How to Carry A 1911: Into the Fray Episode 9

[@19echo60]

I am a retired Cavalry Trooper and that's how we were trained to carry our 1911's. And that's how I carry my 1911 today. Carry On!

[@0615conroy]

Garryowen

[@RSpuhl]

Scouts out!

[@Zanelander]

if you ain't cav?

[@orlandostuart5805]

You ain't $hit!@@Zanelander

[@rpbajb]

When I was a kid 60 years ago our town had a motorcycle cop who carried a 1911. He was always perfectly uniformed with high leather boots and very impressive, but I really loved that pistol, and I studied everything I could find about it. So I've known the 'cocked and locked' rule since I was about six.

[@Sigrafix]

"A gun doesn't just go off" Sig p320: "Hold my beer.."

[@brianMcGranahan0311]

Remington pop

[@stevemellgard6393]

🤔🤭😂

[@jorysiler]

Lol

[@PLT123]

Lmao came here to say this🤣

[@clawhammer704]

John Browning originally designed the 1911 without a manual safety. He added it on at the request of the US army field trails. Iv seen the serial #001 and read the story on the safety being added. The original 1911 001 is at the Browning museum along several others very early 1911 single digit ones. I think you can google the pictures now online to see them.

[@SamColtHolbrook]

Thank you sir, I have had countless discussions (arguments) with RSO's that the 1911 is not safe to carry locked and cocked. I carry a Kimber Raptor compact, outstanding sidearm by the way, and I have lost count on how many times RSO have instructed me to remove the round from the chamber and carry the sidearm with the hammer down. Keep up the good work. I sent a link of this video to the RSO and all of the firearms safety course instructors. John Browning was a genius. The number of firearms he designed simply is unbelievable. Again thank you sir for clarifying this urban myth that the 1911 can't be carried cocked and locked. Semper Fi

[@SamColtHolbrook]

Outstanding!

[@donfitzpatrick4647]

+SamColt Holbrook (NES50BMG) Way to many firearm instructors really only know about what brand of handgun thier department tells them to carry. Which way to often is only a Glock. I'm a Marine (M.O.S. 2531 Field Radio Operator) from Viet Nam "summer vacation" time period. My service side arm was the Colt 1911. And yes, Marines always carried cocked and locked with one in the chamber. After my EAS, I began my law enforcement career. I still carry a Kimber 1911 cocked and locked, both on and off duty. I run into way to many law enforcement firearm instructors whom seem to know nothing about anything other than a Glock. If, it is not a Glock they are lost. I've had to educate many instructors, and officers too when they tell me, "Hey. your hammer is back" about just how safe the 1911 semi-auto pistol really was designed. Some may prefer DA/SA with a decocker. However, I trust the single action with the same trigger travel and pressure on each and every shot, whether the first one on a new magazine. Or, the second, four, sixth, or eighth. No "heavy" 12 pound trigger pull on the first shot with twice as much trigger travel. Then on the second shot "lighter" 6 pound and one half the trigger travel. Same each and every time on both. Semper Fi. 1st Batt. 4th MarDiv.

[@44hawk28]

An RSO who doesn't understand the function of a 1911 has either piss poor training, in which case he's the unsafe one on the Range. Or he was trained by snot-nosed kids who couldn't find their ass with either hand.

[@mbenjamin292]

Poor guy caries a kimber.wow look on the kimber forums people yes you also.

[@USMC-lr8th]

Imagine their shock when they realize carrying a striker fired pistol with a round in the chamber is essentially the same thing except without an external safety (most of the time).

[@rh.114]

As a Navy Gunners Mate from 89 - 93, I proudly used the Colt 1911A1 .45 pistol. I now have a Kimber 1911 .45 Stainless & added Rosewood grips. Thank you John Browning.

[@Bullit44]

I was recently aghast at the number of "experts" that do not understand this design. I was at a gun show at the table of the "1911 Expert" and I had a 1911 holster that I was selling. The "expert" insisted that the holster did NOT fit a 1911 and I did not know what I was talking about. (I carried this firearm in this holster as a peace officer for years) I then noticed that he and his cohorts were all trying to make the thumb break strap function with the hammer down! I politely explained that he is carrying his 1911's in an unsafe manner. He was hesitant but said he has been a 1911 guy for over 40 years and did not know this. He thanked me. Bought the holster and spent the rest of the day explaining the condition 1 of carrying the 1911. The lesson here is be polite and explain thoroughly without belittling. Even 40 year bad habits and misunderstandings can be remedied. Great Video! Thank You!

[@CFarnwide]

The other lesson is be willing to listen and admit you do not know everything ;) Shows the true character of the expert.

[@MrClark-df9qn]

Bullit44 40 years? Right. I have some swamp land for sale cheap. If you claim to be a 1911 guy for 40 years and you don’t know about condition one carry you are either incompetent or dumb.

[@michigunsanta8680]

I’ve only been carrying 1911s or similar type guns for 5 or 6 years but from the beginning I always carried cocked and locked, not sure how I even knew that was the way it should be carried? I think I just intrinsically knew it couldn’t fire with the saftey on and the grip saftey not depressed!?! 🤷‍♂️

[@hansanderson6607]

Some "1911" holsters have a thumb break snap that only allow the hammer to be "down", or "cocked", but not BOTH. Other holsters don't have any "snap" strap that either goes before the hammer or behind the hammer.

