Module 2.10: CONDITIONS OF CARRY FIREARM

Condition 0

No magazine, action open

• NO DANGER -To store the firearm, during handover and receiving the firearm.

Condition 1

Empty magazine in pistol, action closed, safety on “safe”

• NO DANGER

Condition 2

Loaded magazine and closed action, safety on “safe”

• This condition is very safe but unwise for a possible combat situation because of the delay caused by cycling the first round into the chamber manually.
• This condition has a high psychological value due to the fact that cycling the round shows that you are gun ready.

Condition 3

Loaded magazine, round in the chamber, safety on “safe”

• This mode is unsafe unless the firearm is equipped with an inertia firing pin.
• Many pistols do not have inertia firing pins, so the hammer is resting against the base of the firing pin, with the nose in direct contact with the primer, a sharp tap or a fall can cause the round to fire.
• If a firearm in the half cock position is dropped and if the sear snaps, there will be sufficient energy to drive the inertia firing pin forward to fire the waiting cartridge

Condition 4

Round in chamber, pistol cocked, safety on “safe”

• The user of the firearm must remember that the  safety catch has been applied and the user should be trained not to forget this in a combat situation.
• Some of the safety catches don’t lock all the moving parts of a firearm, they simply lock the trigger.
• A hard knock or dropping the firearm can make it fire.
• Remember, the safety catch is only a mechanical device and prone to malfunctions.