Carrying one in the chamber???

As long as the trigger is covered by a holster, you are good to go.

 

These guns were designed to be carried with one in the chamber. That is the primary reason for the long, fairly heavy double action only trigger pull. Additionally, with the light firing pin and spring, the chances of an accidental discharge even with a long drop onto a very hard surface are basically non-existent. Only with a pull of the trigger will this gun fire, thus it is important to ensure a good pocket (or other kind of holster) which protects the trigger. Other than that, you are good to go and carry safely.

Jim R

 

With any new device, a trial period is needed. I carried mine in a HOLSTER empty for a couple weeks. at the end of the day inspect the hammer and besure it is not down. once I had confidense in MY P3AT, a round has been in the chamber.

I WOULD NOT carry a loaded P3AT unholstered in a pocket

 

It's natural at first to feel awkward when carrying a gun with one in the chamber.

Carry it for a while with a full mag and nothing in the chamber. Then, check it all to make sure it didn't go off...it won't have.

Then, put one in the chamber and carry with confidence.

By the way, there is no other way to carry a gun for self defense than to have one in the chamber. In a self defense situation, you will not have time to pull the weapon, rack the slide, acquire your target and fire.

 

Eventually it will feel awkward to carry a gun without one in the chamber

SteveB

 

And, eventually it will feel awkward not having your gun on you. Similar to forgetting to put on your watch.
That's a great thing about the 380, you don't forget it's there, it's just there and you don't think anything of it.

As far as guns in general, our family tradition on chambered rounds is "Handguns hot, Long guns not"  

Maybe I should start a thread "Momma said..."

 

This has been an area of heated discussion in the past.
there is a post in the FAQ\VIP http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1204743856/0#0
that links first to here http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1204008212
which then links to here
http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1204008212

I still think there were some more heated discusions though

 

I carry one in the pipe AND gun in a holster that guards the trigger. ANd the wyas I carry do not allow the gun to bounce around and shift out of position.

 

I AGREE 100 % MOST IMPORTANT NO SHIFT NO LIFT--

 

i carry one in the chamber at all times,,, pocket holster, ankle holster, and/or belt clip. have done so for years, never had any problems.

 

I carry IWB with just the belt clip everyday.

 

Many apparently carry their handguns (whether the P3AT, PF9, or other) with just a belt clip and seem to have had little or no problem with it. But there are two basic arguments against it. First, clip carry, especially in a pocket, expose the pistol to all kinds of lint, dust, pocket junk, etc which can get into the guns mechanism and run the risk of a gun jam at the wrong time. A decent holster helps keep this junk out of the gun, and a clean pistol has a better chance of going bang when needed. Second, although instances are pretty rare I think, many of us just don't like the idea of leaving the trigger exposed to anything which could catch on the trigger and result in an inadvertent discharge. This especially holds true for IWB carry I think, but could also happen in a pocket if say, the trigger got caught on the edge of a desk when getting up, or many other possible scenarios. That being said, as always, each individual has to make those choices appropriate for themselves. But most, if not all, pros always emphasize the importance of a good holster which fully covers/protects the trigger. JMHO.

Jim R

 

I prefer carrying my handgun loaded. A pistol without one in the chamber isn't loaded. When you consider the reaction time after a threat is noticed, and the time it takes to get the pistol out of your pocket, you are already running out of time, if you haven't already. If you have to add time to chamber a round, and make sure you do it right while under pressure, you are probably going to be in deep do-do by the time you are ready to shoot.

I carry the P3AT, with a round chambered, in a Desantis Nemisis pocket holster a lot. It doesn't bother me a bit. To me, these double action pistols are like carrying a revolver. It doesn't shoot until you pull the trigger.

The apprehension can be understandable, and I don't doubt that at all. It's just something you have to get used to.

 

I know some people are fine with it, but I'm not. I'm talking about carrying it chambered with just the belt clip. Right now I'm looking for a good holster. Once I find one that works, that has a trigger guard, I will carry it chambered.

One thing I saw that was really cool was a holster used my the Russia special forces, the Spetsnaz. They have a holster that you push down on the gun to release it and it racks the slide at the same time so you don't have to carry it chambered if you're not comfortable with that. Awesome holster.

 

[highlight]"The apprehension can be understandable, and I don't doubt that at all. It's just something you have to get used to."[/highlight]

It was not that long ago that I got my CWL and began carrying daily. At first, I too was apprehensive about carrying hot. Didn't take long though to figure out the critical timing issue, or that a decent pocket holster (along with retraining myself to no longer place loose change, pens, pocketknives, etc. in my front right pocket) will keep me both prepared AND safe. It took a fundamental change in my behavior to create good carry habits. Now it's almost second nature. Interesting side note: A LGS owner recently tried to sell me on the merits of a pocket clip for my P3AT. I didn't buy it, either literally or figuratively. I trust a covered trigger, regardless of length of pull....one man's opinion.

 

+1 And the behaviors have to be constantly honed with training and practice.

 

I carry my P3AT in an Uncle Henry pocket holster in my front pocket. When I carry my winter gun, P11 with shirt tail out, I carry with a belt clip. The pistol is behind my 1 1/4 in belt, and the material of the waist band of my trousers. The trigger is well protected. But, to each his own.

Life is short, be happy