Never drop a hammer on a 1911 pistol with a live round in the chamber

Never drop a hammer on a 1911 pistol with a live round in the chamber.
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[@harryhicks404]

My dad dropped his Ruger 22 and it went off hitting him in the leg. He almost bled out but emergency services saved his life. A friend of mine tripped over his shotgun. It went off hitting him in the chest. He lost most of the blood in his body but miraculously survived. Both had firearms training but made simple mistakes. Be safe my friends.

[@slideglide9418]

Sounds like people close to you should wear body armor.

[@apb2887]

Jesus. Never dropped a gun in my life

[@tableeccentric7533]

@@apb2887 what can happen will happen. Be careful is the moral of the story. You just never know

[@garetz2011]

Some guns are not drop safe and regular people don't know where to look at when buying a gun. Yesterday I discovered a sad thing: the Steyr GB had no firing pin safety or half cock; onde the hammer is free from the sear there is nothing to capture the hammer. I like old collectible guns, but most guns, specially the military ones, are unsafe.

[@denbronco44]

I bet that didn't happen

[@tomsimmo5789]

I always drop the hammer on a live round that's the way the gun goes bang.

[@aquapurity]

No, you pull the trigger, and the trigger drops the hammer.

[@michaelhoffman9573]

@@aquapurity unless you're fan firing a single action revolver 🤣 (not recommending it and I myself have not fan fired)

[@mallardman9776]

Broken thumbs typed this post.

[@istartedajoke1704]

Right

[@beargillium2369]

😂😂😂 that's exactly what I was thinking

[@garyK.45ACP]

I have my father's M1911 he was issued in 1934 and used until he retired in 1958, through WW2. He purchased the gun when he retired. He taught me the same. NEVER lower the hammer on a chambered round. Carry it cocked and locked. He emphasized it was MUCH safer to carry cocked and locked than to try to lower the hammer on a chambered round. I have done so since I have had the gun for nearly 30 years.

[@hotrodray6802]

Hammer down or cocked and locked makes NO difference for firing pin Inertia if dropped on the muzzle. NONE. The firing pin is free either way. As far as cocked and locked Condition One carry... please give reference to even ONE place that John Browning or US Military ever, ever, recommended Condition one carry. 40 yrs... still waiting.

[@92notchback302]

@@hotrodray6802 it's always been my understanding the US military wanted these carried in condition 3. Numerous vets I've spoken with that served from the 40s thru the 80s always carried theirs in condition 3. Look at the old US M1916 issue flap holster, you cannot carry cocked and locked with the flap closed. I can understand carrying in condition 1 in a combat situation, you may need to draw and fire quickly if your primary weapon malfunctions or goes empty. But twice I've found my safety switched off while carrying in condition 1. Never had an accident but it still made me nervous.

[@garyK.45ACP]

If you do not want the hammer cocked, then carry it on an empty chamber. Once the round is chambered it is safer to carry it cocked and locked than to attempt to lower the hammer on a chambered round. Lowering the hammer requires disengaging ALL safeties so that the only "safety" is your grasp of the hammer spur. At the moment you pull the trigger to release the hammer, only your thumb prevents the gun from firing. The military instructed soldiers (my father finished his career as a small arms instructor) to carry the gun in condition 3, (loaded magazine, empty chamber, hammer down) except when imminent use was expected. Military use of a handgun has NO relationship to the self defense use by civilians. A handgun is NOT a primary weapon in military use. A handgun IS a primary weapon for personal self defense. As such, we do not know when it's use may be imminent. John Browning designed the gun as specified by the US military. FWIW the later Hi-Power, had a magazine safety for the purpose of returning a chambered round back to condition 3 (empty chamber) while having a safety engaged at all times. That was the specification of the Belgian military. Attempting to argue Browning's original design OR the military protocol to that of carrying a Model 1911 for personal self defense is ridiculous, not because I lose the argument, but because it is IRRELEVANT. The 1911 IS SAFE to carry cocked and locked for personal self defense. That it was not Browning's original intent nor the military protocol is a moot point.

[@garyK.45ACP]

@Tom Barker I do indeed. It is my most cherished belonging, though I have many firearms i inherited from my father and grandfather (both big "gun guys") THIS one is the most special. It is not for sale and the deal with my father was that NONE of these guns are "mine" to keep, I have been entrusted with safekeeping until I "no longer need them" and then they are to go to my children or grandchildren (many of them already have)😉

[@taxxxiddriver]

@French Frys me too

[@johnplaid648]

Activating a primer and activating a laser are two very different things. A primer requires a quick impact while a laser is on an off-on switch. Empty a 45ACP cartridge and insert it into the chamber and try poking it. It will not detonate.

[@billroberts9182]

The point is: Drop the gun and it might go "bang" through inertia! My friend's son is dead because of a dropped .44 mag (older ruger without a transfer bar) much like an older (not a series 80!) 1911. Also an odd situation occurred in a high field MRI where a policeman was getting a study. He forgot about his ankle backup revolver- it went off in the MRI due to intense magnetic field. Despite a transfer bar mechanism! So play the odds and listen to the experts!

[@Archimedes616]

@@billroberts9182 "He forgot about his ankle backup revolver- it went off in the MRI due to intense magnetic field." I don't think it just "went off." It either a) flew out of the holster and stuck to the magnet, or b) remained in the holster, in which case the hapless cop's ankle would have been jerked over against the magnet. Good fun all around as long as no one was hit.

[@rickybobby5950]

I would hardly call anyone on YouTwitFace an ‘expert’, just saying. Except maybe Hickok45...;)

[@bongreaper519]

@@billroberts9182 don't carry a gun for self-defense that has inefficient safety measures problem fixed and if you go out of your way to buy a 1911 that old you should have enough strength and enough knowledge how to make it not go bang

[@bassai2010]

Just as an experiment, I once tried to lower the hammer on an EMPTY chamber. The spring was so much stronger than I ever expected and the hammer slammed down. That was scary. I hope people learn something from this video. Thanks.

