Category: Holsters

One of the Internet arguments that never seems to die is whether you should carry a pistol with a cartridge in the chamber. The argument against carrying with “one in the pipe” is based on the idea that it is unsafe to do so. People are concerned about “accidental” discharges while it is carried, or if the pistol is dropped.

I’ll be completely up front and tell you that with a quality firearm, quality holster and competent owner, the handgun should be carried with a cartridge in the chamber if you are carrying for self defense. In most instances, a self-defense situation involving the use of deadly force develops far to quickly for you to draw your weapon and then work the slide before being able to employ the handgun.