[@fjm1061]

Safety won’t work unless pistol Is cocked. What does that tell you..

[@toiletpaper5770]

Go on...

[@ericeller9165]

Tells me that the safety is improperly designed.

[@richm8375]

@@ericeller9165 the 1911 is single action only. Unless the hammer is cocked, the trigger does nothing. What purpose would there be for engaging the safety on an uncocked single action? John Browning knows his stuff.

[@ChevyRedneckGFX]

@@ericeller9165 yeah the thing was main carry of the US Military for 80 years. What does that tell you. And no its not an outdated design

[@Watcher3223]

It tells me the 1911 is functioning as designed. Next...

[@Gun_Talk]

John Browning actually designed the 1911 pistol to be carried in condition 2. Hammer down on a loaded chamber. Those are his words in US pattent 984519, 1911. Browning strongly advised the pistol to be carried cocked and locked as per 1914 US Army manual on the 1911.

[@TrioHugger]

A compact 1911 is my edc. Love that thing, and this is exactly how I carry it every day. When I was in the Army, the Browning .50 cal machine gun was my favorite go-to machine gun. Reliable, accurate, and devastating.

[@dav2be4]

Kevin, loved the title. You are absolutly right on. But it does come with a 4th saftey, the best, your mind and the 4 saftey rules. Good vid, Dave.

[@Shinobi1Kenobi]

1. Browning led the TEAM that designed the 1911 to specs from the US Army. That was an evolutionary process. Browning never carried one routinely. The US Army required the thumb safety in 1910. Earlier models did not have one. The grip safety is a drop safety. Both were requirements of cavalry soldiers. The thumb safety was primarily for reholstering, something mounted pistoleros have to do frequently during a gunfight. You're driving a horse, a saber or carbine, and a pistol at the same time. Not many folks around who still know much about individual mounted soldier skills, but they sure did back then! 2. The US Army has always had 3 conditions of carry in the manual-at-arms for the 1911 (and the 1911A1). In fact, they've had 4 weapons conditions for everything from pistols to howitzers. All 4 are legitimate in the context of military use. The two used most often in tactical scenarios are empty chamber, loaded mag, hammer down (Condition 3) ; and cocked and locked (Condition 1). In garrison scenarios, only MPs are generally even issued live ammo. In the military, it is generally taught that Condition 2 occurs during malfunctions...either of the weapon or the soldier! Which got used was a response to the tactical situation. 3. By the book, soldiers do not operate alone or in a regulatory vacuum. 99% carry rifles and/or crew-served, man-portable weapons systems. Most of these guidelines are not necessarily appropriate to civilian LE or self-defense. The 1911 was a back-up weapon for the vast majority of troops issued one. It is safest carried on an empty chamber, and still reasonably ready for engagement as a backup to the rifle, machine gun, etc. Nobody WANTS to rely upon a pistol in a military firefight! 4. The MPs primary use of the 1911 was to shoot fellow soldiers as a last resort in self-defense. MPs do NOT work solo! EVER. So solo patrol scenarios do not apply to them, but dominate tactical thought for civilian LEOs. 5. For those of us who have been around long enough to actually know, there has always been a debate that was basically civilian LEOs pro C&L (Cond 1) carry and military small arms experts pro what is NOW commonly called "Israeli carry," which is to say loaded mag in firearm, empty chamber, hammer down in the holster (Cond 3). The weapon is charged by racking the slide on the initial move to high-ready. Yes, this adds about a half second to the process of drawing, presenting, and shooting for typical trained shooters. But it virtually eliminates the possibilities of an ND or being disarmed and shot with your own pistol in H2H combat range. Any fool can point and squeeze that Glock you just lost control of. Unfortunately, these are common enough events in real gunfights for them to warrant serious consideration. A lot of progress has been made with retention holsters since John Browning was alive! 6. BOTH camps are right -- until they swear by all that is sacred that THEIR way is the ONLY way. Or that John Browning endorsed one over the other. For civilian LE or concealed carry, I would carry a 1911A1 in Condition 1. Open carry as civilian, I carry a 1911A1 in a Level III retention holster in Cond 3...because I will also have a rifle OR won't be likely to need my pistol in the blink of an eye. I would recommend civilian security guards carry a 1911 in Cond 3 unless they work inside a bank lobby or while pulling courier duty with large amounts of cash. See how the tactical scenario effects recommended weapons conditions? THAT is how John Browning intended the 1911 to be used.

[@Sporkmaker5150]

I've never has a single disparaging comment about my 1911 being cocked and locked by one of the unenlightened masses, might have something to do with it always being hidden under my shirt tail.

[@mr.sparks3136]

All I have to say is “THANK YOU “! I’ve been carrying my 1911 in condition 1 for years and have always had to explain to people why I do so. I’m sharing this video next time someone asks lol.

[@stuartmastroianna5642]

Great video and right on the carry issue. Read somewhere that the pistol was originally designed without the grip safety and that it was added at the Army's requirement to prevent the trigger from bouncing against the sear when carried by mounted cavalry and accidentally discharging the pistol. Most of the newer 1911 type pistols also have a firing pin blocking safety which is disengaged either by the trigger pull as in the Colt Series 80, or by normal pressure on the grip safety as in the Kimber.