[@joshuapena4684]

A lot of people do that for 1911s when they keep them chambered, they know it's dangerous, but they have faith in their ability to let the hammer down easy, allowing them to carry a round in the chamber with the hammer down means they don't have to rack the slide when ready to fire. You can also have an extra round. Bc you just need to take the mag and put one in. 8 instead of 7. Beautiful.

[@dannylu6230]

Expecting a decocked 1911 but ended up with a grand thumb.

[@Roboticdoughbull3k]

You should really get more familiar with your piece, this is a mute point of coarse the 1st time someone decocks a 1911 especially a fresh one or newly resprung, its going to prob pull away from newborn thumbs. Good on you being smart enough to try it with a empty chamber right. Same point could be said for any revolver or basically hammer fired piece, thats why you practice and train at least a couple hundred rounds before putting it away into the bedside drawer. Lol

[@jordanmcbee9768]

Thank you so much for this video, I'm a new 1911 owner and considered having the hammer down on a live round but decided to do the research first. Thank you again!

[@johnrice1943]

Hammer back, safety on. The correct way to carry a 1911 on a live chamber.

[@antonw-uw4ov]

Saying it's not safe is fudlore and just plain wrong. If you need prof: try pushing the firing pin down flush against the backplate and look if it sticks out on the other side.....

[@johnnyragadoo2414]

@@antonw-uw4ov Right. The firing pin strikes the primer by inertia. I often decock my .45, but with a strict procedure that positively controls the hammer, anticipating the change in mechanical advantage as the hammer lowers. Anyone new to a 1911 could be unhappily surprised.

[@tc96z1]

@@antonw-uw4ov Generally You are half right and wrong. It depends on whether or not you have a firing pin block (Series 80). Which is in place with hammer back or down. If you insist on hammer down then carry on an empty chamber with the thumb safety off. Its faster and safer to rack a load under duress than cocking the hammer. All that saiid…. They’re designed to be carried locked and cocked.

[@antonw-uw4ov]

@@tc96z1 It's the same for both the 70 and 80-series. The firing pin is to short to poke inte the primer with the hammer down. I am not saying one should carry a 1911 with the hammer down, but that is not the question. The question is: is it safe to do so? And as far as the gun is concerned; yes, it's 100% safe, but pointless.

[@dukesmsd]

Thank goodness for all the gun "experts" on the internet!! There must be 1000 conflicting "must do" directives about 1911s.

[@JR-ng2xy]

if a range officer wants the hammer down, always rack and unload, safety first no matter who's telling you otherwise

[@ATINKERER]

You're right Josh! A range master once told me to load my 1911 at a gun cleaning table in the lounge, right next to where people were talking and reading the paper. I thought he was nuts!

[@nomansland4811]

J R Yup seen more than a few so called “range officers” at public ranges who seem to be more interested in their egos than imparting knowledge and safety. Fortunately the club I’m a member of has uncontrolled ranges and I go when no one is there or shoot at home. I can’t imagine any scenario with a 1911 where you would lower the hammer on a live round.

[@jason200912]

don't you mean unload, then rack?

[@JR-ng2xy]

@@jason200912 the end result is the same either way, the rack is just to empty the chamber

[@jason200912]

@@JR-ng2xy if you rack first you just end up loading a new round in lol

[@johnrice1943]

Only old people and revolver guys think the hammer should be down. A 1911 was designed by John Moses Browning to be safe with the hammer back. Any other condition is just dumb. My opinion, but seriously.

[@markwebb1040]

Is it just me or is the simpler solution to simply drop the mag and empty the chamber before calling it "safe?

[@WayneEarls]

This is for when you are carrying. You don't carry a clear safe gun. You carry it loaded.

[@WayneEarls]

I recently got a 1911 and considered dropping the hammer for carry use, but determined with 2 safeties it wasn't necessary and if I drop it on the hammer it could fire it, so I decided not to. Good video for people wondering..

[@handiediver]

It seems most of the comments below are missing an important tip that Jeff Cooper wrote about in one of his early books. He recommended dropping the hammer to a half cock position after retiring to bed for the evening and placing his sidearm in the night stand. The procedure is pretty simple and safe IF YOU REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER between releasing the hammer and letting it fall to the half cock. Even on series 70 this works pretty safely because the trigger isn't being depressed so the hammer has to stop at the half cock. When you actually modify a sear and move the half-cock position to be a little closer to the end it works even better- the hammer looks like it is completely down but it is still at a half cock. Again, this was at a time when those of us who regularly carried 1911s day in and day out were the norm (before Glocks, etc.) The series 80 mods made it even safer because of the firing pin block, if you care about stuff like that. In general though, since almost no one carries 1911 series 70 anymore, and of those even fewer have done so for a few decades, the bottom line is that the video title is a good, safe rule to abide by.

[@rangehot]

Exactly correct.

[@Brett235]

I don't own a series 80. I have several series 70's from different manufacturers. I prefer the more crisp trigger of the 70, and that's the way John Browning designed the pistol.

[@kingal89]

1911s are not meant to be put in half cock position. it serves ZERO purpose. Half cock is a safety feature to catch a hammer that falls unexpectedly while trigger isn't pressed. Gun should be kept fully cocked with safety on or uncocked and no round in chamber. this is all VERY clearly laid out in the owners manuals.

[@2TheAbbeyClinic]

As a 1911 carrier for 4 decades, I respectfully disagree. I often store the pistol with a live round in the chamber and hammer down. I think it relieves the mainspring. I always put my left thumb in the path of the hammer and use my right thumb to slowly drop it, then slowly remove my left thumb to drop the hammer softly. Very softly. I keep the muzzle pointed at something that would stop the bullet, just in case. Never had a problem. Just a little care is all that is necessary because it takes a pretty stout tap with the hammer to jolt that firing pin with enough force to discharge the round. Never worried about it and never will. Thanks.

