Carrying a Gun with a Live Round in the Chamber?? Massad Ayoob answers the question. Critical Mas 55

We are answering questions from You, the viewer. One of them was, "Is it safe to carry a gun with a round in the chamber?" Massad Ayoob looks at the history of carrying unchambered such as the Israeli Special Forces. He analyzes the speed of racking a slide. And he also accounts for the percentage of shots fired one-handed vs with both hands on the gun. His demonstration pistol is the SFX9 3.25 inch 15rd.
Website: www.wilsoncombat.com
Massad Ayoob Group: massadayoobgroup.com
Get our newsletter: eepurl.com/dAZw8b
Subscribe: kzbin.info_...
KZbin Community: / gowilsoncombat
Facebook: WilsonCombat/
Instagram: WilsonCombat
Critical Mas(s) with Massad Ayoob is a show that provides expert analysis over a wide range of contemporaneous topics related to civilian and law enforcement self-defense, the use of force, and second amendment issues, provided by a renowned and established author with a career spanning decades in training law enforcement officers and the public at large, who is frequently called upon to provide expert witness testimony.
ABOUT MASSAD AYOOB:
Massad Ayoob has been handgun editor of GUNS magazine and law enforcement columnist for AMERICAN HANDGUNNER since the 1970s and has published thousands of articles in gun magazines, martial arts publications, and law enforcement journals. He is the author of some twenty books on firearms, self-defense, and related topics, including “In the Gravest Extreme” and “Deadly Force,” widely considered to be authoritative texts on the topic of the use of lethal force.
The winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner of the Year Award in 1998, Mas has won several state and regional handgun shooting championships. Ayoob was the first person to earn the title of Five Gun Master in the International Defensive Pistol Association. He is the current President of the Second Amendment Foundation. He served 19 years as chair of the Firearms Committee of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, and several years as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. In addition to teaching for those groups, he has also taught
for the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and the International Homicide Investigators seminars.
Mas has received judicial recognition as an expert witness for the courts in weapons and shooting cases since 1979, and served as a fully sworn and empowered, part-time police officer for 43 years, mostly at supervisor rank. Ayoob founded the Lethal Force Institute in 1981 and served as its director until 2009, and now trains through Massad Ayoob Group. He has
appeared on CLE-TV delivering continuing legal education for attorneys, through the American Law Institute and American Bar Association, and has been retained to train attorneys to handle deadly force cases through the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. Ayoob served for two
years as co-vice chair of the Forensic Evidence Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also appeared in each episode of Personal Defense TV (Sportsman’s Channel).
0:00 - Chambered or Unchambered?
1:10 - Drop-Safe
2:00 - Israeli Technique
2:45 - Real World Examples
3:35 - Long Guns
4:50 - If you are concerned
5:55 - One-Handed Shootings
7:20 - Reactive Weapons
#MassadAyoob #WilsonCombat #CriticalMas

[@BossinDawson253]

"The 1st shot is a lot more important than the 15th shot" Well said

[@stateniland]

that's why I always carry a REVOLVER

[@snek9353]

@@stateniland That's why I always carry a 1911.

[@alexdarcydestsimon3767]

​​@@snek9353 1911 looks nice. Is it drop safe ?

[@snek9353]

@@alexdarcydestsimon3767 Mostly, some completely, it depends.

[@donelladavis171]

True.....even in multiple attacker scenarios.

[@hob976]

My pistols click tight into Kydex and that's enough trigger protection for my hip. In our home, my wife knows that every pistol fires when you draw it and pull the trigger - so there's no shaky, extra steps when she's protecting her life. There's no small children to worry about. I'm content with our setup.

[@bakinglady1009]

Same in our house

[@IEraiderfan]

The same here..

[@redSectorA]

Same

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

Ditto.

[@stevel.2126]

Mine too, all of them.

[@rubbersole79]

"There's a reason they call it a handgun, and not a handsgun." - This man is a legend.

[@MrLandslide84]

Exactly! You can bet for sure the other guy has it loaded and pointed already.

[@kizzthis9983]

dont quit your day job. yawn....

[@steves1608]

This guy, MA, has been around too long, knows too much and has too much experience for me NOT to take what he says seriously. Mine are chambered.

[@marcosvidal4940]

probably the reason is random and completely unrelated to what he said

[@vincedibona4687]

I am not saying anything other than this: it doesn’t take two hands to rack the slide on most modern handguns. Again, do not read anything else into this but what I stated. I absolutely carry with one in the pipe. But everyone needs to know you can do it one-handed and practice doing that one handed. What if your gun has a malfunction and your non-dominant hand is busy? Rack it by catching the rear sight on your belt, waistband, pocket, even your thigh and shoe. Again, this should be common knowledge and a practiced function.

[@skyybandit7317]

I never heard of this guy before, but I’m also a new gun owner. And just like that, he answered two of many questions I have being a new gun owner. Yes, he will be my go to guy when I have more questions. Thank you sir.

