I have a question for seasoned, mature LEOs or others who have carried for a few years on my assumptions about a round in the chamber in CCW.
Cowboys or Rambo wannabes need not reply.

1. One of my guns is a S&W Sigma 40VE. With its long DA trigger pull I feel it is reasonably safe to keep a round in the chamber as long as it's holstered.

2. My other 2 guns purchased for CC usage are Glocks. I feel just the opposite about them. I don't care if they had 10 internal safeties I don't feel comfortable chambering a round in them (even in a stiff sided holster) when a discharge is a very short trigger pull away.

Am I wrong in either or both of these assumptions and have any of you experienced or know of a self defense situation where the time to pull back and release the slide was significant?

Mike in Tennessee

Carry hot. If you feel uncomfortable with the glock carried hot, get a different gun that you can carry hot. Frankly for a ccw carry gun I prefer the small double action revolver and that's what I carry. My old shooting partner likes the semi-auto, but there's just to many buttons on it for my use. There's at least four besides the trigger I can see.

Here's his and mine. I can count a bunch of buttons on his just from this point of view. Mine just requires you pull the trigger.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Preditor%20masters/100_7553.jpg

You can get a heavy trigger in a Glock if you want to go that route, basically, converting it to something on the order of a double-action revolver pull. Won't be as smooth though.

I carried a Glock in a Fobus that completely covered the trigger. Don't have it anymore but if I did that's what I would still do.

I'm with Bob and carry a snubbie revolver these days, just because they're convenient, simple, and don't even need a holster. Just drop it in the pocket and go.

The guns you mention are all designed to be carried safely with a round chambered. Preferences vary, however, and I agree with your sentiments on the Glock as-issued. For me, the trigger's just too darned light/short. But, this is easily corrected by swapping out a few parts, and besides the trigger the Glocks suit me just fine.

My buddy just picked up a nice little Charter snubby and a pocket holster like I carry mine in, just much easier to use than to have to think about is the safety on business.

Here's how mine is carried in a jeans pocket.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Preditor%20masters/Taurus38specialwpocketholster.jpg

No imprint of the gun, no problem and at 16 ounces you never know it's there. Even his little semi auto is to big to carry easily in a pocket and requires some kind of concealment holster. Guess what it gets left home or in the car. Just keep in mind the first rule of being in a gunfight, bring a gun.

I don't think you should have any worries about carrying hot in either of those guns mentioned. Thousands of cops carry those guns every day and I have never heard about one going off in a holster and believe me, if it could be screwed up, a cop would find some way to do it.

Yes, absolutely. Finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

I'd do what you are comfortable with, though.

Steve

I carry my guns hot, I don't want to have to cycle a round at the last minute. I feel very comfortable with my 1911, Colt Defender or my S&W 411. If you are real concerned with the Auto, get a revolver as already mentioned.

If you question the safety of the Glock, keep in mind that they work best in a holster. Unless you snag the trigger while putting the gun back into the holster, they are about as safe as most weapons. Don't attempt a 'Mexican carry' (Can I still call it that?) The naked gun pointed at a sensitive portion of your body is asking for trouble. If you go 'Pocket Pistol' buy a pocket hoslter to keep the gun upright in your pants pocket. The pocket holster also keeps lint out of the weapon. Don't carry anything else in your pistol pocket. I like belt holsters for big guns & pocket carry for my S&W 640. (I've carried two guns everyday for 35 yrs & counting...)
PS. Inside the waistband carry is not comfortable for most of us large folks.

i ask this on my on thread but i agree with most on the small revolver.. but what is the deadliest
38 rd available..mike you need to know this too,,i would think..good luck.

I don't think the Glock would be enjoying the largest share of the LE market if they were unsafe to carry loaded. I carry to every day to work, and one in an IWB when I am off duty. I have never had an AD. For me I would rather have the simplicity of the point and shoot of a Glock, rather than having to manipulate levers when I need the gun now.

Bottom line though is pick what you feel comfortable with and train with it so that deploying it becomes second nature. There are many high quality handguns that you can use if you are not sure about the Glock. Good luck with finding one that fits you, thats part of the joy of shooting.

I'm not an expert on Glocks by any means, but I do carry a Ruger P97 with a round chambered. The benefit as far as I can see is that there are no safeties to fiddle around with and the first shot is a long deliberate trigger pull away (and the rest are single action-which I do prefer the feel of) If you don't feel comfortable with a Glock perhaps consider thinking of a traditional DA auto with out any safeties, worked pretty good for me over the years-not that I've had to use it in a shoot out yet (thank God) :-)

I carry my S&W SW9VE with one in the chamber. You have to feel comfortable with it though, and if not, its just an expensive club.