[@CramcrumBrewbringer]

Although, you know a spring doesn't get worn down by holding tension, but by stretching and contacting. Therefore, docking is actually worsening the condition of the hammer spring more than cocked and locked would.

[@Permafade]

Yup pinch the hammer and block the path is what I do as well

[@TheUltimateWord]

There is no such thing as spring fatigue, from just being compressed. If this was the case old cars would never turn over. Cycling a spring is what causes fatigue. You can leave a spring compressed your entire life and it won't affect it in anyway.

[@karlstaton6619]

And that is exactly how you are supposed to lower the hammer to carry in condition 2.

[@kyleacunia9383]

@@karlstaton6619 condition butterscotch is better

[@jamescooper2618]

Way back when I was a kid learning to shoot a 1911, I was taught to hold the gun in my shooting hand, wrap my off hand over the rear sight and grasp the hammer with the thumb and forefinger of my off hand. Squeeze the trigger and lower the hammer slowly and under control. Never with a loaded chamber but this was the procedure when you needed to de-cock.

[@ronstar7027]

The point of this video is it IS a loaded chamber.

[@aixaburlison4]

I use my thumb and forefinger to grip the hammer also. I do it on all guns with a hammer

[@SeedyNotions]

Springfield 1911 manual states using thumb and fore finger of non grip hand to drop hammer. I never thought of doing that, but it gives you a lot of control.

[@WayneEarls]

That's for dropping the hammer in dry chamber. Not on live round.

[@SeedyNotions]

@@WayneEarls I gotcha.

[@vinceruland9236]

JMB designed the 1911 for "cocked & locked" carry. That's why there are two safeties.

[@EasilyCringed]

the 1911 isn't safe tbh. What if there was a round in the chamber and you drop it? the safety wouldn't work

[@vinceruland9236]

@@EasilyCringed that's the reason there's a series 80, and Kimbers Schwartz safety.

[@EasilyCringed]

@Joseph Steaphens I know how to chamber one sorta.

[@EasilyCringed]

@Joseph Steaphens No thanks, I prefer high magazine capacity.

[@celphalonred1999]

​​@@EasilyCringed the 1911 is more safe than any other handgun due to the amount of safties. Guns these days (plastic) dont even have safeties in general.

[@gooney0]

If you need to do this try this method: Block hammer from falling with your left thumb. Pull trigger. Release trigger and grip safety. Slowly lower hammer.

[@sudaev]

That's exactly what I do.

[@Altonahk]

200 years of gunfighters using this and similar methods are rolling there eyes at this guy. I would carry cocked and locked if I had a SA/only. But, that's mostly about it being quickly deployable. But with my da/sa, I mostly use your method to drop the hammer into 1/4 cock.

[@Cap10VDO]

Important video. One more point about a Series 80, though: if you've dropped the hammer, you may have defeated the firing pin safety in the process (if you kept the trigger pressed while lowering the hammer), so the hammer would then be sitting on the firing pin with all safeties disengaged (the thumb safety can't be engaged with the hammer down, and the grip safety blocks the trigger, which you've already pulled to drop the hammer). At that point, you've completed the only drill that can render a Series 80 1911 vulnerable to an impact-induced AD. RSOs should know this.

[@jackal1115]

I'm still trying to figure out why you would ever NEED to decock a loaded 1911. I can't imagine a reasonable scenario.

[@UncleDon226]

having the hammer cocked back frightens people. They dont trust themselves, the gun or both

[@pmczapczara5332]

Shoot half the mag, then stop....one still chambered. You can leave it like that.....sure, but what if you took it home, laid it down, then one of your kids picks it up? There's a scenario for you.

[@jackal1115]

@@pmczapczara5332 still dont get it. you dont need to decock to unchamber a live round. so explain it to me again. why would you NEED to decock a 1911?

[@pmczapczara5332]

@@jackal1115 refer yourself to your original question. Then read my scenario. Is the gun ready to fire? Should it be ?

[@sxnthwave]

I carry mine cocked and locked all day every day and it never gives me any problems, nor do I worry that it will. A 1911 is safer than 90% of the other handguns out there.

[@plainlogic]

Setting the hammer down is the dangerous part. Once the hammer is down the weapon is safe.( condition 2)The hammer cannot push the firing pin into the primer in the down position. Even dropped directly on the hammer cannot cause a discharge. The hammer must strike the firing pin at a certain velocity to transfer that momentum into the primer for the round to be fired.

[@devontaenash1409]

Exactly what I was thinking. I have a M1911A1 Rock island armory ; sub compact 3.5 inch barrel. I grab my hammer with 2 fingers and squeeze while holding it to make sure I don't drop it fast . Because I like to carry with hammer down even tho the safety right there. I just feel more safe with hammer up then down because you never know when you actually rub and hit your safety off. I know it has a grip safety but you never know. Hammer down gun up. Hammer up gun down.

[@rangersmith4652]

Charging through the wall of flame is the dangerous part. Once you're on the other side, the heat goes away.

[@dalehazard8016]

I did this with a Beretta 92 instead of dropping the safety/decocking lever. My fingers were oily and the hammer slipped out of my grip. The result was an accidental discharge which resulted in a bullet hole in two walls and a permanent hearing loss in my left ear because I wasn't wearing hearing protection. Although I was pointing the gun in a safe direction, the muzzle of the gun was about 6" from my ear. Fortunately, no one was injured. I"ll never be that stupid again.

[@lovemym16]

Its amazing how hearing loss works. I've shot rifles inside of buildings with no hearing protection in the military and always passed the hearing exam perfectly. While other had major hearing loss.

