across my body easily this way and practice it.

 

[ZeSpectre]

First, I'd like to credit the O/P with posting these questions. Even as an experienced firearms owner it is sometimes very difficult to separate fact from fiction (I'm running into this with reloading). Far better to ask a "silly" question than to run around doing something stupid and dangerous because you "heard that's how it's done" or because it's something you "saw on TV or movies".

1. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect
and should u have a bullet in the chamber?

I keep my "bedstand gun" in a lockbox mounted on the bedframe. Before I go to bed I unlock the box and leave it open for quick access. When I get up the box gets closed and locked for the day. I also keep a good (Surefire) flashlight and a spare magazine in that box along with a clip-on holster that is easily donned. Usually I keep a revolver there, but if I put a semi-auto in that box it does have a round chambered and is ready for emergency use.

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?

By "internal" I'm assuming you mean an IWB or "inside the waistband" holster. As a personal preference I HATE IWB and really only use OWB ("outside the waistband") holsters. Since I live in a fairly rural area I don't worry about issues while sitting in the car (I don't have stoplights to sit at or traffic jams to be stuck in) so I don't consider "draw in vehicle" much. When I was living in a more urban area I used to have an OWB cross-draw style holster.

3. when at gym how should u be caring? because if u have a moon bag
and you doing bench press someone could take it off u.

The gym question comes up a lot. I don't go to the gym so I don't have an answer.

4. how long should u keep round for?

Kept cool and dry ammo has a LONG lifespan. In practical terms I prefer to empty my carry magazines and cycle new ammo in every three months at the longest.

5. when carrying a internal should the silver clip be between your
belt or over it?

The security of your holster is based on a good belt. Your IWB holster should be clipped to that good belt. (see The Beltman. Not cheap but worth every penny as a solid platform for your holsters).

6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one?

Don't mess with the trigger. The guys at Glock put a lot of time into designing the thing for everyday carry so leave it be.

7. what is your opinion on placing the accessories that reduces the
distance of the trigger?

See #6

8. last one tactical lights should i get one?

In my opinion, yes, but not one that attaches to the gun. Having a good quality light in your free hand is far more useful than waving the gun around to see stuff. Plus under stress waving the gun around or pointing it to see things is asking for something to get shot accidentally.

Finally, get some training on firearms and LEARN, UNDERSTAND, AND OBEY THE FOUR RULES!

 

[highorder]

Welcome to the forum, but please remember you are not doing IM’s. Relax, take your time, and use real words.

I concur.

Communication skills are very important.

 

[LightningMan]

jonkie, the only question you asked, that I'm going to reply to, is the gym carry question. I too would say if you feel you need to carry at a gym, find another gym, but if there are no other gyms and you really feel the need to carry, I might suggest wearing "Thunderwear" with some baggy sweat pants. Check out their web site: http://www.thunderwear.com/holsters.asp LM.

 

[Deleted member 66305]

1. when sleeping where should ur weapon be? i,e under your pillow ect
and should u have a bullet in the chamber?

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?

3. when at gym how should u be caring? because if u have a moon bag
and you doing bench press someone could take it off u.

4. how long should u keep round for?

5. when carrying a internal should the silver clip be between your
belt or over it?

6. what is your opinion on replacing the standard Glock trigger with a
lighter one?

7. what is your opinion on placing the accessories that reduces the
distance of the trigger?

8. last one tactical lights should i get one?

1. I would suggest a Deluxe Minivault mounted behind the headboard, especially if you have kids. Yes, keep a round chambered. Do not count on remembering to chamber a round under stress.

2. When driving, I keep mine in the central console next to me. Easier access than wearing it. Do not keep it where you keep registration and insurance papers.

3. Check to make sure concealed weapons are allowed at your gym. If you can legally carry at the gym, I'd recommend a SmartCarry. You could conceal a full-size 1911 under a swim suit with it.

4. Ammo doesn't "go bad", as long as it's not submerged in water or other solvents. That said, I'd fire off a few rounds of your carry ammo each month -- to be sure you're accustomed to the recoil of it compared to normal range ammo, if it differs, and because chambering and unchambering a round can introduce nicks and burrs on the case.

5. I have no opinion on this one.

6. Exceptionally bad idea. I have a Glock 30, and the ONLY external safety is the trigger pull. The pull is not hard as it is -- I think it may even be lighter than the pull of my S&W 640 (Double Action Only revolver).

7. Don't play with accessories now. I have no "tacticool" accessories for the Glock -- except an UpLuLa speed loader (HIGHLY recommended). The only thing for the S&W 640 I got is Crimson Trace Grips. I don't use them at the range, except rarely, to check calibration. The only accessories you need now are bullets. Lots and lots of them, to improve your marksmanship. Practice MEANINGFULLY. Don't reinforce bad habits. Don't ever convince yourself you're an expert. Well, one accessory I ordered for my glock was .22LR conversion kit -- so i can practice a LOT with cheaper ammo.

8. Buy a good LED flashlight. It's cheaper than a "Tacticool" flashlight, and you can even get one in black, too.

 

[John Wayne]

Any weapon I have by the bed at night is unloaded, with the magazine removed. I'm often in a stupor when I wake up of my own accord, and I have no business trying to wake up in the middle of the night and take control of a loaded weapon. The removed magazine is an added safety measure; i.e. if I am coherent enough to insert the mag and rack the bolt/slide then I'm good to go.

And don't carry at the gym. With all the various positions you're required to be in (running, squatting, benching, sitting), it leaves too much room for error with the muzzle of your weapon pointed at innocent bystanders.

 

[CWL]

Welcome Jonkie,

My advice is to get some basic safety training. It is relatively inexpensive and should be available at your local gunshops.

Good for you to ask questions, but some of your questions sound outright dangerous if you don't have any experience with pistols.

The 'scariest' 2 are relating to placing a loaded gun under your pillow -especially something like a Glock -which has no safeties. I'd suggest that you put it on/in your nightstand instead.

Don't go modifying a perfectly-working pistol. Glocks have been around for a few decades now, they've sold millions and millions of them, why do you need to modify yours? Until you have a clear explanation for why you need a mod', don't do it.

 

[awad]

i keep my guns loaded constantly for the most part, so when i go to bed, i just take off the holster with the gun in it and slide the whole thing under the empty pillow next to me. is this really a bad idea?

 

[dmazur]

awad -

I don't get the "under the pillow" thing, I guess.

Are you trying to hide it? It seems you would want it somewhere known and easy, like the top of the nightstand. Some believe in a nightstand drawer is OK.

I happen to prefer a rapid-access safe, on the other side of the room.

If you're asking, "Is it safe?", I would suppose so. If the holster covers the trigger guard, a ND does seem unlikely, especially if the holster has a retention strap. Provided you sleep in one spot and don't trespass onto the other side of the bed.

On the other hand, if you toss and turn while sleeping, this does seem to be a fairly dangerous experiment in holster design / trigger protection.

I'm not sure I see any real advantage to the pillow thing.

(Too many movies???)

 

[awad]

well, i dont have a night stand. i have a big safe, but i usually keep that locked up. im not trying to hide it, it just seems like a better place than on top of a pillow.

 

[lee n. field]

2. when driving should u rather being wearing a internal or Fannypack?

What's an "internal"?

 

[tblt]

Sleeping locked and loaded in my safe.I keep 3 guns loaded in my room.Push botton to open
Car one on me and one between the seats all loaded
Gym No
Light ???????? depends maybe a need for another gun

 

[John Wayne]

Awad, why not stick your pistol between the mattress and box springs? It beats having it next to your head and it's still quite accessable.