My holster is a Fobus, and it completely covers the trigger.

Though I never took one of the courses, I am told the "Isreali" style has everybody shooting off a conditions 3 gun (empty chamber, loaded magazine). Supposedly they have you draw & rack very quickly and get on sight. So there is a train of thought that supports what you are taking about with your Glock.

Personally I find it just stacks up the things you need to do at exactly the time you will have the least amount of time (and available concentration/dexterity) to survive a threat. Not sure that's the best of planning.

Like Faucettb said, it's fine if you are not comfortable with the Glock. Just get something you are comfortable with. In actual practice Glocks do not go off easily. If you put that Glock in a good trigger covered holster, you'll have to wait an eternity for it to go off any other way that a deliberate trigger pull.

Nowadays it's almost always a Glock I carry. It's fair to say that when everything turns to trash and it's all on the line, many many of us prefer Glocks. Outside of that. Carry what you like and get good with it.

With respect I say,if you have to ask those questions,my personal reccomendation to you sir,is to carry a <2" snubby. If you still feel uncomfortable with a live round in the first chamber that will be rotated into the firing position,carry that chamber empty. If you also feel uncomfortable with a live round under the hammer,carry with that chamber empty also.

Me and my family live in the same world that you live in and I do not want them to be harmed by a AD/UD.

BUT........nothing,absolutely nothing, takes the place pf practice and familiarity with the weapon that you intend to CC. Completely strip the weapon down to it's smallest part,see how it works,look at the safety/safety features. Do this as many times as needed.

Training will make a believer out of most people. It will give you confidence. Confidence that you will be able to protect yourself and your family with the weapon of choice(your choice).

GLOCKS ?? If you are uncomfortable carring a Glock......don't do it. I own two Glocks,and these are the weapon that I was refering to in para. 3. Glocks are completely safe as long as you don't(and this is a biggie) pull the trigger. Same as a revo.

The vast majority of gunfights, and other situations that you need a CCW, come about VERY quickly. That is not the time to be carring a weapon that is not ready to fire. This could cost you,or your loved ones,their lives.

This ultimately will be your decission. But I guarantee you that with the right weapon,the right amount of training and familiarity with the weapon,your philosophy will change.

Finally,let me say,that the above was placed without any disrespect intended.

All of us are ultimately responsible for our own well being. -----pruhdlr

I'm not an expert on Glocks by any means, but I do carry a Ruger P97 with a round chambered. The benefit as far as I can see is that there are no safeties to fiddle around with and the first shot is a long deliberate trigger pull away (and the rest are single action-which I do prefer the feel of) If you don't feel comfortable with a Glock perhaps consider thinking of a traditional DA auto with out any safeties, worked pretty good for me over the years-not that I've had to use it in a shoot out yet (thank God) :-)

Same here A Ruger P97DC carried "hot", but decocked.....no pressure on any springs etc (just like a revolver) long DA trigger pull first shot (just like a revolver) S/A fire after that (IMO the "best of both worlds") and it's nice to have NINE .45 ACP "ready" if needed....

Also the wife's Beretta 96 Elite IA .40 S&W is carried the same way, nothing to "fiddle with"(less chance of "error" in time of need)


You DO need to practice that "first shot" though, just as with a revolver the long harder trigger pull (first shot only.....not so with a revolver ) takes a little getting used to .....

Just my $.02 and easily worth half that ....

Here is her .40 Beretta


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a90/aceoky/DSC00001.jpg



And my .45 Ruger (sorry not the best pic)


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a90/aceoky/DSC00009.jpg

Both can be carried safely "hammer down" (decocked) and put into "action" very easily and quickly IF need be ...

All good advice, from all posters.
I do, however, understand YOUR lament about the Glock trigger.

THIS IS NOT GLOCK BASHING!!!!!!
I bought, or actually traded a mark II BHP for a Gen. II G19. I shot the G19 religiously, until I felt cofident and competent enough to carry it. I felt confident with the gun, but there was that sneaking suspiscion always in the back of my mind about the short trigger, the same way you feel.
I felt so strongly about it, that I sold the Glock, and purchased a Springfield XD to replace it. The XD has essentially the same operating system as the Glock, BUT adds, in my mind, the security of a grip safety. The grip safety, unless gripped firmly and properly, will NOT even allow you to cycle the slide to the rear, none the less allow the trigger to engage.
For me, this was the added peace of mind I needed to employ a pistol of this design.

