What is Condition 1, 2, 3, etc., etc.

R

Rome

New member
TFL is a tremendous resource of information to novice firearm owners, such as myself.
I try to learn as much as I can about the terminology by reading everything I can get my hands on and have regularly come across posts that refer to "Condition #1" or "Condition #3", especially here at TFL. What are all the "conditions" these writers are referring to and where do they come from? I'm assuming that "condition #1" is the highest state of alert. Am I right?

Just curious.

Rome
 
Condition 1 refers to a 1911 / Single Action style pistol with a round in the chamber and the thumb safety on (commonly referred to as Cocked & Locked). Some also use "Condition 1" when referring to a traditional Double Action / Single Action pistol with a round in the chamber, the hammer cocked back and the safety off (since, when engaged, most safeties on DA/SA pistols would lower the hammer).
Condition 2 refers to traditional Double Action / Single Action pistol with a round in the chamber, the hammer down and the safety on. Some also refer to "Condition 2" as a Single Action style pistol with a round in the chamber, the hammer down and the thumb safety off (since, in most cases, it can not be engaged when the hammer is down).
Condition 3 is a pistol without a round in the chamber (doesn't matter if it's a Single Action pistol or a Traditional Double Action / Single Action pistol).
Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD
fud-nra.gif


[This message has been edited by FUD (edited April 19, 2000).]
 
Rome, I think you're mixing metaphors, so if I may be of service, allow me to offer the following context:

If you are referring to carry conditions:

Condition 1 (aka "cocked & locked) is usually reserved for single action (SA) automatics such as the 1911 patterm or Browning High Power, and means that there is a round in the chamber, the hammer is cocked and the slide safety is locked (on). It is the way this type of handgun is designed to be carried, in its highest state of readiness. The advantage is that it is very fast into action, the downside is that one must prctice carrying/shooting from this mode to be safe and proficient. Some SA/DA hanguns such as the H&K USP series and CZ's may also be carried in this mode.

Condition 2 is when there is a round in the chamber and the hammer is down (uncocked). This mode is for 'modern' handguns like the SIG, Glock, H&K, S&W, and other DA/SA autoloaders that are designed to be carried this way. These guns typically have 2 or three internal safeties that block the firing pin, and disconnect the sear & trigger so that the gun may only be fired by pulling the trigger. This type of gun is quite safe in this mode, SA autoloaders are not.

Condition 3 is where the hammer is down and there is no round in the chamber. This may be the safest way to carry an autoloader, but it is slow into action, as you must rack the slide to chamber a round before you're ready to fire.

Regardless of how you decide to carry, it is imperative that you figure out which mode you want to operate from and practice until it is reflexive.

The other set of 'conditions' you may have heard of is the color code espoused by Col. Jeff Cooper (USMC, ret.), the Gunner's Guru.
His writings are available at http://www.cybersurf.co.uk/JeffCooper/ well worth the time to study. Basically, it ranges from 'Condition White', where one is blissfuly/stupidly unconscious of any threat; 'Contition Yellow' - relaxed alertness; 'Condition Orange' - where you are aware that there are imminent threats, but yet to be identified; and lastly, 'Condition Red' - identified threats on the screen, the sh!t is about to hit the fan shortly, and you'd best have your hand on your gun. This is but a thumbnail, HTH, & welcome to TFL. M2

[Repaired Cooper link.]

[This message has been edited by Mal H (edited April 19, 2000).]
 
Rome: Aside from the condition 1,2, and 3, others have added Conditions 0 and 4,

Condition 0 meaning a round is in the chamber, hammer cocked, and safety off, and

Condition 4 referring to the condition in which the chamber is empty, hammer is down and no magazine is in the gun.

Further, Condition One is the most preferred by the experts for a balnce of readiness and safety, only the drawbacks is, it is scary to look at.

Condition Two is described as problematic for it is the source of more ND's then the other conditions. This condition two has been discussed by many of its pros and cons and it is very much preferred also by those who are used to it, who can control in lowering the hammer without any second thought that the hairline distance between the primer and firing pin will not engaged.

Just a small contributions from me.

Thanks,
 
I once read somewhere that the Brits SAS preferred "Condition 0" in their Brownings.

I think Condition 1 is just fine. Anything more or less is a waste.

Gator
 
OK. Thanks for the terrific replys, guys. As I stated in initially, TFL is a place of knowledge.

