Yep. However, I do think the one definitive statement that can be made is that however one chooses to carry, he must practice "drawing" from the holster many hundreds of times. If you are going to carry empty, you better be as good or better (and as fast or faster) than Paul in racking that slide once your weapon is drawn. Don't just say, "I'm carrying empty and that's that." On the other hand, until it can be shown (again, definitively) by actual evidence that a CITIZEN (not LEO) was unable to actually fire his or her weapon in a critical situation solely due to not having a round in the chamber, then empty carry can still be reasonable for those that wish to do it that way. Its absurd to use the same tactics gun grabbers use -- e.g. "the bad guy will use your weapon against you," or "having a gun at home makes your home much more unsafe," etc. -- without any actual evidence of what they're saying.
its been a slow road for me not to be that guy. I don't own a gun. I watch Paul for the lessons in communication: logic, honest, integrity. review any of these three against any of the other two.
I never had a beard either, a man told ME when I was young, "Don't cultivate something on your face that will grow wild on your ass". And......I never have. No tats either. BB
7yrs later, and still a staple of what's made Mr. Harrell a legend. Love the double-dry sense of humor, and the flexing-that's-not-flexing, with the accuracy of every shot, and unending collection of firearms. Every one of these is absolute gold. Thank you sir!!!!
This guy has permanent early 2000s videography and presentation style and damb does it show. He is by far the most well spoken and informative gun channel on CZcams.
No he does not. His camera has improved to high definition or nearly HD 1080p if not actual. But the rest is true. The consistent presentation style is commendable.
11:09 is by far my favorite point he makes in the whole video. It’s very frustrating being told “carry loaded or don’t carry at all” when both parties know that it’s a blatantly ridiculous statement. I don’t care who you are, you’d rather have an unchambered handgun than just your fists alone if shit hit the fan. It’s a purposefully aggressive and condescending attitude meant to put down people who are not 100% confident with the idea yet.
It’s not about confidence. I have a toddler, if I ever made a mistake, left my gun where he could get it, he could pull a trigger. He could even flick the safety. But no damn way he’s pulling the slide back. I am very careful with my gun, but how careful will you be if say you suddenly go into insulin shock, or hit your head in a car accident?
There is NO 1 best correct answer. Everyone is different and everyone's situation is different. Each has to find which is best for their particular needs.
Having a round in the chamber saves time, let's you draw and shoot with one hand, etc. Those facts cannot be debated, because they are facts, not opinions. You either get into a situation where you need your gun, or you don't. I don't see how any of what was covered in this video changes from one person to the next. Please clarify your statement.
@@jimsmith1846It's really this risk assessment that differs from person to person: do I trust myself to carry my weapon chambered? Maybe you are untrained, or have bad habits, or unwisely carry in your jeans pocket. This describes more gun owners than perhaps we'd like to admit, whether we like it or not. If I were such a person I'd rather carry unchambered just because it is safer even if it's less efficient
@@jimsmith1846 People have different skill levels and there is a huge number of scenarios that can play out. Training helps alot and is key to your chances of survival because it will help you to improvise in an emergency situation. Not everyone is trained at the same level. When you have to block a strike and draw your pistol, that might not always be the right move in close combat. The moment you put your hand on the gun might leave you in a vulnarble position and that might be as far as you get in trying to defend yourself. In a situation like that it might be better to apply fighting skills or have the strategy to move away from your opponent to draw and fire. In some cases it might even be better to use pepper spray from a legal point of view. That is, if you carry that with you.
@DumbDuck44, let’s conduct a cost/benefit analysis. The potential and likely cost of not having a round in the chamber when needed is death. This has been shown repeatedly on, for example, the Active Self Protection channel. What are the benefits of not having a round in the chamber when needed? The course I take is a compromise. When holstered at home, I don’t keep a round in the chamber. Note that: I’m always holstered even at home. I think I can chamber a round quickly enough while at home. But out and about I’m chambered.
@@JeremiahAlphonsus it's a perceived low risk of death vs a perceived higher risk of negligent discharge which in many places is a misdemeanor even if no one is hurt and will likely get your gun and CPL taken from you. The analysis is that the odds of dying because the time to rack made the difference are a lot lower than going to jail because of an ND of some sort. I'm not saying that's the right way to look at it, but I don't think the concern is silly and I suspect negligent discharges are by far more common. I've seen them happen at the range in situations that didn't involve stress and time pressure.
What's amazing is, after watching a LOT of Paul's videos I've realized that the vast majority of what he says is plain basic common sense. But a lot of it is stuff I've never really thought about. I don't carry a firearm btw, I'm just interested in the subject.
That's what it starts with; common sense, respect and a regard for safety. Dads don't do it anymore, so there's folks like Paul on the yootoobs. Should you ever choose to take being a good and responsible citizen to the next level, you're that much more prepared. It's a right but also a big responsibility. Kudos for soakin-up some learnins. BTW, it's been 7 months, what are you carrying? ;)
I taught electronics in a military intelligence unit. Supreme excellence in teaching is making what you teach seem like common sense. If what you teach sounds like common sense, you laid a foundation of facts that make the end result the only possible rational conclusion.
@@jamesotisjr2322, You have nailed a primary reason that directives for a National school curriculum are such failures. There's so little 'common sense' to efforts such as Common Core as to conclude it has been but a means of dummying down the educators while concurringly teaching the youth What to think, not How to think independently. How incideously Evil!
@Christopher Marlowe, As the events of the past two months, if not two weeks have shown us, Common Sense is a commodity that is in Very short supply in our nation.
Most gun channels are full of hyperbole and people telling you what you have to do or have. Paul's one of the few that knows what he is doing, has common sense and delivers great content without a massive sized ego.
And to my knowledge Paul isn’t consistently sponsored by ANYONE and thus beholden and influenced by said sponsor’s free stuff AND he doesn’t constantly try to hawk merch at Viewers. Good, useful, data-backed advice and teaching by a total pro who’s been there, done that.
@@andycraddock7677 He’s spoken on sponsorship in the past. He hates it. But with CZcams’s ongoing demonitizing gun channels, he’s stated that he may end up needing to get sponsorship to a limited degree. Not something he’s looking forward to.
@@ColdWarShot : Yes. I saw Mr. Harrell’s recent post on this. Hope we’re both wrong and Mr. Harrell can continue to put out his excellent content sans sponsors or merchandising. But if it comes down to a sponsored channel or no Paul I’ll live with it. The content is worth it IMO. Thanks for your thoughts.
@@Normal1855 Plus, he doesn't make any decisions for you. He just does the tests, and gives you the information, tells you what he does personally, and lets you figure out what to do with that information.
This shows one of the reasons I love your presentations. You NEVER assume everyone has the legal or financial ability to go out and buy a brand new Glock G17. People live in different places and are in different financial situations. You provide information for everyone who is interested in shooting, not just people who can afford the latest kit or are allowed to use the best pistols provided. Oh, and the Beretta M1934 is one of my favorites, I got one from my dad when he got too old to shoot.
I was a cop for 30 years and survived three deadly force encounters during my career. What I learned is IF you’re attacked in a way that you need your gun it will happen w/o warning (you will NOT see it coming) and so fast that you will NOT have time to chamber that round. A revolver is a good option for anyone who is uncertain about carrying their auto loader chambered.
I wrote something similar and did have a CCW encounter. Had I needed to rack my slide, I'd likely have taken a tire iron to the head. Instead, all I had to do was grapple the weapon, draw, flick off safety, and fire. Got a guy in another comment thread growling at me about it. Of course, given he's quoting anti gun shit about negligent discharges vs justifiable homicide, odds are he's a grabber concern troll.
Regardless of what type of pistol you prefer I think it should be ready to fire when the trigger is pulled, no manual safety, nothing else but the trigger needed to make it fire. I'm also not a fan of the inconsistent trigger pull that a DA/SA system has, personally I think it's the worst trigger option you can have. I would rather have something that is the same every time like most striker fired guns or revolvers. There's nothing wrong with a lighter trigger pull, up to a point of course, as long as you practice with it and are comfortable. I wouldn't make it any lighter than the factory if you are going to use it for self defense.
@LineRat 86 I've shot thousands of rounds thru striker fired and DA/SA pistols. I stand by my opinion that the DA/SA is the worst trigger a pistol can have because it's so inconsistent. Your first shot is probably going to be the most important so why make it the least accurate as well.
@wearealltubes that was a good practice before revolvers had hammer blocks. With almost any modern-ish revolver it's not really an issue. It might be an issue with single action revolvers but they aren't really my thing and I don't know why anyone would carry one now.
@LineRat 86 call my opinion ignorant if like but that doesn't make it so. And yes, I would much rather have a consistent glock trigger instead of a DA/SA 226. I can shoot either of them well but I'd rather have the trigger that's always the same. Frankly theres nothing that you can say to convince me otherwise because it comes from my personal experience with both styles.
Never gets old watching Paul tell you just how it is. His ability to somehow infuse humor in an otherwise very serious topic is amazing! Great job Paul!
I just *might* be one of those guys who won't carry with a round in the chamber because of the mental block I have due to safety concerns. Whether or not I am being logical, it's just not something I'm comfortable with. Thank you for not snubbing your nose at me. This video was very informative.
@@jimmym3352 Similar. I won't carry chambered in a gun without a thumb safety, and my current gun has one, but my old one didn't. Just didn't feel comfortable with that.
J J : That’s why I like the Ruger LC9s. Great, striker-fired trigger and a manual safety. Or DA/SA like the H&K P30SK with decocker safety. I’m guessing the SIG P365 with Manual Safety would also be a good choice.
I carried empty for about a week and a half for only 2 reasons. 1. I just bought my handgun and didn't have a good holster for it. 2. I hadn't carried before and wanted to be slightly more comfortable before keeping one loaded.
I'm pretty much with you on point number 1. My 1911 and my Detective Special both get carried fully loaded, but the holster I have for my P229 is not all that great - it has no retention strap, the gun actually fell out of it once just from gravity alone, and the retention screw seems to keep coming loose. If someone were to take me by surprise and grab for my gun, they'd have no trouble getting it out of my holster, and I'd prefer them not to be able to use it on me. For my part, I can incorporate a slide rack into my drills until I get a better holster, and assuming there are some freak circumstances where I can't use both hands, there's always the Detective Special in my pocket.
When I first started carrying, I had safety concerns about the Glock so I carried DA/SA pistols. After awhile I became more comfortable with the safety my holster (kydex IWB) provided. I finally got my head around the fact that a Glock was safe with a little training. I guess I evolved into it. So my point is; don’t criticize the new guys on their carry choices. Give them a chance to “evolve” at their own rate. Great video and thanks for allowing other points of view.
When I first started carrying concealed I had the same worry, was raised up to never carry a semi-auto with a chamber loaded. To relieve myself of this fear I loaded a snap cap in my gun, chambered it and carried it that way at home and at work (I work alone) for a week. After doing that for a week, never unloading it, i was able to see the gun had not went off, i bounced it around, dropped it on carpet/in chairs, put it in the glove box of my car and done anything I could think of to make the gun "fire", It never did, fast forward to today, i always carry with 1 in the chamber. It might have been an odd method but it showed me that I was worried about something I shouldn't be.