Good luck, as I am sure others will offer advice to you also.

well said pruhdlr, may i also add that many times we hear of people carrying many different weapons for their ccw. i personally don`t like that idea. if i carried multiple semi-autos, i`d carry them all the same way. probably won`t have time to think about which gun your carrying and how your carrying it in time of need. i also carry revolver for this reason. i don`t want to have to think about anything but the BG in an already stressed situation. my advice is IF your going to carry different semi-autos from day- to - day, be comfortable, practice religously with all of them and carry them all the same way. goodluck:)

I am in the EXACT same situation as M141A. I carried a 19 from the time I was 21 until last February, when I purchased an XD. I personally never had a concern about the Glock, I just preferred the Springfield. I have also from time to time carried revolvers and a Colt Commander prior to the XD.

But you'll come to a conclusion of your own about what you carry, my friend. Everyone has their own personal favorite CCW, and you will find what you consider to be more comfortable, whether that be a revolver, a 1911, or a striker fired pistol. Considering you have 3 striker fired pistols, I believe you have already (at least somewhat) made a decision as to what type of pistol. Whether you carry the S&W or the Glock all comes down (once again) to personal preference.

Sig's are my choice in Da&Sa triggers. They don't have a safety to worry with. Fairly hard and long pull the first shot. Springfield with grip safety sounds good. Lot of shooters have them at the range where I shoot. Have to try one Most shooters there will let you try out any gun they have. If every one were like most of the ones at our club this would be a better world to live in.

Sig is a good choice, I failed to mention them as we were in the striker fired world.
My personal favorite is the 228. It is as reliable as they come, but does not conceal well on my body due to the choice of holsters I currently own. There are much better holsters that I am sure would work better for me, but in a state like NJ where you cannot carry, it's mute to spend good money on a top notch holster, for carry on vacation 3x a year. The XD or 1911 carry better on me.

i don't currently have a carry liscense but i used to carry a 3" gp-100 in a milt sparks summer special. i've got a big frame and never had any comfort issues with the larger revolver, and with the size of my hands i actually get along better with the short barreled gp than the snubbies i've handled.
as has been said many times before the main thing is to figure out what you're most comfortable with and then make yourself thouroughly familiar with it. there is a lot of responsibility involved with carrying, make informed decisions, make yourself familiar with local laws, and finally make yourself completely familar with your weapon of choice.

Glock sells what is called a "new york trigger". They come in two weights, 8, and 11 lbs. They cost about 5 bucks and can be installed in about 5 minutes. If you are not comfortable carrying an 11 lb double action gun, get something with a safety, grip safety, and maybe a manual hammer block:D

All my carry glocks have the new york trigger and they are about as safe as anything without a manual safety will be.

Iron Addict

Lots of good advice above, the most important is to carry only a gun you have absolute confidence in. The main reason to carry a round in the chamber is not as most think to be as ready as possible. The main reason is to keep the drill as uncomplicated as possible. This is necessary because not only is pumping adrenalin a problem but the situation can change in a split second. Police practice shoot don't shoot drills which require you to go back and forth between a "shooting" and a "safe ready" condition under stress. Ideally, your weapon should permit you to do this without any complicated thought involving "what condition am I in?"

As an example, if you carry a Colt 1911 in a "cocked & locked" condition, you can draw a safe weapon and point it at a threat, keeping it safe. Your thumb is on the safety and it can be depressed as you pull the trigger if a shot is required. If a shot is fired (or not) the safety can be reengaged and you are back in a "ready safe" condition. You can move back and forth between a "shoot" and a "ready safe" condition with one easy movement without telegraphing the information to the opponent and your thumb always knows what condition you are in.

Chambering and unchambering rounds and letting hammers down under stress is just asking for a discharge as well as adding confusion. DAO guns are designed to reduce confusing options to the minimum.

The Department I worked for issued Sigs. With one exception, officers were trained not to cock the hammer so a first shot was double action. Shooting drills on the range insured that the moment a situation deescalated the decocking leaver was used putting the gun back in a "ready safe" condition.

Under stress you do what you do in training. Keep it simple so that you can concentrate on the developing situation and let your training take care of the gun handling.

