jr_watkins
Member
To the OP (Vincyr), this topic always brings out a semi-violent response on this and other boards. It always results in a large percentage of respondents belittling anyone who dares have a different opinion. This is absolutely an individual decision and you shouldn't feel pressured in any way to do something you aren't comfortable with. Your decision should not impact your decision to carry a concealed handgun.
Allow me to give a different opinion on several of these topics.
1) Holster type & location have a larger impact on speed than if you have to rack a slide. Do a test yourself, time your draw-rack-aim-fire from appendix or 3 or 4 o-clock position with a good retention belt holster. Now compare it to an ankle holster or a small of the back holster or an armpit rig. You will find the time it takes to rack the slide minimal to the clumsy draw from these other style holsters. Don't even get me started on a fanny pack or anything with a zipper! Funny how nobody gets excited when people carry using these other type holster methods.
2) If you rack the slide to chamber a round EVERYTIME you draw at the range or during dry fire practice it will become second nature, same as the guy who has to remember to flick off the safety. You'll find it helps you with reloads and jam clearance as that motion is already built in. Additionally, the racking of the slide allows you to adjust your grip slightly if necessary so that first shot will be better.
3) On the "injured hand" scenario....funny how there isn't an "injured shooting hand thumb" scenario for the guys who have to flick a safety. I would be more concerned about an injury to my sight that anything if I'm being honest. Engaged support hand....fight like crazy until it isn't engaged!! Look, as a civilian concealed carry person you are defensive and aren't going to be able to cover every scenario, you aren't special forces operator!
4) I'm sure there will be especially loud screaming to this one...I want some extra time in my response to make sure I have the situation accurately perceived. Ever misread a situation? Imagine if you immediately over-responded....how's that helping your family? That extra half second may be just what you need to get your wits about you and make the right decision, it may allow the threat to make a different decision, different action.
For what it's worth I have been carrying concealed since George Bush was governor of Texas. Pants on, gun on. I carry all the time, working, operating machinery, gardening, working animals, playing with the kids/grandkids, watching TV, eating lunch, etc. I shoot weekly at my home range and often at public ranges with friends. I don't chamber a round until I think I might need to fire...snakes and coyotes surprise me mostly.
Allow me to give a different opinion on several of these topics.
1) Holster type & location have a larger impact on speed than if you have to rack a slide. Do a test yourself, time your draw-rack-aim-fire from appendix or 3 or 4 o-clock position with a good retention belt holster. Now compare it to an ankle holster or a small of the back holster or an armpit rig. You will find the time it takes to rack the slide minimal to the clumsy draw from these other style holsters. Don't even get me started on a fanny pack or anything with a zipper! Funny how nobody gets excited when people carry using these other type holster methods.
2) If you rack the slide to chamber a round EVERYTIME you draw at the range or during dry fire practice it will become second nature, same as the guy who has to remember to flick off the safety. You'll find it helps you with reloads and jam clearance as that motion is already built in. Additionally, the racking of the slide allows you to adjust your grip slightly if necessary so that first shot will be better.
3) On the "injured hand" scenario....funny how there isn't an "injured shooting hand thumb" scenario for the guys who have to flick a safety. I would be more concerned about an injury to my sight that anything if I'm being honest. Engaged support hand....fight like crazy until it isn't engaged!! Look, as a civilian concealed carry person you are defensive and aren't going to be able to cover every scenario, you aren't special forces operator!
4) I'm sure there will be especially loud screaming to this one...I want some extra time in my response to make sure I have the situation accurately perceived. Ever misread a situation? Imagine if you immediately over-responded....how's that helping your family? That extra half second may be just what you need to get your wits about you and make the right decision, it may allow the threat to make a different decision, different action.
For what it's worth I have been carrying concealed since George Bush was governor of Texas. Pants on, gun on. I carry all the time, working, operating machinery, gardening, working animals, playing with the kids/grandkids, watching TV, eating lunch, etc. I shoot weekly at my home range and often at public ranges with friends. I don't chamber a round until I think I might need to fire...snakes and coyotes surprise me mostly.