It may be a fine point, but while a press check can be used to ensure a round is chambered, it isn't nearly sufficient to ensure the firearm is clear.

I press check, typically at the beginning and end of every day, because I believe in being responsible for every one of my rounds. I usually have my weapon within easy reach wherever I may be, but in places like my workplace, I transfer the pistol from it's holster to my briefcase, for safekeeping as well as increased discretion. Because there are times when I leave my desk without my briefcase, I check the magazine and the chamber to insure that all rounds are accounted for. I do the same thing, for the same reason when I get up in the morning, because although the drawer I keep the pistol in at night is literally right beneath my pillow, I have been asleep, and therefore cannot positively say that my weapon DIDN'T leave that drawer.

Milquetoast,
I have to take you to task on your comment "the most dangerous times with guns is when you are loading or unloading"... oh contraire...!! The most dangerous time is when you are presenting or re-holstering your weapon....everytime. Most ND's occur during these procedures. Chamber checking is a reasonably safe procedure.....unless one wants to shoot off a finger tip or two.

I'd offer that they are equally dangerous, if you can't manage to keep your finger off of the trigger that is.

A possible exception for owners of the Ruger SR9, dropping them may cause a ND they say. See recall info: http://www.ruger.com/SR9Recall/

Gentlemen,
Statistics have proven that the most dangerous time while handling a handgun is when the operator is presenting his weapon or re-holstering it. Period..!! There is sufficent evidence to prove that many ND's occur simply because a shooter has NOT chamber checked his piece prior to his next procedure. With a regimen of dry practice and basically staying focused on proper gunhandling tecniques all these mysterious ND's will never happen. Take it to the bank.!

I have two ways of checking the guns condition.

1. I unload the gun and reload it.

2. If I am too lazy to do this I get a flashlight and look down the barrel to see if a round is chambered.

Originally Posted by michael P.

2. If I am too lazy to do this I get a flashlight and look down the barrel to see if a round is chambered.

In the name of God, tell me you are kidding.

Yea I am. I use the flashlight method all of the time and not just when I am feeling lazy.

No. I chamber the round and remember it. I have a drill so that I always know the status of my pistol, which, if I am carrying it, is loaded. Then there is no need to check it; especially when I am carrying it concealed.

There is a "cycle time" after which one must unload, check and then reload the pistol. Then the process starts over.

I don't press check, but my (2) carry guns are always loaded and they are always in my custody and control. There is no one to tamper with them, so constantly fiddling around with them seems more dangerous. I will never hand a loaded gun to another person, no matter who they are, however.

No. I do a "pull" check.

Voted yes, I usually do one when I take my gun out of its case to carry to ensure I have one in the chamber, and that it's the correct type of ammo. My JHPs are in a silver case, while the FMJs are a flat green. The CZ-82 doesn't have a chamber loaded indicator or I'd probably use that. I don't press check for unloading, that's a full rack to clear. For getting ready to carry, though, my reasons are similar to Zhurdan. It's been out of my sight, I should check it, and I want it to go "bang" instead of "click" if I need it.

Originally Posted by PhilR.

If you've ever seen what happens to a finger located just below the muzzle when a centerfire pistol goes off (how some press-check a 1911), then you will be cured of the habit. If you don't know what happens, take a piece of fruit along when you next go shooting. Rest the muzzle of your pistol on top of the tomato or whatever and let a round go.

Not sure I follow what you mean...how in the world does one get a finger near the muzzle when holding a pistol normally? When I press-check, I hold the pistol as normal in a safe direction, make the same motions as to rack the slide, but don't pull it back more than a fraction of an inch. This allows me to look into the back of the chamber and see the back of the round. My finger is outside the trigger guard along the barrel as usual, but nowhere near the muzzle. I haven't heard the term "press check" before today, so whatever this is I'm doing might not be "press checking".

KG

I agree with DefiantSix, when my gun is out of my sight for any length of time I always check to see if I have a round chambered. When I was a LEO, now retired, my partner and I arrested the subject of our investigation and as my partner was walking to get behind the guy I could see that his Model 19 was not loaded. After we took the subject to the lockup I asked my partner if his gun was loaded and he laughed and said of course it is. When he checked he couldn't believe it, he said his wife must have unloaded it for some reason but I really don't know what the actual story was but from that point on I always check.

I went to the gun store the other day and asked to see one of the Glocks that were in the display cabinet. The salesman handed it to me. The first thing I did when he handed it to me was point it in a save directiona and drop the magazine. Then I racked the slide a few times; pinky-checked the chamber and slapped the empty magazine in the gun. At that point I was ready to examine the gun. But before I had a chance to do so the salesman said, "Do you really think I would have handed you a loaded weapon?"

And I said, "Nope."

Any gun that has left my hands is "loaded" as far as I am concerned. Even at the range where I know everyone, if I put the weapon down and turn to talk to someone I will check the weapon when I pick it up. If it is out of my hands or out of my sight it is "loaded".

I never make this sort of "press check". I know the condition of any weapon I have on my person. And since I live alone I don't need to worry about anyone fiddling with the weapon while I'm otherwise occupied.

I vote "no" for a press check (but I'm glad I learned a new term.)

I voted yes but I don't need to with my fine Ruger SR's, they have LCI's...
( That is a good reason for them ).


Lateck,

none for me

No press checks for me. Mine are either hot or cold and I know when and what condition they are in at all times. The only press check I do is press the trigger.

The Press Check: How & Why by Gomez-Training.com - YouTube

I still dont agree, but an interesting video on the topic

I don't often do "press checks". At any time that requires that I know the condition of my firearm, I'll drop the mag and lock the slide. Also, I remember reading something Massad Ayoob (coolest guy) wrote somewhere. It was something along the lines of, "At any times your gun leaves your sight, consider it 'contaminated' and check it again". I generally try to abide by that line of thinking.

I shoot competitively (not well )

I press check all the time.

I even had front cocking serrations cut in the slides of my guns.