[@johnnypopulus5521]

I just bought an RIA 1911 government, my first 1911 ever & man oh man do I love it! I will be carrying exactly in this way, cocked & locked. Thanks for the greeat video, big boss.

[@TheRealZJE313]

Will that's good to hear.but I do both.now when I go in certain parts of my city where I think I might need it its cocked and locked

[@checkmate610]

That is the way I carry my 1911. Good video presentation.

[@navyseal22850]

AMEN! No need to candy coat this for grown men.

[@blondego56]

...or Ladies who carry ;)

[@xxmrbrooksxx]

I agree. I carry my 1911 cocked and locked. Good video.

[@ytbenavraham9553]

I own different types of pistols in 45 ACP. but my favorite pistol is Israeli Bul Armory 1911 45 ACP. I carry every day. Cocked and locked. John Browning received something special from God

[@dgb119311]

Amen! I've been packing a 1911 since 1974 (Army) After some schooling I've felt Uber confidence in this Pistol. Great Video Sir!

[@BTCAsia]

Thanks for the video. All your points are spot on of course. I would add, lowering the hammer on a live round is risky. There is no decocker. It’s too easy for the hammer to slip trying to lower it by hand. Like most, I’ve done it at a range, but never in my house or car - places where I put on, take-off, and check my carry weapon. The proper way to “decock” a 1911 is to remove the magazine, rack the slide to eject the round, verify there are no rounds in the chamber or well, and then lower the hammer on an empty chamber. Cocked and locked is the only safe, rapidly available way to carry a 1911. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable carrying cocked and locked - that’s fine, personal preference and comfort matter - then they should look for another type of auto pistol or revolver for carry.

[@davidkidder6705]

Thank you I am new to all of this. I am going to buy my first gun soon .

[@allenw969]

I always carry a 1911 cocked and locked. I often use a Galco Fletch holster, which has a thumb break where the strap goes between the cocked hammer and the frame. That piece of leather reassures others who might see the cocked hammer.

[@michigunsanta8680]

I’ve really only been into 1911’s for about 5 years. I have a RIA 10mm, Kimber Ultra carry 2 and a Sig 938 I carry every day cocked and locked which is like a 1911 without the grip saftey. I don’t know how I knew but I’ve always carried cocked and locked!?! 🤷‍♂️👍🏻 It’s actually extremely safe with multiple different failsafes, much safer than a Glock or any stricker fire without a saftey!

[@hotrodray6802]

The SINGLE action striker fires have a thumb safety. Glocks etc are double action.

[@panama-canada]

Bravo! The guns don’t shoot by themselves. They’re made to fire.

[@motorcitysteel9820]

John Browning aproves of this message! So does my Kimber.....

[@1977Yakko]

Same. When I carry, my Kimber has been cocked and locked on my hip for many years. Though I did recently join the 9mm club and got a Sig SP2022 which is really nice and considerably lighter than my Kimber Custom but I still carry my trusty full sized 1911 most of the time.

[@tomm1968]

The whole point of carrying cocked and locked was to permit the cavalry troopers to maintain control of their horse with one hand, while drawing the weapon from the holster and putting it into action with the other. Read that again. The cavalry trooper was expected to draw the gun, disengage the safety, and fire with ONE hand. That is why the gun was designed to be carried "Cocked and Locked". Kevin is quite right.

[@elblancobasura]

I remember the first time I ever saw guys carrying cocked and locked. It was 1990 and Denver PD officers were carrying like that. I liked guns even then but I was still largely ignorant on the matter even though I'd shot 1911's before in Nevada in the 80's. As I recall, it made a rather strong impression on me. In Kalifornia at the time they were carrying the Beretta 92 and some of the old timers were still toting the Smith 6 shooters. I remember thinking to myself when I saw those Denver guys carrying like that, "Holy mackerel, these guys aren't f&*$%&* around over here."

[@WarnerWrestling]

Hell yeah! Denver PD is amazing

[@JasonON]

​@@WarnerWrestlingDenver PD is far from amazing.

[@MrEferrell]

Col. Charles Askins when observed carrying cocked and locked was asked, "Isn't that dangerous?" He replied, "It's dangerous as hell. If it wasn't I wouldn't be carrying it."

[@oilhammer04]

When I was in the Military Police we were not allowed to carry a round in the chamber of the Model 1911 Colt handgun. As I look back on my military training, I think they influenced me to be somewhat anti-gun. We still have troops killed because of this anti-gun mentality.

[@t436]

oilhammer04 USAF lets us have round in chamber and on fire for the M9. Rest of the branches start deviating from that.

