When Your Gun is Holstered Inside the Waistband Should You Have One Round in the Chamber?

Carrying a gun inside the waistband is one of the most effective ways to conceal carry.  

Should you carry one round in the chamber iwb

But, should you have one round in the chamber when your gun is holstered inside the waistband?



Should You Carry One in The Chamber?

This has been been an age old question challenging the gun community everywhere.

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It keeps some gun owners up at night and makes others sleep cozy knowing that their gun is safe or ready at hand.

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But, is your gun that much safer when there isn't a round in the chamber?

concealed carry with one round in the chamber

Simple answer is yes!  Your gun is safer when there isn't a round in the chamber.  But, this is a catch 22.

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There is much more to this answer, so lets explore this question further.


Why Do We Carry Guns?

Let's not forget that owning a firearm is everyone's constitutional right! What this really means is that no one individual or government can infringe on your right to protect yourself and your family with a firearm.

You should always carry one round in the chamber

That being said, we carry guns for protection.  Although, that one moment when we need to use our firearm in self defense may never come, being prepared is why we carry.

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Additionally, crime rates are very unpredictable and can drastically change in a short period of time.  

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So, we continue to arm ourselves and be prepared for that one moment when we may have to protect our life or the life of a family member!


Inside the Waistband Carry Safety Concerns!

Carrying a gun inside the waistband (IWB) is one of the most effective ways to conceal carry in public.  


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But, this method presents a lot of safety concerns among the gun community.  Some love it, but other hate it.

IWB concealed carry

Inside the waistband carry safety concerns:

  • Gun is closer to your body (this may violate gun safety rules)
  • Muzzle of the gun may be pointed at your body during IWB carry
  • Drawing and holstering is more more difficult
  • Chances of accidental discharge are increased during IWB carry

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iwb carry safety concerns

Why You Should Always Carry One Round in The Chamber!

Carrying one round in the chamber even when your carry your gun inside the waistband simply because it gives you a better chance of surviving a self defense situation.


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Without a round in the chamber you will presented with another task you'll have to accomplish before you take the shot in self defense.

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If you encounter a suspect during a stressful situation, your body will literally begin to shutdown (fight, flight, or freeze.)  

Tunnel vision fight fight or freeze

Will you be able to remember to rack your slide and put a round in the chamber before you take the shot?

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What if the suspect overpowers you?  What if your draw hand becomes disabled and you're unable to rack the slide?  How are you going to load one round in the chamber or draw your weapon?

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As you see, carrying one round in the chamber simply gives you a better chance of surviving by reducing the time you need to take the shot! 


IWB Safety Tips

  • Get a reliable IWB holster that works for you!
  • Choose the right IWB carry position (yes, there is multiple)
  • Practice, practice, practice! (Learn to control the muzzle direction, and trigger finger discipline)
  • Buy an EDC belt that works for you! (body size, comfort, retention, stability)  Checkout 7 Best EDC Belts!
  • Stop touching your gun!
  • Not right for everyone! (If IWB doesn't work for you stop using this method)  Try OWB concealed carry (still effective, but much easier).
  • Last, but not least, consider carrying a back up weapon!

Final Thoughts

You should always carry one round in the chamber when you're carrying your gun inside the waistband!  Practice will give you confidence!


Bottomline is that one round in the chamber gives you a better chance of surviving a self defense situation by reducing the time to take the shot.  

Military, police, and other professional organizations that handles firearms on daily basis train no other way and neither should you!


You can be safe and successful at IWB carry with one round in the chamber as long as you follow the safety tips.

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