Newbie Questions - CCW

[Lawnguy]

I've been lurking for a while. Please be patient with my questions.

I have had a Springfield 1911 for home protection for years. Recently, my job has changed and felt the need to carry a weapon for personal protection and the 1911 was too big and heavy. So, I went and purchased a Glock 26 for that purpose.

1. While carrying this weapon, should i have a bullet in the chamber ready to fire at all times or should i "rack it" when an incident arises? I see safety problems both ways.

2. Can you recommend a holster? How have you found it most comfortable to carry (on the hip, small of the back, front pocket, etc.)? Also, could you explain the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, etc. positions (i'm assuming you are refering the waist ban with belly button at 12 o'clock)?

3. What ammunition would you recommend that i carry in the weapon?

Thank you for your advice.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

1. While carrying this weapon, should i have a bullet in the chamber ready to fire at all times or should i "rack it" when an incident arises? I see safety problems both ways.

I feel you should have your weapon in a condition of instant readiness at all times. That means chamber loaded. For all practical purposes, if you keep the chamber empty, the gun is effectively unloaded. As I'm fond of saying, it makes a poor bludgeon or throwing object. Adherence to the safety rules will keep you from accidentally shooting an unintended target. The gun simply cannot fire unless you (or, rarely, foreign objects) pull the trigger.

2. Can you recommend a holster? How have you found it most comfortable to carry (on the hip, small of the back, front pocket, etc.)? Also, could you explain the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, etc. positions (i'm assuming you are refering the waist ban with belly button at 12 o'clock)?

Your assessment of the "clock positions" is correct. The point of your right hip is 3:00, center of your back 6:00 and so on. Personally, I like IWB (inside the waistband) carry at roughly 4:00. However, there is no one carry position that covers all situations. It is uncomfortable and poorly accessible when driving, for example. You should assess your daily activities or routines. As for holsters, in "off the rack" styles, I like Galco, Don Hume and (some models) High Noon. For custom makers, I like Milt Sparks and UBG. A holster from one of the custom makers will take some time to get; Milt Sparks has about a six-month wait time, for example. Be prepared to get as many holsters as you need to cover all carry situations you're likely to face.

3. What ammunition would you recommend that i carry in the weapon?

Any decent JHP (jacketed hollowpoint) will work fine. Glock 9mms are not "fussy" (i.e., feeding some brands/designs but not others) about ammo. I like Speer Gold Dots, with Federal 9BP ("old-school" Hi-Shok JHP) as a fallback.

 

[docmark777]

1. When carrying a new type of gun, I prefer to spend a week without anything in the chamber. Practice drawing correctly hundreds of times, always indexing--then when you are comfortable begin carrying with one in the chamber.

2. It depends on whether you will be needing to tuck your shirt in or not. If you need to tuck--I prefer the MTAC. If you are not going to tuck, then I like the lowrider.

3. I agree, any decent JHP is fine. I use hydro-shock.

 

[9mmepiphany]

a gun as small as the G26 gives you a lot of carry options.

nowadays i mostly carry larger guns OWB at the 4:00 position.

when i used to carry IWB, i used the classic IWB speed holster the Summer Special designed by Bruce Nelson as made by Milt Sparks. the original holster was designed to carry a Colt LW Commander in the 1:00 (appendix)position

most holster manufacturers have copied this design and offer it in their line. a very popular IWB holster is the Milt Sparks VM II

 

[Lawnguy]

Thank you for the fast feedback.

I will always be blue jeans and untucked shirt. A perk of my job.

I will check out the holsters recommended.

Thanks for the ammo direction.

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

I've got to tell you that I've carried now for two years and no matter what I carry, I never carry chambered. I choose to not carry chambered for safety reasons. Accidents happen, no matter how careful we may be. The last thing I want to have happen is my gun accidentally go off in a restaurant and hit an innocent, or worse, a loved one. I have other family members and friends who carry and we've all chosen to carry unchambered for that very reason.

We all look at it this way. During the time it takes for you to draw your weapon and put a bead on the bg, the racking of the weapon can take place. That's the way we roll. It is safer for our loved ones who would be nearby, safer for the nearby innocents, and lowers the risk of having to deal with cops and lawyers over an accidental shooting in a public place.

It is now up to you to agree or disagree. Just remember how "sue happy" people are these days.

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Oh, I agree on the ammo. Any JHP will work. Some claim to work better than others. I prefer to have my carry nine mag loaded with either Remington Golden Sabers, Federal Premium HST's, or Hornady Critical Defense. However, I choose to stay away from the +P or +P+ loads. Its just more unnecessary wear and tear on your firearm.

 

[Norinco982lover]

2075 RAMI, I am afraid you may be hurting your family more than protecting them by carrying your gun in this manner.

What if one of your hands cannot get to the gun to rack the slide in time? What if you have a fail to feed? What if you need that extra round that should have been in the chamber?