[@zipper978]

He is a legend. how have you not hear of him?

[@user-vv9np5iq7n]

@@zipper978 I first heard of Masaad Ayoob back in the early 1980s. I’ve been reading his books and articles since then.

[@johny9516]

You can’t go wrong following Mas.

[@365xmacronocomp]

I haven't heard of him either but yes he just answered my question too and I'm new to this as well

[@incredible3214]

For new gun owners: Paul Harrel.

[@samuelbellamy4218]

"There's a reason they call it a hand gun not a hands gun" I like this guy.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

Same dumb analogy as to why you park in a driveway OR drive on a parkway.

[@bubbalong7646]

It's a pistol. As opposed to a rifle.

[@mkvnwk]

There's a reason they call it cocking the hammer and not thumbing the hammer.

[@bubbalong7646]

@@mkvnwk Cocked and locked.

[@Old940]

In the military it's not a gun, it's a weapon

[@ActiveSelfProtection]

Massad Ayoob called me his friend in public. I think I have peaked! :) Great video, Mas. Thanks for making it!

[@gowilsoncombat]

I was wondering if you would notice! It is an honor to be called a "Friend" by Mas!

[@monsolympus7823]

Watch your ASP!

[@ScrappyXGC]

@@monsolympus7823 LOL name kinda says it all "Self"

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Hello John.

[@timmygunz7103]

Ahh he used the verbal judo on you

[@mldiode]

I’ve been a,”wheel man” for years as was my Dad. So true as you say about the revolver as an alternative choice. When I first concealed carried I asked my Dad what his thoughts were on my decision. He wisely said to me, “When you take possession of a firearm you always have to have in the back of your mind where it is and who is around you. It is your utmost responsibility.”

[@jamallabarge2665]

Your Dad is or was a wise man.

[@glenallencox966]

Situational awareness ….. I carry, and no one gets within 40 feet of me without my knowing it. The only exception would be in a store, and even then I keep a high awareness of my surroundings. I have carried for most of my adult life and this is second nature. As with you, I was taught this by my father and older brothers.

[@jimjones-pz1tt]

Unless you're Alec Baldwin.

[@brimac58]

Your Dad is a wise man.

[@tomwinner5350]

I do not like the change or the responsibility. I would like being a victim far less. Truth is I’m just too old to fight now and I’ve got a girl who still looks to me to protect her. The problem is whatever situation I find myself in now a gun is present. So I educate and learn to be careful.

[@jimmymiller77]

This guy is such a wealth of information. I could listen to him for hours. Each time I learn something new. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Jim

[@rcrobertson9563]

This is by far the best explanation and answer to the round-in-chamber question

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

here is another one, the criminal ALREADY HAS a round in the chamber ...

[@makatron]

​@@ACommenterOnKZbin you win this comment section

[@mbenjamin292]

Amen

[@russr]

Yeah except for that AR information, there's no way you're going to get an AR to fire by hitting the rear of it or dropping it. The dimple caused by chambering around is also never going to cause it to fire. You could chamber the same round 100 times and it's still not going to go off.

[@RoyWOGwin]

​@@ACommenterOnKZbin❤❤

[@tylerhaugen6953]

This is the kind of no nonsense and thorough explanation a person new to concealed carry needs. Thank you.

[@TPMAKHOME]

Thank you for using your platform to pass on the good sound knowledge so many needs. It is always a pleasure to tune in to your videos to get the latest information on firearms and 2A topics.

[@johny9516]

If you’re comfortable with one in the chamber, carry on, if you’re not, carry on. Welcome to America!

[@zacharyolds1639]

😂 yea 🎉

[@tnsquire3195]

Yes - but let’s not pretend you are really carrying without one in the pipe.

[@RJ-qq8kb]

LCR .357

[@morganlawless2714]

The land of the free and the home of the brave❤️🇺🇸

[@wendya.presley7316]

Could there be a case where having 1 in the tube could get me in trouble? I see cops freak out on TV if there's 1 in the chamber of a carrier compared to empty

[@Jonathan906]

I like that you were thoughtful enough to present the revolver as an alternative.

[@nrj_1957]

It’s always a breath of fresh air. To hear this man’s explanation of why and his knowledge input. Thank you Massad for your service!

[@salimoneus]

Have followed these practices for many years, glad to hear them reaffirmed by one of the best. Great vid!

[@markrenn1151]

I LOVE this guy. I have every book he has written. Way back in the early years you had to buy from Paliden Press, or Delta Press. His get even books are funny as hell. I used his technique for firing from both hands. Stress firing and so on. I've bought his books from 1980, the year I graduated and joined my USMC. Ronald Reagan sent us to Beirut and then we got sent to South America to train Contras. I'll never forget Oct. 1983, carrying dead Marines out of our Barracks. This man taught us all and we all love, and will always love him. Semper Fi Brother. All my love. You ARE the man.

[@gordonstroup882]

"ABSOFUKINLUTELY!"

[@scottcalvert2537]

Semper Fi Brother.