[@williameudy6615]

oilhammer04 I was an MP too. I trained at Fort Gordon in 1970. When I think back to those times it was different, especially for us. The Army was dealing with 17 to 20 year-olds most of whom never had any experience with handguns and some of them had poor judgement. There were a lot of incidents of “accidental discharges” across the Army. Almost all were attributable to guys goofing off and playing with their 45’s. So, the empty chambers and the clearing barrels we fired into before walking into the PMO were just a result of that bitter experience (just like the lanyards were a result of dropped, lost and damaged pistols and a few cases of MPs being disarmed). When we were at higher levels of alertness we chambered a round and went to “Condition 1”. But, for the most part, we didn’t have to deal with ambushes from the people we came in contact with (except in Vietnam where they patrolled with body armor and M-16s or pump shotguns). We also worked in pairs most of the time but now, for regular law enforcement officers that’s typically no longer the case. With backup 5 minutes out (or even longer) civilian cops need to rely on bulletproof vests, tasers and striker-fired pistols with no safeties that can be drawn and fired instantly with double-action triggers like Glocks. I think the way we were trained worked OK for us and most of the time it’s still good enough for civilians who are carrying concealed on the off-chance of coming into contact with a dangerous situation from which they cannot retreat. Cops don’t have the option of walking away and hardened criminals are much more likely these days to draw on them suddenly and shoot them down just because they’re policemen. In spite of all that, they’re held to very high standards with regard to the use of force. We’re likely to withstand an even higher level of scrutiny. So what’s good for them isn’t necessarily the best thing for everyone.

[@nate2838]

@@williameudy6615 thank you for going into some of the details involved in each situation. Many people don't take the time.

[@isaachousley325]

Todays military, its depends on the threat level. If theres no potential immediate threat, you're condition 3. If theres immediate threat or potential of, you're condition 1.

[@fin_jan]

@@isaachousley325 Well that makes sense. Too many wannabe cowboys go Condition 1 after they brush their teeth. That's unnecessary adminstrative handling, and that's where negligent discharge come from.

[@SicQueldorei]

Let's not forget the firing pin safety on the series 80 pistols. That's 4 safeties that have to be negotiated in order for the weapon to fire.

[@licensetochill79]

I was going to mention that but I saw that you did already.

[@gunchief0811]

i ain't got a series 80, i own a mil-spec and it's excellent have owned it for almost 7 years ZERO malfunctions.. and it shoots any ammo i put in it.

[@bassai2010]

Hi Kevin, good video. What many people don't realize is that striker fired pistols, such as Glock, are also cocked. Because it's internal, you can't see that and have noway of knowing the gun status. Also, because there is no manual safety, these are the guns that truly are dangerous.

[@shadowphantom2567]

Carried a Colt Government model 1911 (cocked and locked) for the first 25 years of my LE career. That was the only firearm my department authorized for duty. In 2016 or so, my department approved a few Glock firearms in 9mm and .45. I switched to the G19 then and didn't look back. We would get a comment here and there from other agencies of "wow, you guys are still carrying the 1911?" I really like my 1911 and was very comfortable carrying it and using it. I found the Glock to be even more comfortable for me to carry and shoot. Now that I'm retired, I purchased a Glock 43 for concealed carry as it is much easier to conceal than the G19 or my 1911. There is nothing dangerous about carrying a 1911 cocked and locked if you're properly trained in its use. And like Kevin mentioned in the video: It's meant to be carried that way.

[@robteaster2446]

I am super glad I discovered USCCA way back when! Great, informative video here Kevin. My edc is a SIG P320. Just picked up my 1st 1911 and am working on training with it. Stay safe all, always. Btw, to all the Veterans and LEOs out there, THANK YOU!!

[@2TheAbbeyClinic]

Right on, love the 1911. Still not improved upon. Nor has the round. It is still the optimal balance between power and controllability. If you don't believe, and are a handloader, try this experiment: Load up 230 grain FMJ rounds, following loading manual, from below to above the standard loading, which is up to about 839 fps. Then shoot them and see that once you start to get above the standard loading (about the level of a Plus P loading) the gun barks and bites. It is harder to get back on target for the next shot, and there is no advantage to your efforts to "get more power" out of the round. It's optimal. That was what the Army requested from Browning, and of course he delivered it. Thanks.

[@Pistolmike59]

Great video! My favorite pistol design by far is a 1911. AND it’s beautiful as well!

[@rickaskew7940]

Finally - best short video on the proper way to carry the 1911 , whether old or new model. GREAT!

[@greggminkoff6733]

Superior video. Absolutely correct with every statement. Finally a man who understands the 1911. I tip my hat to you.

[@mikecarroll5853]

Mr. Browning understood much about needs. Well articulated vid

[@larrypesek8818]

Learned this from Jeff Cooper many years ago... It bears repeating... Practice people! Practice, practice, practice.

[@valkyrie6926]

💯% correct! Great video! 👍

[@davidharris9077]

Too funny. I've told people for years "if you think that you are smarter than John Browning, you are probably mistaken."

[@39Thorns]

People who complain that the 1911 is "too complicated" remind me of people who can't find their way around a new place without GPS, or add up their salary without a calculator. I do just fine with a pencil, a map and a 1911. I never knew I was at a disadvantage.

[@sthompson4049]

Spot on,,many of my friends say I'm nuts til they Read about Browning and the 1911, then they are shocked that there is no evidence of one discharging.

[@bldlightpainting]

I've been carrying a 1911 cocked & locked for some 20 years... love it. :)

[@wyattplaz6345]

Excellent presentation! The 1911 was designed to be carried Cocked and Locked! The premise was that soldiers riding horseback could draw the pistol and activate the safety at full gallop, one reason the thumb safety is so large.

