A round in the chamber?

clubtc05 · March 12, 2008, 09:14 PM

Hey guys I currently own a Ruger SR9 and its a striker-fired pistol, and I was wondering if its ok to have a round in the chamber for home defense. I ask this because I found somewhere on the internet that it puts tension on the spring loaded striker. Is this true? sorry if this is a stupid question I'm still new to firearms. But thanks for you help I really appreciated.

DPris · March 12, 2008, 09:15 PM

Perfectly OK.
Denis

clubtc05 · March 12, 2008, 09:19 PM

So its ok to have one in the chamber?

Dave85 · March 12, 2008, 09:27 PM

It is designed to be carried that way, yes.

Added: if you look at their product info site, you will see that they list capacity as 17+1 (or 10 +1 for those more restrictive states). The "+1" means one in the chamber. That's from the manufacturer.

Here's the link:
Ruger P9S Specifications

jhenry · March 12, 2008, 09:29 PM

Yes you can have a round chambered for as long as you want with no damage at all. It is also ready to go should you need it. Of course take whatever precautions you feel are appropriate for your circumstance. ie: ready access for you but kid safe etc.

Something to be cautious about is bullet setback. I mention this because you stated this is kind of new to you. Repeatedly letting the slide slam forward to chamber a round (the same round you have previously unloaded and put back in the magazine) can in some instances cause the bullet to slightly set back in the case which can cause excess pressure when fired and maybe hurt the gun, or you by rupturing the case. The way to avoid this is to let the slide forward by hand and into battery. Letting the slide go forward by hitting the release is perfectly OK when you are not rechambering the same round over and over.

clubtc05 · March 12, 2008, 09:33 PM

O ok I got it. Thank You soo much.

DPris · March 12, 2008, 11:38 PM

And...it's perfectly OK.

Denis

DWARREN123 · March 13, 2008, 05:28 AM

It's ok, just watch the finger on the trigger like most striker fired handguns.

blume357 · March 13, 2008, 06:42 AM

sorry, just had to say it.

SW40F · March 13, 2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clubtc05

...sorry if this is a stupid question I'm still new to firearms.

It is not a stupid question, so no need to feel sorry. I'll suggest that you take a class, or classes, if you haven't already. Check with your local gun shop or shooting range. The NRA First Steps class is a great beginning, it is fun, and since everyone starts out as a Beginner, they don't talk down to you. Best of all, you get to shoot that new gun!

Oh, and Read The Manual that came with your gun.

Quote:

...I was wondering if its ok to have a round in the chamber for home defense...

It is OK to leave a round in the chamber. This gun is 'safe' until the trigger is pulled, so don't pull the trigger until you are ready to shoot something.

Quote:

...I found somewhere on the internet that it puts tension on the spring loaded striker. Is this true?

Yes, there will be tension left on the striker spring, but not enough tension for the striker to fire a cartridge by itself. When you pull the trigger, the first part of the pull adds the rest of the tension needed for firing, and the last part of the pull releases the striker. Don't worry about striker tension. Empty or loaded, the striker is designed so that it can stay under tension for a long time and still be ready to go bang when you need it.

Hard Ball · March 13, 2008, 10:39 AM

Yes its ok to have one in the chamber

imthegrumpyone · March 13, 2008, 04:31 PM

Always !!

Technosavant · March 13, 2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

The way to avoid this is to let the slide forward by hand and into battery. Letting the slide go forward by hitting the release is perfectly OK when you are not rechambering the same round over and over.

I don't think I'd slow-hand-chamber a round to avoid setback. Things "settle in" a little differently when you ride the slide down slowly than when it gets a full speed closure from slide stop/slingshot/normal cycling. Instead, I just recommend ammo rotation if you unload it all that often. After a couple or three chamberings, move that round down in the magazine, and be sure to shoot it when you head out to the range the next time.

B.N.Real · March 13, 2008, 06:43 PM

Just remember now that you have asked that your Ruger is to be treated as if it is ALWAYS LOADED with a round in the chamber.

ALWAYS CHECK THAT GUN before you handle it to see if a round is in the chamber.

ALWAYS.

blume357 · March 14, 2008, 07:31 AM

I took a NRA pistol class for my CWP here in S.C. Learned more in that 6 hours than I had in the previous 40. the only thing is you have to take some of the things 'they' have to teach you with a grain of salt...

like: keep all guns unloaded and locked away?
never point a gun at another person.... well, yeah.... except there might be one occassion when you need to.....

novaDAK · March 14, 2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

It's ok, just watch the finger on the trigger like most striker fired handguns.

Or any firearm

PointOneSeven · March 14, 2008, 11:55 AM

My paperwork that came with my Beretta u22 said not to leave the striker cocked for extended periods of time. It's fine in my case, because I wouldn't carry a Neos for protection in most cases

.

Also, aren't some striker pistols kind of a 'half-cock' anyway? At least the double action only ones are methinks.

