Pocket Lint

So MBtGE reports from a range trip...

He pocket carries a Kel Tec .380. When he pocket carries. And he's been carrying it about a bit more than usual the past 6 months. He's done nothing with it besides carry it. No cleaning, no care.

He carries it in Condition 3, since it is loose in his pocket and has no safety catch, so the DA trigger doesn't go off in some extreme pants conditions. It's not ideal for defense, but better than nothing. So, in an emergency, he has to rack the slide to fire. In other words, fully loaded magazine, no round chambered, 'hammer' down (this third item is irrelevant with this model).

He simulated this at the range. Took it out of his pocket, racked it, and took aim. Click.

There was enough lint and debris to keep the round from going fully into battery. The slide had to be pushed to fully seat the cartridge. Then it fired normally. Subsequent rounds also cycled and fired normally.

But, in an emergency, you want that first round to kinda, ya know, work.

Someone, I forget who, suggested a change of the First Rule: All Guns Are Always Loaded. This change is: Know The Condition Of Your Weapon At All Times. Of course you would know if it was loaded or not if knew the condition at all time. You would also know where it was. ( and who last had it if not you and you no longer are in control of it). If it was ready to fire. If the safety was engaged at that time. How many rounds it had left in it. If it was properly lubricated. If parts were worn and how critical that was. And if it might be gummed up with debris. If you carry a gun, inspect it regularly under controlled conditions.

Or not.

But it is a good data point to think about if you pocket carry a semi-auto. Keep on that gun to ensure reliable function. The time to figure out you have to blow on it and jiggle the slide a little bit because of pocket crumbs is NOT when you need it.


{oh and Clark Bros has that S&W 640 I want for $719. Probably has a trigger lock...}