LCP Max - Carry configuration

[pilot1950]

Wondering how the community loads for concealed carry purposes. Do you carry with an empty chamber and therefore rack prior to use? Or do you rely on the trigger safety?

I have the non safety lever version.

(Edited to clarify)

 

[s4s4u]

There is a security camera video of a robbery in a convenience store. A bystander pulled out his gun, pointed it at a bad guy and pulled the trigger. CLICK

Before he had time to rack the slide, both him and his son were shot dead by that bad guy.

ALWAYS...one in the hole!

FWIW, the only semi-auto pistols I own without a safety have a rather long trigger pull...for...SAFETY ;)

 

[GunnyGene]

Wondering how the community loads for concealed carry purposes. Since the 380 max is DAO, do you carry with an empty chamber and therefore rack prior to use? Or do you somehow load (either rack and de-cock somehow or single load and de-cock somehow) a round into the chamber? I have the non safety lever version.

How DO YOU safely release the slide on a live round?

I'm pretty sure (but not totally) there's a spring in front of the firing pin to keep it retracted so some inertia would be required to move it forward into the primer.

You may not want to hear this, but I'd suggest getting a different gun. The worry & stress you've mentioned isn't worth keeping it. A Sig P365XL 9mm with a manual safety for example (one of my preferred EDC guns). 12+1, and carry a spare mag.

 

[Dump1567]

Point the gun in a safe direction, pull the slide back with a loaded inserted mag, and release a round into the chamber. Drop the mag, top it off, and re-insert into the gun. Go about living my life.

I'm not sure where this "loaded chamber is scary thing" came from, but it seems to be pretty prevalent these days. Since 1989, I've carried all manner of guns with a loaded chamber. This includes for duty, off duty, & competition. And none have gone off on their own. Not even my Sig 320's when I owned them.

 

[pisgah]

If you do not understand the safe operation of your pistol, do not carry it. Simple.

It's clear that you do not understand...

 

[rammerjammer]

If you're not willing to carry chambered then you're not ready to carry.

 

[pilot1950]

Gentleman. Let me clarify my question. I'm completely comfortable carrying with a loaded chamber. The INTENT of the question (even though POORLY STATED) is how to SAFELY DECOCK THE INTERNAL HAMMER ON A LOADED CHAMBER. The hammer does NOT follow the slide home with the slide release. I do know how to safely operate the firearm PISGAH. But, like was pointed out in the first reply, racking the slide prior to an immediate need takes valuable time. Sooooo, to avoid the use of that valuable time, I'm asking how to safely decock the hammer on a loaded round WITHOUT FIRING.

 

[Dump1567]

You can't de-cock the gun without pulling the trigger. It's safe to carry as is.

You could also read your owner's manual for more insight.

 

[GunnyGene]

You can't de-cock the gun without pulling the trigger. It's safe to carry as is.

You could also read your owner's manual for more insight.

That's due to the bladed trigger thingie which will not allow the hammer/sear to engage unless the trigger is properly pulled. That said, re-holstering with a round in the chamber should be done carefully to avoid something other than your bugger hook pulling the bang switch. Pocket or other non-holster carry, is not recommended. :)

 

[Jakeintexas]

I have an LCP Max. You do not ‘decock’ the hammer and if there was some ‘genius’ who figured out a way then things would be dangerous because the hammer would be touching the firing pin on a loaded round.

The gun when properly loaded has a partially cocked hammer much like a Glock has a partially tensioned striker. Ruger has incorporated several safety mechanisms to make this safe for carry including a sort of hammer intercept notch. And the hammer itself is contained within a protective channel. You either load a mag with a locked back rear slide and slingshot it to chamber a round or insert a mag and cycle the slide to load a round. Eject the mag, top off the mag, reinsert the mag and you’re done.

Some come with manual safeties, some don’t. All have a Glock like trigger safety. If the gun has a manual safety it’s up to you whether or not you use it; it’s safe to carry with it off or engaged.

But this type of gun — as well as striker fired guns — MUST be carried in a quality holster due to the relatively light trigger pull and short trigger travel. The gun goes into the holster, and then the whole assembly goes into the pocket or in place. If you’re pocket carrying ONLY the gun and holster go in the pocket, nothing else.

