One In The Chamber?

[foszoe]

With a lot of home invasions in the Evansville area lately, I would like to keep a round in my 9mm chamber at all times. Is that something that will weaken the spring or anything? Being cocked all the time seems like it isnt healthy. What do you think?

Chambers are made to "hold" something!

 

[DragonGunner]

I think you should leave the rounds sitting next to the mag. Then when the situation arises you load the mags, then load the gun. Its safest that way. Should probably lock you gun away from the ammo to.

But seriously keep one chambered. Always.

In CA that wouldn't be in purple......

 

[IncendiaryGunner]

With a lot of home invasions in the Evansville area lately, I would like to keep a round in my 9mm chamber at all times. Is that something that will weaken the spring or anything? Being cocked all the time seems like it isnt healthy. What do you think?

From what I understanding, unless a spring is overly compressed or stored in an extreme temperature, it is the repetition of compression and relaxation that will generally wear out a spring.

In other words, a well designed handgun, with a well made spring, should not wear out simply by keeping a round chambered.

 

[indysims]

Don't worry about keeping one in the chamber you'll have plenty of time to chamber a round when you realize you are in danger...

http://youtu.be/9igSoJHEdUo

Or barely get you hand on your gun...

 

[ISP 5353]

If you don't have one in the chamber, you're doing it wrong.

^ This +100

 

[Boost Lee]

My 1911 is always cocked and locked; on my nightstand or on my hip.

 

[daddymikey1975]

About the Mug....seen them used very effectively even when empty....

Touche Mr. Mouse.... Touche

 

[printcraft]

From what I understanding, unless a spring is overly compressed or stored in an extreme temperature, it is the repetition of compression and relaxation that will generally wear out a spring.

In other words, a well designed handgun, with a well made spring, should not wear out simply by keeping a round chambered.

This /\

Springs wear with use.

 

[Sylvain]

Guns are designed to have a round in the chamber, otherwise you can shoot them.

A gun with 15+1 capacity should be loaded with 16 rounds, not 15, when the gun is in use anyway.

 

[Effingham]

With a lot of home invasions in the Evansville area lately, I would like to keep a round in my 9mm chamber at all times. Is that something that will weaken the spring or anything? Being cocked all the time seems like it isnt healthy. What do you think?

This is why my standard home-defense around-the-house piece is a .38 special. There's ALWAYS one in the chamber, and no stresses on anything.

 

[jaybird_123]

Thank you all for answering. I will keep one in the chamber.

 

[longbow]

I have you all beat.........

I have one in the chamber and a bullet half way down the barrel.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

The only times I don't keep one in the pipe is long guns in a vehicle. They tend to lack firing pin stops, so a hard jolt in a car crash could, in theory, cause it to fire. Same as not keeping a round under the hammer on old revolvers with the firing pin on the hammer in case you drop it.

I used to keep my guns in the safe loaded as well, but now when I'm getting them out its usually to re-oil them or to load them up for the range/hunting trip so I'm going to unload them anyway. I've got several loaded mags ready to go for each, though.

 

[right winger]

I am always locked and loaded.
So I donot worry about trying to load in a hurry

 

[hoosiersasquatch]

I would always have one in the chamber for my primary self defense firearm. If it is more than yourself in the house, proper access and storage should be considered.

 

[daddymikey1975]

I used to keep my guns in the safe loaded as well, but now when I'm getting them out its usually to re-oil them or to load them up for the range/hunting trip so I'm going to unload them anyway. I've got several loaded mags ready to go for each, though.

keep my safe guns loaded in case someone were to gain entry and force me to open it. Last ditch fighting chance I guess

 

[Spike_351]

If keeping a round in the chamber is something that bothers you then i would consider a revolver for home defense.

 

[lon]

There's no point in having a self-defense weapon if you're not going to keep a round in the chamber. I hate seeing people do this--especially if they're carrying it. In short time that it takes to put a round in the chamber in a defensive situation, a skilled criminal will kill you.

I'm sorry I had to laugh at that. A skilled criminal? If they were skilled they wouldn't be a criminal.

There are many different types of skills...critical thinking is one that comes to mind

 

[jaybird_123]

If keeping a round in the chamber is something that bothers you then i would consider a revolver for home defense.

Ya, I have both. I have been told that the 9mm is more powerful than the 38 though. Plus I have a few more rounds to insure they dont get back up.

 

[JDvader]

I agree with all of you that you should keep one in the chamber. However I have a 16 month old who gets into everything. I keep a 1911 loaded but not chambered because my daughter doesn't have the strength to chamber a round but she does have the dexterity to manipulate a safety and a trigger. So my trade-off is to keep a gun close it can't be chambered.