1911 cocked and unlocked carry

Would you carry a revolver with the hammer cocked? I don't see a difference. You do obviously carry a revolver, unless it's an older SA without a transfer bar, with a full cylinder hammer down on a live round.

But as with a DA auto and to some extent a striker pistol, you have a longer squeeze before the trigger breaks.
 
I carry my RIA loaded & on half cock, I have carried 1911's this way for nearly 40 years with no problems. But I will say this method of carry is not for everyone, in fact I know a few people that I would rather didn't carry loaded firearms at all. :eek:
 
loaded & on half cock, I have carried 1911's this way for nearly 40 years with no problems
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Since you haven't had any problems, no one should say your method is wrong.

However, the 1911A1 is mechanically safer with the hammer all the way down on a loaded chamber than it is at half cock.
 
Dannyboy53 said:
I carry my RIA loaded & on half cock, I have carried 1911's this way for nearly 40 years with no problems.
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what is the reason to carry this way? ...and no Im not criticizing just curious I just cant think of any advantage over carrying with the hammer down. I do know the half cock was not designed for this and can break if dropped on the hammer in half cock.
 
Koda I suppose maybe it is habit, I have done it for so long. I worked for a Sheriff that allowed 1911s for duty use however a subsequent Sheriff banned all SA pistols/revolvers (Probably was for the best!).

I wore a holster made to carry the 1911 cocked/locked, it was a Tom Threeperson holster and a strap went between the hammer and slide. On the range when I drew, I simply thumbed the hammer position to full cock.
 
I AM criticizing!
A 1911 should never be carried on half-cock!
The half cock notch is designed to catch the hammer if it slips from full-cock, or while cocking the gun.
The gun will discharge if dropped on the hammer! The half cock notch will break, and the hammer has sufficient force to fire the gun.
If you are scared to carry cocked and locked, carry with the hammer fully down (it's safe)-but NEVER carry on half-cock.
 
Additionally, I seem to recall that JMB's original design did not have a grip safety. That, I believe, was also installed upon the Army's recommendation.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
carry with the hammer fully down (it's safe)-but NEVER carry on half-cock.
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I would argue that hammer down is not safe. It may be safe once the hammer is actually down, but the only way to lower it is to pull the trigger. Everything is fine, as long as your thumb doesn't slip off of the hammer spur.
There are only two safe ways to carry a 1911. One is with an empty chamber and the other is cocked and locked.
 
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