AboutDoug Little Expertise I can answer questions relating to Legal Concealed Carry in most of the Western US, with detailed knowledge of Concealed Carry laws in Arizona.
I have an in-depth understanding of tactical and defensive handgun skills including Close Range Gunfighting, Armed Vehicle Operations, Low Light Gunfighting and Advanced Concealed Carry techniques.
I can answer detailed questions regarding Firearms Safety, Gun Handling and Marksmanship techniques. I can also answer detailed questions in the area of Crime Prevention and Victim Avoidance.
***PLEASE NOTE: Despite having done so in the past, I cannot continue to answer questions about valuation of firearms of any kind or questions regarding when a gun was made or what the impact of age or condition might be on the value of any firearm, either contemporary or antique.***
Experience NRA Training Counselor, NRA instructor for Personal Protection in the Home, Home Firearms Safety, Basic Pistol and Refuse to be a Victim disciplines. Certified by the AZ Dept. of Public Safety as a Firearms Safety Instructor for AZ Concealed Weapons Permit Classes and AZ Unarmed and Armed Security Guard Training. Instructor in both Low Light Gunfighting and Close Range Gunfighting. Staff instructor for Suarez International. I am a multiple graduate of Gunsite Academy and hold a certificate of Armed Vehicle Operations from them. I have been instructing in Arizona professionally for the past 5 years and have over 20 years shooting experience. Certified by the International Society of Crime Prevention Practioners as a Crime Prevention Specialist.
Organizations National Rifle Association, Life Member; International Society of Crime Prevention Practioners; International Defensive Pistol Association; Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association; Association of Police Marksman; President, US Marshals Posse - District of Arizona
Education/Credentials BS, Political Science, Appalachian State University;
Suarez International - Low Light Instructor,
Suarez International - Close Range Gunfighting Instructor,
Gunsite Academy - Armed Vehicle Operations,
Arizona Department of Public Safety - Firearms Safety Instructor,
NRA Instructor Ratings in Personal Protection in Home, Home Firearms Safety and Basic Pistol,
ASP Tactical Baton Instructor,
ASP Tactical Handcuff Instructor.
Past/Present Clients Please visit my website for testimonials at http://www.armedpersonaldefense.com
Question Hi Doug. I recently purchased a Springfield Armory 1911 Mil Spec. My
intended use for it is the defense of my family while on remote desert trips. I
took your excellent CCW class and I'm very experienced in gun safety, but
this is my first 1911. The internet blogs are full of conflicting opinions about
the safest way to holster-carry a .45 of this type. The "Lock and Load"
(hammer at full cock) faction point out that there are trigger, grip and manual
safeties so this is plenty safe. Opponents of 'Lock and Load" recommend a
full magazine below an empty chamber, saying that there's usually plenty of
time to work the slide to arm the pistol. I would very much appreciate your
comments about this.
Answer Allen,
Interesting that you found me here...you can also ask questions at www.arizonaccwpermit.com
To answer your question, if you are planning on carrying a 1911 style pistol, it can be safely carried in "cocked and locked" or what is typically referred to as "condition 1". There are a couple of things to consider.
First you should insure that your holster completely covers the trigger and retains the gun well.
Second, you will need to make sure that you practice disengaging the thumb safety as you draw so that it will be automatic. The biggest issue I see for 1911 shooters is that they don't practice disengaging the safety which will most likely cause them to forget to disengage it under stress. This can obviously have catastrophic consequences in a potential gunfight situation.
Third, despite what some might say, in my experience you will absolutely not have time to work the slide and arm the pistol. It is very frustrating for me to find these 'arm chair firearms experts' telling people stuff that could literally get them killed.
I hope this helps and you are certainly welcome to ask any follow up questions if you need more details.