[@exotiq7754]

Im lost... You meant to decock it but dropped the hammer instead??

[@dalehazard8016]

@@exotiq7754 I put a loaded magazine in the gun. I racked the slide back and forth which put a live round in the chamber. The gun's hammer was now cocked with a live round in the chamber. I wanted to decock the gun. Instead of using the decocking lever as I should have done, I held the hammer with my fingers and pulled the trigger with the intention of slowly lowering the hammer. My fingers were oily and the hammer slipped out of my fingers and the gun fired thus shooting a hole in two walls and giving me permanent hearing damage in my left ear.

[@exotiq7754]

@@dalehazard8016 Well the name hazard is definitely appropriate lmao

[@dalehazard8016]

@@exotiq7754 You can blame my father for the last name

[@johnnyragadoo2414]

Good advice. The Kimber, if it's like mine, is a Schwartz system. Unlike the Series 80, the firing pin block is controlled by the grip, not the trigger. The stealthy thing that can get you is the hammer takes little force to hold back at full cock. As it descends, the spring gets greater leverage. The farther down the hammer goes, the harder the mainspring pushes. If you think the hammer will be as easy to control at half-mast as it is at full cock, nasty surprises may await. Never do anything with any firearm without practice with a gun colder than a movie prop. Never allow the muzzle of any firearm, regardless of its alleged state, to point in an unsafe direction.

[@richardsteamboat8765]

So simply 1911's are basically unsafe for the average novice after all its an 100 year design but then so are revolvers

[@mortvid]

Guns are unsafe by definition

[@robertmurdock9750]

Most 1911s had spur type hammers which were a lot easier to lower the hammer with than the commander style. If you are going to lower the hammer round chambered or not it should be pointed in a safe direction just like a model 92 Winchester or exposed hammer side by side shotgun.

[@user-pe1ys2yt7j]

Will my hand be injured if my finger is on the hammer when the pistol is fired?

[@shadowentity2034]

@@user-pe1ys2yt7j a little bit, nothing serious, the guy you accidentally shot might be hurt though lol

[@johnnypopulus5521]

1911s were made for people who have intelligence & know how to work an actual machine.

[@sl6045]

Really great that you covered what NOT TO do, however you totally neglected to say what you SHOULD do. Place safety on cocked and locked, drop mag and rack round out of chamber, etc...

[@NIGHTROCKER70]

Your comment should be HIGHLIGHTED. It's that simple,folks.

[@troy9477]

For starters, i was taught to grasp the hammer between thumb and forefinger when lowering it. This gives much more positive control. It should seldom if ever be necessary to lower (not drop!) the hammer on a loaded 1911. Did not know that the S&W does not have a firing pin block. Interesting. The Kimber pin block won't help much, since it is linked to the grip safety. It is intended for drop safety, as they all are.

[@82luft49]

Why would you lower the hammer on a live round when your 1911 is already cocked and locked? It doesn't make sense.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I've been concealed carrying a 1911 every day for almost a decade and never had any issues. One of the safest pistols ever designed in my opinion.

[@yeenosaur2620]

I very much agree, I was nervous carrying around my Ruger SP101 but after swapping to a Dan Wesson 1911 I feel super safe. I just know that it's safe and I trust it. 1911's are the very best gun for safety imo. As far as the "never carry on safety" rule goes for CCW, I've never had a problem as it's almost second nature to undo the safety when drawing.

[@MatthewsSloan]

@@yeenosaur2620 Agreed. If you are carrying. You should be practicing your draw, and carry the way you practice. Carry with the safety on. The gun going off with the hammer cocked, safety engaged, and the grip safety not pressed would defy the physics.

[@EasilyCringed]

I wouldn't trust that sketchy pistol ever. It just seems so complicated and with a hammer down round in the chamber, the safety is totally useless

[@EasilyCringed]

@Joseph Steaphens all it takes is one fabric to catch onto it to blow your man bits off. Not to mention the magazine capacity sucks. Why go for 7-9 rounds of ammo when you can hold 12-17 in a standard striker fired gun

[@EasilyCringed]

@@alienagendaexposed Thats what old folks say, this isn't 1985 🤣😂

[@adamselene621]

Yep. Oily thumb got me an AD once with a Springfield that had a really heavy hammer spring. Being aware that it *could* happen, there was no accidental hit, but someone being casual about it could cause injury or worse. I carried that pistol for 10 years with never an issue, but the potential is there. Take my word, as someone who had it happen; don't ever drop the hammer on a live round unless you intend to fire the weapon.

[@jessgatt5441]

That's the very reason the Moses designed the original 1911 with a standard hammer. That pistol will never be improved upon, and every time they modify the original they detract from its safety factors.

[@TheTyler701]

If you can’t decock a 1911 hammer without absolute certainty that you’ll be able to control the hammer, then u shouldn’t have one. Seems like people are way too scared of the gun

[@scottrob1968]

I had a guy at a police range do this next to me , his sweaty little thumb let the round go into the range bag on the other side of him. And the ass chewing was still going when I left.

[@BigAlWillis]

lol

[@nigel900]

I suppose the "guy" lacked enough damn sense to wipe the sweat off his de-cocking finger, before trying..... sadly, sometimes the only cure for carelessness or stupidity, is death.

[@korwl540]

Thankfully not in this case...

[@MatthewsSloan]

What an idiot.

[@scottroberts5554]

@Bill Haggard he would have made a drill Sargent blush!

[@joenoffsinger6376]

As it is not likely someone looking at a 1911 will know if it is series 70 or 80 and if a trigger job was done that I agree this is bad advice. If not ready to shoot at a range gun should be empty, drop the mag and pull the slide.