[@mikearakelian6368]

Thats how a gunery sgt showed me on a check out.... 1911,M-1 garrand, and 1919 30 air cooled... Was lucky enough to shoot with them on board ship.

[@L.Kneemoy]

Great video, your right that's the way the 1911 was designed by John Browning to carry. Again thanks for this video.. Cheers!!

[@Fugettaboutit]

I was under the impression that the 1911's safety was added upon request, not as part of the initial intended design.

[@azcountry6064]

I’ve carried the 1911 .45 professionally for nearly 30 years as a sheriff's deputy. Now that I’m retired I still carry my 1911 .45 this way at all times. I’m perfectly comfortable carrying it this way. And, I can always rely on it going bang when I do my part. No better design and gun IMHO.

[@josephphillips7949]

This should end the debate on how Browning intended the 1911 to be carried. "the thumb maybe applied to the hammer and through the same operate the grip-lever to release the trigger, then the trigger. may be operated with the first finger of the same hand to release the hammer and finally the thumb, still applied to the hammer and allow the same to slowly descend to the safety position," from John M. Browning's patent application for the 1911 pistol ( US984519A )

[@Watcher3223]

That description from Mr. Browning doesn't necessarily mean that carrying with the hammer down is the most ideal way to carry it. Rather, it seems like he's describing a way that the pistol can be safely decocked. That doesn't explain away the existence and reasoning behind the thumb safety and how it permits safe carry with the hammer cocked back. Also, the patent you are referencing appears to be an earlier design. Please refer to U.S. Patent 1,070,582, which offers an improved design of U.S. Patent 984,519 that is the basis for current 1911 pistols.

[@Scott-K7sce]

yep browning had it right. my 1911 is set cocked and locked 24/7 fully loaded mag. the weight took a little bit getting used to.

[@t436]

Scott Edick there are lighter versions out there now. Just don't go too light or you eat the recoil.

[@grad13nt1]

Probably the best ballistic weapon ever made 5 in built safeties and a platform which every semiautomatic pistol is based on today browning was a genius.

[@evilcowboy]

It was originally designed to be carried at half-cock and through the update it was intended later to be carried this way as the thumb safety engages the sear to prevent it from moving or acting upon the hammer. The hammer will simply not fall when carried with a thumb safety engaged as it physically blocks sear movement. The grip safety is what prevents it from discharging while holstered and as always your finger is intended to be the ultimate safety. There is nothing wrong with carrying outside of what Browning originally intended as the gun got an update to allow the carrying of it this way. With the thumb safety added I cannot see any reason Colt couldn't have left the half-cock position on the hammer off as it appears to no longer do anything if the thumb safety is used. A lot of folks say Browning intended this and that and that is the way it is suppose to be carried. Personally I think Browning intended for the gun to be carried however the owner wanted to carry it and updated the gun to allow carrying it of how the person felt the safest carrying it. Remember we are talking about the right to carry a firearm and how most of us are opposed to the government telling us we don't need this gun or that so no one can seriously believe they have any say so over how another person carries their pistol. This is coming from an inventor who first designed his guns as blow-back with only a single wedge to stop the travel of the slide and the barrel pivoting down on barrel links and not just one. He later change most of the unneeded aspects of the gun in its early models (the ones before 1911). As someone who builds guns completely from scratch I can tell you the 1911 the way it stands today can be carried either way. However I would say that those who put the firearm on half-cock does not need to engage the thumb safety as Browning did allow for the design to be carried this way as well. No one is right here and there is no right way to carry a pistol as it is ultimately up to the owner as to how to interpret the extent of their own safety and not anyone else. This is exactly why Colt didn't just deem the half-cock position from the guns obsolete and just grind it off and allows for a condition of either way the person wanted to carry it. Welcome to America. Personally I would rather to carry it cocked , locked and ready because it is far easier to just flick the safety down instead of pulling the hammer all the way back to full cock and then disengaging the thumb safety but a Glock I would rather have it as it is issued to the police, with no manual safety at all. It is simply different designs allow for different conditions of how to carry any gun. But I will say I would rather carry a police issued Glock as an everyday carry because of the lack of a manual safety you can literally pull the gun and fire it without worrying about doing anything more but pull the trigger.

[@SNAKEDOCTOR99GT]

preach on brother!!!

[@kmontano1234]

being a vet I love you and being from Ogden Utah I love more this is the truth and should be taught to all about the 1911 love mine and would not change a thing.

[@franciscodomenech8084]

I really appreciate your experience explaining all the details about this excellent pistol 1911. My humble opinion your are correct with your wise comments. My father was in Korea war and to always remember him I have a collection of 1911 and is my favorite pistol. Thank you for your comments 😊☝️👌👍👏🙏

[@LudwigPaiste28]

I love this video! There are plenty of channels out there who think they are smarter than John Moses Browning.

[@jimsbarg]

Most that complain about me carrying condition one are carrying their Stryker fire gun cocked with only a long heavy trigger pull as a safety

[@theheadidiot]

Cocked & Locked is how I carry Browning's other masterpiece, the Hi-Power, as well.

[@stevemellgard6393]

The pistol design says it all. Don't trust the pistol or don't trust yourself? Maybe a little of both? Condition one always. Thanks John for a enduring legacy.

