Things That Only Happen In Movies

[MadMax]

Originally Posted by GeneW

Probably the writers are accustomed to pump shotguns, which have that dramatic "rack" when they're chambered. Kind of shows that the person is "ready" to shoot. Dramatic tension.

If you really want to be ready for split second action it's probably best to have a revolver. No need for a safety, aim and squeeze.

Gene

Whereas I will agree that the racking of a 12-gauge has a definite psychological and persuasive effect on the intended recipient, I have to disagree with your comment that a revolver is necessary to have a handgun that is instantly ready to fire. My Springfield XD-45 semi-automatic pistol carried “hot” (with a round chambered) has two safeties that are deactivated when I draw the weapon (one in the grip and one in the trigger). No additional action is required to make the gun ready to shoot. Plus, it holds over double the rounds of a revolver (13+1 versus usually 5-6). It is, as you stated, "ready for split-second action;" which is why I it is my primary carry weapon.

Cheers! M2

[GeneW]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Whereas I will agree that the racking of a 12-gauge has a definite psychological and persuasive effect on the intended recipient, I have to disagree with your comment that a revolver is necessary to have a handgun that is instantly ready to fire. My Springfield XD-45 semi-automatic pistol carried “hot” (with a round chambered) has two safeties that are deactivated when I draw the weapon (one in the grip and one in the trigger). No additional action is required to make the gun ready to shoot. Plus, it holds over double the rounds of a revolver (13+1 versus usually 5-6). It is, as you stated, "ready for split-second action;" which is why I it is my primary carry weapon.

Cheers! M2

I carried a Springfield M1911, "cocked and locked" for many years. You have to make three movements - squeeze the grip safety, remove the hammer safety, and squeeze the trigger to deploy it properly.

You have to practice this sequence until it's "instinctive". When a person is under great stress their fine motor skills almost evaporate. What is left are their learned skills. The shortest path between two points is a straight line and the fastest way to get there is the simplest sequence.

A good friend of mine was mugged in Chicago many years ago while carrying an M1911. He got the piece out and was fiddling with the safety while the perp hollered "It's cool, it's cool" at him while backing off. He quit carrying it because he could not deploy it properly.

Browning recognized this complexity of the grip safety and removed it from the P-35 hi-power. Paradoxically he put the safety on the slide, making it tougher to take off.

I checked out the XD-45, which uses a sort of Glock safety. Never used one and thus cannot comment upon it.

Automatics can jam. I spent a lot of time with clearance drills. If you do not practice clearance drills you're risking your neck.

In case you were wondering, I carry an automatic myself. Condition 3. I do practice clearance drills.


A DA revolver requires trigger squeeze. The motion is natural and instinctive. If the piece does not fire pull the trigger again.

Gene