[@nigel900]

Riding the hammer down...not Dropping it. I've done it, ten's of thousands of times over the past 40+ years without a single issue. If your fingers are slippery, if the spring is stronger than you are, if the hammer is too slick or you are just accident prone... "DO NOT USE THE 1911!" Drive your car down a two lane road, with nothing separating you from oncoming traffic but a painted line.... one slip on the steering wheel, and it's a deadly head on collision... "DO NOT DRIVE CARS ON ROADS WITHOUT BARRIERS!"

[@JimboLogic]

That is not decocking, it’s a self induced light primer strike.

[@UncleDon226]

I thing all the people against condition 1 are just frightened to see a hammer cocked back

[@2NDCBT]

Thank you for this advice. Former Marine and Police Officer and the hammer slipped off from my thumb. Been doing this for years and now I FINALLY let this happen. Very scary. Will definitely not do this again!

[@fredsasse2792]

I'm glad you pointed out the Series 70 versus Series 80 difference. Your S&W is obviously of the former and your Kimber of the latter design. I carry a Colt Officers model (Series 80) and have no qualms about lowering the hammer on a chambered round, however that is very seldom done as I religiously carry my Colt in Condition 1 (full mag, one in the pipe, cocked, safety on). In my opinion this is not only the safest way to carry a 1911 style Series 80 pistol, but it also allows putting the weapon to use with no fumbling. I say it's the safest because the weapon is the quickest to fire when needed while at the same time three safety devices have to be defeated simultaneously in order to have an accidental discharge - grip safety, thumb safety, and firing pin block. The last one of these three being the major difference between the Series 70 and 80; the Series 70 does not have the firing pin block (which is why you can illuminate your laser round by pushing on the firing pin on your S&W).

[@getoffmylawn8986]

That range officer needs to go back to range officer school!

[@dougleith1470]

Isn't a 1911 supposed to be carried ready to ride? That's why it has two safes.

[@IslandBoy958]

Agree 100% Thank you for the demo, hopefully people acknowledge this FACT. COCKED AND LOCKED.... If you NEED to do anything with your weapon drop the mag, pull slide back to eject the round... safety, safety, safety. Be safe all

[@hugebartlett1884]

Not only that but the slide slamming back could likely break your thumb if it's still in the way! My method is to flip the safety lever up,and then unload the weapon.

[@mic187x2]

Why drop the hammer on a gun when it wasn't designed that way?

[@terryciciora8528]

I enjoyed your video and totally agree never to carry with the hammer down on a live round. I do however carry my old Springfield 1911 with one in the chamber, but half cocked. I was a little alarmed at the way you were de cocking though. I never use my thumb, its just too risky. I insert my fore finger between the hammer and pin, then pull the trigger. Once the hammer has dropped slightly I release the palm safety and the hammer will stop at half cock and will not fire no matter what you do to it.

[@polackwizerd]

I carry mine with a round in the chamber hammer back and safety on... Draw, click the safety down and fire...

[@jadedclone6728]

So are you saying this for all double actions? Or is this just particular for 1911s?

[@DessertRat]

@@jadedclone6728 it’s how you carry single action autos. Double action doesn’t require being cocked for the first round.

[@DenverLoveless]

Lots of soldiers shot themselves or others that way... Put your other thumb in the way and ease the hammer down to the half cock safety. It is Very robust for a reason.

[@DessertRat]

@@DenverLoveless It’s designed to be carried cocked and locked. There’s pretty much zero reason to try decocking it with a round in the chamber.

[@DenverLoveless]

@@josephsteaphens474 SMH.... WWII The lesson was learned the hard way by some. The information I shared is from combat vets that fought in the Pacific during WWII. Lying in blood soaked mud + Lack of sleep + Filled with adrenalin + Scared shitless = Don't use the thumb activated safety. Edit: The bright side is you ain't within arms reach of me.

[@TheFlutecart]

Mr. Browning and his half cocked ideas. Still valid to the day. Grip safeties and all. The 1911 is king.

[@handlesaredumb1]

That’s like saying you never put your car in any gear above third because if you did it might go to fast if you’re leg was to weak to lift your foot back up.

[@Dutch_Prepper]

Series 80 firing pin block has absolutely nothing to do with this. If you would lower the hammer, you are still pulling the trigger. (disengaging the firing pin block).

[@autumnfragrance7185]

It's called condition 2 carry... perfectly safe with a series 80 1911 - if you drop the hammer at the practice range (muzzle pointed in a safe direction)

[@jackharter660]

don't shoot guns when you're falling down drunk. don't pull the trigger when you're not sure if it's got live munition in it or not. it's not a good idea to drop a gun that I'm go off if it's gets a sharp. jar on it. don't shoot a Magazines worth of ammunition with your eyes shut when you're in a house and you're not sure if someone's home or not

[@antifasucks4522]

I carry locked and cocked but on a side note a 1911 hammer dropped completely down will not cause gun to fire if dropped on ground. The firing pin is on a spring inertia operated type system when hammer is agaisnt the slide it cannot move any further therefore not making firing pin hit live round. Theres a reason why the firing pin is shorter than the firing pin guide in a 1911 and its for that exact reason.

[@UniteForgetLeftRight]

Wow yeah I can't believe someone would think that is a good practice, one little slip and you have a negligent discharge.

[@brottarnacke]

I was not aware that not all 1911s have a firing pin block safety. I'm very grateful for finding out about that before deciding which 1911 to get.

[@MisterCheemf]

I always just put my thumb between the hammer and the slide and it catches on the safety notch. Never had a negligent discharge

[@fsinatra1911]

What about half cocked?

[@davelowets]

Hell NO!! When I was a boy, I accidentally fired the Winchester 32 Special I was using for deer hunting when I went to uncock it, because the hammer slipped out of my cold thumb. It CAN happen to ANYONE! Thankfully I was aware that it CAN happen, and I had the rifle pointed towards a safe spot on the ground when it DID happen. I learned a lesson that I would NEVER forget that day.

