How do you CCW folks practice?

[Adam Helmer]

Contenderizer,

Good to hear from you. I am glad you are getting to know the Colt 1911 a bit better. Since you seem set on carrying your 1911 at half-cock with a round in the chamber, here are my thoughts.

First, when you charge your pistol and decide to let the hammer down to half-cock WATCH THE MUZZLE! I put my weak hand thumb over the firing pin when the strong hand squeezes the grip safety and pulls the trigger! The hammer will hit my thumb and NOT the firing pin. Practice this maneuver with an unloaded pistol a dozen times before you go LIVE. It is impossible to use the strong hand to grip the grip safety and also hang onto the hammer; try it and see for yourself. Some folks try to hang onto the descending hammer with the weak thumb while pulling the trigger with the strong hand to lower the hammer. If it works, ok. When it does not work and the hammer falls without restraint, folks replace furriture, door frames, etc. I suggest the weak thumb shielding the hammer for better security. Once the hammer hits the thumb, LET off the trigger and ease the hammer down to half cock.

When you draw from the holster with a chamber loaded half cocked 1911, keep the muzzle down range, single action cock the hammer with the strong thumb and go for it. Hope this helps.

Adam