Thanks! I will try this. Not sure why I have this fear, but I know in most cases its smarter to carry with a loaded chamber. What a lot of people don't understand is that fears are irrational. You can't make them stop by giving rational advice. You have to have real world experience that prove your fears wrong to get rid of them.
To carry with a loaded chamber or not to chamber. That is the question. Whether 'tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of a bearded loudmouth or to suffer a negligent discharge.
true fact, an ND has never happened when your finger wasnt on the trigger. one of the weapon safety rules, keep your finger strait and off the trigger until you are ready to fire, if you ND that means your finger is on the trigger and you were ready to fire. you can carry with one in the chamber and hammer cocked AND the weapon OFF safe and it will not go off unless your finger is on that trigger.
I agree almost completely. One thing to be mindful of though is clothing and equipment while reholstering. A guy at the range had a ND on a glock when the top of his worn out leather holster flopped into the trigger guard while he stuffed it in the holster.
This is absolutely the best video on this subject I've ever seen. As with most things in life the answer isn't black and white, but rather there are shades of gray. Thank you for a very informative presentation.
Paul, I just found your videos, and I found them as most instructive and clear I watched in internet. Thank you very much for all your work and efforts. Greetings from Prague, Czech Republic
There is legal opinion that say the first Ten Amendments only apply to the Federal Government, I tend to agree with this opinion. It was certainly not the intention of our founding fathers that the central government would be able to impose its edicts on the several sovereign states. If we were to declare federal gun control laws annulled and void each state could do as it seems prudent to them. We could move to a state that more completely reflected our views regarding firearms; some would chose California or New York, I wouldn't. Sadly, there are those among us who cannot be satisfied unless their view on just about everything is imposed on every citizen in the union.
@@edwaggonersr.7446 The second amendment, for example, is specifically worded to be universal, unlike the first. "...shall not be infringed" vs "Congress shall not...". The case can certainly be made that the 1st amendment was not intended to apply to states. However, the rest of the amendments of the Bill of Rights (save the 10th) are clearly worded to be universal to all levels of government, rather than containing some specific restrictor as the first amendment does.
@@SepticFuddy Without a thorough study of original intent as would be found in the ratifying conventions of the several states it would be hard to argue with your position. Phrases like, "the right of the people", "in any house", "No person shall", "in all criminal prosecutions", and etc... and especially the 9th and 10th amendments seem to make your point. But, as we know several of the ratifying states were religious confessional states at the time the Constitution was ratified. This didn't change until after the questionable passing and even more questionable interpretation of the 14th amendment which determined that the Constitution was to be applied universally. I am a States rights man that would apply the Constitution to the central government in all cases except where it strictly says, "no State shall". I'm in favor of a Constitution Convention and/or secession. I am honestly fed up with dictates from DC.
@@edwaggonersr.7446 You seem so concerned with protecting the states from DC that you're overlooking the protections for the people against both DC and the states. A man has a natural right to defend his life how he sees fit. The founders recognized it and tried to enshrine it in law as best they could. I see no textual, precedental, or principal argument for your case above the universal. At the time, the states actually even required men to be armed for militia service purposes.
@@SepticFuddy Of course, when one only considers the textual, precedential arguments one can come to almost any conclusion. This is why I would tend to original intent to be more the better way to interpret the Constitution. The meaning of words change over time, and precedent has nothing to do with the meaning of the constitution. I do know this, it was our founding fathers intention that the States be sovereign which is completely ignored these days. Certainly individual State governments could be as oppressive as the central government, but at least the bastards aren't three thousand miles away, some of them may even live in your neighborhood. Not all states would be oppressive, more importantly we could at the least move to a state more in line with our political views and social mores. As for protections against encroachments upon our liberties by DC, there are apparently none. The expressed and limited powers granted to the Federal Government in Article 1, Section 8 are simply ignored and have been for generations. Frankly I see DC as the biggest and most aggressive monster in the room.
....just an observation: after 35 years in LE and the USMC, i can tell you, when the poop goes south, i don't care how much you practice putting a firearm into battery, the fewer "things" you have to think about, the better! If you carry concealed, learn to be comfortable carrying with "one up the tube". If you have kids, teach them and remove the mystery, and if you need, keep the firearm at home w/o one in the chamber. Confrontation at home will probably be way less urgent than on the street.
Here in California the lawmakers don't want people to think too much, so not to worry about chambered or empty, you can only carry a holster, leave the gun at home.
As a professional lawman, I carry my trusty revolver in a holster on my hip and my bullet in my shirt pocket. Andy says it's safer for everybody that way.
Been watching youtube videos about guns intensively for about two months and just today came across Pauls videos. Im glad I did today. The depth and clarity of his analysis and content are just phenomenal. Thank you Sir.
Another excellent video, Paul. I'm one of those who fall into the category of having been trained by the British Army (LT in the Royal Greenjackets), where the carrying of sidearms was mandated for Condition 3. I'm most competent, and feel safest (Browning HP35) doing that, which I believe is known as Israeli Carry. So, the bottom line here, is, there is no "right way," to carry. It is whatever is the best way for you, in whichever way you feel most comfortable and in line with whatever training you've undergone. Keep up the good work, Paul, you do a fine job mate!
First, a salute to you for your service to preserve freedom and defense of the U.K. Carrying in Condition Three ( loaded magazine in firearm, no round in the chamber ) is certainly sensible outside a combat zone. The issue within the scope of this matter regards EDC for civilians when clues as to a pending assault are not so evident.
Be certain to view presentations by Massod Ayoob. Most of his videos came out with the generation prior to Mr. H. and may of served to inspire Paul's methods of creating informational work. Both men stand solidly on the foundations built by men that did heavy lifting before our time.
I have a lot of fun with this debate. We, in Canada, cannot carry any weapon, and if somebody up and slaps Prime Minister Trudeau I expect that hands will be banned to carry as well. (Slightly sarcastic I know.)
@@DorianTMChannel Three classes of firearms here. The unrestricted which is mostly hunting and target pieces, the restricted which is mostly handguns and shorty rifles, and the prohibited, which is anything that scares a Liberal. But to own or obtain firearms you must first pass a firearms safety course and then obtain a federal firearms license. If you want to hunt, then there is a provincial hunter safety course and multiple provincial hunting licenses, that is an outdoor card here in Ontario and purchase endorsements for fishing and small game, then enter a draw for the controlled deer hunt. Oh yes, there is a separate restricted weapon safety course and a criminal / background check before you can actually acquire a hand gun. Then join a club before you can go actually get the permit to convey and go to a club to actually shoot it. Safe storage regulations that make a baseball bat the only rational fast-response weapon. Who you calling over-regulated brother?
When I was on submarine duty, our Doc, a NAVY Corpsman, told me of a time in Somalia with the Marines when he was caught fending off an attacker with a sidearm. He was driving with his M9 in the holster in the required condition 3. A young man, at a turn in the road, grabbed him through the open window. He pulled his weapon and racked the slide one-handed against his leg and pointed it at the man holding his left arm. After reporting this incident, he was charged under UCMJ for obviously maintaining his weapon with a round in the chamber, since he could not have racked the slide without his support hand. During the interview for his hearing, he picked up the unloaded pistol and racked the slide against his leg. The charges were dismissed. Doc demonstrated this cocking procedure for us at every range session he attended. I think that it is much better to have a round in the pipe, if you can.
I love how desk jockeys will go out of their way to do paperwork (bringing and filing charges on the doc) instead of investigating and asking for the demonstration.
@@dennisaston3551 Dude, they /did/ investigate and ask for a demonstration. That's literally what he said, during the interviews(they went and talked to the dude) he showed them. It was that fuckin simple rofl.
@@Folsomdsf2 Are you /dense/? In order for charges to be brought forward, paperwork needs to be done as well as a hearing being scheduled. All this requires time and effort. He is simply saying all this bullshit would've been avoided if they just asked for a demonstration from the get-go. Work on your reading comprehension instead of attacking people in YT comments, dude...
I think a great way to gain confidence in your carry weapon is to learn how to completely disassemble it to every last part, and put it back together again. You don't need to be a professional gunsmith to do this, but DO have a parts schematic and pay attention to how everything fits together prior to taking it apart. Doing this will give you a deeply intimate knowledge of how your firearm operates as the mechanical assembly of parts that it is. It will also allow you to fully inspect and clean your weapon, improving its longevity and reliability to function. I was originally scared to death about using my Astra A-100's decocking mechanism, and quite wary of carrying with a round chambered. It wasn't until I fully disassembled my pistol to do a parts inspection and restoration (manufactured in 1993 according to the manufacturer stamp, and looked like it was never fully cleaned in all that time) that I realized how unfounded my fears were. Turns out there are multiple redundant internal safeties (no manual safeties aside from having a VERY long and heavy DA trigger pull) to ensure if one fails, the others will still operate. Without going into detail about the internal workings of my pistol, let's just say I now carry with a round chambered, hammer down. The DA trigger pull is I think 6-8 pounds, and has about a 1.25" travel, so I have no fear of the trigger accidentally getting pulled while the hammer is down. With the hammer back and the trigger now SA, the trigger is about 2.5 pounds, and has maybe about 1/8th" travel. Very good feel in SA, IMHO. In SA mode, I would be VERY concerned about a negligent discharge with a round chambered. DA, not at all, as that is some seriously deliberate trigger pulling to fully articulate the DA. So yeah, know YOUR weapon. It amazes me that some people, even my own brother, are scared to death to take apart their weapon. Guys, it's not too dissimilar to Legos, or building/assembling a computer. Just make sure the parts go in as they need to be, and in the proper order, and any Joe-Blow can do basic gunsmithing, if you want to call full disassembly and reassembly gunsmithing (I wouldn't call it that).
Thanks Paul, I still love coming back every now and again and looking at your videos and listening to your wisdom. Your sarcasm always puts a smile on my face. Also, very useful and insightful info. I appreciate it. God bless you brother.
I have been watching PH videos for some time now and find the down to earth presentation easy to watch and learn from. I don't need the over the top attitude I see from other sites , just sound information to consider. I will continue to watch and recommend you to those who are interested in learning about firearms.
rushedandlost Whole heartedly agree. Paul's videos are concise, his manner of speaking is clear and the information he presents is spot on. With so many tacticool gun "experts" on youtube, it's easy to see Paul is the real deal. No arm sleeve tattoos, overgrown beards, paracord bracelets, and g shock watches. He elicits a sense of trust and believability. Paul and hickok45 are my two favorite gun channels by far.
I freaking love the way you explain things. I figured most of the stuff out on my own through the years, but you still manage to hit some points I've never thought about.
I feel exactly the same way. He covers all the points in a way that is never boring and always manage to challenge me to rethink a few things that I had been taking for granted. Great videos for newbies and old hands alike with a refreshing absence of BS and ego.