[@doctorlongmoney8816]

This is common sense. If you didn't already know this, then you are not worthy of a 1911 (or revolver of any kind).

[@brandonk5932]

U carry a 1911 cocked and locked, period. Anything else can get you shot/ killed. If you're not comfortable/ confident in carrying that way you need A. More training. 2. A different carry gun.

[@kdubxl1200n]

The pistol was designed to be carried cocked and round in the chamber, safety on. Per John . You should always unload a firearm the safest way possible. On a revolver there's no other option if it cocked.

[@backlash00]

Although I totally agree with your message I had to laugh at the the title. Why would anyone ever drop a hammer in their 1911? Oh, never drop THE hammer on a 1911. Got it!

[@evilcowboy]

Thats kind of over analyzing the design. Allow me to explain. Ever notice how the front portion of the hammer has a point and is chamfered then it dips then it gets to the knurled part? This is literally meant to hang your thumb over the top grabbing in front of the flat surface slightly. The knurled portion is meant to only cock the hammer and not de-cock it. To de-cock the hammer your also not suppose to be holding the grip safety until you have a hold of the hammer really well. Any AD's of the gun is simply user error. However I do not practice this myself I can say the design allows for someone to do this. The firing pin is also inertia driven meaning while the hammer is down it does not protrude through the breech face unless the firing pin falls out of spec and is literally longer. This is the case on just about every modern 1911 and with a slightly longer firing pin it makes the amount of time longer before the gun starts striking lightly. According to the Colt blueprints modern 1911's have a slightly longer firing pin. While most people claim their old 1911 was unreliable due to light primer strikes they automatically blame the obvious culprit which is the firing pin. This is not true it is caused by fatigue of the main spring over time. Replace it the problem goes away. Some people battle it with a slightly longer hammer strut as well causing more force on the hammer and the harder hit helps keep the firing pin being hit with enough force to help eliminate light primer strikes. I do not see why anyone would actually do this especially with a beaver tail as you are correct in saying if the gun is dropped and the rear of the hammer hits it inertia can cause the round to be fired if at a high enough height. A more correct video would be modernized 1911's should never be de-cocked while WWII era 1911 are just fine to do it with if you want to. That said I applaud the video as it is a better safe than sorry type video. Also all 1911's should be carried condition 1 and no other way. If someone is too nervous to carry in condition 1 then they are literally too nervous to own or carry a 1911 and should probably go with a gun that is suited more to their tastes. A lot of people have their opinions about the 1911 and there are a lot of truth and myths surrounding the design and since it is such an old design there has been plenty of time for folks to over think it but also modify it. If the gun is made exactly to the Colt blueprints the gun is fine to de-cock if you want and for what ever reason. Again I do not practice de-cocking a 1911 because I can literally think of not reason to do so other than firing the gun. Its a good video but there is a little bit of personal opinion in it which is why I mentioned the difference between modernized 1911's and original ones. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimbelle3087]

Right on. It amazes me that after over a hundred years ,so many still do not understand John Browning's design. Still the safest design today along with rugers saftey bar design. That's my 2 cents worth.

[@konarider26]

Thanks for the insight, I've always been dropping the hammer like this on my MP654k CO2 Makarov. I've heard they make them out of real gun parts or deactivated firearms, so all the springs and other parts work the same way as on a real firearm. I've never even thought something could go wrong with this. Live and learn, as they say

[@rangersmith4652]

SAO pistols like the 1911 are meant to be carried with the hammer cocked and the thumb safety engaged. Gently lowering the hammer on a live round has always been a thing some people do, but it's always risky and useless for any practical purpose. If carrying cocked and locked seems unsafe to a person, he or she should not carry an SAO pistol.

[@jasonmeehan6080]

This is actually done in competition all the time. USPSA requires any DA/SA gun to start a stage in DA. This requires lowering the hammer.

[@rangersmith4652]

The 1911 is not a DA/SA pistol. Huge difference.

[@jasonmeehan6080]

@@rangersmith4652 there’s zero difference in the way you drop the hammer. In fact as long as the gun is pointed in a safe direction, and it does go off, I don’t see what the problem is.

[@rangersmith4652]

@@jasonmeehan6080 True for some pistols, but not all. A decocking function built into the mechanism is safer. Sure, lowering (a more accurate term than dropping) the hammer on a round manually can be done safely, until the one time when it slips.

[@Sneathers]

To be honest I’ve never ever ever had a reason to drop my hammer or decock it on a 1911. I carry a 5” 1911 and ive never felt any need to decock it considering that would deem the firearm useless. Hell even when I store a 1911 in a case or safe unleaded I still have it cocked and locked even when it’s got no ammo in it.

[@slideglide9418]

I used to drop my hammer like that for years, until I started learning how to properly run the 1911. Now, it's all about thumb and trigger finger control.

[@slideglide9418]

@Bev Stan I'm not sure what you are saying. If a round is in the chamber, the hammer will be cocked with the safety on. To let the hammer down, drop the mag, clear the chamber, the let the hammer down. When I look at my 1911, I can tell if it's chambered or not, by the position of the hammer. Practice your same protocol everytime, and be safe.

[@slideglide9418]

There are 3 conditions of readiness when carrying a 1911. 3) chamber empty, hammer down. 2) round in the chamber, hammer down. 1) round in the chamber, hammer cocked and safety on. Getting from stage 1 to stage 2 requires the shooter to ride the hammer down. How the hammer is released and moved to stage 2 is the point I was trying to make.

[@v.loveslaughter1968]

Great demo...I was looking for this info and went to multiple sites to find it, saw a bunch of guys waving their firearms around with not much info and a whole lot of talk...what if I were deaf?...This guy got straight to the point. Love it!

