Is DA/SA the Cure for Glock Leg Syndrome?

[MadMonkey]

Unlike Glock, you can take down a VP9 without ever pulling the trigger.
I think it is a bad idea to have a trigger serve two purposes. I should fire the gun and nothing else.

As long as the rules are applied there's nothing wrong with using the trigger to take down the gun. I'd venture to guess that the majority of us reassemble the gun after cleaning and dry fire a couple of times anyway to make sure of proper function.

If you're practicing dry firing at home (as you should be), it's a pretty similar concept... same rules to follow. Treat it as if it was loaded, safe direction, finger off the trigger, be sure of your target... click, disassemble.

I have both Glocks and a VP9 FWIW.

[Javier730]

I have read a number of Bob Owens articles over in BearingArms and it's clear he doesn't like Glocks. So this brought up a parallel question:

I have been carrying DA/SA semi-autos almost exclusively since I got CHL in 1996. I've never carried a SA semi like a 1911. I'm somewhat nervous that habits developed carrying DA/SA may not serve me with a 1911 (which I just bought). If I'm not ready to carry a 1911 "Cocked and locked", how should I carry for self defense? Not at all?

With my SA/DA, I always use the hammer drop after charging to go to DA. Then I put the thumb safety on and holster. What is the "safe" way to de-cock a 1911? Maybe I'm missing something since I haven't carried one in 25 years since I was in the military, and back then we carried in condition BRICK (no mag inserted, hammer down on empty chamber, mag w/ three rounds on belt )

I have a DA/SA. But I'm always nervous about using the decocker because I don't understand the mechanism well-enough to know if a malfunction could occur causing an accidental discharge. That said, I'm also always nervous to manually lower the hammer as that introduces the possibility of human error and I don't know which is safer. This is one reason why I've become more comfortable carrying a DAO or a striker-fired pistol instead. Though I really like the concept of carrying a DA/SA in DA mode with the thumb safety engaged, because it introduces another layer of protection against ND.

I'm sure that the forum can educate me a little on DA/SA and the decocking lever, why should I not be scared to decock with a round in the chamber?

Just use the decocker and also manually lower the hammer.

You just gave me a "duh!" moment. I hadn't thought of that. But what does the de-cocking lever do that makes it impossible for the pin to depress the primer? Is there a mechanical device that shields the pin from the hammer, or the primer from the pin, or something like that? I will have to practice with the decocker unloaded tonight.

Depends on the pistol. Here's a video on a Beretta 92.

https://youtu.be/ch0arUotaSM

[ScottDLS]

What is the "safe" way to de-cock a 1911?

Onto a live round? Frankly, none - but I can't imagine a situation in which it should ever be necessary anyway.

Does anyone carry them hammer down, one in the chamber? Or everyone cocked and locked?

[WTR]

I carry with one in the tube, hammer down. First pull is double action at 11.5 lbs., thereafter it's single action at 4.5 lbs. Sorry, that's my H&K. The 1911 is cocked and locked.

[G.A. Heath]

What is the "safe" way to de-cock a 1911?

Onto a live round? Frankly, none - but I can't imagine a situation in which it should ever be necessary anyway.

Does anyone carry them hammer down, one in the chamber? Or everyone cocked and locked?

On a 1911 dropping the hammer on a live round is dangerous, and can easily cause a negligent discharge. Imagine what happens if the hammer slips while the trigger is pressed, or if a sharp strike against the hammer occurs. Hammer down on a loaded chamber is a bad idea on single action revolvers that lack more modern safety features like Ruger uses for the same reasons.

[ScottDLS]

I carry with one in the tube, hammer down. First pull is double action at 11.5 lbs., thereafter it's single action at 4.5 lbs.

My RIA 1911 is single action, so I wondered if people carry those with hammer down.

[WTR]

You know cylinder and slide carries a mod that allows you to carry with the hammer down. When you depress the safety the hammer automatically cocks.

[TexasFlash]

What is the "safe" way to de-cock a 1911?

Onto a live round? Frankly, none - but I can't imagine a situation in which it should ever be necessary anyway.

1911=cocked and locked for carry; if not comfortable with that, I suggest a different carry gun ....JMHO

Dave

[Liberty]

Great thread, I think too many new people purchase their first guns thinking 1911 or Glock. Maybe a DA/SA is the best choice for them, but being aware of a particular guns safety features is critical.

[LSUTiger]

The cure for ND's is to quit blaming the gun and look in the mirror.

Keep your booger hook off the bang switch until you are ready to fire.

Train if you need it but always practice.

You can't buy skill buy acquiring gadgets, you have to earn it.

http://youtu.be/oPOGlAH1Fxk

[C-dub]

The cure for ND's is to quit blaming the gun and look in the mirror.

Keep your booger hook off the bang switch until you are ready to fire.

It took a little longer than I thought it would, but there it is. I and many many others have carried Glocks for many years without any issue or "accidents." Keep your finger and anything off the trigger and out of the trigger guard and there won't be any issues. Some folks are always looking for something other than themselves to blame for their own carelessness.

[Skiprr]

You know cylinder and slide carries a mod that allows you to carry with the hammer down. When you depress the safety the hammer automatically cocks.

I've seen the C&S "Safety Fast System" and don't think I would ever consider adding it to a 1911. It adds a new (unnecessary) firing pin block to the gun and, more importantly, it changes the administrative manual of arms. Once you chamber a round normally, you "push" the hammer down--no trigger pull. At that point, you can't cock the hammer or manipulate the slide. When you depress the safety, the hammer cocks into its normal position.

[WTR]

You know cylinder and slide carries a mod that allows you to carry with the hammer down. When you depress the safety the hammer automatically cocks.

I've seen the C&S "Safety Fast System" and don't think I would ever consider adding it to a 1911. It adds a new (unnecessary) firing pin block to the gun and, more importantly, it changes the administrative manual of arms. Once you chamber a round normally, you "push" the hammer down--no trigger pull. At that point, you can't cock the hammer or manipulate the slide. When you depress the safety, the hammer cocks into its normal position.

I too am against adding another mechanical procedure to my firearm before it is ready to fire. I just saw the video of the modification on a 1911 and thought it would present another option to those who are reluctant to carry a round chambered.