The only way to properly carry an auto loading handgun is round chambered and ready to go. If you’re not comfortable with this get a gun that you are comfortable with carrying in this condition. A revolver is also a possibility.

 

[Fox Mike]

One in the tube and safety on. Doesn't matter what semi-auto I have. I would suggest that the OP read the manual, have someone explain it to him or carry a revolver

 

[M118LR]

Israeli carry has been a question for a long time. Folks that have never expended a round in anger would have you believe that a fast draw is the be it end all. Fact of the matter is you will more than likely draw in response to an aggressors actions. So no matter how fast you draw your going to be second. It is rather important that you don't put your first round into yourself, as that would give the aggressors a noted advantage. Manual thumb safeties are not a bad thing for CC. JMHO YMMV.

 

[Jakeintexas]

Israeli carry has been a question for a long time. Folks that have never expended a round in anger would have you believe that a fast draw is the be it end all. Fact of the matter is you will more than likely draw in response to an aggressors actions. So no matter how fast you draw your going to be second. It is rather important that you don't put your first round into yourself, as that would give the aggressors a noted advantage. Manual thumb safeties are not a bad thing for CC. JMHO YMMV.

Manual safeties are a mixed bag. While necessary on some SA autoloaders are superfluous on others. They can help in the event of a gun grab but can hinder as well.

As far as C3 carry, it is a tribute to and a hangover of the bureaucracy and that’s what drove the Israelis into it (as well as perhaps at the time some of the handled guns were not drop safe or safe to carry with rounds chambered). It’s long been obsolete. While one might be able to rack quickly and rack one handed it’s an additional level of added mechanics while under stress and totally stupid. I’d be surprised if you can find ONE LE entity in the US who does it. Just plain stupid for a carry gun. If you can’t trust your gun with round chambered the answer is get one you can. Whether that’s a hammer gun, one with manual safety, or revolver. And there’s nothing wrong with a revolver.

The LCP max does have a mostly cocked hammer but also several other safety devices to prevent an AD. Some do have a manual safety but it’s small and perhaps difficult to disengage. Operator choice as to whether to engage it or not but given that identical MAXs are made without one it’s perfectly safe in a good holster with it off.

 

[Jakeintexas]

If you're still talking about the LCP MAX, the hammer is down with one in the chamber when you rack the slide to chamber a round. It operates like a double action only revolver. The hammer is not able to be cocked, so you don't have to worry about lowering the hammer on a round in the chamber. It's already down and is for each shot. Hence double action only. Read the manual.

FWIW on chambering the max (have one) the hammer is actually mostly cocked and the trigger takes up the last bit and releases it. But it’s transparent to the operator.

This picture shows the (proper) position of the hammer with round chambered where you can see the small silver hammer inside the slide. The firing pin is barely visible in the front of the channel.

 

[M118LR]

I currently carry Glocks in C3. Since expected combat will most likely be reactionary the last thing I want to do is inadvertently expend a round, before my muzzle has cleared the arc of my person. Firearms with manual thumb safeties are carried in C1. As age detracts from dexterity the chance of triggering a round while hastily withdrawing it from a CC holster increases. I want the muzzle outside the arc of my body before a firearm hits C0. YMMV.

Oops edit. Include coopers conditions of carry, along with 3 O'clock, 6 O'clock, 9 O'clock, Miami and chest Rig carry.

Jeff Cooper - Wikipedia https://share.google/18bP1tu5jhQLMWRqa

 

[M118LR]

So now we can get back to basics.(Edit A wise old sailor told me that is what I do best) D/A revolvers are normally carried in C2 loaded with hammer down. The heavy D/A trigger pull should allow the operator to get the firearm outside of the arc of their body prior to C0 or discharge. Even trained experienced LEO's have had AD's causing self inflicted wounds. From 3 & 9 O clock usual self inflicted wounds are to the leg or foot. From the 6 O clock position the offhand buttocks is usually perforated. So it's safe to say most AD's occur while trained personnel are withdrawing their sidearm from the holster.