I know from personal experience that in emergencies you can not always count on having both arms/hands at your disposal.

I was driving with my mum one day and we were arguing (i was 17) about how I drove with my left hand one handed over the steering wheel. JUST THEN a car pulled out in front of me completely blocking off the entire dirt road. My mom screamed and grabbed my right arm pulling my body to the side. I managed to swerve with my left hand which was on the steering wheel and avoid the car by going into the ditch on the LEFT side of the road.

I carry chambered because there is NOTHING that can cause my gun to go off if it is properly carried in a holster with good retention. I carry a XD45C in a supertuck and also a CZ82 in a supertuck (hammer lowered for DA pull).

Both are chambered.

Stay safe.

To the OP: carry chambered (cocked and locked with a 1911..if you don't like thumb safeties get a different gun like a glock or xd). Also, the crossbreed supertuck is the best holster I have ever found for carrying. Your mileage will not vary.

~Norinco

 

[gbelleh]

I also carry with a round chambered. The way I see it, a gun will only be used in an extremely dangerous situation, and both your hands very well might not be available if you're being attacked. A good gun and holster will not allow the gun to fire unless the gun is drawn and the trigger is deliberately pulled.

But that's just my opinion. YMMV as always.

 

[Norinco982lover]

Oops, forgot he asked about ammo.

Lawnguy, you really need to find out what ammo your gun likes. I recommend that whatever ammo you decide to carry try it out first. Run at least 5-10 rounds through your gun, you can always hand cycle to make sure they are going up the feed ramp smoothly. I don't think that Glocks are usually too picky but definitely try out the ammo first.

I recommend NOT carrying anything FMJ (cheap target rounds) but instead going with a hollow point like the remington golden saber or perhaps JHP at the very least.

~Norinco

 

[highorder]

I don't like to introduce contorversy into a thread started by a new guy, but the advice offered by 2075 RAMI is not advisable. We've had many threads covering "should I carry with one in the chamber?" and it always comes down to fear. People carry an empty gun because they don't understand their weapon, or don't trust themselves.

The last thing I want to have happen is my gun accidentally go off in a restaurant

Then don't touch it.

If you think guns accidentally discharge, you need more education about your chosen firearm.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I cannot count the years I've been carrying a 1911 style pistol with one in the tube and the thumb safety on. It has never gone off by itself. It has to have help. Like some one fiddling around with the thumb safety, grip safety and the trigger all at the same time...

 

[ByAnyMeans]

I love my Glock 26. I use a ten rounder for concealed carry and a fifteen rounder magazine with spacer for nightstand duty.

My main reason for a firearm such as a Glock is no external safety which allows the weapon to always be ready, an unloaded chamber would negate this. Granted you must be safety minded at all times but that should be no different than when handling any firearm. It saves me the need to flip a safety in a time of stress or cock the chamber when time is of the essence.

I use a Glock combat holster at the nine position (lefty) and a Desantis pocket holster for pocket carry in loose pants or sweatshirt/jacket pocket. I load it with Federal HST 147gr.

Regarding it "just going off", don't play with it and pay attention to what your doing. My gun is touched when it's removed from the nightstand safe to the holster and back at night. Always pointed in a safe direction with my finger off the trigger.

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Please do not assume that I know nothing about my choice of concealed firearm. Please do not assume that I am untrustworthy, or lack trust of myself regarding my firearm. Please do not assume that you all know more than I do, or that you are more capable than I simply because I choose not to carry chambered. We all have reasons why we do what we do. Care to discuss Murphy's Law?

 

[coondogger]

You should carry with a round chambered and the safety engaged. Unless you are proficient in Israeli draw method, an empty chamber will put your life in danger if your assailant is armed.

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Sorry Lawnguy. I didn't mean for my opinion to hijack your thread. I didn't realize that I was going to get raked over the coals.

 

[Orion8472]

In all my 41 years of living, I have never found myself in a situation where I felt in danger enough to need a gun. I've never been where one of my hands/arms becomes suddenly incapacitated. I know that it is good to be prepared, but . . . . come on. . . . . . .Guys. . . . . .come on. The odds are pretty low that anything will happen. If you want to carry chambered. Do so. If you want to carry unchambered, that's good too. If you DO find yourself in such a threat, even the unchambered gun can be chambered in enough time, unless attacked as you go around a corner. How many of you are fast enough even WITH a chambered and safety-ed firearm?

Whatever way you carry, be sure to be profecient in getting it ready to go. Get some snap caps and practice. As for, "what if it FTF", that can happen on the second round, too. What if your first shot misses. What if you graze and then stovepipe? We can play the "what if" game all day. Just make sure you use a good ammo in a good gun and be sure it feeds/ejects/fires properly.

Due to what I said in my first sentence above, I carry, but don't carry chambered. I'm confident enough that IF [big "if"] something happens, my chosen firearm/ammo type will function properly.

