Carrying a Colt Defender ??

[KD5NRH]

KD5NRH, TXI’s statement, “There is no need to cock a modern double action revolver,� is correct within the context of this discussion.

The original statement I responded to was "One does NOT lower the hammer on a revolver with a loaded chamber. " Given that situations change unexpectedly, especially with respect to range safety, and no one in their right mind is going to stuff a cocked revolver into a rug and toss it in the trunk to drive to a better location to fire it off, there is sometimes a need to lower the hammer on a loaded chamber. I do it fairly often with single action and double action revolvers used in single action mode for accuracy, for reasons as small as the wind blowing my target off the backer.

Now from the perspective of a defensive shooter, soldier or police officer, taking the time to cock the hammer is time you don’t have.

So is stuffing mags, but how many people admit to carrying an extra box of defensive ammo in the car just in case they have that time? Heck, I doubt I'll ever need the shotgun in the trunk, and doubt even more that I'll have time to get it if I do, but it's still there because I don't want my last words to be "if only I'd had a shotgun in the trunk."

I can shoot DA pretty well, and it accounts for 90% or more of my practice with revolvers, but I can't get the sort of accuracy I can get SA; if I happen to have that extra split-second when pinpoint accuracy could make the difference, I don't want to be the one telling the victim's family, "Sorry, I could've had a decent shot at the shooter, but I don't practice firing my weapon in its most accurate mode." or worse, "I'm really sorry I shot your kid when he was getting away from the psycho, but I thought I could make that shot without hitting him." Unlikely? Sure, but it's pretty darn unlikely that I'll ever be attacked by three guys who square off in perfect IDPA-target form at an exact ten-yard distance from me too, but I practice that scenario, why not every one I can possibly set up on the range with the materials at hand?

The fact that S&W. Colt, Taurus and others still tout the single-action triggers on their modern DA revolvers is irrelevant within the context of TXI’s statement and the discussion of modern revolvers for defensive shooting.

Actually, neither quote appeared to be within the context of defensive shooting; this thread started about an administrative procedure, (decocking the 1911 after loading as prep for carry - I seriously doubt the OP was planning to decock after a reload under fire and wait until he had a shot to cock it) which is also what I would consider lowering the hammer of a drop-safe revolver to be.

Oh, and the Blackhawk revolver is not a modern design.

I'm pretty sure I acknowledged that when I brought it up.

Single-action revolvers like the Blackhawk are primarily marketed to collectors/enthusiasts, grown men who still like to play “Cowboys and Indians,� as well as hunters who believe the single-action frame is inherently stronger than that found in a double-action revolver for use with larger cartridges such as 454Casull.

And in the context of a blanket statement like "One does NOT lower the hammer on a revolver with a loaded chamber," there is nothing to exclude those people who would clearly have a need from time to time. Also, "There is no need to cock a modern double action revolver,� doesn't appear to exclude the folks who hunt or shoot silhouettes with Pythons, 460XVRs and other modern DA revolvers in SA mode. For that matter, the best feature of a DA for hunters, the ability to take a carefully aimed SA shot at a target that is unaware of your presence, and followup if need be with quick DA shots could be useful in a third-party defensive situation as well. (for that matter, I can think of a scenario or two where it might be useful in self defense too, but if we're going there, let's move it to another thread)

[flechero]

If I have to go into a known bad situation then i would go Con 1 without a doubt but back to Con 2 when safety permits.

With no disrespect intended- It's the unknowns I worry about. I doubt very many people thought they would be a victim that day... if we could see the future, we would avoid the danger and none of us would need to carry or even own a firearm for defensive purposes.

Between shock & surprise, nerves, adrenaline and a probable loss of fine motor skills, getting from cond. 2 to shots off in a hurry is a high odds bet.

Returning to cond. 2 after a "scare" repeatedly, is an additional and IMO, unnecessary N.D. risk.


Just rambling thoughts from an average guy.

[flechero]

I totally missed the original question in my other response.

I carry a Kimber Ultra CDP II, which is essentially the same size, one of two ways. Depending on attire and where I have to be that day, I use a Milt Sparks VMII or a Bear Claw kydex IWB with a clip. Both excellent holsters but the VMII is certainly more comfortable for all day wear.

I carry cocked and locked. If you aren't comfortable with that, you might consider a j-frame or a DAO pistol. It takes no more than a couple days to get used to C & L, if it's on your mind at all. Maybe carry it that way around the house for a while or just on short outings until you feel comfortable. Regardless of your mode or weapon... practice and training.

God Bless,

keith

[Broge5]

OK, come on guys. Manually cocking is a necessity. Don't you watch tv? What else makes that cool sound that tells the bad guy that he's busted?

I came home one night trying to be quiet and not wake my ex. As I put my hand on the bedroom door, in the pitch black, there is no sound more distinct and chilling than a chamber being racked in semi-auto.

Broge5