The chances of an accidental discharge seem to be greater than the likelihood one would need to draw and not have time to chamber a round. Carrying with a round chambered or not should be more of a decision based on those odds and also a case by case basis. Even though danger is everywhere, there is a higher probability it will happen in certain areas while you’re in those areas. If I’m in a large city and end up on the “rough” side of town, I’ll carry one in the chamber. If I’m shopping at the grocery store, I won’t carry one in the chamber. I realize that is an oversimplification, but it’s for example purposes. Training to chamber a round can significantly reduce any adverse effects one may otherwise experience in an extremely close quarters encounter. I rarely carry one in the chamber. I simply believe I’m more likely to have a negligent discharge rather than be attacked, regardless of how much I train. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.
While that sounds like a good concept, as a lifelong LEO/MIL instructor it ignores a major tenet of training: When the curtain goes up, we will fight as we have trained. Please read up on the physiological response to "sudden adrenaline flood". Unless you continually drill with both techniques you will NOT be able to instantly find the right one in your mental toolbox. We cannot THINK our way through a deadly threat event, we can only REACT. It's very difficult to install two pegs in the same hole! Until we reach the level of millions (!) of rounds fired, we are best served by learning (and drilling) a standard response and not relying on our ability to differentiate when under the influence of a massive, sudden influx of go-juice.
Exactly, the chances of a negligent discharge is higher than one would ever need to draw. If you live in a bad neighborhood, move to a safer area and staying out of unsafe places would be the best self defense. Situational awareness is more important than a live round in the chamber or a more powerful caliber, a chambered round will not help if you are not paying attention to your surrounding. Growing up in Brooklyn New York, awareness of surrounding become a habit of mine at age 10. I always look out for dog poop, bad boys walking towards me ahead (usually in a group of 4-6) , then I would either go to the other side of the street and take cover behind a tree or car or turn back and find another way around.
I’ve watched many of paul’s videos repeatedly and in most, including this one, get more the second go round. Usually because they have a lot of content. In addition, as my personal gun knowledge has increased (thanks mostly to paul), I understand some of the nuance of what he says better. I encourage people to rewatch his vids that are on subjects you like. Always worthwhile.
Of all the videos I've warched on this subject, I like your video the best. I appreciate your perspective and opinions on this subject. Thanks for a great video!
My mom keeps her double action S&W .38 with one empty chamber because that's something my dad taught her,which had validity back in 1880 and everyone had a Colt SAA.I've explained it to her numerous times,she nods her head like she understands,but she won't listen because it's ME that's telling her.Although she knows I know what I'm talking about,she doesn't understand because both my dad and mom's understanding of guns is at about a 1920s ma and pa on the farm level.The only way they would change is if Jesus Christ came down personally and told them to put a sixth round in that revolver.
Well, she should carry with every chamber loaded, but at the same time, chances are that if she doesn't stop the attack before she reaches that empty chamber, she won't stop it at all. She's a heck of a lot better protected than most people in this country.
If she feels good about it, let her. I think it's far more important that people feel comfortable with their weapon than what they ought to do with it.
Meh, it's a double action, and I doubt she has ever used it in need. It's really a none issue. She can cycle through with the trigger pull, and she doesn't have the nagging thought it might go off, which might keep her from having it when she needs it.
The concept of carrying in the manner that suits you and your level of training is an interesting one. Great channel and video by the way Paul. It amuses me to watch people who carry one up try and demonstrate an empty chamber draw- genuinely no offense Paul. You mentioned later in the video that if you are going to carry with an empty chamber, train and train hard for it. Perfect advice. I carry empty chamber here in South Africa (57 murders per day and 38/100 ppp= high murder rate and an excellent reason to carry at all) and I have trained/ practiced until I can beat most people who carry one up in a draw and fire two shots-accurately-scenario. I carry empty chamber because I carry a striker fired pistol without an external safety. (I won’t mention names to avoid the usual arguments.) The fact is that all I have to do to negligently discharge my firearm, is to make a mistake the equivalent of dropping a cell-phone. I’ve never dropped my phone; I’m not prepared to bet a life though, that I never will. So yes, make your choice and train hard, either way. Your ability to use your firearm effectively is all in the training. Whichever way you carry it. Besides, I’m quite comfortable chambering a round before I enter an area in which I may be required to use my firearm. Therein lies the difference. I, and others like me, have a strategic imperative to be aware of our surroundings. That is the first step, 95% of the defensive act in fact. The next is avoidance; 4,5%. Then only comes the fighting; ,5%. And that’s in one of the most dangerous non- war torn countries on earth. Yes this requires more training than usual. So be it.
Agree. I have dropped my phone and my firearm and I do own a Sig P320. They have fixed that problem, but there is no room for error with no-safety strikers. A more likely negligent discharge is when holstering and un-holstering and just general handling of the weapon. ND's are real and if you handle guns enough you will have one. This is a million times more likely than anyone having to use a gun in self defense.
Paul... You are absolutely the BEST teacher out there. Also, it's nice that you pointed out those "tactiCOOL" people with the butt hair on their faces.
Geeze. I just came back here from 2019. Your video production has very much improved Paul, but the eloquence and significance of your points have not paid the price - always a great video from you, no matter the year. Great job!
I have already watched most of his videos but didn't add comments, only hit the "like" icon. He said in a previous video he won't benefit unless a comment is made. Even if it just says "Hello".....I'm re-watching them all. Guess he's pretty good IMO!!!!! Thanks for the video's!!!!!
Had a rough day at work and just watched this Paul Harrell video and I feel good now. You can select ANY video by Paul and you will learn something, you will laugh, and then you feel better about this messed up world we live in. He just takes you into his world. One that I wish I could go to after days like I just had. Thank you, sir.
Paul - you are - hands down - one of the best instructors and evangelists for our community. I applaud your efforts and bow to your expertise. I must admit that the Instructor and RSO in me cringed just a bit as (at 04:56) I watched you chamber a round and then work at it a bit to get that Glock into your Pocket and not some kind of Level X holster system designed to allow blind re-holstering in a safe and secure manner... It's times like that where your immense level of experience and expertise really show - and where most neophytes are often completely mistaken. It may be safe for you but I would caution anyone with less experience as to the viability of carrying a loaded/chambered weapon with only a trigger safety in their pocket like that. It's too easy to get something like a pen, or keys (or anything else you may have placed in your pocket) get jammed up into the trigger guard and end up with an AD/ND as you press the weapon down into the pocket space. Or worse than an AD/ND - an AD/ND with some kind of a debilitating injury. I have seen it happen, and it's more likely than many may think. Again - I think it's fine for someone like you to make that choice for yourself, but I would encourage you to strongly advise against it for anyone with less experience - and this is coming from someone that routinely carries my 2011 à la Magnum PI - which opens me up to age jokes I am quite sure... But this is just an opinion based on my own experience. It's certainly nothing resembling gospel for sure. Thanks for all you do.
Valid point. But then, for everyone who carries with a round in the chamber, it would also be important to teach / train them not to put anything else in their pocket except their gun, but to have that pocket dedicated exclusively to that gun.
My 4th reason to carry chambered is that racking the slide makes a lot of noise, and sometimes it's important to be able to bring a pistol into action quietly, namely when the threat's attention is elsewhere
Not to mention it also takes less time to take out the threat even though cocking the slide back is simple when in a lethal confrontation to protect yourself or others its better to be as efficient as fast as possible.
Good video. His answer is basically, "In most cases yes and here's why but there are some exceptions, here's why". It's worth watching. Paul's delivery is calm and easy to watch.
Ngl, Paul is kinda jacked. Not in the "goes to the gym 3 hours a day, everyday" kinda jacked, but in the "hardened badass who became a dad and gained a little bit of a dad belly" kinda jacked. And I find that way more intimidating than the former.
lol.... A week or two ago I made a comment on one of your videos about this very thing. The fewer steps you have to go through to get a round out the end of the barrel, the less likely you are to make a mistake, which is why I carry the gun I carry. Time for an anecdote: A friend of mine used to carry a 12ga Winchester behind the seat of his truck for self protection. He was firm about keeping the safety on and keeping the chamber unloaded. Well, as with many firearms, you have to charge the thing before you can engage the safety. So one night when my friend was closing up shop and heading to his truck, some jackasses decided to try to rob him. He managed to pull his shotgun but could not fire the thing. So he remembered that he needed to chamber a round, but could not pull the action slide to the rear. He was frozen solid with fear, unable to reason the steps needed to fire. He would have had to depress the slide release, chamber a round, and disengage the safety if he could have actually remembered to do so. A few simple steps, all forgotten in the stress of being attacked. Fortunately, the would-be robbers took a look at that shotgun and tore their asses out of there in a hot second. It could have gone really, really bad for my friend. Another story: My brother lived in a small but gang-infested city. While he and his brother-in-law were stopped at a convenience store they came under attack by not less than ten gang-bangers. My brother always had a gun in the car but kept it unloaded because of the draconian gun laws in California. My brother, seeing they were under attack, dove into the passenger floorboard through the driver's side of the car to retrieve his pistol. Just as he got his hand on the gun he could feel the perps dragging him out of the car by his feet. He came out with his 9mm pistol and the low-life perps scattered like flies. The gun was empty. He didn't have a chance in hell at getting a magazine loaded into the gun, much less in getting a round chambered after that. Once again, with divine fortune, the gang-bangers saw the gun and backed off. Good thing it was dark because they apparently never noticed that the gun had no magazine in it. This ALSO could have gone very, very badly for my brother. I carry my single/double-action Taurus PT-92 AF pistol with a round in the chamber, hammer forward, safety off. I would not feel too comfortable carrying say a Springfield XD with a round in the chamber, but maybe that's just me. Maybe that's why I carry my Taurus instead of a Springfield XD.
I just recently too a conceal and carry course. Even after the instructor discussed this topic I still had some reservations about carrying with a chambered round. I really appreciate your discussion on the topic and I am rethinking my stance. Really like your videos!
I like how you bring up the second part because ive gotten that from people because I don't carry with a chambered round just because I don't feel the need. but do practice pretty often to be efficient with pulling the slide as I draw my gun an you have one video that I watched that really helped cut some seconds off my time
Very well said sir. I appreciate your detailed explanation in your videos. You've clearly put some thought into what you say in your videos, and it's very informative!
One angle that people don't think about or I have not heard people talk about is the presence of kids around I have four small boys under age 11 and it just makes me nervous as hell to keep one in the chamber even though I'm very cautious and conscience about where it's at at all times.. all it takes is one mistake of me leaving it in my jacket pocket as I fall asleep and my 3-year-old reaching in there and pulling the trigger.. so by me having to rack it it just creates one extra step of safety for my kids
YOU are THE largest component of weapon safety INSIDE your home! IF you can't control the security of your own weapon in that scenario, maby YOU aren't ready to play with "big boy toys"! 😮😮😮😮😮
@@stephencolley334 You will leave it somewhere accessible to kids sooner or later because human forget things. Tell me you never left your phone, key, or wallet behind in your life.