Nine years now carrying glocks on-duty and off. I've carried on my hip, Mexican style (in a holster of course), on my ankle, and under my shoulder all carried hot. They have never failed me nor AD. Glocks, like all tools, have cons but they work. I would never consider carrying my glock without a round in the chamber.

what BillP said, he`s the Capt. and gave excellent advice. p.s. i also liked the fact his P.D. used sigs. good choice.

ezhunter,
Thought you might be interested in the "exception" I mentioned with our Dept. Sigs and first shot double action. Really their was no policy that prevented cocking your Sig for a deliberate shot but only one range drill was practiced that way. Our officers were specifically permitted to take the "hostage shot" and it was regularly practiced on the range. :eek:

The result of this was that some officers learned that if the situation was right they could shoot a BG out from behind a hostage. It also showed a lot of officers that they had no business trying to do it.

Always carry hot- that .5-1 sec you use to rack the slide could be your life!! Other way to look at is what if you take a round and can't use your other arm/hand to rack the slide? Not an issue with a revlover. I've carried always with one in the pipe safety off- just a DAO pull away form capping a round in what needs it! If you don't trust the safety of your firearm -get one you can trust!!

I just love it when the OP doesn't reply? :(

BillP, most swat units will practice 'HOSTAGE SHOT" on a regular basis. scary as it may be some dept. require drills of that nature from the reg. street cop. mixed feelings on that one cause i`ve shot against a few. that would truely be a horrific set of circumstances one of which i wouldn`t want to be hostage or cop. my thanks go to the cops that take their job seriously enough to practice alot more than they have to qualify. by the way Capt."THANK YOU FOR THE YEARS OF YOUR SERVICE." :D

BillP, most swat units will practice 'HOSTAGE SHOT" on a regular basis. scary as it may be some dept. require drills of that nature from the reg. street cop. mixed feelings on that one cause i`ve shot against a few. that would truely be a horrific set of circumstances one of which i wouldn`t want to be hostage or cop. my thanks go to the cops that take their job seriously enough to practice alot more than they have to qualify. by the way Capt."THANK YOU SIR FOR THE YEARS OF YOUR SERVICE." :D

Never carry a weapon that you are not comfortable with. PERIOD!
Don't let someone talk you into doing something with it that you are afraid of. If you are always thinking about an AD, then your mind is not where it belongs ant your mind is your most effective defense.

Kudu40

I don't agree with the round chambered. I really doubt that many of us that are proficient with the use of our firearms will ever be in a situation where you wouldn't have time to rack the slide. I mean, it takes what, less than a second and can be done while bringing the gun from the holster. I don't see the need.

wyocarp, your last post crossed the line. Better be polite from now on.

Bye
Jack

Most of the folks that carry concealed, carry with a round in the chamber and both modern weapons and double action revolvers are designed to be safe to carry this way. I certainly agree with iron addict on that point. It doesn't take being in a situation where lethal force is being used against you to see it either. Racking a round into the chamber of a semi-auto is not a scenario I'd be comfortable with if my life depended on shoot or not shoot.

It's one of the reasons I carry a revolver. Hammer down with a hammer block safety it's about as safe as a hammer to carry and no thinking about anything in a bad situation.

Keep in mind that even living in this country you can get in a situation that unless your ready to protect yourself and your family you can end up preening a new set of wings. Take a CCW course and shoot that side arm a bunch so if you ever need it it's ready to go and so are you.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/North%20Idaho/Mountian.jpg

With that said lets not let this fine thread talking about carrying hot degenerate into an argument. The fella the started this post really wants everyones opinions.

I don't agree with the round chambered. I really doubt that many of us that are proficient with the use of our firearms will ever be in a situation where you wouldn't have time to rack the slide. I mean, it takes what, less than a second and can be done while bringing the gun from the holster. I don't see the need.


In a life or death encounter a second can be a life time..

okay I was wrong

This is the 1st thread on this, or any other forum, where the S & W Sigma was mentioned without someone calling it a piece of junk. Actually it's a very good pistol. My SW9VE has never had any kind of failure with over 4000 rounds through it.
The trigger is long and hard but it was designed to be like a DA revolver pull. I always carry mine with one in the pipe. If you pull that trigger, it's because you want to. Mine is primarily used for a car and a home defense gun.
My carry guns are either a S & W 442 with Crimson Trace laser in a pocket holster, a S & W MP 9mm compact or my full sized MP 40 caliber. Both of the MP's fit in a Desantiss Speed holster. All my carry guns are always carried with one in the chamber.;)

The Glocks are safeenough carried "hot". The SBS, when in Ireland also did a condition 3 carry. They were carrying Browning HPs. I tried their drill of vertical elevation out of the holster; As you present the firearm catch the serrations on the slide with your off hand and, keeping your off hand in the same relative position to you body advance your strong hand using the "push-pull" motion to chamber the round. I have tried that with a Glock and it doesn't seem to work as well as theHP. Ergonomics, maybe?

