Carry with 1 in Chamber?

[Oremus]

Originally Posted by TexicanKid

Living out in the peaceful country with little ones around, I carry Condition 3 (mag loaded, chamber empty). I figure I can see trouble coming and rack the slide if needed.

Were I single and living in the city, however, I'd carry one in the chamber.

I had the same mindset as you when I was carrying a glock 23 - I have little ones tugging on my shirt or playing on the floor and if I walk by them the gun is essentially aimed at them being that low on the ground. But that's why I bought an XD40 - for the simple reason of an additional passive safety; the grip safety. Now I plan on carrying with one in the tube. Being caught off guard puts you at a disadvantage in every way and I feel I owe it to my family to be prepared. Not trying to push you either way - you have to do what you feel comfortable with and in the least just by having a gun you're a contestant in the game just a disadvantaged one.

Being completely honest here: In switching from a G23 to a springfield XD I will carry condition 3 (full mag, none in chamber, firing pin cocked) and do my normal daily routine for a week or two and see if there is anything that would cause my gun to discharge such as shirt tails getting snagged etc... just for piece of mind. I've done this with my glock and now since I plan to carry the XD40 I'm putting it to the test before I start carrying chambered. I know it's not necessary and it's mostly a psychological comfort of having tested the gun in this fashion.

[DNM]

Originally Posted by Oremus

Being completely honest here: In switching from a G23 to a springfield XD I will carry condition 3 (full mag, none in chamber, firing pin cocked) and do my normal daily routine for a week or two and see if there is anything that would cause my gun to discharge such as shirt tails getting snagged etc... just for piece of mind. I've done this with my glock and now since I plan to carry the XD40 I'm putting it to the test before I start carrying chambered. I know it's not necessary and it's mostly a psychological comfort of having tested the gun in this fashion.

When I first started reading this, I was trying to figure out why you'd carry it empty but "cocked". I can see why you're doing this and as you said it's mainly for peace of mine. I would like to remind you though that for the striker to be released the trigger (and trigger "safety") must be pulled along with the grip safety being depressed. But good luck with your test.

I always carry with one in the chamber...

[AZXD40]

Originally Posted by AZcreeker

I carry my LCP with one in the chamber. But it has been reported on Rugerform that an incident happened when one was accidently dropped and went off.

RugerForum.com :: View topic - LCP & Accidental Discharge

I carry it in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster, which covers the trigger.

Don't Drop it ... lol J/K.. I carry an LCP and if it is not in my pocket or on target it is unloaded.. Just in case.

The LCP does not have a anything between the firing pin and the cartridge. to prevent it from striking upon dropping it just a hammer block to prevent the hammer form dropping when jarred. The XD does however have a firing pin block and will prevent the firing pin form being able to strike the Primer until all safeties have been depressed.

[afmo]

someone else already said it. I said it last time this topic came around, i'll say it this time too: "A gun without a bullet in the chamber isn't a gun, it's an ammo storage device."

[bigbad401]

My first several times carrying I loaded a snap-cap in the chamber with the gun cocked just to see if it would "fire". Never did, and now I go out with one in the chamber.

[teamcnabb05]

always. you never know.

[FunkyD]

Originally Posted by bigbad401

My first several times carrying I loaded a snap-cap in the chamber with the gun cocked just to see if it would "fire". Never did, and now I go out with one in the chamber.

+1 on this idea. If you are leery about carrying with a live round in the chamber, this can help reassure you that, as long as you follow the basic safety rules (especially the one about keeping your finger off the trigger unless you intend to shoot), you are good to go.
I did this for a week with my Kel-Tec before "going live".

In-the-chamber is the only effective way to carry when away from home. You may not have a hand free to rack the slide if something goes down.

As far as the XD goes, I have 2 boys not yet ready to shoot, so I have to keep the XD in my nightstand with the mag out (condition 4), but accessible in the room. At night, I either bring in the Kel-Tec out of the car, or put the mag in the XD (condition 3).

[TexicanKid]

I trust the XD design completely, such that if the gun were inadvertently pointed at an anti-gun protestor, I'd be fully confident it there'd be no chance of an AD (accidental discharge).

It's the ND stuff that worries me (i.e., a smart toddler swiping your gun out of your holster, and it taking a few scary seconds to retrieve it).

Also, individual self defense might rely more upon Condition 1 (when you're the direct target), but collective self defense (i.e., some citizen lawfully carrying in the mall when a lunatic goes postal) makes Condition 3 adequate. And for home defense, if a shotgun in the bedroom works okay, then a pistol in condition 3 on your hip is just as accessible.

But, I know this discussion has gone back and forth on the boards.

[Elton]

Originally Posted by Modificationvt

I carry a XD40SC with one in the chamber...I mean why wouldnt you

x2

[Vandal]

I carry with a round chambered. It is always loaded so that if I need my xd I don't have to think about racking one in. It is a personal choice as to whether one carries with live ammo in the chamber or not.