[@johnstrat1905]

I carry a glock 19 without a round in the chamber. Yes this could be a problem but I would rather be completely safe while carrying every day and just take the risk of having to rack the slide in time and have 15 rounds at my use.

[@nathancummins8728]

John Strat you shouldn’t be handling firearms yet alone carrying one if you are not capable with trusting yourself with carrying with one in the chamber. The only way a Glock will ever go off unless you throw it off a building is if you pull the trigger.

[@TMJ32]

@@nathancummins8728 the guy didn't ask for your permission or approval. Mind your own business about how other people choose to carry their guns.

[@AFGMirMir7477]

it won't go off from dropping it no matter what height

[@maxmccain8950]

The 1911 has an inertia type firing pin. The firing pin is not resting on the primer when the hammer is down. So yes, it is safe to carry a 1911 with the hammer all the way down. The hard part is lowering the hammer. I don’t think there would be enough force to set a cartridge off by pushing on the firing pin with a punch.

[@David-hm9ic]

NO! Your assumption is incorrect. I posted elsewhere in the comments about a police officer dropping a 1911 in a second floor bedroom and killing his wife on the first floor.

[@maxmccain8950]

@@David-hm9ic In a situation like that, if dropped on the muzzle the gun would have gone off no matter if the hammer was cocked or all the way down. The inertia of the firing pin would set it off either way. This is where a firing pin block, a titanium firing pin (light weight) or a stiff firing pin return spring would come in handy.

[@bnizzio]

OMG! I'm brand new to the gun world, just bought my first 1911. I would never set my hammer down on a live round. That's basically fanning the gun. I carry it loaded and unchambered. After I take my course and shoot it at the range, I'll carry it racked and locked as the platform is designed.

[@030baller5]

the fact that there are people that really do that shows how not everybody should carry

[@wesc4054]

There's a problem using the comparison with your punch. Whether it's the 70 series or an 80 series 1911 it doesn't matter because on either scenarios you are pulling the trigger to drop the hammer this will disengage whatever safety mechanism on the firing pin. But great advice to safely use the 1911

[@Fishinmagician32]

Because of the human element, I can see why this is critical. Having that said, I have carried a 70 Series Colt, for over a decade. I have never had an AD, and carry with the hammer down, as for my preference. Have tested the hammer to firing pin possibility, at a private range, with a rubber mallet. I have never heard of a 70 series discharging with the hammer down, on an empty chamber. However, I would agree that cocked and locked is a good method. I was trained to carry with the hammer down by an old Vet, and firearms instructor. Just be safe with a firearm period, as there is no margin for error.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

The firing pin does not protrude at all with the hammer resting on it in my series 70 and I don't see how it could even fire if the hammer was struck with something, the firing pin retainer just won't allow for it. I'd wager breaking the spur off the hammer first.

[@glennschultz7685]

Good video, you are right 70 series may go off with bullet in the chamber irrespective of hammer position. I see many videos that say locked and cocked is the way to carry a 1911 but that depends of the firing system. I never keep my colt locked and cocked because it is a 70 series

[@bladerunner2434]

Can I ask how did you carry it? Thinking of buying a colt 70 but have been a Glock guy for 20 years.

[@johncitizen3927]

Colt was designed to carry cocked and locked.

[@Scott.Farkus]

Dropping the hammer on a 1911 is not a problem since it has a floating firing pin, which means it's held back away from the breach by the firing pin spring, the inertia of the hammer falling at full force is what drives the pin into the primer when you fire it. So condition 2 carry is fine with 1911. That's how I carry mine if I hunt with it, because cocking the hammer is quieter than flipping off the thumb safety.

[@bernardscheidle5679]

I think ken quesenberry has got it right. If the firing pin is a "floating" pin, or what my 1980s beretta 21a calls an "inertia" firing pin, the pin is on a rod in a tube in the slide, with a spring around it that keeps the pin from touching the cartridge. The hammer when fully cocked and released by the trigger, comes forward and whacks the back of the pin rod (a small nub sticking out of the back of the slide), and the force of the hammer dropping pushes the pin rod, compresses its floating spring, and the pin rod finally goes forward enough to whack the cartridge. A gun with an inertia firing pin should be perfectly safe to carry with the hammer down because the hammer is not cocked and there is no possible contact between the pin and the cartridge.

[@ACitizenOfOurWorld]

@@bernardscheidle5679: I don't think the video is arguing against Condition 2 but rather pointing out a risk that the hammer can slip off one's thumb while it's still nearly fully down and thus have enough of the required intertia to strike the cartridge and fire.

[@BEder-it4lf]

Bound to happen! Many people are unfamiliar with the old guns. Good video!!! Thanks.

[@camojoe83]

You're stupid. These are one of the most commonly sold firearms. Nothing archaic about it at all.

[@ndzkyyt9439]

I carry one in the chamber and hammer down for the past 10 years and still there's no discharge or what so ever... I think it depends on series what you have... RIA 1911 user here...

[@otto3967]

I am glad I saw your video. I just purchased a 1911 and saw people do this. But I am hesitant to do it myself. Now I am aware, I should never do this.

[@johnv5718]

I always put my thumb in between the hammer and let it down to half cocked. I carry mine haf cocked you just have to remember to pull the hammer back to fire.

[@johnwaddell4107]

That’s why you carry cocked and locked. Faster and safer to release the safety than to draw and remember to rack the slide in an emergency situation. It is why you practice, carry the way you practice no matter which way it is.

[@spreadeagled5654]

This is true for ALL single action firearms. Rifles and pistols.

[@williepelzer384]

Have you ever shot a 30-30 Winchester lever action? After you chambered a round, the only way to put it on safe is lay the hammer down. Done it for 57 years never a discharge...