Bingo! There are definitely situations where any risk above 0% is too great, and being around a lot of kids is one of those risks. So have a gun in direct possession, unloaded chamber, loaded mag inserted, is the best practice. Totally eliminates an accident while also providing instant access to a defense weapon. I never understood this controversy and push back from the internet warriors.
When my little boy was 3 or 4 years old, I carefully unloaded my 1911, then tested him on the ability to manipulate the gun. He could take the safety off and pull the trigger. He could even cock the hammer. What he couldn't do was to rack the slide. So, I carried that 1911 for a few years with an empty chamber. Of course as he got older, and Massad Ayoob's "Gun proof your children" techniques became more viable, eventually I started carrying cocked and locked again. Now, someone might say, "Why are you letting your kids get into your guns?" Well, unlike them, I know I am not perfect. It IS possible I might leave my gun lying out some day, and my son might find it. I just didn't find that the extra second I might have to take to get the gun into action in a (let's face it) very unlikely attack, was worth the extra risk of having a chambered round. I think people need to consider their own situations with guns, and figure their own possibilities. And stop listening to Internet blowhards who make statements about always or never doing this or that. Every person's situation is different. BTW I now carry a Walther PPQ with a round in the chamber.
Walther PPQ is a heck of a nice firearm. The only time I don't have a round in the chamber is when my firearm is not under my control (on my person). Because even though we don't have many visitors and I keep my firearms locked up, I don't want to take a chance of someone one picking one up and pulling the trigger accidentally or intentionally. Additionally I am a martial arts instructor and though I've picked up a few skills over the years, I do not want to have worry about racking a slide should I have to deploy my firearm. That is also why usually carry a fixed blade knife and only carry folding knives that are I have trained with and are easy to open. For me, it's all about training and practice. You really don't need a lot of skills, but you do have to be able to execute what skills you have, under stress. It's hard enough to deploy a firearm smoothly without adding the additional step of racking a slide (unless as Paul so well stated, it is the only option you have either because of the firearm or local laws).
Paul X Paul as you point out you can never be too safe around kids with guns. I was raised around guns in the 50s my father and grandfather tough me how to handle guns. Even though I knew I wasn't supposed to touch my dads guns well I had to impress the little girl who lived across the street. Every thing turned out ok. Just to say you can never know with kids.
By the way, on re-reading my comment, I may have written something that could be misconstrued. I was not suggesting that Paul Harrell was one of these "internet blowhards" - on the contrary, the reason I like his videos is that he isn't one!
reminds me of back when I was single and lived by myself I would come home, take my hat off and lay my wallet and pistol in my hat. I was carrying a Kel Tec 32 and a friend I served in Iraq with came over, no gun experience outside the military, picks up the Kel Tec, points it right in his face and asks me if it was a real gun. I had to pause and assess this bullshit and told him to carefully lay it down on the grass (I had gone outside to light the grill or something) because it was loaded and had no safety. So exactly, don't trust anyone.
When I was overseas we always chambered a round when we left the wire so I do the same when I leave the "wire" of my house. My non-expert advice is either way you choose, make sure to train your muscle memory so that under stress your movements are automatic.
@Green Giant , You should read less newspapers and watch less TV and rely more on your actual senses in real world. When was the last time anyone shot at you in your own country?
Hey Paul - great content. Really helping out the younger generation. Especially now a days when bad information is so rampant. I've binged watched a majority of your content over the past few weeks as I've gotten into firearms in a more serious sense. I cant thank you enough, the fact that I had to pay $0 for this, and you still were grateful to do it. You're good people and I hope you are doing well. Kindly
I just love the way this bloke rolls. It is the best gun channel in the internet by far. There's no blah blah blah about the virtues of Simply Safe, online gaming or plugging of merch. There's just good demonstrations, equally good explanations, and clearly stated opinions of this intelligent, articulate man. Five stars.
I've watched a few of your videos now, and you've given me a lot to think about. I have never thought about practicing reaching around (to grab the gun) with the non-dominate hand if your dominate is defending you. Thanks for all the knowledge you are sharing!
I own revolvers and auto loaders. Before my son was born I keep a loaded revolver around. After he was born and turned 2 I started carrying my Barretta 92 loaded mag no round in the chamber. I figured he would have to be 8 or 10 before he knew how to chamber a round and had the strength to do so. Also told him he could look at my guns anytime he asked me in my presents. If he found of my guns he was not to touch it and tell me immediately. Told him if he ever touched any of my guns with permission he would get a good beating.
Very informative as always! I carry a Smith&Wesson M&P 40 Shield, and when my two small rug rat grandkids (4 &2) are with me, I most always carry with an empty chamber. It has nothing to do with my training or abilities, it is that having the chamber empty, and the handgun safety off I have extra peace of mind when the kids treat me as a jungle gym climbing and jumping on me. Like you, I am pretty good chambering a round and getting the round on target. I feel that the likely hood of the saftey getting disengaged while they romp around on me is extreemly slim, but so is the likely hood of needing to draw and shoot a perpitrater.
@@zed9955 Well there is zero chance of his gun discharging if its empty... and falling out would also be a zero risk scenario because its unloaded. Unless your worried about people knowing you have a gun? which is honestly the least valid concern.
I'm sure Paul has covered it in other videos, but the correct holster for a striker-fired pistol is a must. Thanks again Paul, always worth watching, never BS.
Time is the least of my concerns. Biggest issue is short stroking the slide and pulling the trigger on an empty chamber. It adds one more variable. One handed operation is also a concern. I carry a 1911 in condition one every day for all of the above reasons. I have young children at home. The same gun has an empty chamber at night because of that. They don't (yet) have the physical strength to chamber a round. It's an extra layer of safety. And yes, I'm training them in gun safety. When the gun is on my person it is ALWAYS in condition one.
"Accuracy suffers..."
*puts all shots into center mass
guitaristxcore well, when you’re the fuckin man😎
The man is former military. Respect.
t18amgr What?😂
@@stevenschrecengost5607 I am not sure what you are meaning.
t18amgr Lol Same brother not sure what you meant with your initial comment.
The older I get, the more I appreciate someone who does NOT make blanket and inflamatory statements. Thank you Paul.
Yep. However, I do think the one definitive statement that can be made is that however one chooses to carry, he must practice "drawing" from the holster many hundreds of times. If you are going to carry empty, you better be as good or better (and as fast or faster) than Paul in racking that slide once your weapon is drawn. Don't just say, "I'm carrying empty and that's that." On the other hand, until it can be shown (again, definitively) by actual evidence that a CITIZEN (not LEO) was unable to actually fire his or her weapon in a critical situation solely due to not having a round in the chamber, then empty carry can still be reasonable for those that wish to do it that way. Its absurd to use the same tactics gun grabbers use -- e.g. "the bad guy will use your weapon against you," or "having a gun at home makes your home much more unsafe," etc. -- without any actual evidence of what they're saying.
I agree. The older I get the more I am willing to listen - especially to real experts, who don’t make blanket statements.
I love his phrase. You be the judge.🤣
@@scott1564 I can link videos of it getting people killed
its been a slow road for me not to be that guy. I don't own a gun. I watch Paul for the lessons in communication: logic, honest, integrity. review any of these three against any of the other two.
bigfoot saw paul harrell once in the wilderness and is still telling the tale to this day
😄
Lol
Hell yeah, it was the highlight of his life!
Hahaha
😐
So this is Paul's favorite of his videos. I just watched the interview with him...man it's so true, you don't know what you've got til it's gone.
Agreed. FREEEEEEEEEDOOOOOOOM
Good to see others rewatching old videos like me
The only gun channel on youtube with Shakespeare references and a college-level vocabulary.
It is also the most sensible
Yep high brow. I like it though. Really nice change from most of the other gun channels, one exception being Forgotten Weapons and InRangeTV
@@Marin3r101 Right on
Warrior poet?😏👍
Marin3r, why do you use the word “though,” as if these attributes were bugs rather than features? O shame, where is thy blush?
The debate is over. The only reasonable way to carry is a minigun with the barrels spinning at all times.
Haha
I never had a beard either, a man told ME when I was young, "Don't cultivate something on your face that will grow wild on your ass". And......I never have. No tats either. BB
Bob Burnitt - maybe he was just trying to tell you that you need to cultivate your ass hair 🤔
Hasta la pasta
prism LOL
7yrs later, and still a staple of what's made Mr. Harrell a legend. Love the double-dry sense of humor, and the flexing-that's-not-flexing, with the accuracy of every shot, and unending collection of firearms. Every one of these is absolute gold. Thank you sir!!!!
This guy has permanent early 2000s videography and presentation style and damb does it show. He is by far the most well spoken and informative gun channel on CZcams.
No he does not. His camera has improved to high definition or nearly HD 1080p if not actual. But the rest is true. The consistent presentation style is commendable.
I miss the 2000s.
this guy said DAMB
@@jacobshrum9414
😂😂😂
I knew a guy who carried a 1911 with one in the chamber. I said "Isnt that dangerous?"
He said "Yea, thats kind of the idea!"
@Kevin, haha exactly
I carry a 1911, I'm can't wait too use that quote! Thanks😁
Kevin B that guy is Clint smith
General Neyland Looool
Texas Rangers say same thing when asked why they carry 45s one replied "they dont make a .46"
11:09 is by far my favorite point he makes in the whole video. It’s very frustrating being told “carry loaded or don’t carry at all” when both parties know that it’s a blatantly ridiculous statement. I don’t care who you are, you’d rather have an unchambered handgun than just your fists alone if shit hit the fan. It’s a purposefully aggressive and condescending attitude meant to put down people who are not 100% confident with the idea yet.
It took me at least a month, before I carried with a round in the chamber. That was about 9 years ago.
How does EVERY law enforcement agency in the country carry?
It’s not about confidence. I have a toddler, if I ever made a mistake, left my gun where he could get it, he could pull a trigger. He could even flick the safety. But no damn way he’s pulling the slide back. I am very careful with my gun, but how careful will you be if say you suddenly go into insulin shock, or hit your head in a car accident?
@@jjthefed more than a few cops have had their kids shoot their guns off at home, when they left it unattended, dipstick.
@@jjthefed we're not law enforcement bub. Big difference.
I get the feeling that if Paul were to punch me in the stomach, my spinal chord would probably break. He's a stacked fella.
Hed grab your spine and pull it out
There's an old video of him shirtless standing in a lake and you are absolutely correct, he's built
@@moderatemexicanamericanpat4904 lmao
Get off his jock for peep sake LOL
There is NO 1 best correct answer. Everyone is different and everyone's situation is different. Each has to find which is best for their particular needs.
You're right. I get very tired of the "experts" who call you names if you disagree with them. That applies to both sides of the argument.
Having a round in the chamber saves time, let's you draw and shoot with one hand, etc. Those facts cannot be debated, because they are facts, not opinions. You either get into a situation where you need your gun, or you don't. I don't see how any of what was covered in this video changes from one person to the next. Please clarify your statement.