[@williamhajnos]

THANK YOU, FINALLY I FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO THINKS LIKE ME. This is how I have always carried my 1911. You look at it, and think tactically it's the only way that makes any sense!

[@bartfoutch829]

Not only is cocked and locked the way this weapon was designed to be carried, it is possible to create an unsafe condition by carrying it half cocked. That can damage the sear to the point where it will not remain engaged with the hammer and can be bumped off of half cocked.

[@moparmadness5555]

Bart Foutch the gun was actually designed to be carried half cocked. There was no thumb safety originally and was added upon request. That being said I think "cocked and locked" is the best way to carry

[@bigbaldfish]

Finally dude.... Well done.

[@jamesphilips4290]

I have one right now in condition 1 on my hip. Thanks for the video!

[@arcocola8183]

James Philips -win

[@ChrisDeRoma]

It takes getting used to but yes, carry the 1911 cocked and locked as it gets you into the fight and on time. If this mode of carry scares you, get a revolver or da/sa weapon with a decocker like a Sig p226 or beretta 92.

[@rangersmith4652]

For many defensive carriers, a DA/SA pistol is the better choice. If I were ordered to carry a 1911, meaning if I were again, (I did so in military service), I'd of course carry cocked and locked. I simply don't prefer it.

[@bigearsarecutejamesallen4766]

Great video! I love the theme; You are not smarter than John Browning! These discussions, on the internets and in life, can get weird. I learned to shoot with a Colt 1911. I don't own a 1911, at least not at the moment, but I own a CZ 75B SA. I prefer a single action only trigger. These weapons were designed to be carried cocked and locked. On a side note; what makes people think that they would have time to rack the slide?

[@stantilton2191]

Good job Kevin, thank you.

[@katrinadarling3271]

I have had holsters that could push the thumb safety off. I could purposely reproduce the phenomenon when removing the firearm from the holster. I cannot say it would or would not move the safety during carry while in the holster. Have any other people had similar experience? It’s not a cocked and locked firearm that concerns me. It is one that has become unlocked without realizing it. When the firearm is removed from the holster, most people likely firmly grip the grip safety. If the thumb safety has moved to the fire position, a finger or foreign object pressing the trigger will cause a discharge. Placing the pistol strap in front of the hammer will not prevent this. I may be overly concerned, but I don’t believe it an unfounded concern. So yes, as long as the gun is locked, I agree with you. I believe the inadvertent movement of the thumb safety to the fire position deserves greater review.

[@yalitza77able]

GLOCK- "Dad, why don't people love you as much as they love me?" 1911- "Son, your the pistol everyone wanted.. I was the one they needed

[@CCGR-2024]

I never said I was! All kidding aside, thank you for coming out and saying clearly what needed to be said. I never heard it put in the way you did in terms of being smarter than John Brown!

[@MrLamont1975]

That hammer being back is so scary for snow flakes. 😀....These days internet commando idiots should be ignored, especially on KZbin. Thank you for continuing to put out awesome information despite the moronic peanut gallery on social media.

[@blondego56]

great info as usual....Knowledge is power...if used wisely!

[@mrspike007able]

Excellent Video answer to all the what I call the Gun Shop Commandos.

[@jimcorman3172]

John Browning was a great great uncle of mine on my grandmothers side. Your absolutely right.....John Browning's design for "cocked and locked" is they only way it should be carried.

[@USCCAOfficial]

That is very cool, Jim! How did you find that out?

[@scottrobbins6216]

Thank You simply understood and most people are definitely not smarter than John Browning

[@blueduster74]

Condition 1 is how I’ve carried for 28 years. It’s what my grandfather (WW2/Korea Vet and NRA instructor from 1955-1982) was taught in the Army and what he taught me and thousands of others. I don’t care about anyone who says otherwise. My Commander is pre Model 80. Never had it “discharge” by itself.

[@danhollatz5944]

Awesome! God bless John Moses Browning!

[@Gath8mm]

In the 1920s the cavalry requested that it be easier to rack the slide, since they carried hammer down, empty chamber, full mag seated. The design change was a larger radius on the firing pin stop to reduce the mechanical disadvantage the small radius FPS provided, which in turn allowed the slide to get racked easier, but also caused a recoil spike, and early opening of the breach. No we're not smarter than JMB. Go look at the original blueprints. Flat FPS was part of the original design, and modified by the Cavalry in the 20s. If they did carry it cocked and locked, they would have been better off, and so would history. Now if you want a flat FPS, you have to purchase a custom part and install it, or have it installed!!!

[@USCCAOfficial]

Thank you for sharing that bit of history, Gentry!

[@Gilpinales1]

this is not a good video. is the mother of 1911 videos ever. exelente good hombre

[@rayparker4505]

Cocked & Locked is how I've always carried a 1911. Hard to believe gun people asking this question. Time to get educated.

[@swordinademonskull]

***** Those instructions are nothing more than a liability waiver.

[@swordinademonskull]

***** I could definitely carry this on (and I did, but deleted it), but upon further contemplation, I would so much rather that more people go to instruction classes as opposed to questioning their validity.

