I've read different things about this and a good portion of the issue is how you train and how much. If you train yourself to disengage a safety as you draw that's one thing, if you train yourself to disengage the safety (manual external) and say, cock a hammer, then that's another. Training yourself to draw the weapon and rack the slide in a consistent and muscle memory developing way can easily mitigate some of the concern about speed and weapon readiness. On the other hand (pun intended) the point was made that you may not have both hands free to execute the actions needed to chamber a round.

The weapon and your comfort level with it is the most important thing. I've not read a lot about Glocks and/or Locked and Cocked 1911's having numerous issues with AD. But for god sakes, it’s a weapon, all weapons are dangerous. They are indiscriminant and have no compunction against putting the bullet in you over the other guy. Safety and more importantly, safe handling are critical at ALL TIMES!

Taking the time to drill your draw from different positions and in different settings is critical. Having the weapon on your hip and not training or drilling yourself to gain muscle memory is negligent and dangerous. Learning how your weapon can and will snag on a jacket or shirt or sweater, how you will access the weapon with your weak side hand and other such basic things can be the difference between life, death or self harm.

I think that if you are comfortable with your weapon in a loaded configuration and are confident in your practice and ability, then by all means carry it that way. If not and that's your desire (meaning carrying cocked and loaded), then perhaps the issue is your confidence in your ability and or the weapon. I personally do not store my weapons with a round in the chamber, but I do carry all of them loaded, even during practice. I abide by the “A gun is always loaded” rule and treat them all accordingly.

I've been having very similar conversations with novice shooters a lot this year and my advice stands... Practice Practice Practice and then do it all over again. Shoot your weapon, do live fire drills, shoot as often as you can and do it with purpose! While just standing in a single position is great for gaining basic confidence in your weapon and basic skills

I feel that if you are shooting under 500rnds a month with your Carry Weapon, that you're absolutely not shooting it enough. Ammo and time is cheap compared to a life threatening mistake when and if the time comes to draw and use your carry weapon!


----------- anyone need a slightly used soap box?