[@patrickhart4299]

I had a friend who in the infamous Picture of a marine standing atop the rubble of your barracks, Johnny (name withheld) due to Johns not haven given Permission I am sure you must know of him, my Brother NEVER AGAIN will my Marines be unprepared for an enemy attack.

[@MM-mg7ob]

You were in Beirut when the barrack bombing occured in october 1983?

[@knifelore1647]

Thank you for your service, from an Army Grunt!

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

As usual Mas did a great job explaining how it may be difficult to rack the slide under stress or attack. I’ve always looked at it as driving without a seatbelt and thinking you will have time to put your seatbelt on before the crash.

[@KentuckyMan]

Excellent example buddy.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

another option is to have a thumb safety

[@sktona]

This terrible analogy again…

[@allangoodchild8989]

Takes less then a second to rack the slide with both hands. Takes hand eye coordination to quickly buckle a seat belt, around a second, and a one handed task. Not the best comparison. If you always have a habit of racking the slide because it sometimes isn’t chambered I think thats a good thing, saves A Lot more time then pulling the trigger that one time you think its hot when it’s not then racking it after your reaction clears up. A safety you have to always be in the habit of flipping off, some guns you flip up most down. Someone handed me a five seven and a child walked in front of the barrel, I checked the breach and it was hot, if he had handed it the type of guy that always puts his finger on the trigger he could have lost a child. I guess it’s situational If only you are going to be handling a gun and have a perfect safety record then carry it hot or not at your discretion. I think it’s more likely the majority of gun owners will have an serious accident then actually help themselves in a self defense situation though.

[@irishdefense77]

@@allangoodchild8989 if you’d ever been in a fight for your life-you would change your thought process on this-and your shorts. There is never enough time to rack a round into the chamber of your defensive pistol.Your hands will either be tied up defending against an attack or a gun grab or you’ll be off balance and on your ass.I have been a Trooper for 23 years and EVERY time I had to draw my firearm I never had time to chamber a round.Good thing we were trained correctly and I didn’t have to.

[@JamesTrouten-gf1zm]

Another great video and thanks for your time and effort to highlight the difference that keeps people safe. ❤

[@princessalaina4589]

All of these instruction videos are worth their weight in gold! Thanks bunches to Massad and Wilson Combat for producing them.

[@manuelgonzalezjr113]

As a former L.E.O. I have carried a round in the chamber of my Glock 40 since We transitioned from revolver to semi-auto in 1991. And still have a round in my chamber . Always ready, always Vigilant. Stay safe everybody.

[@samson9775]

I was issued my glock 22 in 94. I always carry with a loaded chamber. No longer in law enforcement.

[@tullo5564]

That'd mean light primer strikes, sooner or later since the spring won't handle it for long

[@FlashBang33]

​@@tullo5564 Springs aren't worn by being compressed, springs lose tension when they're worked repeatedly. You could have a round in the chamber for 50 years straight and it'll still go bang when you pull the trigger

[@steveo1413]

​@@tullo5564 completely false.

[@Illest.illusions]

@@tullo5564A glock’s striker isn’t even under spring tension until you pull the trigger 😂

[@bernardhayes4459]

His ability to articulate solutions to questions is amazing!

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

its called common sense

[@MarkHolmberg]

Critical Thinking with Critical Mas

[@shadowdawg04]

@@ACommenterOnKZbin Guess you don't understand 'articulate' huh?

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

@@shadowdawg04 You lack common sense huh ?

[@shadowdawg04]

@@ACommenterOnKZbin And you know this how?

[@stevefowler2112]

This gentleman is literally the best authority and most eloquently equipped to speak about firearms on the planet (an old U.S. Recon Marine vet.).

[@Dalec81]

I've been listening to you for a few years now. Absolute legend! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@SolaScriptura49]

My absolute favorite source for handling firearms responsibly! Thanks Mr. Ayoob!

[@mickmcloughlin1646]

Retired LEO. Our department had us carry S&W Model 4006s, with a decocker. First round fired was DA. I liked this feature a lot. My carry weapons now are either an M&P 9mm, or a Colt 1911 9mm with the safety on, always one in the chamber as Massad suggests. The S can really hit the fan in an instant. You must be able to react in an instant. Thank you sir. Your videos are absolutely the best out there hands down. Anyone that's new to shooting should learn from this man. Wishing you all peace.

[@smokinhalf]

To bad da/sa with decocker is now made in such few models. I love them. I would like a smaller carry handgun in this setup.

[@johnsunlight]

Another option for people who aren't comfortable carrying a striker fired gun with a round in the chamber is to get a DA/SA gun with an external hammer, and carry it with a loaded chamber but with the hammer down. The long, heavy DA first trigger pull makes a lot of people much more comfortable, and the follow up SA shots are easy.

[@drizler]

Sadly those are few and far between these days and it’s too bad.

[@MrMre11878]

That's why I carry an HK P30SK SA/DA, I feel much safer with a round in the chamber, even carrying appendix.