Condition III is not a viable potion for police, military or anyone interested in surviving a shootout. It is a silly way to conduct serious business.

Kudu40

Condition III is not a viable potion for police, military or anyone interested in surviving a shootout. It is a silly way to conduct serious business.

Kudu40

I have seen condition 3 used with impressive results. I wouldn't suggest it to everyone. I am concerned by the idea that exploring alternatives is called silly. Silly is not asking questions and criticizing those who do ask or share their experience with others. I don't carry in C-III and probably never will. But after building 37 years of public safety experience being involved in individual situations, including those wrapped in mst and crazy moments when a bad guy is shooting at you, has taught me to be slow to anger and swift to forget.

Well said.

and on that note, let us all keep this civil, and open minded, lest it be closed..........

I'm sorry if I offended anyone; it was not my intent. My intention was to prevent anyone from getting shot in an armed confrontation. The department I work for (and many other large departments) instruct officers on how to do things with one hand in case one hand is occupied or disabled, in which case condition III would, in my humble opinion, be a bad, possibly deadly choice.

Kudu40

I'm sorry if I offended anyone; it was not my intent. My intention was to prevent anyone from getting shot in an armed confrontation. The department I work for (and many other large departments) instruct officers on how to do things with one hand in case one hand is occupied or disabled, in which case condition III would, in my humble opinion, be a bad, possibly deadly choice.

Kudu40

You too are absolutely correct;
C3 is NOT an option for Law enforcement personell in my opinion also.

It was just my intention to maintian civility on this great board, not point fingers at anyone:o

My father was a police officer for 28 years on a small department just outside of NYC. There was only one instance where an officer was shot, by a .22 revolver, which skooted just under his vest at the waist. The officer returned fire, with his Smith 686, but failed to hit the assailant in the dark. The 686 fired, then misfired on two cylinders, then fired the next three.
It was found that the firearm had a faulty firing pin, which the first Gen. 686's were prone to. The officer survived, and subsequently the entire department's firearms were changed out to the Smith model 59. This all took place in the early '80's, the years of the "wondernines".

Stay safe, be ready.

If a firearm is unloaded then it is no better than a club and a baseball bat makes a better club IMHO.

[QUOTE=mes49;323277]I have a question for seasoned, mature LEOs or others who have carried for a few years on my assumptions about a round in the chamber in CCW.
Cowboys or Rambo wannabes need not reply.

1. One of my guns is a S&W Sigma 40VE. With its long DA trigger pull I feel it is reasonably safe to keep a round in the chamber as long as it's holstered.

2. My other 2 guns purchased for CC usage are Glocks. I feel just the opposite about them. I don't care if they had 10 internal safeties I don't feel comfortable chambering a round in them (even in a stiff sided holster) when a discharge is a very short trigger pull away.

Am I wrong in either or both of these assumptions and have any of you experienced or know of a self defense situation where the time to pull back and release the slide was significant?

Mike in Tennessee[

Accidental Discharge of Police Weapons, 1989-1998
found this note glock discharges.... of course it probably was the weapon of choice

I don't agree with the round chambered. I really doubt that many of us that are proficient with the use of our firearms will ever be in a situation where you wouldn't have time to rack the slide. I mean, it takes what, less than a second and can be done while bringing the gun from the holster. I don't see the need.

What is so unreasonable about this statement. It's the poster's opinion and I happen to feel that it has much as merit and a validity as anyone elses' here. Am I missing something here?:confused:?

UJ, I had the same question.

Regardless, and I am definitely not seasoned or a LEO, but I am going to offer my opinion and examples.

I do not like carrying the glock and have, apparently and without actively choosing not to, made a habit out of not carrying any of my striker-fired guns concealed. I they are great firearms with proven track records, but it has something to do with the fact that if I can't see it, I dont trust it. And if I have a gun on me it had better be cocked, locked and ready to go.

