0122 - Carry Gun Condition [ 9:47 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (323)

One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is the opportunities it provides to be reminded of my humble beginnings.  In the past 12 years or so that I have become increasingly interested in self-defense and concealed weapons I have had the opportunity to gain a tremendous amount of knowledge.  Working with students who are where I once was is an excellent reminder of where it is that I came from.

That being said, I don’t ever remember being in a place where I didn’t carry a gun with a round in the chamber.  I am always surprised as to how often I read on the www how people are unsure as to whether they should carry their gun with a round in the tube.

Everyone must make their own decision on how it is that they prepare themselves for a violent encounter.

• Each individual has their own set of circumstances so we know that one solution won’t work for everyone
• There are however some trends in violence that we need to factor into our decision making process
  • Violence is chaotic and fast
  • We often find out about our involvement in a violent encounter after it has begun
  • Since we are behind the curve having to load a handgun only puts us further behind
• Handguns are inanimate mechanical objects
  • Many people avoid carrying a round in the chamber to avoid the possibility of a ND
  • The firing of a gun requires a specific sequence of events to occur and that most often begins with the trigger being pulled by the operators finger.
  • Keep you finger off the trigger, and the gun isn’t going to go bang.
• Handguns are a tool of LETHAL force and will be treated as such in a court of law and by the dirt-bag you are pointing it at, loaded or not.

If we take care of just a few things, most people can carry a handgun in the condition that most are designed to be carried and that is with a round in the chamber.

• Use a good holster that retains the gun well and covers the trigger guard
• Keep our handgun in good mechanical condition
• Get trained