Those of you who use a semi-auto shotgun for defense, what condition do you keep it?

gulogulo1970

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I've kept pump shotguns for home defense for almost 40 years. Always safety off, full magazine, just cycle it and it is ready.

I just bought a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. I'm going to shoot it for a few months and become comfortable with it, then load it up and hopefully never need it.

My question how do you keep your semi-autos ready? I'm thinking full tube and cycle the action; or full tube, one in chamber, safety on. How do you all store yours and be ready for whatever?
 
Before I switched to a carbine, I kept my Benelli M1 in condition 1 (loaded chamber, safety on) with 6 rds in the magazine 9holds 7) in a V-Line gun vault:

oc6p03Cl.jpg
 
I rarely keep a long gun chambered. All duty pumps and semi autos are condition 3. Exposed hammer levers sometimes have a round loaded with the hammer on half-cock. Also at play is my general dislike of energized firing systems for daily utilization. In CO, longtime game rules prohibit vehicle carry of round in chamber long-guns, so it just seems normal to me. I don't feel "less tactical" not having a chambered long-gun.
 
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Getting to "cruiser ready" is easy to understand for a pump-action shotgun. Close bolt on an empty chamber, safety off, press trigger, load tube. The gun is now safe to store. When needed, cycle slide and go to work.

For an autoloader like a A300UP, getting to cruiser ready is a little different. Close bolt on an empty chamber, safety off, load tube, PRESS THE CARRIER RELEASE to drop a shell onto the lifter. The gun is now safe to store. When needed, cycle the bolt and go to work.

The process matters.
 
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Yeah chamber empty and safety off. I have mine right by my bed. It's not drop safe. This on a pump shot gun. My semi auto isn't even loaded
 
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Serious question, perhaps tangential to the original question:
If a semi-auto handgun is (in general, not specific models) carried in Condition 1, why are long arms carriers/owners apparently adverse to Condition 1?

-jb, obviously not an owner
 
If a semi-auto handgun is (in general, not specific models) carried in Condition 1, why are long arms carriers/owners apparently adverse to Condition 1?
Most modern handguns are drop safe.

Modern long guns are not.

Those who store a long gun in condition 1 are at real risk of an unintended discharge if the gun is dropped or knocked over.
 
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luzyfuerza seza
Most modern handguns are drop safe.
Modern long guns are not.
Thank you. Assuming that's correct it makes sense. Not to flagellate a decease equine, but my quick search shows [paraphrased] most are drop safe from reasonable distances, many popular models (Rem 870, Moss 800, Benelli maybe) are safe, etc. fluctuating yes/no/maybe. o_O

-jb, thread drifting, I may start a separate thread
 
My grandfather, who raised me, mom and dad died a month apart when I was quite young, hung a pump shotgun by my bed at 13. I have kept a pump there for 64 years. Tube full, chamber empty, ready to simply pump and chamber. 6 extra on the sling, and two five round boxes to pocket.

IMG_3873.jpeg
 
I don't use semi-shotguns for home-defense; I use semi-rifles.
vehicle: chamber empty, safety off, mag loaded and inserted.
home: chambered (chamber full), safety off, mag loaded and inserted.
 
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