My carry picks are any of my revolvers, most generally my 3" .357 GP100. I love the fit, the feel, the trigger the accuracy and the power. If I do take one of the autos, I have come to prefer 2 of them. 1) S&W 669 (predecessor to the sigma??) in 9mm. The main reason is because of the decocker. Yeah, the first shot is a DA pull, but practice makes perfect, or at least proficient. I take it to the range and practice this: from a resting position with the safety on, get off 2 quick shots at a target, so safety off, DA pull, SA pull. Safety on (decocked) Drop it to the side and start over. Do a couple mags worth of this and the different triggers wont make a bit of difference. The other one is my 1911. Even with that, I don't have a problem carrying it with a round chambered and the hammer back. My requirements are a bit more strict with that one though. No ambi- safety, I dont want to accidentally turn the safety off. And A full, thick leather holster that covers the ENTIRE trigger guard.

Most importantly, be conscious, be competent, and be comfortable.

i guess it comes down to proper weapon choice, i know the p99 i have is totally unsafe with a round in the chamber, it has a hair trigger and if you decock it, it requires a rack of the slide to recock thereby negating any benefit from having a round in the chamber..... and has no safety.

i guess it comes down to proper weapon choice, i know the p99 i have is totally unsafe with a round in the chamber, it has a hair trigger and if you decock it, it requires a rack of the slide to recock thereby negating any benefit from having a round in the chamber..... and has no safety.

I disagree, as I own the same gun. A Walther P99 in 40 with the standard trigger.

The Walther P99 is probably the one I would carry.

Yes, the Single action is a hair trigger, short and fast.
BUT

once the decocker button is depressed on the top of the slide the handgun is put into DA..or a long 8 pound pull that has to travel the length of the trigger guard, just as a revolver would DA. Just because the decocker is depressed it does NOT require you to rack the slide. You can chamber a round and press the decocker, thus putting the gun in DA, just as the described revolver. I'm curious, do you have the QA version, or the traditional?

From the Walther web:

"Trigger Mechanism: Traditional Double Action with an Anti-Stress Mode </STRONG>

As the first pistol equipped with a firing pin lock, the P99 AS combines the advantages of the traditional Double Action System with Single Action Anti-Stress trigger. The P99 provides the shooter with a user-friendliness previously found only in hammer fired pistols.

Traditional Double Action
The anti-stress trigger makes the P99 one of the world's safest firearms by preventing unintentional "reflex" firing in stressful situations. The decisive innovation: When the slide is racked completely to the rear upon loading, the trigger remains in the forward position for the first shot; not only in the double action trigger mode, but also in the single action mode. The trigger travel is .551" long in the anti-stress mode (at 4.4 lbs. trigger force), preventing inadvertent firing. On all subsequent shots, the trigger travel is reduced to .314" (at the same trigger force) and this permits firing in rapid sequence, due to the quick reset of the P99 trigger.

Enhanced Safety
The P99 AS is equipped with a decocking button to safely decock the striker. It acts as an automatic safety and is integrated directly into the slide to prevent snagging on clohing even if the gun is drawn quickly."

P99AS Pistol - 9mm

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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="96%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tdeven>SKU: item_WAP77010 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdeven id=WC_CachedProductOnlyDisplay_TableCell_4 vAlign=top>Model-: P99AS
Caliber-: 9mm
Barrel Length: 4"
Dimensions, L/H/W: 7.1"/5.3"/1.3"
Weight (without Mag): 21.2 oz.
Sights: 3-dot adj.
Magazine Capacity: 15 Rounds (LE)
Trigger: TDA
Trigger Weight: 11 lbs./5 lbs.



11 pounds in TDA is pretty stiff decocked. If your Walther is the TDA, and will not fire decocked, I'd get it back to Walther ASAP for some of the best Cust. serv. in the industry.
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I carry a 1911 Cocked and Locked as they say. For me the last thing I want to worry about/have to fool with is racking the slide in the type of event that would force me to draw my weapon. Way to much stress and adrenaline flowing in that type of situation.

I have owned and carried Glocks in the past, felt fine carrying them hot just as I feel fine carrying a revolver hot.

The 1911 has become my preferred platform for defensive pistol work. Its design allows me to feel comfortable and safe carrying hot. YMMV

its a qa version, the trigger does nothing at all with it decocked, its not connected to anything.....

however it becomes usable again with a slight rack of the slide, about 3/8 of an inch... according to the paperwork with it the decocker is only for disassembly of this pistol. which i believe because the decocker is very stiff, and has to be pressed to take it apart.

all right i figured it out by watching the striker.... you rack it to load a round, decock it which disengages the trigger, rerack it 3/8 of an inch, which recocks it but it is now da.... thanks.