Always make sure it’s loaded!

[WheelGunMan]

I keep a speed strip of .38's in the center console of my truck. It's always there, regardless of if the gun is in the car or not.

Glad you mentioned that...I actually have 2 speedloaders and 2 speedstrips in my truck console safe. I've always had the speed strips but thru in the speedloaders and an extra gun or two when we were doing some extended traveling. I'm just going to leave them there.

 

[bluejeans]

i keep a "possibles" can in my truck with truck with extra defensive loads and 100 rounds of fmj for each caliber that i often carry (9mm, .40, .45, .357) and .223. just in case the need arises or a friend wants to practice or run some drills with me. aprox 600-800 rounds in ziploc bags inside an ammo can under the seat.

 

[paulsj]

Did a dumb one today! Started loading new rounds for my 38spl about a week ago and apparently when I unloaded it to make sure the reloads fit I didn’t load it back.

Went shopping and one store was posted and the girlfriend drove, so instead of fighting off the IWB holster I un-holster the gun and opened the cylinder to put in her glove box and it’s empty! I’m sitting there going what the hell???? I first thought my brother did it and then it dawned on me last weekend I was messing with the reloads, empty the gun, check loads and must have put back in holster and brought it back upstairs without putting the SD ammo back in it. Had I needed it I’d be screwed!

Well good thing cabelas was 5 min away and I only had 10 golden sabers left at home, so I grabbed a box of Hornady Critical Defense 110gr FTX +P. Btw cabelas now has a sunglasses showcase and tons of BP t shirts when you walk in the door. Only one shelf of pistol ammo too. Had I not needed ammo I would have walked out when I seen that nonsense. $400 for used M&P 9mm and $350 for a bodyguard! Ha!

Always make sure it’s loaded before leaving the house!

Why did you choose Critical Defense over Federal HST Micro (Cabera's price on this load is about $3 lower than Walmart)?

 

[Axis II]

Why did you choose Critical Defense over Federal HST Micro (Cabera's price on this load is about $3 lower than Walmart)?

Cabela's has a very slim selection. They only had Remington and Hornady. Next closest shop is 25miles one way.

 

[Riomouse911]

A common error for uniformed patrol folks is locking your firearm, knife, stick or spray etc. in a gun locker before taking an arrestee into the secure area.... then leaving a jail area and driving away with your stuff still locked in the locker.

I did that once, about 20-25 years ago. Made it to the sally port gate in my car before having to turn around and go back in to get my stuff. After that I always locked my primary set of car keys in the locker with the gun/knife so I couldn’t get far.

I’m glad it was a painless lesson that it’s always pays to check... and double check!

Stay safe.

 

[theotherwaldo]

My mantra before I leave the house, car or job is an expansion on this:


-And no, it can't be printed on a family-rated site.

 

[Ignition Override]

And keep an extra loaded mag in your car. But keep mags for the Sig P228, CZ PCR and the .380 Makarov?
I fully realize that many people only leave home with the extra (correct) mag in a pouch on their belt.

 

[paulsj]

And keep an extra loaded mag in your car. But keep mags for the Sig P228, CZ PCR and the .380 Makarov?
I fully realize that many people only leave home with the extra (correct) mag in a pouch on their belt.

I recommend keeping loaded 33 round 9mm Glock magazine in vehicle, where allowed by law. It makes a wonderful fefense bat.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

And keep an extra loaded mag in your car. But keep mags for the Sig P228, CZ PCR and the .380 Makarov?
I fully realize that many people only leave home with the extra (correct) mag in a pouch on their belt.

Good reason to only carry 9mm Glocks

 

[JR24]

I press check/reseat the mag or open the cylinder/push the star and watch them fall back in every time I pick up a gun.

Every time. If you're not going to check it, don't lay your hand on it.

Pretty much my policy with any gun. I never pick one up* without verifying its condition. It's how was taught, even if I KNOW its unloaded or loaded prior to pulling it out of safe.

*of course by this I mean the first time I handle it out of storage or its given to me, etc. Once it's in my holster or in sight the whole time I reduce my paranoia some

 

[herrwalther]

Don't beat yourself up too much. I have been known to pull a real smart move several times. Get up, get ready, morning routine. Keys, belt, holster, wallet yada yada. No gun in holster.

 

[MedWheeler]

Riomouse911 writes:

A common error for uniformed patrol folks is locking your firearm, knife, stick or spray etc. in a gun locker before taking an arrestee into the secure area.... then leaving a jail area and driving away with your stuff still locked in the locker.

I handed off my service revolver once to another officer who had done just that when he came to help clear an unsecured building I had found (this particular building was negligently left unsecured by its tenant at night so often we used it as a midnight training opportunity 2-3 times a week.) I then carried my backup.

Since I had almost done this myself, I then took to keeping another revolver in my duffel bag, unloaded, and with a charged speedloader. I never needed it, nor did I have to arm another officer again.

I did run out of our station once with my sidearm still locked up, but it was more or less intentional. A "shots fired" call had just come in from the apartment courtyard directly across the two-lane street, and my cruiser was just outside the door. I simply stopped at it and grabbed my 12 gauge before running to the scene. Some cranky old man had lit off a couple of warning shots to scare off a couple of kids cutting through the parking lot while walking home from a video game arcade (yeah, he went to jail.)

 

[herrwalther]

A common error for uniformed patrol folks is locking your firearm, knife, stick or spray etc. in a gun locker before taking an arrestee into the secure area.... then leaving a jail area and driving away with your stuff still locked in the locker.

That happened a few times where I used to work. Our sally port had 6 lock boxes in the for officer weapons. And 6 more at the main entrance for CO/LEO weapons. In our facility only firearms and knives had to be locked up. Officers could retain their batons, tasers, and sprays. Most officers would put their lock box key on their duty belt or body armor in a way they would not forget their duty weapon. I had one officer start to get quite irritated with me when I wouldn't open the security doors for him to leave, as I noticed he was about to drive off without his weapon. He was quite thankful for that.

 

[exbrit49]

I carry primarily revolvers and "OUTBAG" has a great line of holsters that have special holders for extra ammo. The last one I purchased was for a 38/357 and has slots for 6 cartridges . Love it! As long as I load the revolver, ammo is always with me and 6 extra! Cant ask for better than that.

 

[Ghost In The Fog]

But there was the time when upon returning home I found my holster empty. .

I walked out to my truck one morning and had the same panic feeling. Funny how something becomes so routine that you don't even know it is there anymore and the motions become sub-conscience. All day, every day. It does make a difference.