[@BasedHyperborean]

People who aren't comfortable carrying striker fired guns just need to learn how they work and why they're basically the safest option.

[@Quantaviousdingleberry]

@@BasedHyperborean they are very safe. They are definitely not the safest option though.

[@mtnride4930]

@@drizler I carry a CZ P-01 with a decocker love that gun

[@fabe202]

Sir- you are a true genuine expert in the field - I have been folllowing you for a long time. Thankyou for your service and teachings. Retired Officer Ron Hazleton, Pa

[@Jaysol24]

Sensible. Excellent. Thank You Wilson Combat and Massad Ayoob!

[@carlrball]

Truly one of the best advisors on firearms usage in the world today!

[@silverfox5319]

Massad without a doubt is the holy grail of firearm knowledge. Regardless of the subject matter his presentations include various scenarios and all available options to consider for the firearm owner. I always enjoy watching his videos.

[@conga205]

I agree. And I'm not one to "sit at the knee". This man's base of knowledge is both immense and interesting.

[@indianboy72]

I have been Watching this man since the ‘80’s. When I would get Shotgun news on the regular. He was also in gun’s and ammo a lot. I’ve enjoyed and Learned from your writings for years. Thanks for being such a wealth of knowledge.

[@Rmstrjim]

I remember reading countless articles Mas wrote in the 90's in various magazines and have always appreciated his no-nonsense approach to disseminating some of the most useful information for practical firearms use available anywhere. This man is truly a treasure. ❤

[@1950Archangel]

I LOVE Mas Ayoob! He's SUCH a good teacher! Watch everything he posts!

[@fountainvalley100]

I guess it depends if you want to use your pistol as a club or a firearm.

[@satagaming9144]

"I drive my car without the seatbelt on, because I trust myself to be able to put it on quickly enough in the event of a crash."

[@cjykqn]

I will be John Wick when the bad guys show up😎

[@RealMTBAddict]

@@cjykqn sure

[@michaell397]

@@satagaming9144 Stupidest thing I've ever read in my life.

[@nomore8042]

A pistol without one in the pipe is just a hammer !

[@gregggibson3109]

As always, I found Mas’ insights informative and beneficial, particularly, relative to “long guns” because I hadn’t heard this commentary before. My “ready rifle” is always “magged up, chamber empty” but I wasn’t aware this was a recommended condition. With regard to my “carry” firearms, I made a move to chambered round DA/SAs about 2 years ago…something I really never anticipated doing since I’d competed with SA “striker fired”handguns for years. The DA/SA not only offers a significant advantage in safe carry, but is a great tool for training & mastering trigger control. That, in fact, was a significant factor in making the decision to move into the DA and I have not regretted that move at all.

[@jonlorance9136]

Thank you for all your educational videos. So much to learn from and helped me to better understand all the aspects of being a gun owner.

[@labdwakin]

Mr Ayoob, thank you SO MUCH for verbalizing this in a public format! I've been preaching this for YEARS.

[@muzzlevelocity4397]

Once again, I am better informed from an eight minute video from Massad Ayoob than I could have imagined. I was already certain that 'one in the pipe' was better for handguns, but I am now well informed about why not to do so for my long guns. One of the trainers from a shooting course that I took was a local deputy also. He stated that in law enforcement, a pistol without a round in the chamber is known as a 'dead man's gun', and I believe that they are in a position to know such things.

[@itsapittie]

Going back many decades to my military training, I have pretty much always been aware that most rifles and shotguns aren't genuinely "drop safe" and typically don't put a round in the chamber until I'm ready to use it. However, a handgun and a long gun serve different purposes. The handgun is what you're going to have when everything has suddenly gone to shit and you have to return fire right now or die. For the most part, long guns (in civilian usage) come into play when you have a few seconds to respond (someone breaking into the other end of the house, for example). Military is a little different because most soldiers don't have a handgun and they have the rifle literally in their hands. Even so, we were taught to carry with an empty chamber in lower-risk situations. When contact with the enemy is imminent it's worth the risk of putting one in the chamber with the safety on but it definitely increases the risk of an inadvertent discharge. Mas's advice is spot on.

[@Ou81269]

“Dead man’s gun”. That pretty much says it all about carrying without a round in the chamber.

[@aj897]

I had no idea that modern ARs shouldn't be stored with one in the chamber, I always keep it empty but now I know for sure not to put one in there

[@patrickhart4299]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ and pass the ammo, my brother God helps those who help themselves.

[@casualcampaigns]

​@RepentandbelieveinJesusChristCan't tell what's worse, KZbin ads or goons like you spamming religious crap everywhere in the comments

[@TheZotman5]

When brain gets a little scattered, I find and watch a Massad video. His calm, clear, focused and detailed explanations help get my brainwaves back in order. He should be held up as an example of good communication, and rational thinking, even to the non-firearm appreciation crowd.

[@PaintballBo]

Doctor Massad

[@brianfitzgerald6142]

Thanks, Massad! This is the best discussion of the this particular topic I've ever heard.