[@walkingwolf8072]

The original colt 45 acp semi auto had no thumb safety, images of the Colt model 1910 can be google searched for those who doubt. The 1910 with it's inertia firing pin was designed to be carried condition two.

[@IR-xy3ij]

I lower the hammer on my CZ 75 in this fashion all the time. In fact the gun was designed to be decocked this way.

[@ardvarkkkkk1]

I R As was the 1911.

[@korwl540]

Expensive sports cars are designed to go 200 mph. Does that mean it's a great idea to cruise around town at that speed? Or would you expect people drive safely and considerately? Dropping the hammer on any loaded chamber on a weapon without a dedicated decocker is inherently risky, regardless of the design choices of Browning 100 years ago. And for the record, neither the 75 nor the 1911 are designed to drop the hammer fully down on a loaded chamber, this is why there are half cock notches on both weapons. ESPECIALLY on old 1911's, back when they were designed since we're on the topic, you didn't want to fully drop it because they were not drop safe and any impact on the hammer would be transferred to the firing pin. The half cock position on those firearms has its genesis in old single action revolvers, as in that day most shooters were familiar with them and they would feel more comfortable carrying close to hammer down at the half cocked notch.

[@Xx8BALxX]

LMFAO! how do you cruise going 200mph??? C L O W N

[@kingelvis5502]

If you dont have the confidence you can drop the hammer safely, whether its with your dominant hand or thumb and forefinger on the other, you shouldn't be walking around with a gun.

[@Clovistoolsdotcom]

You should squeeze the hammer on its sides or pinch and slowly control the hammer it will not get away from you that's how we do it and is very safe the way your doing it no way that is going to be deadly.

[@davelewandowski]

If you let go of the palm safety while dropping the hammer forward it won't allow the hammer to drop completely.

[@Auriee_]

I read the first half of the title and thought it was gonna be some fudd lore bullsh!t for a second but I was pleasantly relieved once I read the rest and watched the video.

[@nickrobinson9503]

Makes me wonder what the slide will do to your hand while dropping the hammer and it fires

[@Southernguitar74]

Only one way to find out. Get back with us and let us know what happened.

[@markk3652]

Broken fingers and torn flesh for sure, who hasn't suffered slide bite? that's painful enough.

[@roadrunner7828]

I agree it's bad idea to drop the hammer on a live round and its something I just wouldn't do. In my opinion the 1911 wasn't made to be decocked because it's a single action only system. I will say though, I've got two 1911 pistols. One's a Springfield the other a Ruger. With the hammer down on each pistol, the firing pin doesn't protrude through the breach face were it would be resting on the primer of a live round if there were one in the chamber. Both are series 70 designs, however I still wouldn't carry them this way. They are carried cocked and locked.

[@jamesallen5591]

Most normal human beings rarely fire their firearms. Most defensive firearms will never be fired in self defense. Most loaded firearms will sit, untouched and unused, for months (if not years) at a time. My father, a combat veteran, taught me how to shoot and the first handgun I ever fired was a Colt 1911. He taught me how to lower (not drop) the hammer on that 1911 with a round in the chamber when I was 10 years old. I'm now 55 years old, and I still lower the hammer with a round in the chamber. Maybe you don't know how to do it.

[@dondacarter776]

I agree 100% no matter how skilled and confident i am i would never

[@joelwilliams5576]

I pinch the hammer with my index finger and thumb. I carry the Springfield operator. No mishaps been carrying it for over20 yrs.

[@David-hm9ic]

Some years back a Houston law enforcement officer dropped his 1911 while changing from duty mode to being home. The inertia of the firing pin caused a discharge from the second floor bedroom and the bullet tragically hit and killed his wife in the kitchen below. Nothing is perfectly safe but for this reason I like to install titanium firing pins in combination with "Extra Power" firing pin springs. The combination of the lightweight firing pin and the extra power spring reduces the chance of such an accident.

[@blade913]

Still don't fully understand why there's a half cocked position on a 1911....

[@awd3418]

its a safety catch , if the sear lets go without squeezing trigger it will stop the hammer from striking the firing pin

[@halshaw3919]

The notch is not present on all 1911s. My older Springfield has one but the newer one does not.

[@garydailey809]

I wish I had been a little more educated about the 1911 years ago. I was once parked on a dark lonely night on a deserted desert road waiting out a dust storm when a suspicious vehicle slowly cruised by. It made me kind of nervous when the vehicle made a U-turn up ahead and came back cruising at about 5-MPH. I took out my .45 just in case, not knowing this person's intention. I had it in my backpack coming home from a day of target shooting. As the car approached, I recognized it as a highway patrol vehicle. Sitting in my truck, I pointed the Colt Series 80 in the only safe direction I could, the floorboard, then I eased the hammer down and it slipped. I had an accidental discharge. I put a .45 caliber hole through my floorboard in plain view of the officer. Luckily with the raging wind and my windows being rolled up, he didn't hear the gunshot. I don't know how he missed seeing that brilliant muzzle flash though. I rolled down the drivers side window and had a brief conversation with the officer, and he didn't have a clue what just happened. He didn't see or hear a thing, and I didn't tell him. After he drove away, I checked under my truck for damage and there wasn't any. The bullet didn't hit anything vital. This was my most embarrassing moment with a firearm, though nobody witnessed it. I never thought it would happen to me.

[@christianfreeman3918]

Do a video on the 1911 firing pin of an old GI model. Because I had it incident where all I did was dropped the gun on a live round hammer cocked back in it's still went off even though the thumb safety was on

[@christianfreeman3918]

@@josephsteaphens474 nothing was wrong with the gun

[@natekitchens3140]

I've never in my life discharged a round until recent, this video is very true with 1911's anyways. always point in safe direction.

[@ems390]

I've been curious about this subject for years. Thank you for confirming my worries, excellent video my man.