@@jimsmith1846It's really this risk assessment that differs from person to person: do I trust myself to carry my weapon chambered? Maybe you are untrained, or have bad habits, or unwisely carry in your jeans pocket. This describes more gun owners than perhaps we'd like to admit, whether we like it or not. If I were such a person I'd rather carry unchambered just because it is safer even if it's less efficient
@@jimsmith1846 People have different skill levels and there is a huge number of scenarios that can play out. Training helps alot and is key to your chances of survival because it will help you to improvise in an emergency situation. Not everyone is trained at the same level.
When you have to block a strike and draw your pistol, that might not always be the right move in close combat. The moment you put your hand on the gun might leave you in a vulnarble position and that might be as far as you get in trying to defend yourself.
In a situation like that it might be better to apply fighting skills or have the strategy to move away from your opponent to draw and fire.
In some cases it might even be better to use pepper spray from a legal point of view.
That is, if you carry that with you.
You are the least confusing gun channel
Well said
Exactly. And this guy has verifiable credibility. To me, I take him over 99% of screen and keyboard instructors.
Valid point
@DumbDuck44, let’s conduct a cost/benefit analysis. The potential and likely cost of not having a round in the chamber when needed is death. This has been shown repeatedly on, for example, the Active Self Protection channel. What are the benefits of not having a round in the chamber when needed?
The course I take is a compromise. When holstered at home, I don’t keep a round in the chamber. Note that: I’m always holstered even at home. I think I can chamber a round quickly enough while at home. But out and about I’m chambered.
@@JeremiahAlphonsus it's a perceived low risk of death vs a perceived higher risk of negligent discharge which in many places is a misdemeanor even if no one is hurt and will likely get your gun and CPL taken from you. The analysis is that the odds of dying because the time to rack made the difference are a lot lower than going to jail because of an ND of some sort. I'm not saying that's the right way to look at it, but I don't think the concern is silly and I suspect negligent discharges are by far more common. I've seen them happen at the range in situations that didn't involve stress and time pressure.
I always carry two rounds in the chamber simultaneously. In case the first round misses.
@ZildjianMan30
People always think I’m lying, I just have two loaded airsoft pistols on me at all times
This comment deserves more likes.
Double the trouble.
Double the fun.
Made out of overly-priced brass, no doubt :)
I have 2 pistols on me at all times as well. I sleep with a pillow under my Beretta.
This is a great video Paul, i see why it’s your favorite, that demonstration segment was very long and went nearly flawlessly.
What's amazing is, after watching a LOT of Paul's videos I've realized that the vast majority of what he says is plain basic common sense. But a lot of it is stuff I've never really thought about. I don't carry a firearm btw, I'm just interested in the subject.
That's what it starts with; common sense, respect and a regard for safety. Dads don't do it anymore, so there's folks like Paul on the yootoobs. Should you ever choose to take being a good and responsible citizen to the next level, you're that much more prepared. It's a right but also a big responsibility. Kudos for soakin-up some learnins. BTW, it's been 7 months, what are you carrying? ;)
I taught electronics in a military intelligence unit. Supreme excellence in teaching is making what you teach seem like common sense. If what you teach sounds like common sense, you laid a foundation of facts that make the end result the only possible rational conclusion.
@@jamesotisjr2322, You have nailed a primary reason that directives for a National school curriculum are such failures. There's so little 'common sense' to efforts such as Common Core as to conclude it has been but a means of dummying down the educators while concurringly teaching the youth What to think, not How to think independently. How incideously Evil!
@Christopher Marlowe, As the events of the past two months, if not two weeks have shown us, Common Sense is a commodity that is in Very short supply in our nation.
@Christopher Marlowe, you're in the right place for firearms learning. Mr. Harrell has a wealth of knowledge. From stats to real world practice.
Most gun channels are full of hyperbole and people telling you what you have to do or have. Paul's one of the few that knows what he is doing, has common sense and delivers great content without a massive sized ego.
And to my knowledge Paul isn’t consistently sponsored by ANYONE and thus beholden and influenced by said sponsor’s free stuff AND he doesn’t constantly try to hawk merch at Viewers. Good, useful, data-backed advice and teaching by a total pro who’s been there, done that.
@@andycraddock7677 He’s spoken on sponsorship in the past. He hates it. But with CZcams’s ongoing demonitizing gun channels, he’s stated that he may end up needing to get sponsorship to a limited degree. Not something he’s looking forward to.
@@ColdWarShot : Yes. I saw Mr. Harrell’s recent post on this. Hope we’re both wrong and Mr. Harrell can continue to put out his excellent content sans sponsors or merchandising. But if it comes down to a sponsored channel or no Paul I’ll live with it. The content is worth it IMO. Thanks for your thoughts.
I love the people, who make claims, but never back them up with actually proof. Paul backs up what he says, with actual tests.
@@Normal1855 Plus, he doesn't make any decisions for you. He just does the tests, and gives you the information, tells you what he does personally, and lets you figure out what to do with that information.
Another reasoned, intelligent video from Paul.
No macho nonsense, no "know it all" bullshit.
You guys are right, there are more ways to skin a cat (:
+Smoke Rings; I love Paul's videos. A fresh, no-nonsense approach to firearm safety and self defense knowledge.
I think Paul is from Idaho, I'm in montana and I grew up knowing guys like him, just down to earth knowledgeable people, not "tackticool" or fake.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams great guy and he currently resides in NE Oregon
Paul’s favorite video. What a legend.
This shows one of the reasons I love your presentations. You NEVER assume everyone has the legal or financial ability to go out and buy a brand new Glock G17. People live in different places and are in different financial situations. You provide information for everyone who is interested in shooting, not just people who can afford the latest kit or are allowed to use the best pistols provided. Oh, and the Beretta M1934 is one of my favorites, I got one from my dad when he got too old to shoot.
Clicked because it was in my recommended, stayed because Paul is well spoken and very informative.
I hope you have subscribed.
And funny
I was a cop for 30 years and survived three deadly force encounters during my career. What I learned is IF you’re attacked in a way that you need your gun it will happen w/o warning (you will NOT see it coming) and so fast that you will NOT have time to chamber that round. A revolver is a good option for anyone who is uncertain about carrying their auto loader chambered.
I wrote something similar and did have a CCW encounter. Had I needed to rack my slide, I'd likely have taken a tire iron to the head. Instead, all I had to do was grapple the weapon, draw, flick off safety, and fire. Got a guy in another comment thread growling at me about it. Of course, given he's quoting anti gun shit about negligent discharges vs justifiable homicide, odds are he's a grabber concern troll.
Regardless of what type of pistol you prefer I think it should be ready to fire when the trigger is pulled, no manual safety, nothing else but the trigger needed to make it fire. I'm also not a fan of the inconsistent trigger pull that a DA/SA system has, personally I think it's the worst trigger option you can have. I would rather have something that is the same every time like most striker fired guns or revolvers. There's nothing wrong with a lighter trigger pull, up to a point of course, as long as you practice with it and are comfortable. I wouldn't make it any lighter than the factory if you are going to use it for self defense.
@LineRat 86 I've shot thousands of rounds thru striker fired and DA/SA pistols. I stand by my opinion that the DA/SA is the worst trigger a pistol can have because it's so inconsistent. Your first shot is probably going to be the most important so why make it the least accurate as well.
@wearealltubes that was a good practice before revolvers had hammer blocks. With almost any modern-ish revolver it's not really an issue. It might be an issue with single action revolvers but they aren't really my thing and I don't know why anyone would carry one now.
@LineRat 86 call my opinion ignorant if like but that doesn't make it so. And yes, I would much rather have a consistent glock trigger instead of a DA/SA 226. I can shoot either of them well but I'd rather have the trigger that's always the same. Frankly theres nothing that you can say to convince me otherwise because it comes from my personal experience with both styles.
Always locked and loaded. You rock Paul. Keep on keeping on.
Never gets old watching Paul tell you just how it is. His ability to somehow infuse humor in an otherwise very serious topic is amazing! Great job Paul!
"Bearded loud mouth!!!" Now that was hilarious!!! Thanks Paul!
Cocked and Locked!
I just *might* be one of those guys who won't carry with a round in the chamber because of the mental block I have due to safety concerns. Whether or not I am being logical, it's just not something I'm comfortable with.
Thank you for not snubbing your nose at me. This video was very informative.
Right there with you. I rarely carry anymore, though when I do it's with an empty chamber. Just one of those things.
I'm like that with striker fired guns without a safety.
@@jimmym3352
Similar. I won't carry chambered in a gun without a thumb safety, and my current gun has one, but my old one didn't. Just didn't feel comfortable with that.
@Jason Sanderson you can do both staring at a phone and paying attention to it are 2 separate things.
J J : That’s why I like the Ruger LC9s. Great, striker-fired trigger and a manual safety. Or DA/SA like the H&K P30SK with decocker safety. I’m guessing the SIG P365 with Manual Safety would also be a good choice.
I carried empty for about a week and a half for only 2 reasons.
1. I just bought my handgun and didn't have a good holster for it.
2. I hadn't carried before and wanted to be slightly more comfortable before keeping one loaded.
I did the same when I first started. Carried a big ass fnx45 in an fbi holster.
Seems fair to me 👍🏻
Number 2 made no sense but 1 is reasonable
@@SeudXe number 2 makes a lot of sense. Practice before going hot. Especially for new gun owners. That's common sense
I'm pretty much with you on point number 1. My 1911 and my Detective Special both get carried fully loaded, but the holster I have for my P229 is not all that great - it has no retention strap, the gun actually fell out of it once just from gravity alone, and the retention screw seems to keep coming loose. If someone were to take me by surprise and grab for my gun, they'd have no trouble getting it out of my holster, and I'd prefer them not to be able to use it on me. For my part, I can incorporate a slide rack into my drills until I get a better holster, and assuming there are some freak circumstances where I can't use both hands, there's always the Detective Special in my pocket.
When I first started carrying, I had safety concerns about the Glock so I carried DA/SA pistols. After awhile I became more comfortable with the safety my holster (kydex IWB) provided. I finally got my head around the fact that a Glock was safe with a little training. I guess I evolved into it. So my point is; don’t criticize the new guys on their carry choices. Give them a chance to “evolve” at their own rate. Great video and thanks for allowing other points of view.
When I first started carrying concealed I had the same worry, was raised up to never carry a semi-auto with a chamber loaded. To relieve myself of this fear I loaded a snap cap in my gun, chambered it and carried it that way at home and at work (I work alone) for a week. After doing that for a week, never unloading it, i was able to see the gun had not went off, i bounced it around, dropped it on carpet/in chairs, put it in the glove box of my car and done anything I could think of to make the gun "fire", It never did, fast forward to today, i always carry with 1 in the chamber. It might have been an odd method but it showed me that I was worried about something I shouldn't be.
Yep. I totally did the same thing with mine.
Very smart way to overcome your stigma.
Wow , thank you for the tip. That’s very creative
Can I ask what gun you did this with? I can imagine if it's a 1911 I'd feel pretty confident as well but with some others perhaps not so much :S
Thanks! I will try this. Not sure why I have this fear, but I know in most cases its smarter to carry with a loaded chamber. What a lot of people don't understand is that fears are irrational. You can't make them stop by giving rational advice. You have to have real world experience that prove your fears wrong to get rid of them.