[@themightycrixus1131]

Mr. Ayoob is such a resource. Thank you so much for all these informative videos

[@2341bossman]

This man is a wealth of knowledge and I’m glad we live in the Information Age, would never be able to take in his experience and understanding of firearms without it. Another outstanding video!

[@justvisiten]

I also am grateful for the ease of access to information. But some of were "following" Mr. Ayoob in the 70's. He has been a mentor to me for, going on 6 decades.

[@Pete-gx4fz]

The most 'at the ready' a pistol can be in is chambered round, hammer back and in a passive restraint holster. That also happens to be the most susceptible to unintentional discharge or being relieved of your weapon. The safest position would be empty chamber, resting striker, and in a level 3 holster with multiple active restraints...and, as you would guess, this is the least effective state of readiness for quick action. Every individual needs to balance the risks against the readiness. I try to balance the risks with the likelihood of the threat. I carry in the safest position because I feel that the ready condition is balanced against my threats. I am a private, law abiding citizen. I don't go to bad parts of town, I have private transportation and I usually go to fairly banal places. Basically, I feel my risk is low to be surprised by an assailant who incapacitates my non-gun hand which necessitates bringing the firearm into action one handed. Accidently shooting my wife, kids or some innocent passerby because I feel the need to be at a high state of readiness for a low-likelihood threat is an unnecessary risk for me. You can disagree with my risk assessment but I don't care since I would live with the consequences. I feel my most likely threat is a routine trip to some place suddenly becoming an existential threat, i.e. active shooter, hold up, etc... Should such a situation unfold, I am either an immediate victim or I have some amount of time to react. If I am traveling alone and I need to use a deserted rest stop in the middle of the night I'm sure I would increase the state of readiness.

[@gregvetter5070]

That's a great comment. Makes perfect sense to me. Peace!

[@txmxer]

THIS! 100x over. So many people are convinced they are going out to an active shooter event when reality is they are more likely to have an AD than a defensive use MOST of the time. At 56, I own guns, prior service, shoot guns, yet NEVER felt like I needed a gun to defend myself or my family. Not saying it cannot happen, but I know personally of multiple people that have been injured/killed by firearms by accident or choice (suicide). I don't know anyone that has used a gun defensively effectively in civilian life. I'm not saying that nobody is competent to carry in the highest state of readiness, but from what I know of people that are ACTUALLY in that circumstance (combat veterans), it is an absolute mental toll to be at peak readiness. What that means is so many people believe they need to be a the highest state of readiness, arm themselves that way, but they are not truly in that mindset.

[@Tsoiugidali]

Thanks Massad for your clarity of reason. Always refreshing. Years ago before I started carrying full time I was told to "load" my firearm with an unloaded safety round. Wear your side arm every day while going about normal activities. At the end of each day check your firearm to see if it had "fired" while being carried. Never happened and this gave me the confidence to carry a live sidearm every day. I am not a professional just a guy who wanted to be assured safe while concealed carrying. Best advice I have ever received for cc. I think this advice came from Massad 🙂

[@cjprice3219]

So well spoken. Fantastic info/presentation. Thank you sir!

[@David-nx2vm]

When I was in the Air Force and we converted from S&W revolver to 9mm semi-auto, our standard carry config was magazine inserted, round in chamber, safety selector off. Of course.

[@itsapittie]

The M9 is a DA/SA so the long first trigger pull acts as a safety mechanism. The way you describe is the most rational way to carry them. I'm not personally uncomfortable with SA striker-fired pistols and I frequently carry a CZ P10c but there's no doubt that SA striker-fired pistols require the highest level of trigger discipline and awareness and I can understand why some people are uncomfortable with a round in the chamber. A DA/SA or DAO is a viable option for those people.

[@chrise.cullen1902]

Carried the M9 as well in the USAF, round in chamber on fire. 🇺🇸

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

In the US Army MPs 1990s we used: M9s 9mm 15rd 124gr NATO with a empty chamber, condition lll.

[@Sheepdog1314]

as a former police officer I can only say: I needed to have my side-arm ready at all times. And totally agree on the long-gun empty chamber.

[@ethanh6849]

As a civy, do you disagree that situational awareness and avoiding high risk situations, ie, if you feel you need around chambered where youre going, you probably shouldnt go there in the first place?

[@BasedHyperborean]

@@ethanh6849 yeah that's blatantly stupid. Load your gun.

[@chazz6348]

@@ethanh6849 Avoiding the risk is absolutely the first thing to do

[@glmorten]

@@ethanh6849 Always best to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it. Thats my opinion anyways.

