1911 carry

[jay43]

how do all of you carry your 1911?
cocked and locked
cocked and unlocked
uncocked

 

[bigmike45]

COCKED & LOCKED ONLY

 

[Black Majik]

There's are more than 1 option?

I thought it was only:

A: Cocked & Locked

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Cocked and locked (as set forth by Jeff Cooper, Condition One). With this design it is the best - really, the only - way to carry it in such a way as to be instantly ready for use and safe. I don't recommend loaded but uncocked (Condition Two). The hammer has to be cocked on the draw, which is difficult and prone to fumbling under stress. Or there is chamber empty with a loaded magazine (Condition Three). This is certainly safe, but it is not instantly ready for use as you have to jack the slide and chamber a round on the draw. Loaded and cocked with the safety off (Condition Zero) is not recommended for safety reasons.

 

[1911 guy]

Condition one.

Cocked and locked.

 

[Hoppy590]

sucks some holsters with thumb breaks seem to deactivate the safety but then again the strap blocks the hammer. what do you guys think of that?

 

[Kevin108]

Cocked and locked.

 

[2TransAms]

Cocked and locked,as John Moses Browning intended. Hence the grip safety.

Do NOT "de-cock" the hammer by yourself with a round in the chamber! The 1911 has no decocker,so if you let that hammer slip then you get a hole in something you don't want a hole in,like your kneecap.

 

[average_shooter]

sucks some holsters with thumb breaks seem to deactivate the safety but then again the strap blocks the hammer. what do you guys think of that?

I carry mine cocked and locked. However, a couple times I have looked and noticed the retention strap has un-locked the pistol. No problem for me. The grip safety still works and the strap blocks any potential blows to the firing pin. Also, I have an ambi-safety so I can reengage it without having to unholster to get at the safety.

 

[winddummy]

Cocked and Locked, other wise your carrying a very expense hammer.

 

[glockman19]

The only way you should Cocked & Locked

 

[koja48]

Cocked, locked, & ready to rock . . .

 

[target1911]

+1000000 for COCKED N LOCKED

If some one already has a gun in YOUR face you will not have enough time to caock the hammer or chamber a round

 

[10-Ring]

Cocked & locked

 

[Chuck R.]

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Additional safety comment on Condition Two

In order to get the gun in this mode, you have to chamber a round - which leaves the hammer cocked - then you must lower the hammer on the loaded chamber. The only way to do this is by pulling the trigger and guiding or easing the hammer down. Don't slip! And observe Rule Two.

 

[MT GUNNY]

and the concenes is ? condition 1

 

[Stickjockey]

Another one for condition one.

However, a couple times I have looked and noticed the retention strap has un-locked the pistol.

I have a Galco "Fletch" OWB that I've had no problem with; might give that a try.

 

[Polish_Pounder]

I carry cocked and locked in an open top holster. Most holster makers off a back piece or "shirt guard" that will lock the safety in place. When you need your gun you need it now, and a retention strap is not conducive to quick deployment.

-Polish

 

[koja48]

a retention strap is not conducive to quick deployment

Depends on the design of the strap. Several holster configurations that I use have retention straps, all are of the "thumb-break" design, and all render the handgun readily accessible.

 

[Ford]

my Kimber Compact CDP "cocked & locked" in a VMII holster

 

[Hoppy590]

Depends on the design of the strap. Several holster configurations that I use have retention straps, all are of the "thumb-break" design, and all render the handgun readily accessible.

i agree. my thumb break is hit before my hand even settles on the gun

 

[Zach S]

Cocked and locked in a holster without a thumb break.

 

[Geno]

Cocked, unlocked, FBI holster.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

sucks some holsters with thumb breaks seem to deactivate the safety but then again the strap blocks the hammer. what do you guys think of that?

That's a no-no with me. When I draw the safety doesn't come off until I'm on target -- and I don't want my holster "helping" me.

A properly-designed deep holster, like my IWB, will keep the safety lock positively engaged and prlovide superior retention as well.