Carrying small framed semi-autos with round chambered?

R

Recoil spring

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I have been carrying my Ruger LCP (Gen. 2) with an empty chamber for years (5 in the mag). Got a Kahr CW 380 and found that it must be loaded with the slide release (not sling shoted) to get it to chamber a round properly, otherwise it hangs up on the first round. Kahr says this as well, and this pistol is noticeably tighter than the Ruger in fit. I got the Kahr for variety and still carry the Ruger too. I have a carry permit.

I have been using the soft Uncle Mikes pattern holsters and they blend well in my right hand pants pocket, also have a stiffer all leather Galco Pro 286 holster that I got for my Glock 26/19. However the Galco is larger, less likely to conceal.

Now that I am carrying a fully loaded mouse gun, is it too risky to use the softer Uncle Mikes, or should I stick to a stiffer holster? Am I being too sensitive about carrying a loaded/chambered pistol in my pocket? The Ruger has a 7 lb trigger, the Kahr a 5 lb trigger, both are very long and stiff. Also, will the firing pin spring get weak being in restrained position over time in ready to release format?


I have been in several robbery attempts and I do remember having to use one arm to block the blows of the attacker while going for my gun or knife in the past and did get socked hard in my head once while trying to chamber my pistol to make it operational and dropping my left arm to do so. So maybe this is a good thing to have it ready to fire. I have had J frame Smith and Wesson revolvers in the past but much bulkier to conceal over a mouse gun.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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I've never been a fan of carrying without a loaded chamber. To me it means you have a really expensive paperweight/club if you don't have the time or access to both hands to get a round chambered. As for holsters, I believe there are companies that make rigid pocket holsters. To me any holster without a rigid opening is a bad idea as the holster could fold in on itself and press against the trigger. I get why people like the nylon holsters but there have been a number of negligent discharges with folks using ones that are worn and the fabric loses some rigidity and does fold in on itself.

I'm not intimately familiar with either design, but to my knowledge the LCP II uses a slightly cocked hammer spring and the Kahr uses a slightly cocked striker spring (not exactly a firing pin spring per se). If either is true DAO and not cocked at all someone will correct me. But those pistols are generally designed with the notion of those springs being in tension. They should hold up fine and if it really concerns you then you could replace the springs every year or so (generally there is a round count associated with their replacement). We did have a discussion some time back about carrying the LCP II with a loaded chamber because apparently it has no firing pin block. I think the official word when someone called Ruger was that they didn't recommend carrying with a round chambered. You might be able to find the thread if you do a search (I'm on my phone or I'd try for you).


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When I pocket carry my LCP Custom I use a Nemesis holster. I carry it chambered. The holster is stiff and covers the trigger well. The main thing is to holster the gun then put them together in the pocket. I never try to put the gun in the holster while the holster is in my pocket. I also don't put anything else in that pocket when the gun is in there. So far so good, works great.
 
The main thing is to holster the gun then put them together in the pocket. I never try to put the gun in the holster while the holster is in my pocket. I also don't put anything else in that pocket when the gun is in there. So far so good, works great.
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^ Good advice.
 
I have been carrying my Ruger LCP (Gen. 2) with an empty chamber for years

I have had J frame Smith and Wesson revolvers in the past but much bulkier to conceal over a mouse gun.
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If you're not comfortable carrying with one in the chamber, you should probalby go back to the snubby. They aren't that hard to pocket carry discreetly.

(5 in the mag).
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???

Why? LCP magazines hold 6 rounds.

Now that I am carrying a fully loaded mouse gun, is it too risky to use the softer Uncle Mikes, or should I stick to a stiffer holster?
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Try a DeSantis Nemesis. They're pretty stiff, but mold slightly to the gun. They're inexpensive and work very well. My default choice for pocketable guns.

(Another "must get" for the LCP is Hogue's grip sleeve. Makes it much easier to handle, adds little bulk.)

I have been in several robbery attempts and I do remember having to use one arm to block the blows of the attacker while going for my gun or knife in the past and did get socked hard in my head once while trying to chamber my pistol to make it operational and dropping my left arm to do so.
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I can't imagine how much that must suck, trying to rack the slide on the little LCP in those circumstances.
 
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It sounds like you live in or frequent dangerous areas.

Ditto on carry with a round in the chamber - - doing otherwise could cost you your life.

