The arguments are at least sincere. The empty chamber folks genuinely believe they can draw the handgun, then rack the slide to chamber a round at light speed. While this may be true, it will always be an extra step. Argue all you want, but it is equivalent to putting on your seatbelt just as the accident begins. It will rarely work out in our favor. I think it’s time again to explain why it’s important to carry hot.
Don’t Carry With an Empty Chamber
This discussion seems as long-lasting as the debate over 9mm vs .45 ACP. However, in my mind, this one is much more black and white. The premise of carrying a gun with a full magazine but no round in the chamber is often referred to as “Israeli Carry.” This is because it is the method that a majority of Israeli military and law enforcement use. The reason they carry this way is up for debate, but in short, they believe it is safer. Because of this SOP, many other agencies, especially around Europe, carry in this same fashion.
I would politely say stop it. Carrying on an empty chamber has always been used by entities or individuals lacking serious training. It is my belief that the Israelis don’t’ carry hot because the volunteer IDF members simply don’t get enough training. The command staff believes carrying without a round in the chamber is safer. While a foreign military has never approached me for doctrine advice, I suggest they add more training. This would get their folks up to speed before giving them a handgun to carry. Carrying with an empty is a band-aid fix to poor training. As responsible gun owners, we must filter out the BS that flows at times.
An Empty Chamber in Slow
Carrying on an empty chamber is dangerous because it slows your response and ultimate ability to defend yourself. The arguments will fly about how fast someone can rack a round. My reply is congratulations – imagine how fast you would be if you carried the gun in the condition it is designed for. This is a similar argument I hear from people with shotguns. “Racking your shotgun will scare the attacker away.” No, it won’t. All you did was tell the assailant that your gun was unloaded, and you are now panicking to get it ready.
Modern Firearms are Safe to Carry Hot
Modern firearms are completely safe to carry with a loaded chamber. Even firearms without mechanical external safety, such as the Glock, are safe. “Is there a time when you would ever support carrying with an empty chamber?” Yes, there is. A friend shared their own experience with this, and it is brilliant. If you are a brand-new gun owner and are trying to get comfortable with your gun, this may be an option. Carrying an empty gun around the house to simply acclimate to carrying a gun can be a good exercise. The minute you leave the house, however, the gun must be hot.
We often try to adopt ideas and techniques from people we admire. While the Israelis are indeed warriors, they are wrong to carry without a round in the chamber. Anyone trying to emulate that is simply following a poorly informed and dangerous practice. Keep your guns hot.
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