After reading through the posts, IMHO condition #2 would be the most comfortable state for a civilian to carry in. With a little practice, condition 2 readiness easily becomes condition 0. A quick flick of the safety, cock the hammer and you're RTF. In condition 2, you can drop the gun and it won't go off yet the initial shot is just those two clicks from being ready. If I were to find myself in a very uncomfortable situation for some reason, I would be tempted to go to condition 1 but only on a temporary basis. I'm not looking to debate this, guys and girls. I'm just applying my life experiences with the situations described using condition 0-4. That's all.

Thanks again, everyone.
Rome
 
There are other conditions:

Condition 18 - In your kid's back pack at school and just discovered by the teacher.

Condition 25 - In the gun safe at home when a real BG pulls a knife on you on the street.

Condition 31 - In the hand of your wife who has just been comparing notes with your girl friend in the lady's room.

Condition 32 - In the hand of your girlfriend when you tell her your wife has all the money and you don't plan to get a divorce.

Condition 42 - With a broken cast part when the BG has a cheap SNS that works.

Jim


[This message has been edited by Jim Keenan (edited April 21, 2000).]
 
Rome are you talking of Condition 2 with a DA/SA pistol or a SA pistol like a 1911? SA's will not allow the thumb safety to be applied if the hammer is down, at least most of them anyway. Cocking the hammer on a SA when the SHTF may be more of a problem than you think. With Condition 1, just hit the thumb safety and take care of business. A rapid draw combined with trying to thumb cock a SA under stress is not my idea of a real fun thing to try to do.

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Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"
 
In my case I carry a .380 da/sa. The hammer is down, the safety is on which makes the trigger inoperable but there is are 7 rounds in the clip and one in the barrel. So, to go to condition 1, you simply flick the safety up and cock the trigger to get to condition 0. You can also just flick the safety and go to Condition 1 and a DA initially. I practice just that. I pull a DA through a couple of clips at every session by releasing the hammer manually and then pulling the full trigger. Then I pratice DA/SA for the rest of the session. The hardest thing I have to actually do is the safety flick. But, even with that, I can go from Condition 2 to Condition 0 almost instantly. That is flick the safety and cock the trigger. With any kind of practice I won't even have to cock the trigger, however, especially if I continue to practice with the full trigger pull during the DA part of the action.
Whew! That was tought to explain.
I also shoot a Para Ordnance 13-45 which I love but wouldn't carry normally because of the size. The .380 is very accurate to 25' and good to about 45 -50', conceals easliy ( my wife doesn't even know I have it usually) and is reliable.

Thanks for the question.
R

[This message has been edited by Rome (edited April 21, 2000).]
 
So, when I carry my KelTec pistols with one in the chamber, it is considered condition 2
right?

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" But when you've been granted the privilege of being heard, take great care with this power and watch every word"
Black Oak Arkansas
 
Rome,
You did not state what type of pistol you are carrying so I am assuming the worst. In order for a 1911 to go into conditiion II, you must manually lower the hammer. Murphy's Law should speak for itself. Carrying a 1911 style pistol in Condition II is UNADVISABLE! Considering the fact that you have a loaded round in the pipe and firing pin hovering over a live primer, imagine tripping over a log or the hammer getting slightly caught on something.

What was failed to mentioned with 1911's is that they have three safeties to prevent accidental discharge while carrying in condition I. Firing pin safety, grip safety and thumb safety provides the 1911 with the highest degree of readiness and safety while carrying cocked and locked.

Although it looks menancing with the hammer cocked and knowing there is a round in the chamber, it would take a serious freak of nature for the round to just discharge. I would become an anti-gunner if that were to just happen.

I. In order for the round to discharge, thumb safety must be off and grip safety depressed while pulling the trigger.

II. If you are a carrying in condition I, II, or III, KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNLESS YOU PLAN ON FIRING IT.

III. Carry a 1911 the way it was designed, otherwise, get a revolver or some other DAO.

Just my $.02

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ArmySon
1911 Addiction
1911 Forums
"Rangers Lead the Way!"
 
Not to worry. I usually carry a Bersa .380 which drops the hammer when the safety is on. Even with a round in the chamber, I could throw this gun against the wall without worry. By quickly slipping the safety off, the gun transitions into condition 1. Cock the hammer and you're in condition 0 but keep you finger off the trigger.
R
 
Theres no good reason to let the hammer down on a loaded chamber 1911, do not do it. Carry in condition one as the gun was designed for.

...7th

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLICE, KEEP THEM INDEPENDENT.
 
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