Round in the Chamber Check

[neillarson]

For the handguners out there, how do you check for a round in the chamber? In the "olden" days with a 1911, we typically did a "pinch check" (support hand thumb in the trigger guard and index finger around the end of the slide, pinch to roll the slide back 3/4inch or so). Now that most handguns have full length guide rods, including the newer 1911's, that won't work. So how do you check?

On a 1911, you can do a "press check" (support hand thumb in the trigger guard, 1st 3 fingers over the slide with the front sight under the 3rd finger and squeeze). Works great on 1911s but not so well on my 92FS. Probably on most of the hammerless guns too.

In the "C-Grip", your support hand forms the shape of the letter C with the thumb being inserted under the grip tang. The index finger is wrapped around the rear sight with with one to 2 fingers in line. The thumb and index finger are then pinched toward one another opening the chamber far enough to look inside. Great on a Beretta 92/96 and works fine on a 1911 as I imagine it will on the Sigs, Glocks and Springfields.

“Rear Pinch Check” you turn the gun sideways and placing the thumb under the grip tang. The index finger is then placed on the forward edge of the rear sight and the two pinched together. This technique is easy to do with Glock and Springfield XD pistols


And, Yes, it is a boring morning.

 

[hpiguy]

Easy, if it's a handgun (some long guns as well), there's a round in the chamber at my house. I have no kids, so no worries about any of that.

 

[neillarson]

it is just an automatic check for me when I pickup a handgun. All of mine are loaded but only my primary has a round in the chamber. Habits are hard to break and in this case requires a couple seconds to check. I thought my kids and nieces and nephew the same thing.

 

[b00st3d-vr6]

Chamber indicator on my ruger sr40c. Always up! No kids for me either and the wife knows how to handle it.


Sent from the drivers seat of scx10

 

[hpiguy]

Also, both my primary carries (Glock G26, Ruger LCP) have the little cut out that allows you to see a tiny sliver of the casing by just looking.

 

[bob1961]

I never keep one in the chamber, it only takes a split second to chamber one in an EMERGENCY....that way I know the chamber is ALWAYS empty "thumbsup" ....

 

[helhedded]

always or why in the **** do I have it :ror:

If there is a threat I doubt it'll wait a second for me to put one in the chamber. derpus


Glocks (what I carry) have a finger check for the carrier, it's also visible with enough light from somewhat of a distance. A little nob pokes out to let you know what's up.

 

[House]

I was taught that "A gun isn't a gun without a round in the chamber, it's just something to throw at your perpetrator." :ror:

 

[b00st3d-vr6]

and always treat every firearm as loaded until you check it for yourself. i don't care if i just watched you clear it, you hand it to me and i will check for myself.

 

[neillarson]

and always treat every firearm as loaded until you check it for yourself. i don't care if i just watched you clear it, you hand it to me and i will check for myself.

For sure. One of the reasons I asked this. I was a bit surprised at a couple people that I know that are long time gun owners but still don't do this in some way or another. First thing I do when I pick one up is check the chamber.

I actually heard someone at a Gun Shop say "Just pull the magazine and check the numbers of rounds, that will tell you if there is one in the pipe". That is a guy I want handling my gun.

 

[Dostradamas]

I am with you, I am not sure it is clear until my eyes observe an empty chamber.
When I had autos around the drill was, drop the mag and lock her open.
I like the light shining from the crown to the chamber.

 

[KJ10]

Also, both my primary carries (Glock G26, Ruger LCP) have the little cut out that allows you to see a tiny sliver of the casing by just looking.

X2. Different weapon for me, but same thing.

Don't need to check, though. I know it's in there. I put it there.

 

[hpiguy]

If we're asking how we check if the weapon has been cleared that's a different thing, maybe I misunderstood the original question though.

 

[neillarson]

If we're asking how we check if the weapon has been cleared that's a different thing, maybe I misunderstood the original question though.

I was originally asking "how" not "when" as i assumed that when was "always". I am the only one that touches my guns unless we are out shooting. When I pick one up wether it be from my nightstand, my car or my gun safe, the first thing I do is check to see one is in the pipe before I drop it in the holster. That is a little different than clearing where I drop the mag and lock the slide back.

I am just a little surprised at the attitude, I know what is in mine so I don't check them. I guess it is just a difference in how your were taught. To me, all guns, including mine, are always assumed to have on in the chamber and they are treated so until they are checked.

 

[dezfan]

My SR9c, G2, & TP9 have LCIs.

Although these firearms and many more include an LCI, I was taught to do a "rear pinch check" (although my Dad never called it by that name) when handed a sidearm to see if there is a round chambered.

 

[hpiguy]

I was originally asking "how" not "when" as i assumed that when was "always". I am the only one that touches my guns unless we are out shooting. When I pick one up wether it be from my nightstand, my car or my gun safe, the first thing I do is check to see one is in the pipe before I drop it in the holster. That is a little different than clearing where I drop the mag and lock the slide back.

I am just a little surprised at the attitude, I know what is in mine so I don't check them. I guess it is just a difference in how your were taught. To me, all guns, including mine, are always assumed to have on in the chamber and they are treated so until they are checked.

I agree with all of that. As stated, a lot of mine always do have one in the chamber. If I'm handing it to someone that wants to see it, cleaning it, etc then I always check by dropping the mag then racking the slide and visually inspecting the chamber to ensure that it's clear. And even range guns that are in a case and are never kept loaded are checked each and every time. I was just stating that I simply know that the two handguns I mentioned always have one in the chamber unless one of the above things are taking place, as they're my carry guns and I'm the only one in my house. I can't speak for anyone else.

 

[EeePee]

and I'm the only one in my house. I can't speak for anyone else.

No need. No need to talk about it really.

Says me.

 

[alabamaman]

The homer simpson way look down the barrel . .45 has such a large bore you can see it. You can also see light on the lower right side looking down the barrel of a .45 most modern guns have red paint around extractor . Lci Only visible when one in the chamber.

stick something down the barrel. Depth Guage .

Or pull mag cycle slide, unless you have installed a combat extractor.
I do not endorse looking down the end of a barrel , just thought I would make that clear , before back lash.

we have gotten some in at work that the slide was frozen , so you have to make sure no matter what.

 

[neillarson]

Kimber has a notch on the barel that allows you to see a bit if brass, still easier to C Grip it. My Beretta has the red on the edge of the extractor, not sure what is on the Walther or the Ruger. Still rather check it my self.

 

[alabamaman]

I am old school and safe. Every gun is loaded. To be honest , I would never trust a lci or cracking the weapon out of battery to peek. Every time I pick up any gun , roll cylinder out or pull out mag and lock slide back. I do not even trust my self. I do not want to become a satistic.

You handle a few hundred weapons a day , there is no room for kinda safe.