Safety First

[boomer]

I have been around guns for over 50 years now and had a close call yesterday that I thought I needed to share.

I have been bitten by the P 64 bug and have refinished and rebuilt one for a CCW to replace my Glock 26.

I like open top type holsters and have been using them for years now. I thought the heavy hammer spring of 20 lbs would be enough to make it safe to carry a P 64 with the safety off. Boy was I ever wrong.

Last night as I was undressing to go to bed, I slipped off my De Santis Speed Scabbard off my belt only to find the hammer cocked. Lord only know how long it had been like that.

I have been carrying a hammer-less gun for so long in a topless holster that I forgot the cardinal rule of hammers being pulled back by garments and such.

Needless to say, the P 64 is still my favorite carry gun because
of it's size and width, I will never carry it again with an open top holster with out the safety being on.

Stay Safe and be careful at all times.

[leadhead2]

What type of hammer does it have, round or spur?
Denny

[boomer]

It is a 1973 model and with my neophyte knowledge of the production line, I would say a Spur Hammer for the configuration I am looking at. I don't see the significances though and maybe you could explain. I have learned from past experiences that any shape hammer can get manipulated in an open top holster by garments and such. If your thumb can pull it back so can other objects.

The Model 10 and 15 S&W revolvers were notorious for this in the service as well as the m1911A1 so that is why they went to the flap over holsters for them and from the one I received with the P 64 they seem to have had similar problems.

I carried a Soviet Mak in my boot in Vietnam and learned how to draw the weapon while flipping the safety off. With a little practice it came right back to me today. Just like riding a bike, you never forget muscle memory training. I don't approve of Israeli empty chamber carry as that requires two hands. Most of the situations were I was forced to use deadly force resulted is a one hand draw and fire from waist level. The other hand was busy fending off the attacker or getting him focused on the empty hand while I presented and fired my weapon.

[leadhead2]

A lot of these have round shaped hammer. In 1972, they started to use a triangle or spur
shaped hammer. I guess it was easier to cock to single action. I have one with the round
hammer and theres no way in hell a piece of clothing could bring this gun to full cock with
out pulling it clear out of the holster. Are you sure you didn't forget to lower it before you
holstered it? It's easy to do as I've done it myself. Just something to think about....
Denny

[kurremkarm]

I always put the decocker in the down position then chamber a round. No risk of ad, leaving it up, or anything else for that matter. Then i put the decocker off and carry it safety off with one in the chamber.

[boomer]

To Denny:

Anything is possible indeed. But I would swear in got cocked in that open top holster when I was getting in and out of the car. I will tell you this much, it sure scared the fire out of me!

Thanks

Mike

[hangfire]

To Denny:

Anything is possible indeed. But I would swear in got cocked in that open top holster when I was getting in and out of the car. I will tell you this much, it sure scared the fire out of me!

Thanks

Mike

And your story sure scares the fire out of those of use who carry a P-64 in an open top holster. Glad you weren't injured.

To me it's one more very very strong warning against carrying a weapon with a live round in the chamber. The risk that you'll acidentally shoot yourself, or someone else, significantly outweighs the one second advantage you gain in a confrontation by not having to rack the slide. imho

[boomer]

Thanks for your concern. Yes it was an eye opener for sure. I would say, the method of carry is up to the person and he or she should use what ever they feel most comfortable with.

I personally don't like the need of two hands to draw a weapon and I carry now with the safety on and refreshed my muscle memory to deactivate the safety with my thumb when I am gripping the gun to draw it.

Thanks Again

Mike

[hardcorekeith]

You guys must have a different P64 than me if you can "accidentally" cock the hammer. Mine requires a deliberate, herculean effort.