I have pocket carried a Kahr, Glock 26 and a Glock 43 - round chambered - in neoprene (soft) pocket holsters for over a decade without a single issue. If I can do it I hope you can too.
 
I personally wouldn't carry without it being chambered, however your personal comfort level should be the priority. In a bad situation your time to react will likely be minimal. I also pocket carry during the work week. I use a DeSantis holster with the additional flap which properly holds it in place all day regardless of the activity. I always put my thumb on the hammer when holstering, so if there is any snag I'll feel it before it becomes an issue.
 
Round in chamber. DeSantis Nemesis (or similar rigid design) - if you are going to pocket carry.

If you frequent high hazard areas, you should consider not using pocket carry at all, but go to a carry method allowing faster draw.

Try to draw from a pocket while seated and seat belted in a vehicle.
 
This is why I switched from the LCP to the S&W BG. Basically the same gun as far as size and weight, but I wouldn't carry the LCP with one chambered. I feel comfortable doing so with the BG because it has a safety.

I use a hybrid IWB holster, and the BG just disappears in it.

David
 
I have to agree with all of the people who say carry chambered. I would also suggest you look into IWB carry instead of pocket carry as it is MUCH faster to draw from. I used to pocket carry my Kahr PM9 but switched to a Glock 43 with the clip that fits inside the waist band. You never know if your weak hand might be needed to fend off a knife attack, holding something you can't put down (child), or if your weak hand is injured and out of commission. The key is to have a good holster that covers the trigger. If you want a very simple "holster" that is very minimalistic, try this one. https://www.amazon.com/ShowJade-Rug...pons&keywords=ruger+lcp+trigger+holster&psc=1
I would still put something over the front of the gun if you insist on pocket carry to break up the outline of the gun.
 
If you don't feel comfortable carrying a gun with a chambered round, I'd rethink that gun/holster option.

Having to load the gun kind of defeats the idea of defense... as your threat isn't going to always give you time to ready your pistol.
 
I think it is reasonably possible to carry a firearm without a round chambered and deploy it one handed. It requires both a very stiff belt and a fairly good size (and solid) rear sight. Being able to chamber a round one handed is something that one carrying should at least be passably familiar with.

That being said chances are when carrying a pocket pistol one is not wearing a very stiff belt nor does one have large enough rear sights for the drill to work.

If you are going to attempt to prove me wrong on that last statement please do so using dummy rounds (or frankly whenever practicing such a drill).
 
I think it is reasonably possible to carry a firearm without a round chambered and deploy it one handed. It requires both a very stiff belt and a fairly good size (and solid) rear sight. Being able to chamber a round one handed is something that one carrying should at least be passably familiar with.
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Can it be done? Yes, though I would argue doing so under attack is different than practicing at home or on a square range. I also agree it should be practiced in the event you lose the use of your support hand and need to rack the slide. To me it's for an emergency situation. I see no reason to put yourself at such a disadvantage willingly.
 
I have been in several robbery attempts and I do remember having to use one arm to block the blows of the attacker while going for my gun or knife in the past and did get socked hard in my head once while trying to chamber my pistol to make it operational and dropping my left arm to do so.
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Forget the handgun. Get yourself an AR, a red dot and a 2 point tactical sling.
 
empty chamber?

Why carry a CCW that is non-functional when it is needed the most? There are many concealable semi autos with ergonomic safeties that work with one hand. I carry an AMT Backup in a DeSantis G5 pocket holster. The AMT carriers 7-rounds (6+1) and has both manual safety and grip safety that operate with one hand.
Carrying a CCW that is slow to bring to battery is foolish and can easily get you killed.
 
I carry an LCP, chambered in a Uncle Mikes ankle holster. It's a soft holster but with a long DAO trigger pull and only my foot to shoot I feel perfectly comfortable.
 
LCP II

I carry with a Sticky holster and trigger block. I had the same worries and feel much better now. The block can be removed as quickly as releasing a safety.
I have the S&W Bodyguard as well but just could not get use to the trigger.
 
Yes, only when a round is chambered. When did an attacker ever march forwards within plain sight, from a safe distance (for a handgun)?

Maybe at Shiloh Battlefield in TN, 1862.

Pocket carry? It would never be considered. Pockets are meant to be tight, to grip wallets, car keys and Kleenex.
 
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