Firearm safety is paramount. We encourage everyone who handles a weapon to take the most conservative approach toward safety and to continually improve their firearm training.
Empty chamber carry is an incredibly common practice among people who want to protect themselves with a firearm but fear the consequences of an accidental discharge. Basic firearm safety encourages all firearms to remain unloaded with an empty chamber until the shooter intends to fire the weapon. Keeping the firearm unloaded and the chamber empty is a safe precaution that should be encouraged, but how does this precaution impact the effectiveness of a defensive carry?
In the 19th century, single action revolvers were often carried with one chamber empty because the firing pin actually rested on the primer. A small jolt or bump could theoretically cause a discharge. This type of accidental discharge is not universal, and handguns have become increasingly complex in the last 200 years, yet people still cite this reason for carrying with an empty chamber.
Not all firearms are identical, therefore the first step towards safely carrying your weapon is to understand how it works. Take the time and learn how the internal mechanisms of your firearm function. Study the cycle of operation, determine what are the specific risks of carrying a chambered round, and understand what could cause an accidental discharge in YOUR FIREARM.
Proponents for empty chamber carry are often convinced that any situation will allow them the time to grasp their weapon with both hands and chamber a round. It takes less than a second, right?
The reality is that not every ambush situation will allow time or space to draw and chamber a round before it is too late. The attacker usually has the advantage, even if you see them first they will be the one to start the engagement more often than not. The outcome of the encounter is usually determined in the first 2-3 seconds because the attack is usually over in the first 2-3 seconds. For that reason alone, the empty chamber carry could be a dangerous option for a defensive carry.
So how do you find the balance between adequately protecting yourself while safely carrying your firearm? The answer is simple, training. DO NOT start carrying a round in the chamber just because you read some article on the internet. This article DOES encourage everyone to improve their knowledge, awareness, and defensive capabilities. If you felt it was necessary to carry a weapon in the first place, it is probably time to take some defensive carry courses now and change your carry style later. If you still feel uncomfortable with a round in the chamber, then take the time to become proficient at quickly and SAFELY drawing and charging the weapon.
This virtual shooting simulator shows just how quickly a seemingly casual, if not mildly suspicious, conversation with a stranger could turn into the final moments of your life.
Carrying for defense is only useful for those individuals who have taken the time and effort to train themselves in the proper use of their firearm. This does not mean standing in a static position and throwing some lead at a stationary paper target.
The training required to actually defend yourself with a concealed or open carry firearm is much more detailed than simple marksmanship. A defensive shooter must be comfortably prepared to identify a threat, draw, and make a decision in a fraction of a second. Fraction is the key word here. In order for any of these requirements to be met, the shooter must first be completely familiar with all aspects of their weapon, and choose the appropriate weapon that fits their needs and abilities.
If you are not properly trained to comfortably carry a weapon with a round in the chamber, where else is your training insufficient? You probably should stop carrying your firearm until you are proficient enough to do so correctly. You may need to select a different weapon for daily carry. An empty chamber won’t be enough to keep you from accidentally hurting someone if you don’t know what you’re doing in the first place.
Don’t be stupid. Maintain situation awareness, even when you’re at home and storing your weapon at the end of the day. DO NOT attempt any new behavior with a loaded weapon until you have practiced and mastered the technique unloaded or with dummy rounds.
If you plan on carrying a weapon, concealed or open, chambered or empty, go take some defensive training courses first. Know what your response time will be BEFORE an attack occurs, and always work on reducing that time. You’ll be more comfortable, everyone will be safer, and you may actually develop some skills that could save your life or the lives of those around you.