[@quarters-eye8922]

***** I read the original 1911 manual in PDF form and it states : 2. Do not carry the pistol in the holster with the hammer cocked and safety lock on EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY If the pistol is so carried in the holster, cocked and safety lock on, the butt of the pistol should be rotated away from the body when withdrawing the pistol from the holster, in order to avoid displacing the safety lock. The manual makes reference to the pistol being loaded with safety lock on. I could not find any specific reference that stated the hammer must be down A few points must be made here 1. We do not know WHO wrote this manual or whether this person ever consulted with John Browning personally in order to KNOW what John Browning was thinking. OR whether John Browning himself ever addressed the gun being in a holster or not. 2. The manual ( and whoever wrote it ) did NOT say the gun CANNOT be carried cocked and locked - it said : EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY I think defending ones life from a violent perpetrator is certainly considered an emergency Carrying the 1911 WITHOUT a round in the chamber is foolish.

[@quarters-eye8922]

***** You're statement has no foundation in fact. The best shooters in the world carry 1911's every day Try your argument with Rob Leatham or Todd Jarrett and see how far you get. There is nothing unsafe about the 1911 platform There are unsafe people As long as your finger is OFF the trigger .....the gun won't fire ALL guns go off by pulling the trigger Don't blame the gun for shooter negligence If you put your finger on the trigger - it's going to fire That holds true for every single gun you handle - without exception A negligent discharge is not the fault of the 1911 design It's the fault of the shooter

[@quarters-eye8922]

***** Bob.....you make no sense Just because you don't like the 1911 doesn't make it unsafe - and it doesn't make you right. Frankly - your statement has no foundation. In order for you ( or anyone ) to have a viable opinion- it must be founded on fact. I read the original Browning manual - you are wrong on all counts. If what you are saying were remotely true - then the FBI Hostage Rescue Team - LAPD SWAT & our special forces obviously have made a terrible choice in choosing the 1911 as a defensive sidearm. I think the FBI HRT and our special forces are better qualified to make that decision than you.

[@kcstott]

not to mention the manual safety blocks both the hammer and the sear.

[@MrClark-df9qn]

Amen. When I explain to all those young Glock heros that if they carry with a round in the chamber they are carrying cocked. The only difference is you can’t see the hammer and you don’t have a thumb safety. Although there is a trigger safety the 1911 in conditions one is extremely safe. The only advice I give is that if you choose to carry a 1911 training and practice is paramount.

[@tetherplus7029]

Great video, thanks for that excellent information. Although I don't own a 1911, I know for a fact that ALL your semi automatic hand guns whatever the make, evolved from the 1911 design.

[@OldManMontgomery]

+Tether Plus Not really, Tether. The C96 Mauser pistol, the P08 Luger and the FN1900 were all three designed and manufactured for sale prior to the initial design work on the Colt Government Model. The Beretta 92 and predecessors (the Brigadier) and the Walter P-38 both work on different locking mechanisms than the Government Model. The H&K P7 (and variants) also do not use the falling link locking system.

[@tetherplus7029]

Thanks for the info, I stand corrected.

[@samsammy6210]

Same here cocked and locked. I see many people hold the hammer, pull the trigger and lower it down to sort of a half cocked position. Sure it works, but it only tales one time you ain’t got together and the hammer drops and now accidental discharge. One slip off the grip safety, not releasing trigger on time. So in other words Don’t!!! Period. It can catch you it just a matter of time. Mine is locked and cocked. If need be drop mag, unload, check chamber and lowers hammer on an empty chamber.

[@evilcowboy]

From looking at the design in its entirety along with the blueprints I am convinced the half cock position was put there to simply change the angle of the hammer to make it easier to rack the slide. By changing the 90 degree angle it makes it easier to rack. I believe he did this for 2 types of people in mind, smaller people (women) and wounded soldiers that their ability to grasp the slide would be impeded by a wound. To me this is pretty evident considering the locking lugs on the barrel are perfectly in time with the half cock notch. If you press the muzzle to the ground far enough to hear the lock disengage the hammer will come to rest at half cock automatically. Pressing it against something would be what a wounded soldier would do if their hand was injured. Just my thoughts not saying it is definitive. However, it does not make sense for it to be a safety feature as John Browning designed it for condition 1 carry and that makes the half cock notch useless. The only way it is a useful feature is to aid in racking the slide easier.

[@martclark4953]

Excellent!Precise and accurate.

[@drewschumann1]

While the 1911 style pistol is quite safe to carry "cocked and locked" John Moses Browning actually originally designed it to be carried at the half cock. The frame safety was added later to conform to US Army requirements.