Now to the Crux of the biscuit!
Striker fired sidearms like Glocks are at best in C2 yet without a hammer or heavy D/A trigger pull they more closely resemble C0. Misplace a finger or have part of the holster touch the trigger and it's an AD about to happen. That's why many departments mandated the min 8 pound trigger pull on sidearms of this type.

On the lighter side grabbing my left thumb with my right hand usually causes me to pee my pants, but the dilemma is solved either way

End of rant, but I await factual response.

 

[pyth0n]

FWIW on chambering the max (have one) the hammer is actually mostly cocked and the trigger takes up the last bit and releases it. But it’s transparent to the operator.

This picture shows the (proper) position of the hammer with round chambered where you can see the small silver hammer inside the slide. The firing pin is barely visible in the front of the channel.

View attachment 100666

Yes. I realized that after I posted it. Thanks.

 

[Fox Mike]

If you're still talking about the LCP MAX, the hammer is Half cocked with one in the chamber when you rack the slide to chamber a round. It operates like a double action only revolver. The hammer is not able to be fully cocked, so you don't have to worry about lowering the hammer on a round in the chamber.

Where did you get your LCP MAX? Mine cocks the hammer when the slides is activated to load a round and it certainly does NOT operate like a DAO. First is uncocked and the next is cocked. There is no 'inbetween'.
.

 

[pyth0n]

Where did you get your LCP MAX? Mine cocks the hammer when the slides is activated to load a round and it certainly does NOT operate like a DAO.

I corrected it. Thanks.

 

[19drivermaker46]

Questions:
1. How many here have had to draw their guns because their life was threatened? (no law enforcement)
2. Was it against one other person or more?
3. Were shots fired...how many?
4. Anybody get hit?
5. Does where you live and where you go have a high crime area?
6. Did you play cowboys and Indians as a kid with toy guns?

These are questions I asked myself after 30+ years of concealed carry. If you wish to ask the same ones to yourself, feel free to see what you come up with. My answers were "no or none" for the first five and yes for #6. It mainly had to do with "which type of gun, how large, how many rounds and what caliber would be best to carry." And the answers revolved around the worst-case scenarios (cowboys and Indians) even though there's about a 2% or less chance (according to stats) of it happening.
Worst case scenarios get the imagination flowing like a flood which means bigger frames, more weight, and greater capacity to try hiding. Not to speak of the newest, latest, and greatest guns being made that we all "just gotta have". All of them can still jam.
For carry, it's now only revolvers that are small enough for the pocket.
S&W Airweight .38 spl+p; Ruger LCR .357; Taurus 856 UL; Taurus 605;
Kimber K6s .357.
I have a bad case of "golfers thumb" on my left thumb which precludes me from racking the slide on just about anything out there.
(Wow...didn't mean to turn this into a novel. Sorry) HAIL TO REVOLVERS!

 

[Jakeintexas]

Questions:
1. How many here have had to draw their guns because their life was threatened? (no law enforcement)
2. Was it against one other person or more?
3. Were shots fired...how many?
4. Anybody get hit?
5. Does where you live and where you go have a high crime area?
6. Did you play cowboys and Indians as a kid with toy guns?

These are questions I asked myself after 30+ years of concealed carry. If you wish to ask the same ones to yourself, feel free to see what you come up with. My answers were "no or none" for the first five and yes for #6. It mainly had to do with "which type of gun, how large, how many rounds and what caliber would be best to carry." And the answers revolved around the worst-case scenarios (cowboys and Indians) even though there's about a 2% or less chance (according to stats) of it happening.
Worst case scenarios get the imagination flowing like a flood which means bigger frames, more weight, and greater capacity to try hiding. Not to speak of the newest, latest, and greatest guns being made that we all "just gotta have". All of them can still jam.
For carry, it's now only revolvers that are small enough for the pocket.
S&W Airweight .38 spl+p; Ruger LCR .357; Taurus 856 UL; Taurus 605;
Kimber K6s .357.
I have a bad case of "golfers thumb" on my left thumb which precludes me from racking the slide on just about anything out there.
(Wow...didn't mean to turn this into a novel. Sorry) HAIL TO REVOLVERS!

Big revolver fan too. Often carry a K6S with XS orange dot on the front which has great sights. Or an air weight when I’m in PA.

