Mental block about carrying one in the chamber

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psyprofessor

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Hey guys...

Which is safer...carrying a loaded revolver or a semi-auto with a round in the chamber? (Assume that the safety is off.)

Which is more likely to accidentally fire if dropped?

(If you needs specifics: S & W 638 vs. Baretta M9.)

From what I have read, carrying a semi-auto with a loaded pipe is really no different from carrying a loaded revolver. But for some reason, I feel that it is safer (against accidental discharge) to carry the revolver. Do others feel the same?
 
I have a Kahr CW 40 that I keep one in the chamber at all times. I feel it is just as safe as having a loaded wheel gun.
 
I'll reply based on a Ruger SA w/ transfer bar and a 1911 w/ firing pin interlock:

The Ruger SA hammer rests against the frame and the transfer bar rises into place only when the hammer is pulled back to the cocked position. So, if you drop it, there is only the inertia of the firing pin to possibly fire the round. As the firing pin is so short, this inertia is very small and this model of SA is considered safe if dropped on its muzzle or hammer. The Ruger SA models before the transfer bar were safe only if an empty chamber was under the hammer. Dropping these on the hammer could easily discharge a round if there was a round under the hammer.

The 1911 has a firing pin interlock that blocks the firing pin from moving forward if dropped on its muzzle. It has a hammer block safety that keeps the hammer from moving if the pistol is dropped on its hammer. The 1911 models without a firing pin interlock have a slight chance of discharge if dropped 4 ft onto the muzzle on concrete, but the same safety if dropped on the hammer.

As you said, "assume the safety is off", I can't understand your question. It is obvious that an uncocked revolver is safer to carry than a SA semi-auto with the hammer cocked and the safety off.

Your example was a DA semi-auto, so perhaps you meant to compare the revolver with the DA semi-auto. For the case of the Beretta M9, I believe it has a rising firing pin block that is activated when the safety is on, so this has been disabled. Chance of AD/ND roughly the same as for a revolver, assuming similar trigger pulls and holster snags, etc. as the cause. The chance of firing when dropped would be higher as you haven't blocked the longer (higher inertia) firing pin because you left the safety off.

Maybe you should compare "apples vs. apples" and ask yourself, "Does a revolver or semi-auto have similar risk of AD/ND if all the safety features are used?"

I believe your question is kind of "apples vs. oranges", which isn't a fair comparison.

I will agree that there is an incredible, unwarranted bias against 1911 carry in Condition 1 as people just don't understand that the hammer is blocked when the safety is on. It isn't some fragile sear/hammer notch that is going to be dislodged when you drop it, or run over it with a truck!
 
Carrying with one in the chamber is safer. A gun won't fire if nothings in the chamber. Thus, the gun would be as useful as a rock should you need it.

After all, isn't carrying a gun so that we're "safer."
 
Which is safer...carrying a loaded revolver or a semi-auto with a round in the chamber?

YES.


It depends on how YOU train, and IF you are smart enough to do it the same way each time.
 
Modern semi-autos are designed to be carried fully loaded (1911's and BHP's with safety ON). So are modern revolvers. Something to consider is that if/when you have to actually use the weapon, you may not have time to chamber a round. But it only takes a second! Yep. A second you may not have. Heck, you may not even have both hands free.

LoKNLOD762's comment about booger hooks and bang switches is worth noting.
 
I carry a kahr pm9 at all times in my front pocket, but for some reason, I cannot bring myself to keep one in the chamber. I know Kahr has an internal hammer block, but the fact that I cannot decock it scares me. I always keep loaded mag but just cant get up the nerve to keep it chambered.
 
Keep your finger off the trigger of that Kahr and there is no worries of it going bang. Try it for a few minutes at a time and you will get used to it. What happens if you need it in a big hurry? You might not have the time to chamber a round.
 
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