[@Jonathan906]

@@ethanh6849 Crime often happens in low risk situations

[@WesterStarThunder]

I have been learning from you for many, many years. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@davidburcar7620]

Always the best and most articulate advice. Thank you

[@sfckrbec]

Great explanation. As a US Army retiree I had a problem with a weapon with no safety, so I cheated. I switched from a pistol with no safety to one that was single action double action. The process of training the heavy first trigger pull transitioning to the light pull for the second shot took a bit of time but for me was well worth it. The heavy pull for the first shot feels enough like a safety to me to make me feel comfortable. Also, thank you for mentioning that AR's are not drop safe, I had to bury a guy who had his LT slam his M-16 in his the back seat of the HMMVW and discharged his weapon into the back of the head of his TC. The fact that these weapons are not safe to throw around is not talked about enough.

[@fishinfool3795]

I love decockers on DA/SA hammer fired pistols. I feel much more comfortable CCW this way than cocked and locked.

[@BasedHyperborean]

@@fishinfool3795 could just carry a modern handgun

[@ghostshadow9046]

@@fishinfool3795 Isn't a decocker when gun has ND while appendix carry?🤔🤔🤔

[@alfonsedente9679]

Yeah! Lets ban them

[@QdMaster]

Never heard that about ar's for some crazy reason, but I never keep those chambered anyway, nor do I keep my shotgun chambered... Just always made sense to me to keep the stove empty lol. However my. 40 etc is always chambered with a double action on half cock saftey on...

[@christopherjones8149]

I personally carry with one in the chamber, with most shootouts kicking off in under.01 seconds, there's not a lot of time to rack one I'm the chamber.

[@OOICU812]

Not to mention needing the need to involve your other hand that might be needed for some other purpose.

[@CaptainYesz]

I heard things happen under 0.0001 seconds. You can never be too safe.

[@dannyswindle]

Always good information on being ready & safe. Ty

[@robinson4888]

Really appreciate everything you say and thank you for coming back to the question and clearly and concisely answering it no more questions God bless

[@DDDYLN]

Thank you for this video. My carry pistols are drop safe, with manual lever safeties. I did not know that modern AR-15's were not drop safe. This was very informative.

[@logan5326]

Yes; they are not! Be careful out there. 👊🏻

[@jamesfitzpatrick1052]

Mas is a friend of mine, his knowledge here is spot on..... When I started to carry, I admit, it was a little intimidating to carry a loaded gun. After some time getting comfortable with it, it feels as normal as carrying a set of keys or my phone. YMMV, and that is OK..... But at the end of the day, a loaded gun is the only way FOR ME!! Thanks as always Mas!

[@edwosika5676]

Way excellent, as usual. Thanks for the good input!

[@theociba3762]

I looked up the SOP9 article - very good read. Thank for your ongoing advice - and everyone on this channel is top shelf.

[@elderbob100]

Massad is the gold standard for armed combat. One serious dude.

[@beckderm]

Do what is comfortably for one self.

[@c.h.u.d]

You can be comfortably dead ☠️☠️

[@jackK5FIT]

Absolutely!! Thanks for another great video.

[@Rocknranchman]

Thanks Mas! That was the answer I was looking for with an explanation of why! Much respect!

[@azcactus2008]

Thank you for this video. I definitely learned some thing about not carrying a long gun chambered from you. Even though I have been a gun owner for over 25 years, there is always more to learn. During a recent Second Amendment rally in Arizona I also learned that gun owners need to stop being so critical of each other, and be more united.

[@daffidavit]

I just learned the same thing about the AR and not keeping a round in it. I noticed in the recent Nashville police cam video, the officer with the rifle didn't chamber his weapon until just before walking into the building. I wondered why he did that. Now I know.

[@MyGuy42069]

That last part of your comment is absolutely incorrect. I don’t want blood thirsty communists or violent criminals to have firearms so I’m going to be critical of them.

[@azcactus2008]

@@MyGuy42069 I didn’t think it was necessary to identify “gun owners“ as being law abiding citizens. Common sense would tell you I am not defending criminals, or evil doers of any kind. Does that clear it up for you?

[@MadGunny]

@@MyGuy42069 what are you even going on about? 😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@markcoveryourassets]

And I can see how doing the same for a stored but near-ready pistol might be safer and certainly consistent for your training. On body, I'm on the chambered side for now... I carry a brace of muzzle loading, dueling pistols as my EDC 😂

[@zackaryhaddon5445]

This was the most comprehensive and concise reasoning and explanation I’ve seen yet. Looking forward to learning more from this quality channel - thank you!

[@pudimdecana51]

Finally a youtube video that answers the proposed question, instead of 15min of “do what you believe suits you best”. I don’t even own a gun, but is a pleasure to listen to you lecturing! Thank you

[@MichaelKallelisOn2Wheels]

As always, an intelligent and informed assessment. Much appreciated. Thank you.

[@joshuakitzman6781]

That part about carrying without a round chambered with the firing pin or hammer back constantly checking if it went off gave me a lot of confidence when I first started to carry some of the best advice I’ve heard for beginners

[@No_Way_NO_WAY]

and if you have money to burn, buy a second one, load it with blanks and put it in the washing mashine for a couple of dry runs. *laughs* if it survives that without dischargin, you can get into a car crash and dont have to fear it going off. When i was in the Bundeswehr, they where using the UZI MP. We had a saying: If you are out of grenades and the enemy is in a room next door, full mag in, saftey on and throw it inside and wait til the mag is empty.

