Shotguns: safe to keep one in the chamber?

I know it seems like a dumb question to at least some of you, but I really don't know. I know my pistols are drop-safe. If nothing gets in the trigger guard, it's pretty much okay if they are dropped (assuming you don't try to catch it and engage the trigger somehow). But I really don't know if dropping my 870 on it's buttstock, side, or anywhere else would cause it to fire (firing pin inertia or whatever), despite no engagement of the trigger. I really just want to know. Partially because I'd rather keep my shotgun condition one and just hit the safety (or not, if I leave the safety off). Also, I've been thinking about getting an 1100. It may use a gas piston system, but it still ought to be plenty reliable with decent cleaning every now and then. But that won't be a problem, anything I shoot I clean afterwards.

Also, I would take a Benelli M1 over a Remington 1100, but I do NOT want to spend that much money on a semi-auto shotgun. I'd rather spend it on a hi-cap assault rifle like an AR. But you know how that goes....

This is what I was thinking. Glad I'm not the only one not absolutely in love with the shotgun being in "condition one." I have kept mine with empty chambers. Again, I believe in racking the slide simply to charge the weapon, and would do so prior to taking up defensive position if at all possible. A million things can give away your position, not just the sound of the weapon being charged. How about stumbling over something or simply heavy footfalls...or someone else in the house just waking up and wondering what's going on (the wife for one). As for me giving away position, I'll lay my last paycheck on the fact that any intruder(s) will be more than worried about getting away from three things: a Mastiff, a pitbull, and a Jack Russell terrier that just has to make it's position quite clear. I don't think the racking of a shotgun slide will even be heard over all that racket....

Besides, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if some accident happened where my wife had to use the gun or move it and somehow dropped it (she's more likely to react klutzily in a stress situation than me), and the gun went off. Safety for all has to come before any "I'm always condition one 'cause I'm tactically superior" crap. Besides, my pistols don't have that problem and ARE condition one, and the wife knows it. And she's much more comfortable with that arrangement.

SM,

My intention wasn't to antagonize you, and I don't recall saying ANYTHING about 20 ga. shotguns. I'm glad you and whoever is within your household is happy with keeping the guns the way you do. That's good. I'm not simply because my wife is not, and she doesn't quite have the avid interest I have in weapons. She knows I stay trained with mine, and she has gone to the range with me several times, but the fact is...I can't make the woman do something as often or as much as I do when she really doesn't want to. So, it's a small price to pay for me. As it is, all pistols are loaded and ready to go, so there's always something very much combat ready at any time. And like I said, I have large dogs (and one small one) that are great early warning/distraction systems. I hope you don't want to hang everybody you disagree with....

Chuck R,

Not to initiate an argument with you, but my thought on your comment is this: in the middle of the night or any other time, which is quicker? Getting into the locked case for the loaded weapon, or picking up a weapon sitting in the same area and charging it? Of course, there is the issue of safety, so I can definitely see keeping it locked up. Especially if someone is able to get to it before you are. I just want to hear your thoughts on the matter, especially pertaining to why you prefer such a practice. I can always use a fresh perspective, it may change my approach as well.

Shoulda seen that one coming. Hunting is actively looking for something to shoot. The weapon and operator are not at rest, and the weapon is being carried. Nobody said to defend yourself with an unloaded weapon. Obviously you charge the weapon. I suppose you go around the house carrying the weapon everywhere looking for something to shoot too, huh? :banghead: