Cocked and Locked

texasmike

Why is it ok to carry a model 1911 cocked and locked and if so can I carry my Browning the same way???Thanks

Texas Mike

Der Gebirgsjager

Well, here's the deal. A 1911 has (1) a thumb safety, (2) a grip safety, (3) a half cock notch. A properly constucted holster provides a safety strap that passes between the cocked hammer and the rear of the slide. This is usually a thumb break design, but can be a strap that originates at the rear of the holster, crosses the rear of the slide, and snaps on the front side of the holster. In any event, consider the following: If the thumb safety of a 1911 carried in such a fashion is somehow pushed off, and somehow the trigger is depressed, the pistol still will not fire because the grip safety must also be depressed. If, on the other hand, all three requirements of trigger, thumb safety, and grip safety should come to pass (an extremely unlikely occurrence) and the hammer falls, it will be stopped by the holster safety strap. When the owner removes the gun from the holster he will find it on half cock. This works for me, and has worked for almost 50 years of association with the 1911 without incident or accident. Now, additionally, the Colt 80 Series has a firing pin safety which requires the trigger to be deliberately pulled which results in a lever that is connected to the trigger being pushed upward against a spring loaded plunger in the slide. The plunger is pushed upward and out of a notch in the firing pin which allows the firing pin to travel forward when the hammer falls and strikes it. Otherwise, the hammer is held immobile. So, in the case of the Series 80 (and clones so equipped) yet another safety is added. How many of these does the Browning Hi-Power have? Nevertheless, were you and I working, hunting, or plinking together I would not object personally to you carrying your Hi-Power cocked and locked if you had a properly constructed holster as described above. No doubt others will disagree.

k.stanonik

I agree with the gentlemam above, The Hi Power was designed to be carried cocked and locked. That is how i carry mine at work.

Nighthawk

Cocked and locked carry must have a holster for that mode of carry.There are plenty to choose from.Its no different than carrying a glock with a round in the chamber.In my opinion its actually safer.I have a stinless Taurus PT92 9mm that can be carried cocked and locked.But you could not pay me to carry it that way.Mainly because the safety -decocker lever is very easily pushed down even when holstered.

Safe shooting.

Rugster

punchie

What Der Gebirgsjager said. That was the definitive answer. Carrying any SA auto cocked and locked requuires the right equipment and training, training, training.

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mballai

Fear of the cocked and locked auto is really so overblown. Let's make three assumptions:
1. Right holster as per above
2. Right condition: everything works as Browning designed it. If you aren't sure, spend a few dollars and have a gunsmith make sure your 1911 or HiPower is working correctly. And prove it out again on the range.
3. Right attitude. I really don't think a 1911/HiPower is any harder to use than other semi-autos. Training is good, but you need to apply yourself with the gifts God gave you. People need to remember that the only safety that works is between your ears. And practice, practice, practice....

FWIW Cylinder and Slide offers special safety mechanisms that can be installed in HiPowers or 1911s to help eliminate any possible issue regarding the security of using a cocked and locked gun. I don't think it's necessary but if you are concerned you can add one to your gun.

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texasmike

Thanks for all of your answers-I have owned handguns all of my life(60 yrs) and all of your responses to my question were very helpful. I have lurked at many gun sites over the years and I would like to say that this is the best on the net-Thanks again guys

Texas Mike