It’s one of the most common questions for new handgun owners and concealed-carry permit holders: should you carry a round in the chamber of a pistol?
Having a round in the chamber means the firearm is ready to shoot with the squeeze of a trigger, and while there are disagreements, many experts feel that keeping a chambered round is the right way to carry your pistol.
Arguments Against Chambering
If there is no round in the chamber, the gun is far less dangerous. There is less chance of it going off accidentally, and it only takes a fraction of a second to rack the slide and chamber a round. For these reasons, some people feel that keeping a round in the chamber is unsafe and irresponsible.
Arguments for Chambering
Others, however, feel that chambering a round is the smart choice. In a life-and-death situation, you may not have the presence of mind to rack the slide before puling the trigger, and the mere act of working the slide could cost valuable time. Preparedness, which is the reason that you have a concealed-carry permit in the first place, is the top argument for carrying a round in the chamber.
With Proper Safety, Carrying a Chambered Round is Acceptable
Whether or not you have a round chambered in your pistol is entirely up to you, but with the use of a proper holster, thorough knowledge of your firearm, and practice of the essential safety procedures, you can safely carry a round in the chamber while maintaining ease-of-mind and preparedness for any situation.