OnTheFly · March 14, 2008, 12:14 PM

Absolutely not! You can't leave one in the chamber...JUST KIDDING. Someone always has to be controversial. I just figured I would get it out of the way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhenry

Something to be cautious about is bullet setback.

Does this include the +1 round you insert by hand into the chamber before the magazine is inserted or is this just an issue with a round stripped from the magazine.

Fly

DPris · March 14, 2008, 12:59 PM

What causes bullet setback in rounds repeatedly chambered is the bullet nose hitting the feedramp repeatedly.
Denis

CraigJS · March 14, 2008, 01:39 PM

It may sound weird, but it's really harder on a spring to be compressed then returned to its origional (uncompressed) length, than to leave in either compressed or uncompressed condition. Example magazine springs.
Don't worry about the spring "wearing out" you've got a whole lot of shooting before that will happen..
Be safe.

Only time I wouldn't have one in the tube is if there was the possibility of a child finding the gun!

CSOs ROCK · March 15, 2008, 05:57 AM

What he ^ said. I've heard that full compression on a spring isn't bad... what's supposed to be bad is repeated "bouncing" of the spring.

clubtc05 · March 15, 2008, 05:18 PM

That is why I'm thinking of not leaving one in the chamber, because of my little brother. I keep my firearm pretty hidden, but I like striker fire pistols, because if you have little ones running around and they somehow find, it is pretty hard for them to pull the slide back. My mom can barely pull the slide back. But he will never find it when I'm not in the house...keep it locked up. But how do you quote on here lol. On some forums I go to, there is a quote button but I can not find on here..

SW40F · March 15, 2008, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clubtc05

...I'm thinking of not leaving one in the chamber, because of my little brother. I keep my firearm pretty hidden... But he will never find it when I'm not in the house...

Dude, this really puts a different spin on your original post of "I was wondering if its ok to have a round in the chamber for home defense" when you mention that your "little brother" is around.

It is OK to leave a round in the chamber as long as nobody picks up the gun and pulls the trigger when they don't mean to, and they know what pulling the trigger will do before they pull!

Quote:

...I like striker fire pistols, because if you have little ones running around and they somehow find, it is pretty hard for them to pull the slide back.

Bad Thing! The trigger that is too hard to pull today will become a tragedy next week, or next month, when little brother gets stronger.

Quote:

...keep it locked up.

YES! You know you must make is safe unless you, or another responsible adult are personally in charge of the gun...

ChicagoTex · March 18, 2008, 10:32 AM

Totally in agreement with SW40F.

If there are EVER people in your domicile that you do not trust to handle your firearm properly (this includes the three little girls your Mom invites over when you're not home, for example) you have no business storing it loaded in the open (i.e. not in a safe, we'll get back to that in a minute). DO NOT DEPEND ON THE GUN BEING HIDDEN, kids are crafty buggers and especially ones that live with you will sooner or later find it.

If it is a home-defense firearm then you'll have to find some intermediary locking scheme such as keeping the firearm in a safe (several manufacturers make small handgun-sized safes with quick-access combo locks for just this purpose). A padlockable toolbox or a quality safety-deposit box can also serve this purpose.

Always assume unauthorized users and especially children have the capability to find and operate your firearm - failure to do so can (and has) cause tragic results. Furthemore, many states will hold you criminally liable for failing to prevent the misuse.

Not trying to be a jerk about this but it's really important, which is why I'm being so emphatic.

Lots of luck and hope you enjoy many safe years with your new Ruger

joeh · March 19, 2008, 07:28 AM

An unloaded gun is called a hammer. Just keep it out of the reach of kids

March 12, 2008, 09:14 PM	#1
clubtc05 Member Join Date: February 23, 2008 Posts: 41	A round in the chamber? Hey guys I currently own a Ruger SR9 and its a striker-fired pistol, and I was wondering if its ok to have a round in the chamber for home defense. I ask this because I found somewhere on the internet that it puts tension on the spring loaded striker. Is this true? sorry if this is a stupid question I'm still new to firearms. But thanks for you help I really appreciated.

March 12, 2008, 09:27 PM	#4
Dave85 Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,421	It is designed to be carried that way, yes. Added: if you look at their product info site, you will see that they list capacity as 17+1 (or 10 +1 for those more restrictive states). The "+1" means one in the chamber. That's from the manufacturer. Here's the link: Ruger P9S Specifications __________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" --commonly misattributed to, and most likely not, Benjamin Franklin Last edited by Dave85; March 12, 2008 at 10:33 PM. Reason: Addended

March 12, 2008, 09:29 PM	#5
jhenry Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Location: Ozarks Posts: 1,840	Yes you can have a round chambered for as long as you want with no damage at all. It is also ready to go should you need it. Of course take whatever precautions you feel are appropriate for your circumstance. ie: ready access for you but kid safe etc. Something to be cautious about is bullet setback. I mention this because you stated this is kind of new to you. Repeatedly letting the slide slam forward to chamber a round (the same round you have previously unloaded and put back in the magazine) can in some instances cause the bullet to slightly set back in the case which can cause excess pressure when fired and maybe hurt the gun, or you by rupturing the case. The way to avoid this is to let the slide forward by hand and into battery. Letting the slide go forward by hitting the release is perfectly OK when you are not rechambering the same round over and over. __________________ "A Liberal is someone who doesn't care what you do, as long as it's mandatory". - Charles Krauthammer

March 13, 2008, 06:42 AM	#9
blume357 Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 3,943	Interesting Safety feature: Gun Won't fire with out one..... sorry, just had to say it.