[@jaimesoto7557]

As usual, you are one hell of a source for the information needed out here, thank you.

[@raymondpinsky1103]

So informative. That's why I love watching this channel.

[@jackwelborn1863]

This man is an absolute legend I always enjoy watching his videos

[@justyouraveragejoe7359]

Mr. Ayoob, thank you for clearing that up for me. My best friend told me the opposite, which left me questioning myself. Enjoy your channel, and thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge.

[@Iceaxehikes]

I carry 6 rounds in the chambers..

[@edgreenberg7912]

Sound advice. Makes perfect sense. Thank you.

[@TheChefmike66]

Thank you sir. I have read your content for many years.

[@josephtucciarone6878]

Thank you for this update. Your wisdom & forethought is appreciated.

[@jamesrandall3192]

Such great information from Massad. Have been reading his articles for years. Thanks a million for sharing your expertise.

[@yangyuncong]

Wow sir, thanks for this gem! Answered all my questions with impeccable clarity. 🙏🙏🙏

[@chuckbowen4334]

love your take on things.. no nonsense, good advice.

[@rcnelson]

This man is the Einstein of gunnery.

[@JJKrobo]

Thank you for this video. I'm a new concealed carry person and was a bit leery of having a loaded chamber. That was one of my concerns. You made it clear to me

[@aaronfarr4753]

While I understand your reluctance to carry with a loaded chamber being new to the world of concealed carry. I would highly suggest you go watch all the videos of defensive failures due to not having a loaded chamber. There’s tons available on this platform. One of the the best cures for your fear will be watching the video of the store owner and his son both unable to chamber a round in the same gun during the stress of an armed robbery and knowing that this failure got them both killed. Or the same situation in an Oklahoma liquor store almost getting both a mother and daughter killed. Think of it this way, not carrying a round in the chamber is the same as not wearing a seatbelt because you are convinced that you will have the time and motor skills to put it on before a crash. No matter how long you have owned, handled and shot firearms, or how much you have trained for life and death situations. During the high stress of a defensive encounter your strength and even unconscious muscle memory can and more often than not will fall you at the most critical moment because your brain is overwhelmed by the shock, you probably will get tunnel vision and your brain will only be able to concentrate on the most simple of automatic actions such as pointing the gun at the danger and pulling the trigger. A prime example is to watch videos or look up statistics of shootouts involving highly trained and competent police officers, some of whom are absolute wizards with a gun during training and range time and could shoot a flea off a dogs ass at 50 yards with their service weapon under normal circumstances. However during the stress of a shootout they can fire ten rounds for every one hit and sometimes do entire mag dumps without hitting the person shooting at them once. Sometimes even remembering to take a manual safety off is impossible unless you have trained so much that it has become part of your draw and as much of a reflexive action as breathing. This is why Glocks and other point and shoot pistols without manual safety have become so popular for defensive carry. It’s also why I personally consider them so unsafe, you don’t have the intermediate step of removing the safety between holster and shot for your brain to catch up enough to make the critical decision to shoot or not.

[@mastersequence5838]

Your holster is your safety. Buy a good one! Completely cover that trigger guard.

[@aaronfarr4753]

@@mastersequence5838 most half assed reply award goes to you. You get 50 points for saying buy a quality holster but you still end up at zero because you started out at negative 50 by saying your holster is your safety 🤪

[@aaronfarr4753]

@@PocketDelicious True a quality holster is important and I said it’s part of the complete package.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

@@aaronfarr4753 your response is one of the dumbest comments I’ve read in a while.

[@kelrik9968]

I'm currently in the middle of reading a pretty good book about preparing/training for self defense, and one of the points the author makes over & over is that for a technique - regardless of what type of weapon - to really be valid, the trainer should be able to explain WHY it works, not just say "well, it's the way I train in my class." So this video popped up randomly on my YT and first thing after relaying the question, he immediately goes into both the "why" and the "why" it used to be done differently. I'm already familiar with the Massad Ayoob name & firearms training, so it really is no surprise. Just demonstrated the point the author was making quite nicely.

[@someguy1717]

Massad did a great job helping me make my decision. I just started taking handgun lessons from a current member of the Wilson shooting team and that's how I wound up here. Thank you Massad & Wilson. You just got another subscriber.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Awesome!

[@KTMitchell1953]

I always learn something from watching Massad's videos. His information is concise and always offers a thought provoking perspective on all things related to firearms. 👍

[@John-ph8rq]

Great info - exactly what I was looking for! Thank you.

[@thormusique]

Wonderful video with some really great tips, cheers!

[@175Larry]

Great advice! Makes imminent sense. Confirms all my training (32 years in LE). Thanks.

