Condition 1 vs Condition 3 for Fight

[Alpha Sierra]

To answer the question, I don't care what my pistol's firing mechanism is. I have, and carry interchangeably, striker fired semi autos, DA/SA semi autos, and double action revolvers. I never have been confused about what to do with any of them.

Of all three I prefer S&W Hand Ejectors.

[NCPatrolAR]

it's foolish to think you'll have the oppertunity to draw and charge your weapon while being assaulted. You need to have the ability to draw your weapon and immediately employ it without having to do any kind "extra" motion; especially if the extra motion involved your other hand.

[tpd223]

I like Glock 9mms and S&W Centennial style revolvers as of late, but I carried a S&W DA/SA gun for many years, a .357mag revolver before that, and I've used Beretta 92s and 1911s as well.
They all work, I just like what I like as it works best for me.

Basically ditto on what John Wayne said above.

[Ed L.]

I agree that if you are not comfortable carrying the gun with a round in the chamber you need to get a different gun.

All you need to do is look at various situations where people were attacked with weapons and without and ask how would it have been to have had to have chamber a round in that situation.

I don't know of anyone who has been in a gunfight who wished they had less time or less ammo.

[SteyrAUG]

As you learn more about pistols and examine their use for serious social purposes you'll discover that a well trained user can use practically any pistol well enough to get the job done, and that each type of operating mechanism brings its own particular advantages and disadvantages to the table.

Glocks, for example, are really quick to get into action because there are no safety mechanisms in the way of pulling the trigger. It's easy to make one go bang when you want it to. The downside to a striker fired pistol with no manual safety and a ~ 5.5 pound trigger is that it's easy to make it go bang if you don't want it to. With good training, development of safe handling practices, and sane equipment choices you can minimize the downsides of the platform.

My main carry platform is the M&P...a striker-fired pistol with a ~ 5.5 pound trigger. It's reliable, affordable, fairly easy to support, and I shoot it well. If tomorrow it was mandated that I carry a DA/SA pistol like a Beretta 92, S&W 5906, or Sig P226, I would be just fine with it. If it was mandated that I carry a 1911 I'd be just fine with it. If it was mandated that I'd have to carry a P30 with the LEM system, I'd be just fine with it. While all of those options may not be ideal for me in every way, with the proper dedication to training I can run any of them with a sufficient level of proficiency.

Some individuals may find that some systems are inherently easier to use than others, but for the majority of people proper training and practice will be more important in becoming proficient than the features of X vs. Y.

+1

I tend to prefer a gun like the SIG 226 because that is what I'm most familiar with.

[freakshow10mm]

I like either a SAO or DAO (spare me with the "safe action" crap, it's a DAO with marketing). I want the same, consistent trigger pull shot to shot. Whether I have to snick off a safety or not, I have no preference really. I just like the up-safe, down fire mechanism and try to stick with that.

Currently I carry a 1911 cocked and locked or a H&K P7 PSP round chambered (squeeze grip, squeeze trigger). Have carried a double action revolver and a Glock (30 with 4.5lb connector) before.

I get a kick out of the guys that hate to carry autos chambered but will carry a revolver with a full cylinder.

[Business_Casual]

I agree, whatever duty-grade handgun is available is fine. I have my preferences and prejudices, as anyone does.

However, one thing I don't consider viable is carrying an unloaded pistol. Too many variables and things to go wrong.

M_P

[markm]

Neither. I would rather have a striker fired, safe action pistol.

End of story. Get over the cocked and locked romance, people!

[freakshow10mm]

It's a love affair, get it right people.

[geminidglocker]

I carry my Glock with one in the pipe. When it is in the holster there is no chance, short of Devine intervention, of the weapon firing. When it is out of the holster I am aware that pulling the trigger causes the gun to fire.