Concealed Carry

[Russell Roberts]

If you conceal carry, should you carry your firearm with it cocked and locked or leave the chamber empty?

[Full Quiver]

I have an 8 round revolver but I haven't got my carry permit yet (no I don't carry it). It has no safety so I would never have it cocked unless I intended to fire it. In Tennessee we need not conceal it.

[macgulley]

Never cocked and locked. Actual condition depends on what I'm carrying.
Single action auto - chamber loaded, hammer down, safety on
Double action auto - hammer down, empty chamber

[Russell Roberts]

macgully,

I have a double action Taurus 9mm auto with no hammer and a decocker. When I carry it, which isn't often, I carry one in the chamber and keep the safety on.

I gained some insight into how I might respond in a stressful situation when I was deer hunting one time and forgot to take the safety off and tried to squeeze the trigger. It cost me a deer. BUT, if confronted with a real life stressful situation I think I would have enough time to recover from such a mistake but NOT enough time to chamber a round AND take the safety off.

So my carry posture is based on safety and how I think I might respond in a stressful situation.

[Russell Roberts]

FQ, I like that ya'll don't necessarily have to conceal it. According to the woman who issued my license, we supposedly have to keep it concealed by I doubt that she is right. I haven't been able to locate any brandishing laws on the books in Mississippi. I have heard of some who open carry and haven't been challenged.

[macgulley]

macgully,

I have a double action Taurus 9mm auto with no hammer and a decocker. When I carry it, which isn't often, I carry one in the chamber and keep the safety on.

I gained some insight into how I might respond in a stressful situation when I was deer hunting one time and forgot to take the safety off and tried to squeeze the trigger. It cost me a deer. BUT, if confronted with a real life stressful situation I think I would have enough time to recover from such a mistake but NOT enough time to chamber a round AND take the safety off.

So my carry posture is based on safety and how I think I might respond in a stressful situation.

m

Which model Taurus is that? I'm not aware of a striker-fired pistol with a decocker and safety.
I highly recommend that you find a gun club in your area that has IDPA competitions. I started last spring and although it's not overly competitive, it definitely adds a level of stress that will help you find and correct your weaknesses. I am much more familiar with my firearm now and I believe I will be better able to respond correctly should the worst case scenario ever arise.
Just at a glance, it looks like Magnolia Rifle & Pistol Club might be the closest to you. You should check it out.
Magnolia Rifle & Pistol Club, P.O. Box 6476, Jackson, MS 39282 (range located in Byram, MS, about 8 miles south of Jackson). Contact 601-362-7771 or e-mail John Saulters; jhsaultersaol.com.

[macgulley]

FQ, I like that ya'll don't necessarily have to conceal it. According to the woman who issued my license, we supposedly have to keep it concealed by I doubt that she is right. I haven't been able to locate any brandishing laws on the books in Mississippi. I have heard of some who open carry and haven't been challenged.

You can find some great info about state gun laws at USACarry.com. Here's the direct link for Mississippi. http://www.usacarry.com/mississippi_concealed_carry_permit_information.html

[Russell Roberts]

macgulley,

Thanks for the info brother. It's a Taurus 24/7 Mlllenium Pro DS (Decocker Safety). I live in the country so I can shoot to my hearts content out here beside my house. I shot about a case last year and have a couple of cases left. I got to where I was pretty good at 25 yards though I realize most self defense situations would be at a much closer range.

It is a lot of fun to shoot. It is the first 9 mm I have owned. I used to have a colt 45 automatic. I think it was a 1991 model based on the M1911 (which I sometimes carried as a sidearm in the military). I hated the 45 and ended up giving it to the pastor, Kent Yarbrough, who recently offered to beat the &^$% out of my brother and stomp the hell out of me. Great guy.

Anyhow, I love the 9mm but the dadgum ammo sure is getting expensive. Maybe I will get out this Spring and pop a few caps.

[macgulley]

Plinking is great and I do that as often as possible but there's no substitute for the stress of being "under the clock" and having to make shoot/no shoot decisions. It's also a relatively inexpensive way to spend a Saturday. The range I go to charges $10 for members and $15 for non-members. A typical course is 6 stages and takes around 100 rounds. If you're ever in the Auburn/Opelika AL area on the second Saturday of the month, contact me and I'll pay your entry fee.
Back on the subject of plinking, I have al Ruger Mark I that's great for that. For a couple hundred bucks you can pick up a used one and shoot to your heart's content for just a little money.

[Russell Roberts]

macgulley,

Thanks for the offer brother! That would be fun although the chances of me being around there around then are pretty slim.

Still, you offer is generous. Thank you brother.

[Shellie]

You can carry open view in Ky.

Florida is concealed though.

[Russell Roberts]

I'm all for open carry. Then again, there's nothing like the element of surprise!