Reason I got an LCP max is it’s very light, has a fair bit of capacity, decent sights for a tiny gun, and was 200 bucks. With the right ammo having comparable ballistics to a .38 snub. So it is a light throw in the pocket gun.

 

[19drivermaker46]

Big revolver fan too. Often carry a K6S with XS orange dot on the front which has great sights. Or an air weight when I’m in PA.

Reason I got an LCP max is it’s very light, has a fair bit of capacity, decent sights for a tiny gun, and was 200 bucks. With the right ammo having comparable ballistics to a .38 snub. So it is a light throw in the pocket gun.

Where in PA? I was born and raised there outside of Pitts.

 

[Jakeintexas]

Where in PA? I was born and raised there outside of Pitts.

Just west of Butler north of 422. Have farmhouse overlooking Lake Arthur we go to when not in TX.

Lived in Penn Hills later Gibsonia before that.

 

[M118LR]

Questions:
1. How many here have had to draw their guns because their life was threatened? (no law enforcement)
2. Was it against one other person or more?
3. Were shots fired...how many?
4. Anybody get hit?
5. Does where you live and where you go have a high crime area?
6. Did you play cowboys and Indians as a kid with toy guns?

Are we talking about Home Defense or carry at large in public spaces?

I'm going to take it that you are excluding Military and LEO experiences?

 

[Jakeintexas]

I currently carry Glocks in C3. Since expected combat will most likely be reactionary the last thing I want to do is inadvertently expend a round, before my muzzle has cleared the arc of my person. Firearms with manual thumb safeties are carried in C1. As age detracts from dexterity the chance of triggering a round while hastily withdrawing it from a CC holster increases. I want the muzzle outside the arc of my body before a firearm hits C0. YMMV.

Oops edit. Include coopers conditions of carry, along with 3 O'clock, 6 O'clock, 9 O'clock, Miami and chest Rig carry.

Jeff Cooper - Wikipedia https://share.google/18bP1tu5jhQLMWRqa

You quote Jeff Cooper.

I`m nor trying to slam you but if you voiced your carry of any gun in C3 his ghost would beetch slap you.

Glock or anying else.

Glocks are completely safe so long as properly holstered. Their only flaw is a relatveily short and light trigger stroke. Same as any other striker fired gun.

Either carry in condition 1 or find a gun you’re comfortable in so doing. Every gun expert worth a yugo will tell you the same thing. It`s OK if that`s a gun with a safety or revolver. But it`s NEVER acceptable to carry ANY modern autoloader without a chambered round ready to go.

 

[M118LR]

I'm still here after three decades of combat and three more on the street. So your point of contention does NOT hold water. Or perhaps I just haven't braced a pistolero or gunman of your skill level? Yup, this is no country for Old Men? Crickets Old Boy?

PS edit can you tell me how to carry a Glock in condition one since it has no manual safety? It's either condition 2 or condition zero..

https://share.google/aimode/qXVCJWhR3l4jY5NGy

 

[19drivermaker46]

Just west of Butler north of 422. Have farmhouse overlooking Lake Arthur we go to when not in TX.

Lived in Penn Hills later Gibsonia before that.

Ambridge for me. Steel mill town. I and the wife will be going back eventually since that's where the burial plots are located along with the rest of the family.

 

[19drivermaker46]

Are we talking about Home Defense or carry at large in public spaces?

I'm going to take it that you are excluding Military and LEO experiences?

Carry in public spaces. At home I have them hidden all throughout the house for easy and quick access with all different sizes, calibers, and capacity. I guess I could be a little whacko in that department.

Btw, in my State one doesn't even need to carry concealed. If it's your choice to carry it can be done openly. If it's the desire to have a mini cannon, do it for yourself and anyone else to see.

https://www.google.com/search?q=geo...DMC43uAf8BsIHBTItNC4zyAcugAgA&sclient=gws-wiz

 

[M118LR]

Well, in all the situations excluded I've needed to have, and had to use firearms. But so far as a pure civilian out in public spaces I haven't had the need to draw or employ a firearm, Thankfully. Guess I don't go into many sketchy situations nowadays. I could live happily never needing to expend another round again.