March 14, 2008, 07:31 AM	#15
blume357 Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 3,943	I agree on taking the class.... nothing wrong with learning I took a NRA pistol class for my CWP here in S.C. Learned more in that 6 hours than I had in the previous 40. the only thing is you have to take some of the things 'they' have to teach you with a grain of salt... like: keep all guns unloaded and locked away? never point a gun at another person.... well, yeah.... except there might be one occassion when you need to.....

March 12, 2008, 09:15 PM	#2
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	Perfectly OK. Denis

March 12, 2008, 09:19 PM	#3
clubtc05 Member Join Date: February 23, 2008 Posts: 41	So its ok to have one in the chamber?

March 12, 2008, 09:33 PM	#6
clubtc05 Member Join Date: February 23, 2008 Posts: 41	O ok I got it. Thank You soo much.

March 12, 2008, 11:38 PM	#7
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	And...it's perfectly OK. Denis

March 13, 2008, 05:28 AM	#8
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2006 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 1,758	It's ok, just watch the finger on the trigger like most striker fired handguns.

March 13, 2008, 10:39 AM	#11
Hard Ball Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 1999 Location: California Posts: 3,925	Yes its ok to have one in the chamber

March 13, 2008, 04:31 PM	#12
imthegrumpyone Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2007 Location: spring tx Posts: 1,037	Always !!

March 13, 2008, 06:43 PM	#14
B.N.Real Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Posts: 4,092	Just remember now that you have asked that your Ruger is to be treated as if it is ALWAYS LOADED with a round in the chamber. ALWAYS CHECK THAT GUN before you handle it to see if a round is in the chamber. ALWAYS.

March 14, 2008, 11:55 AM	#17
PointOneSeven Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2006 Posts: 579	My paperwork that came with my Beretta u22 said not to leave the striker cocked for extended periods of time. It's fine in my case, because I wouldn't carry a Neos for protection in most cases . Also, aren't some striker pistols kind of a 'half-cock' anyway? At least the double action only ones are methinks.

March 14, 2008, 12:59 PM	#19
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	What causes bullet setback in rounds repeatedly chambered is the bullet nose hitting the feedramp repeatedly. Denis

March 14, 2008, 01:39 PM	#20
CraigJS Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Posts: 372	It may sound weird, but it's really harder on a spring to be compressed then returned to its origional (uncompressed) length, than to leave in either compressed or uncompressed condition. Example magazine springs. Don't worry about the spring "wearing out" you've got a whole lot of shooting before that will happen.. Be safe. Only time I wouldn't have one in the tube is if there was the possibility of a child finding the gun!

March 15, 2008, 05:57 AM	#21
CSOs ROCK Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Posts: 153	What he ^ said. I've heard that full compression on a spring isn't bad... what's supposed to be bad is repeated "bouncing" of the spring.

March 15, 2008, 05:18 PM	#22
clubtc05 Member Join Date: February 23, 2008 Posts: 41	That is why I'm thinking of not leaving one in the chamber, because of my little brother. I keep my firearm pretty hidden, but I like striker fire pistols, because if you have little ones running around and they somehow find, it is pretty hard for them to pull the slide back. My mom can barely pull the slide back. But he will never find it when I'm not in the house...keep it locked up. But how do you quote on here lol. On some forums I go to, there is a quote button but I can not find on here..

March 18, 2008, 10:32 AM	#24
ChicagoTex Junior member Join Date: March 18, 2008 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 1,909	Totally in agreement with SW40F. If there are EVER people in your domicile that you do not trust to handle your firearm properly (this includes the three little girls your Mom invites over when you're not home, for example) you have no business storing it loaded in the open (i.e. not in a safe, we'll get back to that in a minute). DO NOT DEPEND ON THE GUN BEING HIDDEN, kids are crafty buggers and especially ones that live with you will sooner or later find it. If it is a home-defense firearm then you'll have to find some intermediary locking scheme such as keeping the firearm in a safe (several manufacturers make small handgun-sized safes with quick-access combo locks for just this purpose). A padlockable toolbox or a quality safety-deposit box can also serve this purpose. Always assume unauthorized users and especially children have the capability to find and operate your firearm - failure to do so can (and has) cause tragic results. Furthemore, many states will hold you criminally liable for failing to prevent the misuse. Not trying to be a jerk about this but it's really important, which is why I'm being so emphatic. Lots of luck and hope you enjoy many safe years with your new Ruger

March 19, 2008, 07:28 AM	#25
joeh Junior Member Join Date: March 18, 2008 Posts: 3	An unloaded gun is called a hammer. Just keep it out of the reach of kids