When you find yourself in a situation in which you have to draw your weapon in self-defense, every second counts. Taking the time to load a round in the chamber may mean the difference between life and death.
Modern firearms have many safety features that prevent unintentional firing. However, it is important to have the right equipment and training to minimize the risk that your firearm will be triggered unintentionally.
1 – Develop Finger Discipline
This tip may seem obvious, but it cannot be stressed enough. Keep your finger away from the trigger until you have made the decision to fire the weapon. Gun owners who carry with a round in the chamber must practice extensively to develop finger discipline to keep their fingers off the trigger until they are ready to fire.
2 – Understand Your Firearm
Before you carry concealed, you should have extensive training on how to load, draw and fire your CCW. Once you are familiar with the weapon and understand how it operates, you can be confident that it will not fire unintentionally.
3 – Follow the Four Rules of Gun Safety
As always, it is imperative that you follow the four rules of gun safety:
- Treat all guns as if they are loaded
- Never point your gun at anything you are not prepared to destroy
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what is beyond it
4 – Use a Proper Holster
If you’re carrying a firearm with a round in the chamber, it is essential that you use a holster that is designed to carry your gun. The main concern with an ill-fitting holster is that part of the holster or a piece of your clothing could enter the trigger guard, causing the trigger to be pulled unintentionally.
A good holster safely secures the firearm, keeps the firearm concealed, and keeps the gun easily accessible.
5 – Keep Training Until You’re Confident
It is extremely dangerous to carry a firearm with a round in the chamber if you lack the confidence that comes with firearms knowledge and experience. If you plan to carry concealed but you’re worried about an accidental discharge, don’t carry your weapon with a round in the chamber.
Practice drawing, firing and reholstering until you are confident that you have the discipline and training needed to safely carry a loaded gun.