[@DonTruman]

I asked a pistol range owner about this. He was open carrying, and he said he doesn't keep a round in the chamber. His reasoning: thinks he can rack it very fast (though Massad makes good points that might not work so well in a real situation) and then an interesting one: if someone were to take the gun from him they'd try to fire it, it wouldn't work, then they'd probably look for a safety, then rack it, and in that time he'd have time to either attack him or flee.

[@mattk1358]

That's a pretty dumb reason because if you're worried about the guy taking the gun you should just get one with a safety and still keep it loaded because you can still operate it one-handed. I would go to so far as to say this doesn't make any sense at all.

[@thedude5449]

That man is a doofus.

[@richieewinns]

Well the problem there is he is open carrying. It is tactically inferior to open carry in public vs. conceal carrying. That isn't opinion, but simple fact. The only times I'd open carry is on private property, at the range training, or within my own home. 1. Advertising what you're packing. 2. Not all businesses allow open carry hence 30.07. 3. thugs will know to target you first. 4. Theft unless you carry an active retention, but c'mon, at that point you're dressed as a peace officer and hardly an outfit for the movies. 5. Impeded draw within tight spaces or your vehicle. If you ask me, that is just mental gymnastics to convince himself carrying openly without one in the chamber is good enough when in fact, it ain't. Plenty of self defense scenarios occurred and not one I've seen someone draw and rack then aim. It was always draw and shoot.

[@paul1858]

​​@@richieewinns "it is tactically inferior!" 🤓🤓

[@johngross8300]

That’s dumb.

[@KristofferEngstrom]

The best explanation Ive seen so far. Brought up things that Ive not previously thought of before.

[@tylers7390]

Thanks for the clarity. Good info.

[@robertdaigle7021]

Thank you for the excellent explanation of why having a round in the chamber vs no round chambered…I have been considering this of late but was not sure of the benefits vs dangers…you’ve now created clarity…thank you again.

[@nicosheers1112]

It's always great to get your advice. This issue has bothered me for a while, thank you.

[@DarrenMalone253]

Outstanding teaching and coaching. Thank you Sir!!

[@richpena2668]

Great video. Im 70 years old, been around guns a long time and every time I watch one of your videos I always learn something from you. So thank you, keep them coming.

[@kitsune303]

Wow, you've changed my mind on both the condition of my long guns and my EDC handgun. I was exactly backwards. So very authoritative and well explained. Thanks.

[@davids5006]

Yeah my long guns stay chambered. Oops

[@US2A]

Here is the thing, I'm assuming he's talking about factory pistols, so many people customizing them your losing the drop safe. Know body talks about that

[@chrisunderhill8853]

I learn so much from your channel thank you so much for all you guys do!

[@andrewclix..photography3146]

Great info as usual 👍

[@TheAxe4Ever]

I have to be honest, I used to be really concerned about carrying my firearm with a loaded chamber when I switched to appendix carry. I had no problems and never gave it a thought with strongside carry. I did it for years and never did I have an ND or any other mishap. But there was something g about carrying appendix that made me nervous. That mental block. I carried chambered of course, but it seemed like I would sweat it all day. Especially when sitting down or bending over. I could just feel the muzzle in spots that just don’t feel natural for a muzzle to be. It came down to my lack of training and practice after I switched. Whenever you introduce a new tool or system, you should seek out a good instructor and train for that specific system or piece of gear and practice your ass off. Now, a year into carrying appendix position and it’s all good now.

[@1992djg]

Appendix is hard because it goes against the basic rules of firearms you will have a barrel pointed at yourself and you have to trust yourself and the firearm 100%

[@lr22same47]

You never disappoint, thank you for your insights.

[@gowilsoncombat]

You are so welcome

[@pitbull113]

Great info as always. Thanks

[@chadhosmer9357]

Great video with lots of good information. Thank you for making this video for us.

[@eugenebalakirov7614]

Situational awareness is the most important thing! If you caught by surprise, time is not on your side whether chambered or not.

[@trueword247]

23+ years in LE here and I tell people this anytime I'm asked. Situational awareness is LITERALLY BETTER THAN having a firearm.

[@sergiolopez571]

@@trueword247I disagree, there’s plenty of cases where situational awareness alone isn’t enough to guarantee your own safety, what happens when your actions/open space are limited for any reason?

[@oklahomahank2378]

When concealed carry first became legal in my state very few of us were used to carrying. The whole idea was new to us. This is in the late 1980s. At that time only police and private detectives could legally carry. When it was legal I carried with the striker cocked but chamber empty for months. Every night I would check the trigger. It had never fired. So then I had the courage to start carrying with one in the chamber. As he suggests, I also carried a revolver sometimes.

[@dannyrowe6720]

Not bad. For folks who haven't grown up with a gun in their hand, it sounds like a great way to train in trigger discipline

[@angelwithbrokenwings2456]

@@dannyrowe6720 no

[@dthompsont3796]

That is exactly what I did. I carried fir months with the chamber empty but cocked. Never once had an issue with it so now I carry loaded ad ready every single day.