In a self-defense situation, seconds count. Here we discuss the importance of carrying with a round in the chamber.
As a firearms instructor, one of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the idea that carrying a firearm without a round chambered is a safer option than carrying a firearm with a round in the chamber. This philosophy, often referred to as “Israeli Carry,” might seem logical at first glance.
The logic goes something like this: A firearm without a round in the chamber is safer and less susceptible to a negligent discharge, which is more common than the use of firearms for self-defense. In a dangerous situation, simply draw your weapon, rack the slide and fire.
However, this seemingly simple action can have devastating consequences in a real-world self-defense scenario.
Let’s consider a real-life example.
A video circulating online shows an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier being attacked in a convenience store. The IDF soldier is standing at the register. You see a man slowly walk up behind the IDF soldier and lunge suddenly toward the IDF soldier, attempting to stab him. A struggle ensues, and the two men go to the ground momentarily before the IDF soldier stands up and draws his sidearm.
Immediately upon drawing the firearm, the IDF soldier fumbles as he racks the slide of the gun to load a cartridge into the chamber. As the attacker begins the stand up, the IDF soldier begins stepping backward as he continues to struggle racking the slide. Luckily, right as the attacker stands up and lunges toward the IDF soldier, the IDF soldier is able to get a round in the chamber and take a shot, stopping the attacker.
There are certainly some lessons to be learned here:
Fractions of a Second Matter
In a life-or-death situation, fractions of a second matter. The time it takes to rack the slide can be the difference between stopping a threat and becoming a victim. This example illustrates this point: Don’t give up valuable time when your life is on the line. Carrying without a round in the chamber is almost like saying, “I’ll put on my seatbelt right before the car crash.” Here, the IDF soldier delivers the shot just in the nick of time, but it could easily have turned out differently.
Modern Firearms Are Incredibly Safe
Thankfully, modern firearms are incredibly safe when carried with a round chambered, provided they are carried with a proper holster. The concept of “Israeli Carry” originated in a time before the widespread adoption of modern, drop-safe semi-automatic pistols. These advancements in firearm design, pioneered after World War II, led firearms experts like Jeff Cooper to advocate for carrying with a round chambered. This practice has since been adopted by countless law enforcement agencies and responsible citizens across the United States. However, the concept of “Israeli Carry” persists in some circles, even though the original reasoning behind it is no longer as relevant with modern firearms.
Training is Paramount
Self-defense situations are inherently stressful, and the ability to perform under pressure is critical. Training goes beyond marksmanship; it teaches you how to manipulate your firearm in various situations and in a safe manner, including clearing malfunctions or firing one-handed. What if you have a malfunction, for instance? You’ll need the skill of clearing the malfunction to be “second nature” so that you clear the malfunction without fumbling around as precious seconds tick away.
Also, remember the concern about negligent discharges as a reason for “Israeli Carry.” If you are trained properly, you won’t put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot, you will always treat the gun as if it were loaded, and you will always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction until ready to use. The proper solution for negligent discharges is training, not carrying the gun in a way that makes it less useful.
Be Prepared to Operate Your Firearm One-Handed
You should be able to manipulate your firearm with one hand, especially in situations where your other hand may be injured or occupied by fending off an attacker. In a self-defense scenario, if your non-dominant hand is occupied with restraining an attacker, holding a child, injured, or otherwise unable to assist, racking the slide becomes significantly more challenging. Of course, many instructors will teach using the rear sights to hook on the edge of your boot, belt or holster, but this is a task that is easier said than done, especially when someone is stabbing you or bashing your head in. This is a technique that takes practice.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether you choose to carry with a round in the chamber is up to you. Either way, the decision to carry a firearm is a serious one. If you choose to carry, it’s your responsibility to be prepared to use it safely and effectively when the need arises. Carrying with a round chambered is not about convenience; it’s about maximizing your ability to defend yourself and your loved ones in the split seconds that matter most. By prioritizing proper training and responsible carry practices, you can ensure you are prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones when it matters most.
Remember, when you draw your firearm, it’s because you need it, and you need it right now.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the December 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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