[@OldManMontgomery]

Drew Schumann You are correct. The initial design did not include the manual 'thumb safety' (safety lock, in official military nomenclature). What most folks don't realize is the self-loading pistol was a rather new development at the time. At least in the United States. In Europe, the Luger had been introduced not long before, and the C96 Mauser had been released for sale just over ten years prior. But in the U. S., the semi-automatic pistol was rather new and strange. The Colt 1900 pistol had an exposed hammer. Per revolver wisdom, one lowered the hammer when not firing. This didn't work too bad afoot or when shooting casually. However, after firing shots in anger and astride an excited horse - remember the U. S. (and others) still had cavalry units mounted on horses - lowering the hammer on a serious pistol was a bit tricky. So the U. S. government - at least the officers selecting a new pistol - wanted a means to make the pistol 'safe' with one hand. The safety lock was born. It worked so well, the pistol could be carried 'safely' (a relative term, by the way) with the safety lock engaged. The design has been 'tweaked' in many ways in the past 104 years. It has been shortened, lengthened, adapted to many different cartridges, copied, copied poorly, fitted with suppressors, shoulder stocks, bicycle reflector grips, nickel plated, parkerized, polywhatever coated and left white. It works in practically all forms. Some people carry it empty chamber, some carry it with round in chamber and hammer down - or on half-cock, some carry it cocked and locked. It works anyway. It has had additional safeties and long guide rods and all manner of sights. It still works. I suppose I'm an old timer, but it is still the finest self-loading pistol available.

[@brotherricksafety]

+Drew Schumann Thats right thanks Drew

[@brotherricksafety]

Absolutely love the history lesson from old man montgomery but" I think its wrong to ever fire a shot in anger. You dont have to hate your enemy, just stop him or kill him."

[@drewschumann1]

+cajunski1 I couldn't agree more, vis-a-vis firing shots "in anger".

[@OldManMontgomery]

I do agree. In fact, a solder or lawman or any defender can fire appropriate shots without anger will do so more efficiently and competently. One need not, should not, be angry at an opponent. The term "... shots fired in anger ..." is a long established euphemism for combat of any sort.

[@thereallantesh]

Considering the U.S. Army asked Browning to add the thumb safety, and the grip safety I highly doubt the carry procedure you describe was what John Browning had envisioned. Browning's design did not have these safeties, and he only added them at the request of the government. So if this carry procedure was anyone's vision it was that of the Army.

[@thereallantesh]

Well I wasn't trying to deflate him, or make him look bad, but at the same time I couldn't help but point out the flaw in his logic. He presented a very passionate argument, but to put it simply it was just plain incorrect.

[@guynoir3116]

Christopher Lantesh You are very correct . I owned a Colt Officers Model 380 , which I carried in the cocked and locked mode , but upon the second time of finding the safety off at the end of a ten hour day , I switched back to my full size 1911 . I never had this happen before with any other gun , but now I feel better with a redundant safety system .

[@megadeth22885]

christopher is spot on.. in fact, cocked and locked was requested by the cavalry specifically, JMBs pistols were intended to be carried condition 3, with an empty chamber and the hammer down.. they were designed for combat, not self defense where youre more likely to be surprised by an attack, and not have any other weapons as in the military, pistols were only backups anyway

[@anvior45]

Another interesting thing is that some of the more serious guys hunting Dillinger and all that pinned both the grip safety and the safety. Some even went so far as to remove the trigger guard. Kind of have to be really sure about how you pull your gun then.

[@surgeonwithagun6793]

The origin of the saying "Don't go half cocked?" BTW There is a great historical piece on John Browning in the series "Tales of the Gun."

[@tonysmith5465]

Very well said and done ..thanks a lot...

[@freakyp711]

Now that is a creative and informative way to share the only correct way to carry the 1911. Very enjoyable. By the way, I never claimed to be smarter than Mr. Browning. Lol

[@hotrodray6802]

I agree. Please give documentation link to JMB and /or US military that specifically says to carry a 1911 that way. Ive yet to see any printed documentation and Ive asked this on numerous boards for 15 years.

[@hotrodray6802]

Ive often wondered why, if the cond1 is so safe, why the retaining strap separates the hammer from the firing pin. Just asking.

[@cryhavoc9748]

The original Tarkarov pistols (Russian) had no safety, other than don't touch the trigger until you are ready to fire. The designer said he did not want a Russian soldier to die because he forgot to switch a safety off. The Tarkarov pistols that were imported, had safeties installed (damn lawyers). But, those aftermarket safeties blocked the sear, and the trigger, and the hammer as well as locking the slide. Now... If it was in something more substantial than 7.62×25.

[@prestoncollins1064]

Cry Havoc I think you can get "toks"in 9mm I dont know much about them but I'm a fan of the pistols and a fan of the zastavas firearms cheers

[@skyking4501]

Exactly!! Carry one concealed all the time i am out of the house.

[@mikekohlhepp5439]

Well put! Remember, you've got to be smarter than what you're working with! Even if you're not smarter than John Browning!

[@carlgomm9699]

I'm an avid fan of the 1911 and carry mine with me daily,the only thing I've never understood is why the slide release is not of the same configuration as the thumb safety?? It's my opinion that it should be as easy to work with as the safety!!

[@hotrodray6802]

Because the slide release is to be used by your left thumb, not your right which requires shifting your grip position. Or racking the slide to release the lock. Best is reloading with one in the chamber before the slide locks back. Its fastest.

[@harpunz]

very nice K. to the one asking if it's actually safe carrying the 1911 this way: yes.

[@rtz7420]

Well said unfortunately everyone doesn’t get that this gun was made for combat where it needs to be ready to go at all times if they don’t understand the gun and it’s intended use then they shouldn’t be carrying it they should just stick to their glocks but wait they don’t have a safety at all The problem is people that have no business handling a gun are

[@bobroberson9286]

AND two of the safety mechanisms must be actuated simultaneously for the pistol to fire 🔫