 

[AJChenMPH]

Okay, back on topic:

1. You've seen both sides of the argument, you need to make your own decision. I'm in the process of buying both a Taurus PT-709 and a Glock 19, and the plan is that both will be carried with a round in the pipe. My Browning BDA has some safety issues right now (see my saga here), so until I can get one of the other guns for carry, I'm carrying my BDA without a round in the chamber until I can get it fixed (it's my only gun right now).

2. The clock position has been discussed. See if you can find a gun shop that will let you try several different holsters based on your preferred carry position. High Noon Holsters, Crossbreed, C-TAC and KHolster.com all make holsters (IWB and OWB) that people seem to like. Cheaper Than Dirt will also show you what's available for the G26.

3. Ammo has also been pretty well discussed.

And since you have a G26, check this out as well: http://www.concealablecontrol.com/

I'm a big fan of the G26, and my original plan was to get one -- until I got a great deal from another THR member on a brand-new unfired PT-709. Then I decided two subcompacts didn't make a whole lot of sense, so I went ahead and committed to a G19 that someone else was selling. Of course, as my boss likes to tease me (he's also a firearms enthusiast), the plan seems to keep changing every other day...so a G26 may still be in my future.

 

[Lawnguy]

I can see this has been a very debated topic. I was having that very termoil myself which why i asked you guys. Thank you for all for your insight and personal preferences.

 

[Impureclient]

Rhetorical question: How many accidental or negligent discharges happen with a gun that has no bullet chambered?

 

[highorder]

Rhetorical question: What firearm should a negligent person carry for CCW?

Actual question: Detail a legitimate accidental discharge involving an unmolested, properly holstered weapon?

 

[Norinco982lover]

Actual question: Detail a legitimate accidental discharge involving an unmolested, properly holstered weapon?

I have yet to find one. The only times I have heard of something like this actually being proven to have happened is when somebody has a misfeed and jams their slide and starts hammering on it with a hammer.

I have heard of guns going off when they were dropped on a hard surface but this is usually a cheaper firearm without a drop safe. Also, a gun being dropped would be due to negligience on the part of the gun owner--not because the gun just "went off."

If you have arthritis or shaky hands or tend to drop things than sure--carry around an unloaded gun (or no gun at all).

But I think the question you have to ask yourself is this--why am I carrying a gun? If your answer is "self defense" than I think you have to ask yourself the next question: "why would I carry my gun unloaded when my attacker is going to have his loaded AND the element of surprise?"

 

[Orion8472]

I guess it comes down to a matter of personal comfort. Yes, a bg will have the element of surprise and perhaps an already loaded gun (could be armed with a knife).

I would feel more comfortable with my carry gun being in stage 1 than I would with a (for example) Glock. The trigger safety does work, but the thumb and grip safety on my EMP would make me more comfortable. . . . . even considering that you should never trust your safeties.

 

[Norinco982lover]

I would feel more comfortable with my carry gun being in stage 1 than I would with a (for example) Glock. The trigger safety does work, but the thumb and grip safety on my EMP would make me more comfortable. . . . . even considering that you should never trust your safeties.

I understand. My wife and I both like the added mental "comfort" of the grip safety AND the trigger safety on the XD. That being said...I carry my CZ82 with one in the chamber, hammer down (rebound hammer--not actually touching the firing pin) so besides the first shot being a heavy double action pull there are no safeties engaged.

~Norinco

 

[Turbobuddha]

1. Cocked and locked (1911) or otherwise chambered (G26).
2. Crossbreed Supertuck IWB holster or the KHolster (more customizable). I carry an SR9 in the Supertuck in horsehide (it gets humid hear here in KS) with the combat cut (helps with a secure draw/grip). Don't forget a GOOD gun belt. Makes all the difference in comfort and security.
3. Ammo - any good modern JHP will be what you want to load with. Be sure to test it in your weapon to make sure if feeds, cycles and otherwise works properly. Run at least a few mags worth of it through. Golden Sabres, Gold Dots, Hi-Shoks, what ever you can get. In 9mm, I like the 124gn +P Speer Gold Dots. Check Ammunition to Go to find some good deals on a few boxes at a fair price (compared to most local shops).

To elaberate on point 1, take a force on force class and you'll quickly discover how quickly you can get shot even with a chambered round. People who think they'll have time to rack a round and engage a target without anything going wrong should really try it out in real life. It just doesn't work. If your concerned about your pistol just going off all on it's own, you need to get a different pistol and/or just leave it at home. Modern pistols have several safeties so even if the cocking tab on the striker breaks, the pistol hits the firing block (unless you've pulled the trigger). Modern 1911's have several catches and safeties that all have to work together to fire the pistol.

As for murphy's law and the gun just going off while sitting in a proper holster, how about murphy's law when trying to draw a gun, rack a round and then engage your target? If your that afraid of your pistol, leave it at home, unloaded and in the safe.