To carry with a loaded chamber or not to chamber. That is the question. Whether 'tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of a bearded loudmouth or to suffer a negligent discharge.
true fact, an ND has never happened when your finger wasnt on the trigger. one of the weapon safety rules, keep your finger strait and off the trigger until you are ready to fire, if you ND that means your finger is on the trigger and you were ready to fire. you can carry with one in the chamber and hammer cocked AND the weapon OFF safe and it will not go off unless your finger is on that trigger.
Keep your booger hook off of the pew pew button and no ND
@W Winterheart
"Negligent discharge" is new speak for "I fucked up"
I agree almost completely. One thing to be mindful of though is clothing and equipment while reholstering. A guy at the range had a ND on a glock when the top of his worn out leather holster flopped into the trigger guard while he stuffed it in the holster.
@@muzien87 uhh...no?
Recently found this channel, and been binge watching. Great advice, thanks Paul.
This is absolutely the best video on this subject I've ever seen. As with most things in life the answer isn't black and white, but rather there are shades of gray. Thank you for a very informative presentation.
Paul, I just found your videos, and I found them as most instructive and clear I watched in internet. Thank you very much for all your work and efforts. Greetings from Prague, Czech Republic
Thanks.
Marin Velcev
i can cleary sign that statement. Greetings from Germany.
Thanks from the Netherlands.
Thanks Paul, from Nevada.. LOL
"They put laws and rules in place making it extremely difficult to buy them" 9:50-10:00
Or as better defined in the constitution as "infringements".
There is legal opinion that say the first Ten Amendments only apply to the Federal Government, I tend to agree with this opinion. It was certainly not the intention of our founding fathers that the central government would be able to impose its edicts on the several sovereign states. If we were to declare federal gun control laws annulled and void each state could do as it seems prudent to them. We could move to a state that more completely reflected our views regarding firearms; some would chose California or New York, I wouldn't. Sadly, there are those among us who cannot be satisfied unless their view on just about everything is imposed on every citizen in the union.
@@edwaggonersr.7446 The second amendment, for example, is specifically worded to be universal, unlike the first. "...shall not be infringed" vs "Congress shall not...". The case can certainly be made that the 1st amendment was not intended to apply to states. However, the rest of the amendments of the Bill of Rights (save the 10th) are clearly worded to be universal to all levels of government, rather than containing some specific restrictor as the first amendment does.
@@SepticFuddy Without a thorough study of original intent as would be found in the ratifying conventions of the several states it would be hard to argue with your position. Phrases like, "the right of the people", "in any house", "No person shall", "in all criminal prosecutions", and etc... and especially the 9th and 10th amendments seem to make your point.
But, as we know several of the ratifying states were religious confessional states at the time the Constitution was ratified. This didn't change until after the questionable passing and even more questionable interpretation of the 14th amendment which determined that the Constitution was to be applied universally.
I am a States rights man that would apply the Constitution to the central government in all cases except where it strictly says, "no State shall". I'm in favor of a Constitution Convention and/or secession. I am honestly fed up with dictates from DC.
@@edwaggonersr.7446 You seem so concerned with protecting the states from DC that you're overlooking the protections for the people against both DC and the states.
A man has a natural right to defend his life how he sees fit. The founders recognized it and tried to enshrine it in law as best they could. I see no textual, precedental, or principal argument for your case above the universal. At the time, the states actually even required men to be armed for militia service purposes.
@@SepticFuddy Of course, when one only considers the textual, precedential arguments one can come to almost any conclusion. This is why I would tend to original intent to be more the better way to interpret the Constitution. The meaning of words change over time, and precedent has nothing to do with the meaning of the constitution. I do know this, it was our founding fathers intention that the States be sovereign which is completely ignored these days. Certainly individual State governments could be as oppressive as the central government, but at least the bastards aren't three thousand miles away, some of them may even live in your neighborhood. Not all states would be oppressive, more importantly we could at the least move to a state more in line with our political views and social mores. As for protections against encroachments upon our liberties by DC, there are apparently none. The expressed and limited powers granted to the Federal Government in Article 1, Section 8 are simply ignored and have been for generations. Frankly I see DC as the biggest and most aggressive monster in the room.
....just an observation: after 35 years in LE and the USMC, i can tell you, when the poop goes south, i don't care how much you practice putting a firearm into battery, the fewer "things" you have to think about, the better! If you carry concealed, learn to be comfortable carrying with "one up the tube". If you have kids, teach them and remove the mystery, and if you need, keep the firearm at home w/o one in the chamber. Confrontation at home will probably be way less urgent than on the street.
James Kennedy good point. If I think I’m gonna actually need a gun, I want to concentrate exclusively on the threat.
1911 comes to mind now that there are smaller calibur versions.
If you can't "think" in an emergency, you have big problems. One can easily train to rack a handgun, it's not that difficult.
"Weird old guns". That just made me chuckle a bit. Love your videos Paul, keep putting out the great content.
Here in California the lawmakers don't want people to think too much, so not to worry about chambered or empty, you can only carry a holster, leave the gun at home.
unless you're an MS-13 member then you carry illegally, kill a small child, then get let off to repeat the process.
Get the hell out of that State!!!!!!
Come to Arizona. Problem solved
This would be more funny if it wasn't true
Or Texas
As a professional lawman, I carry my trusty revolver in a holster on my hip and my bullet in my shirt pocket. Andy says it's safer for everybody that way.
+Mavusi Kenpachi Yankee Marshall is that you????
+huguenot67 You had to bring up "Yankee Marshal" on an educational video :-)
Is it just me or is Yanke Marshell not funny? Maybe i just take firearms too seriously...
I find it funniest when Yankee makes fun of sissies who use the anonymity of YT to insult people.
Nipping in the Bud & playing with firearms is a bad combination of good activities!
Been watching youtube videos about guns intensively for about two months and just today came across Pauls videos. Im glad I did today. The depth and clarity of his analysis and content are just phenomenal. Thank you Sir.
I’ve been watching gun videos on youtube for over a decade. Paul is as good as it gets
Another excellent video, Paul. I'm one of those who fall into the category of having been trained by the British Army (LT in the Royal Greenjackets), where the carrying of sidearms was mandated for Condition 3. I'm most competent, and feel safest (Browning HP35) doing that, which I believe is known as Israeli Carry. So, the bottom line here, is, there is no "right way," to carry. It is whatever is the best way for you, in whichever way you feel most comfortable and in line with whatever training you've undergone. Keep up the good work, Paul, you do a fine job mate!
First, a salute to you for your service to preserve freedom and defense of the U.K. Carrying in Condition Three ( loaded magazine in firearm, no round in the chamber ) is certainly sensible outside a combat zone. The issue within the scope of this matter regards EDC for civilians when clues as to a pending assault are not so evident.
Paul, you are the best. Great to actually have a highly intelligent man teaching firearm use. Excellent as always!
Be certain to view presentations by Massod Ayoob. Most of his videos came out with the generation prior to Mr. H. and may of served to inspire Paul's methods of creating informational work. Both men stand solidly on the foundations built by men that did heavy lifting before our time.
141 back-flipping FBI agents disliked this video.
Louis Rivers made my day
LOL!
The most disgusting thing about it is that he was in a bar, probably drinking, yet bar carry is prohibited in most places in the US.
😭😭😭😭
And now add tacti-clip FBI agents going to childrens games
I have a lot of fun with this debate. We, in Canada, cannot carry any weapon, and if somebody up and slaps Prime Minister Trudeau I expect that hands will be banned to carry as well. (Slightly sarcastic I know.)
I thought yall were allowed to have guns but they were just very very over-regulated
DorianTM we can and yea but not really that much
@@marcsimard2723 oh okay
@@DorianTMChannel Three classes of firearms here. The unrestricted which is mostly hunting and target pieces, the restricted which is mostly handguns and shorty rifles, and the prohibited, which is anything that scares a Liberal. But to own or obtain firearms you must first pass a firearms safety course and then obtain a federal firearms license. If you want to hunt, then there is a provincial hunter safety course and multiple provincial hunting licenses, that is an outdoor card here in Ontario and purchase endorsements for fishing and small game, then enter a draw for the controlled deer hunt. Oh yes, there is a separate restricted weapon safety course and a criminal / background check before you can actually acquire a hand gun. Then join a club before you can go actually get the permit to convey and go to a club to actually shoot it. Safe storage regulations that make a baseball bat the only rational fast-response weapon. Who you calling over-regulated brother?
F
When I was on submarine duty, our Doc, a NAVY Corpsman, told me of a time in Somalia with the Marines when he was caught fending off an attacker with a sidearm. He was driving with his M9 in the holster in the required condition 3. A young man, at a turn in the road, grabbed him through the open window. He pulled his weapon and racked the slide one-handed against his leg and pointed it at the man holding his left arm. After reporting this incident, he was charged under UCMJ for obviously maintaining his weapon with a round in the chamber, since he could not have racked the slide without his support hand. During the interview for his hearing, he picked up the unloaded pistol and racked the slide against his leg. The charges were dismissed. Doc demonstrated this cocking procedure for us at every range session he attended. I think that it is much better to have a round in the pipe, if you can.
Pointed my ass. What a little bitch. I was a 2nd Recon Corpsman and all there would be is a red mist and a stain on my sleeve.
I love how desk jockeys will go out of their way to do paperwork (bringing and filing charges on the doc) instead of investigating and asking for the demonstration.
@@dennisaston3551 Dude, they /did/ investigate and ask for a demonstration. That's literally what he said, during the interviews(they went and talked to the dude) he showed them. It was that fuckin simple rofl.
@@Folsomdsf2 Are you /dense/? In order for charges to be brought forward, paperwork needs to be done as well as a hearing being scheduled. All this requires time and effort. He is simply saying all this bullshit would've been avoided if they just asked for a demonstration from the get-go. Work on your reading comprehension instead of attacking people in YT comments, dude...
The technique does not work on pajamas pants.
Really enjoying the open-minded approach to so many of these videos.
I think a great way to gain confidence in your carry weapon is to learn how to completely disassemble it to every last part, and put it back together again. You don't need to be a professional gunsmith to do this, but DO have a parts schematic and pay attention to how everything fits together prior to taking it apart.
Doing this will give you a deeply intimate knowledge of how your firearm operates as the mechanical assembly of parts that it is. It will also allow you to fully inspect and clean your weapon, improving its longevity and reliability to function.
I was originally scared to death about using my Astra A-100's decocking mechanism, and quite wary of carrying with a round chambered.
It wasn't until I fully disassembled my pistol to do a parts inspection and restoration (manufactured in 1993 according to the manufacturer stamp, and looked like it was never fully cleaned in all that time) that I realized how unfounded my fears were.
Turns out there are multiple redundant internal safeties (no manual safeties aside from having a VERY long and heavy DA trigger pull) to ensure if one fails, the others will still operate.
