One In The Chamber?

[Big R]

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?

I keep mine beside my bed and occasionally fire it, I've had it 3 years and it shoots flawlessly every time with out any problems.

 

[Mark 1911]

If you're going to shoot you need to chamber a round. Easier to do it before the BG comes in.

 

[Stang51d]

My AR stays at the ready with two mags of 5.45 Russian. Beyond that, there is an RPK with a loaded 75 rd drum.

 

[CitiusFortius]

Yes. Fumbling with a holster or safety would be difficult enough to deal with in a high stress situation. Why would you want to deal with chambering a round when a split second could be the difference between life and death?

There is no right or wrong. For all the people who talk so tough about "what they would do," my guess is very few IF ANY have dealt with a real home invasion in which discharging a firearm was necessary.

I do not begrudge people for having 1 ready as I do myself, but I would never encourage the storage or use of a firearm in a way that you are not 100% comfortable with.

 

[lonegun3]

One in the chamber, always.

I always got a kick out of a sheriff's deputy I knew who said who wouldn't carry one in the chamber because of the "safety factor." He always said if needed, he could rack the slide at any time.

Thankfully, he changed careers.

 

[Mitchell0481]

That's why I keep a revolver loaded at all times in the house.

 

[Mitchell0481]

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.

I keep mine in a bio safe near by.

 

[chezuki]

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

Why keep one in the chamber when you could keep six in the chamber!!

 

[jaybird_123]

Why keep one in the chamber when you could keep six in the chamber!!

Ya, I may just go that way. Semi-autos look cool, but I think maybe this is the best route.

 

[churchmouse]

Ya, I may just go that way. Semi-autos look cool, but I think maybe this is the best route.

Love the avatar...great movie.

 

[Tombs]

If a gun doesn't have a round in the chamber, it should either be in pieces being cleaned, or the responsibility of the owner is in question.

All guns are loaded. If they aren't, they'll kill you or get you killed.
Not only is this the best method of preventing NDs, it's also part of responsible self defense.

If you are comfortable around the gun unloaded, load it before someone gets killed.

 

[Tanfodude]

Always on the chamber here.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Why keep one in the chamber when you could keep six in the chamber!!

I must be doing it wrong.

I have the option of 5 or 7 on my revolvers.

 

[Pyriel]

Took me a bit to get comfortable drawing from my Blackhawk Serpa due the the ever present fear of contracting a horrible condition know as Glock leg. So while at the range I spent lots of time practicing condition 3 deployment and found this video to be most helpful. BTW I do carry condition 1 now since I've gotten more comfortable with my weapon not having a safety. http://youtu.be/rGD2j9ks38g