Without going into detail about the internal workings of my pistol, let's just say I now carry with a round chambered, hammer down. The DA trigger pull is I think 6-8 pounds, and has about a 1.25" travel, so I have no fear of the trigger accidentally getting pulled while the hammer is down. With the hammer back and the trigger now SA, the trigger is about 2.5 pounds, and has maybe about 1/8th" travel. Very good feel in SA, IMHO. In SA mode, I would be VERY concerned about a negligent discharge with a round chambered. DA, not at all, as that is some seriously deliberate trigger pulling to fully articulate the DA.
So yeah, know YOUR weapon. It amazes me that some people, even my own brother, are scared to death to take apart their weapon.
Guys, it's not too dissimilar to Legos, or building/assembling a computer. Just make sure the parts go in as they need to be, and in the proper order, and any Joe-Blow can do basic gunsmithing, if you want to call full disassembly and reassembly gunsmithing (I wouldn't call it that).
Such a wealth of knowledge with a little humor to make learning from you more enjoyable. Thank you Paul!
Thanks Paul, I still love coming back every now and again and looking at your videos and listening to your wisdom. Your sarcasm always puts a smile on my face. Also, very useful and insightful info. I appreciate it. God bless you brother.
I have been watching PH videos for some time now and find the down to earth presentation easy to watch and learn from. I don't need the over the top attitude I see from other sites , just sound information to consider. I will continue to watch and recommend you to those who are interested in learning about firearms.
Thanks. Filming more this week.
rushedandlost Whole heartedly agree. Paul's videos are concise, his manner of speaking is clear and the information he presents is spot on. With so many tacticool gun "experts" on youtube, it's easy to see Paul is the real deal. No arm sleeve tattoos, overgrown beards, paracord bracelets, and g shock watches. He elicits a sense of trust and believability. Paul and hickok45 are my two favorite gun channels by far.
I concur
Watch out with that Paul Harrell abbriviation. I thought you were talking about another PH that is well known.
I freaking love the way you explain things. I figured most of the stuff out on my own through the years, but you still manage to hit some points I've never thought about.
I feel exactly the same way. He covers all the points in a way that is never boring and always manage to challenge me to rethink a few things that I had been taking for granted. Great videos for newbies and old hands alike with a refreshing absence of BS and ego.
Exactly the same thing I feel)
Mr. Harrell I have not seen a gun channel so educational and entertaining as yours. You are extremely knowledgeable and speak clearly. Thank you sir.
The chances of an accidental discharge seem to be greater than the likelihood one would need to draw and not have time to chamber a round. Carrying with a round chambered or not should be more of a decision based on those odds and also a case by case basis. Even though danger is everywhere, there is a higher probability it will happen in certain areas while you’re in those areas. If I’m in a large city and end up on the “rough” side of town, I’ll carry one in the chamber. If I’m shopping at the grocery store, I won’t carry one in the chamber. I realize that is an oversimplification, but it’s for example purposes. Training to chamber a round can significantly reduce any adverse effects one may otherwise experience in an extremely close quarters encounter. I rarely carry one in the chamber. I simply believe I’m more likely to have a negligent discharge rather than be attacked, regardless of how much I train. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.
Def can understand that. I feel you.
While that sounds like a good concept, as a lifelong LEO/MIL instructor it ignores a major tenet of training: When the curtain goes up, we will fight as we have trained. Please read up on the physiological response to "sudden adrenaline flood". Unless you continually drill with both techniques you will NOT be able to instantly find the right one in your mental toolbox. We cannot THINK our way through a deadly threat event, we can only REACT. It's very difficult to install two pegs in the same hole! Until we reach the level of millions (!) of rounds fired, we are best served by learning (and drilling) a standard response and not relying on our ability to differentiate when under the influence of a massive, sudden influx of go-juice.
You make some good points
Exactly, the chances of a negligent discharge is higher than one would ever need to draw. If you live in a bad neighborhood, move to a safer area and staying out of unsafe places would be the best self defense. Situational awareness is more important than a live round in the chamber or a more powerful caliber, a chambered round will not help if you are not paying attention to your surrounding. Growing up in Brooklyn New York, awareness of surrounding become a habit of mine at age 10. I always look out for dog poop, bad boys walking towards me ahead (usually in a group of 4-6) , then I would either go to the other side of the street and take cover behind a tree or car or turn back and find another way around.
@@edbecka233
YES!
TOO many tools makes for delays in decision making!
😁😁😁😁
By far the best "Gun" channel on CZcams. You are great Paul, thanks for the lessons.
I’ve watched many of paul’s videos repeatedly and in most, including this one, get more the second go round. Usually because they have a lot of content. In addition, as my personal gun knowledge has increased (thanks mostly to paul), I understand some of the nuance of what he says better. I encourage people to rewatch his vids that are on subjects you like. Always worthwhile.
"Are there any cases where you should carry unchabered?" - "Yes, if you're an Italian partisan running around in the late 1930s."
Can't tell you how much I have learned from your videos! Excellent, Sir!
A mention people with handicaps would would benefit from your experience and expertise. Thank for sharing your knowledge
Of all the videos I've warched on this subject, I like your video the best. I appreciate your perspective and opinions on this subject. Thanks for a great video!
Fantastic video. Thank you for everything, Paul.
Brilliant! More fantastic stuff from a great channel. Thanks Paul!
My mom keeps her double action S&W .38 with one empty chamber because that's something my dad taught her,which had validity back in 1880 and everyone had a Colt SAA.I've explained it to her numerous times,she nods her head like she understands,but she won't listen because it's ME that's telling her.Although she knows I know what I'm talking about,she doesn't understand because both my dad and mom's understanding of guns is at about a 1920s ma and pa on the farm level.The only way they would change is if Jesus Christ came down personally and told them to put a sixth round in that revolver.
Rawhead Rex even then, she'd eye him as she slid that 6th in.
Rawhead Rex I'll give ian a call
Well, she should carry with every chamber loaded, but at the same time, chances are that if she doesn't stop the attack before she reaches that empty chamber, she won't stop it at all. She's a heck of a lot better protected than most people in this country.
If she feels good about it, let her. I think it's far more important that people feel comfortable with their weapon than what they ought to do with it.
Meh, it's a double action, and I doubt she has ever used it in need. It's really a none issue. She can cycle through with the trigger pull, and she doesn't have the nagging thought it might go off, which might keep her from having it when she needs it.
The concept of carrying in the manner that suits you and your level of training is an interesting one.
Great channel and video by the way Paul.
It amuses me to watch people who carry one up try and demonstrate an empty chamber draw- genuinely no offense Paul. You mentioned later in the video that if you are going to carry with an empty chamber, train and train hard for it. Perfect advice. I carry empty chamber here in South Africa (57 murders per day and 38/100 ppp= high murder rate and an excellent reason to carry at all) and I have trained/ practiced until I can beat most people who carry one up in a draw and fire two shots-accurately-scenario. I carry empty chamber because I carry a striker fired pistol without an external safety. (I won’t mention names to avoid the usual arguments.) The fact is that all I have to do to negligently discharge my firearm, is to make a mistake the equivalent of dropping a cell-phone. I’ve never dropped my phone; I’m not prepared to bet a life though, that I never will.
So yes, make your choice and train hard, either way.
Your ability to use your firearm effectively is all in the training. Whichever way you carry it.
Besides, I’m quite comfortable chambering a round before I enter an area in which I may be required to use my firearm. Therein lies the difference. I, and others like me, have a strategic imperative to be aware of our surroundings. That is the first step, 95% of the defensive act in fact. The next is avoidance; 4,5%. Then only comes the fighting; ,5%. And that’s in one of the most dangerous non- war torn countries on earth. Yes this requires more training than usual. So be it.
agreed
@Green Giant Could be a SIG, lol. But for real, maybe his isn't?
Adam Crooks I agree.
Agree. I have dropped my phone and my firearm and I do own a Sig P320. They have fixed that problem, but there is no room for error with no-safety strikers. A more likely negligent discharge is when holstering and un-holstering and just general handling of the weapon. ND's are real and if you handle guns enough you will have one. This is a million times more likely than anyone having to use a gun in self defense.
Paul... You are absolutely the BEST teacher out there. Also, it's nice that you pointed out those "tactiCOOL" people with the butt hair on their faces.
Geeze. I just came back here from 2019. Your video production has very much improved Paul, but the eloquence and significance of your points have not paid the price - always a great video from you, no matter the year. Great job!
Bravo Paul all these tactical warriors need to see your view on loaded chamber as a retired vet i agree with your take on this subject,
I have already watched most of his videos but didn't add comments, only hit the "like" icon. He said in a previous video he won't benefit unless a comment is made. Even if it just says "Hello".....I'm re-watching them all. Guess he's pretty good IMO!!!!!
Thanks for the video's!!!!!
Had a rough day at work and just watched this Paul Harrell video and I feel good now. You can select ANY video by Paul and you will learn something, you will laugh, and then you feel better about this messed up world we live in. He just takes you into his world. One that I wish I could go to after days like I just had. Thank you, sir.
Great video Paul. Always learning a lot by watching.
Paul - you are - hands down - one of the best instructors and evangelists for our community. I applaud your efforts and bow to your expertise. I must admit that the Instructor and RSO in me cringed just a bit as (at 04:56) I watched you chamber a round and then work at it a bit to get that Glock into your Pocket and not some kind of Level X holster system designed to allow blind re-holstering in a safe and secure manner...
It's times like that where your immense level of experience and expertise really show - and where most neophytes are often completely mistaken. It may be safe for you but I would caution anyone with less experience as to the viability of carrying a loaded/chambered weapon with only a trigger safety in their pocket like that. It's too easy to get something like a pen, or keys (or anything else you may have placed in your pocket) get jammed up into the trigger guard and end up with an AD/ND as you press the weapon down into the pocket space. Or worse than an AD/ND - an AD/ND with some kind of a debilitating injury. I have seen it happen, and it's more likely than many may think.
Again - I think it's fine for someone like you to make that choice for yourself, but I would encourage you to strongly advise against it for anyone with less experience - and this is coming from someone that routinely carries my 2011 à la Magnum PI - which opens me up to age jokes I am quite sure...
But this is just an opinion based on my own experience. It's certainly nothing resembling gospel for sure. Thanks for all you do.
Valid point. But then, for everyone who carries with a round in the chamber, it would also be important to teach / train them not to put anything else in their pocket except their gun, but to have that pocket dedicated exclusively to that gun.
Three words about your videos. Concise, precise, informative. Thank you!
My 4th reason to carry chambered is that racking the slide makes a lot of noise, and sometimes it's important to be able to bring a pistol into action quietly, namely when the threat's attention is elsewhere
Not to mention it also takes less time to take out the threat even though cocking the slide back is simple when in a lethal confrontation to protect yourself or others its better to be as efficient as fast as possible.
I love the humor, and appreciate the perspective. One of my favorite channels haha
I'm glad I found your very informative and easy to understand videos. Professional.
I watch a lot of gun videos, and these are the best videos I've seen.
Good video. His answer is basically, "In most cases yes and here's why but there are some exceptions, here's why". It's worth watching. Paul's delivery is calm and easy to watch.
Ngl, Paul is kinda jacked. Not in the "goes to the gym 3 hours a day, everyday" kinda jacked, but in the "hardened badass who became a dad and gained a little bit of a dad belly" kinda jacked. And I find that way more intimidating than the former.
He’s got the body of someone who stays in shape so he’s ready for action; not the body of someone who stays in shape for “deez gainz bro”
cam here to see this, left happy
why would you lie about such a thing?
@@srt4b what is there to lie about? Your comment makes no sense
Paul......YOU ROCK!!!!!! Thank you for logic before anything else. I like decockers a lot!!!! SIG is my go to tool.....
lol.... A week or two ago I made a comment on one of your videos about this very thing. The fewer steps you have to go through to get a round out the end of the barrel, the less likely you are to make a mistake, which is why I carry the gun I carry. Time for an anecdote:
A friend of mine used to carry a 12ga Winchester behind the seat of his truck for self protection. He was firm about keeping the safety on and keeping the chamber unloaded. Well, as with many firearms, you have to charge the thing before you can engage the safety. So one night when my friend was closing up shop and heading to his truck, some jackasses decided to try to rob him. He managed to pull his shotgun but could not fire the thing. So he remembered that he needed to chamber a round, but could not pull the action slide to the rear. He was frozen solid with fear, unable to reason the steps needed to fire. He would have had to depress the slide release, chamber a round, and disengage the safety if he could have actually remembered to do so. A few simple steps, all forgotten in the stress of being attacked. Fortunately, the would-be robbers took a look at that shotgun and tore their asses out of there in a hot second. It could have gone really, really bad for my friend.
Another story: My brother lived in a small but gang-infested city. While he and his brother-in-law were stopped at a convenience store they came under attack by not less than ten gang-bangers. My brother always had a gun in the car but kept it unloaded because of the draconian gun laws in California. My brother, seeing they were under attack, dove into the passenger floorboard through the driver's side of the car to retrieve his pistol. Just as he got his hand on the gun he could feel the perps dragging him out of the car by his feet. He came out with his 9mm pistol and the low-life perps scattered like flies. The gun was empty. He didn't have a chance in hell at getting a magazine loaded into the gun, much less in getting a round chambered after that. Once again, with divine fortune, the gang-bangers saw the gun and backed off. Good thing it was dark because they apparently never noticed that the gun had no magazine in it. This ALSO could have gone very, very badly for my brother.
I carry my single/double-action Taurus PT-92 AF pistol with a round in the chamber, hammer forward, safety off. I would not feel too comfortable carrying say a Springfield XD with a round in the chamber, but maybe that's just me. Maybe that's why I carry my Taurus instead of a Springfield XD.
@Bighorn44 None - Bighorn44 None - Huh? Oh. lol... because of the ten gangbangers..? Yeah, and maybe even the case for extra ones, too.
your honest and you make a lot of sense. thanks!!
I just recently too a conceal and carry course. Even after the instructor discussed this topic I still had some reservations about carrying with a chambered round. I really appreciate your discussion on the topic and I am rethinking my stance. Really like your videos!
I like how you bring up the second part because ive gotten that from people because I don't carry with a chambered round just because I don't feel the need. but do practice pretty often to be efficient with pulling the slide as I draw my gun an you have one video that I watched that really helped cut some seconds off my time
Thanks for this, Paul. There was a time when I carried a revolver. All my chambers were loaded.
Very well said sir. I appreciate your detailed explanation in your videos. You've clearly put some thought into what you say in your videos, and it's very informative!
One angle that people don't think about or I have not heard people talk about is the presence of kids around I have four small boys under age 11 and it just makes me nervous as hell to keep one in the chamber even though I'm very cautious and conscience about where it's at at all times.. all it takes is one mistake of me leaving it in my jacket pocket as I fall asleep and my 3-year-old reaching in there and pulling the trigger.. so by me having to rack it it just creates one extra step of safety for my kids
Sounds like it's probably best for you to carry iwb.
YOU are THE largest component of weapon safety INSIDE your home!
IF you can't control the security of your own weapon in that scenario, maby YOU aren't ready to play with "big boy toys"!
😮😮😮😮😮
@@GunFunZS
NOT a solution!
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@@stephencolley334 You will leave it somewhere accessible to kids sooner or later because human forget things. Tell me you never left your phone, key, or wallet behind in your life.
Bingo! There are definitely situations where any risk above 0% is too great, and being around a lot of kids is one of those risks. So have a gun in direct possession, unloaded chamber, loaded mag inserted, is the best practice. Totally eliminates an accident while also providing instant access to a defense weapon. I never understood this controversy and push back from the internet warriors.
When my little boy was 3 or 4 years old, I carefully unloaded my 1911, then tested him on the ability to manipulate the gun. He could take the safety off and pull the trigger. He could even cock the hammer. What he couldn't do was to rack the slide. So, I carried that 1911 for a few years with an empty chamber. Of course as he got older, and Massad Ayoob's "Gun proof your children" techniques became more viable, eventually I started carrying cocked and locked again.
Now, someone might say, "Why are you letting your kids get into your guns?" Well, unlike them, I know I am not perfect. It IS possible I might leave my gun lying out some day, and my son might find it. I just didn't find that the extra second I might have to take to get the gun into action in a (let's face it) very unlikely attack, was worth the extra risk of having a chambered round.
I think people need to consider their own situations with guns, and figure their own possibilities. And stop listening to Internet blowhards who make statements about always or never doing this or that. Every person's situation is different.
BTW I now carry a Walther PPQ with a round in the chamber.
Walther PPQ is a heck of a nice firearm. The only time I don't have a round in the chamber is when my firearm is not under my control (on my person). Because even though we don't have many visitors and I keep my firearms locked up, I don't want to take a chance of someone one picking one up and pulling the trigger accidentally or intentionally. Additionally I am a martial arts instructor and though I've picked up a few skills over the years, I do not want to have worry about racking a slide should I have to deploy my firearm. That is also why usually carry a fixed blade knife and only carry folding knives that are I have trained with and are easy to open. For me, it's all about training and practice. You really don't need a lot of skills, but you do have to be able to execute what skills you have, under stress. It's hard enough to deploy a firearm smoothly without adding the additional step of racking a slide (unless as Paul so well stated, it is the only option you have either because of the firearm or local laws).
Paul X Paul as you point out you can never be too safe around kids with guns. I was raised around guns in the 50s my father and grandfather tough me how to handle guns. Even though I knew I wasn't supposed to touch my dads guns well I had to impress the little girl who lived across the street. Every thing turned out ok. Just to say you can never know with kids.
By the way, on re-reading my comment, I may have written something that could be misconstrued. I was not suggesting that Paul Harrell was one of these "internet blowhards" - on the contrary, the reason I like his videos is that he isn't one!
I didn't interpret your comment negatively. No offense taken at all.
reminds me of back when I was single and lived by myself I would come home, take my hat off and lay my wallet and pistol in my hat. I was carrying a Kel Tec 32 and a friend I served in Iraq with came over, no gun experience outside the military, picks up the Kel Tec, points it right in his face and asks me if it was a real gun. I had to pause and assess this bullshit and told him to carefully lay it down on the grass (I had gone outside to light the grill or something) because it was loaded and had no safety. So exactly, don't trust anyone.
When I was overseas we always chambered a round when we left the wire so I do the same when I leave the "wire" of my house. My non-expert advice is either way you choose, make sure to train your muscle memory so that under stress your movements are automatic.
Question: doesn't it strike you odd that you treat the outside of your house like you treat a war zone?
11B NCO is it not weird you feel the same need in the neighborhood you chose to live in as the place you were deployed for combat?
Ignore those other guys. The only thing here that doesn't make sense is the assumption that the inside of your house is any safer than the outside.
Green Giant really? Not everyone lives in a place where the newspaper is full of violence...
@Green Giant , You should read less newspapers and watch less TV and rely more on your actual senses in real world. When was the last time anyone shot at you in your own country?
Hey Paul - great content. Really helping out the younger generation. Especially now a days when bad information is so rampant. I've binged watched a majority of your content over the past few weeks as I've gotten into firearms in a more serious sense. I cant thank you enough, the fact that I had to pay $0 for this, and you still were grateful to do it. You're good people and I hope you are doing well.
Kindly
I just love the way this bloke rolls. It is the best gun channel in the internet by far. There's no blah blah blah about the virtues of Simply Safe, online gaming or plugging of merch. There's just good demonstrations, equally good explanations, and clearly stated opinions of this intelligent, articulate man. Five stars.
I've watched a few of your videos now, and you've given me a lot to think about. I have never thought about practicing reaching around (to grab the gun) with the non-dominate hand if your dominate is defending you. Thanks for all the knowledge you are sharing!
+Jonathan Mcmuffin Thanks. Glad you're finding some useful information.
One of the reasons I like appendix carry. Both hands have pretty easy access to my firearm.
I own revolvers and auto loaders. Before my son was born I keep a loaded revolver around. After he was born and turned 2 I started carrying my Barretta 92 loaded mag no round in the chamber. I figured he would have to be 8 or 10 before he knew how to chamber a round and had the strength to do so. Also told him he could look at my guns anytime he asked me in my presents. If he found of my guns he was not to touch it and tell me immediately. Told him if he ever touched any of my guns with permission he would get a good beating.
As always, highly informative.
Love your videos. Very educational. Thank you sir!
Paul would give some excellent public speeches his calmness just makes others calm and able to listen.
Very informative as always!
I carry a Smith&Wesson M&P 40 Shield, and when my two small rug rat grandkids (4 &2) are with me, I most always carry with an empty chamber. It has nothing to do with my training or abilities, it is that having the chamber empty, and the handgun safety off I have extra peace of mind when the kids treat me as a jungle gym climbing and jumping on me.
Like you, I am pretty good chambering a round and getting the round on target.
I feel that the likely hood of the saftey getting disengaged while they romp around on me is extreemly slim, but so is the likely hood of needing to draw and shoot a perpitrater.
@@zed9955 Well there is zero chance of his gun discharging if its empty... and falling out would also be a zero risk scenario because its unloaded. Unless your worried about people knowing you have a gun? which is honestly the least valid concern.
“Bearded loudmouths”....that was funny!
You are wonderfully funny ! Thanks for these videos !
I'm sure Paul has covered it in other videos, but the correct holster for a striker-fired pistol is a must.
Thanks again Paul, always worth watching, never BS.
Time is the least of my concerns. Biggest issue is short stroking the slide and pulling the trigger on an empty chamber. It adds one more variable. One handed operation is also a concern. I carry a 1911 in condition one every day for all of the above reasons. I have young children at home. The same gun has an empty chamber at night because of that. They don't (yet) have the physical strength to chamber a round. It's an extra layer of safety. And yes, I'm training them in gun safety. When the gun is on my person it is ALWAYS in condition one.
Your videos are great, thanks for sharing.
Always love your logic. Thanks
Thank you this is very informative and helpful. Also thank you for still making your videos. Love from Kentucky and hopes to good health for you sir.