Placement of TM's .45

[Frodoleader]

Something that has bothered me since the show first aired. It is when TM slips his .45 inside his pants, at his back. I always thought this would be a dangerous place to keep a sidearm. Maybe Maxim Recoil could clarify it for us.

[MaximRecoil]

Do you mean dangerous in the sense of an accidental discharge? If so, then that's not a concern with the 1911 design.

There are 3 common conditions of carry for the 1911:

• Condition 1: Chamber loaded, hammer cocked, thumb safety engaged (AKA: "cocked and locked").
• Condition 2: Chamber loaded, hammer uncocked, thumb safety not engaged (the thumb safety can not be engaged when the hammer is not cocked anyway)
• Condition 3: Chamber empty, hammer uncocked (slide must be racked before the pistol is ready to fire).

Condition 3 is safe because it is impossible for the gun to fire without a round in the chamber. However, it is also the slowest into action, because the slide must be racked manually before it is ready to fire.

Condition 2 is safe with regard to accidental discharge while carrying, but is more prone to accidental discharge while making the gun ready to fire (i.e., while thumb-cocking the hammer, which is somewhat awkward to do with a 1911).

Condition 1 is safe (even though it looks dangerous, what with the hammer cocked and all) because it would take nothing short of a miracle for it to discharge accidentally while carrying it (several mechanical barriers to this would have to fail simultaneously, which is about as likely as the sun not rising tomorrow). It is also the fastest to put into action, as the only thing thing needed to make the gun ready to fire is to swipe the thumb safety off as the pistol is drawn.

Magnum carries his .45 "cocked and locked" (condition 1), like any expert would be expected to do, as you can see in this screenshot:



As you can see, the hammer is cocked and the thumb safety is engaged.

However, Magnum's method of carry could be considered dangerous in another way. It is not very secure. He should have a nice inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster (e.g., Milt Sparks Summer Special) along with a proper gun-carry belt (to give proper support to the weight of the gun and holster). With his method of carry (often referred to as "Mexican carry") not being very secure, he could lose the gun while running or tussling with someone, and not have it when he needs it; which would put him in danger.

BTW, his method of carry is highly uncomfortable, especially when sitting down (like in his car). Strong side carry just behind the hip is more comfortable. Most people would consider it faster into action as well.

[Styles Bitchley]

But tucking it into the back of your pants LOOKS cool!

Clearly that trumps comfort on a tv show.

[only looking]

Magnum always had the back tuck and Mel Gibson'c character of Martin Riggs from LETHAL WEAPON always had the front tuck with his 9mm Beretta. I have to confess I've used those carries from time to time over the years whne the situation called for it.

[MaximRecoil]

Magnum always had the back tuck and Mel Gibson'c character of Martin Riggs from LETHAL WEAPON always had the front tuck with his 9mm Beretta. I have to confess I've used those carries from time to time over the years whne the situation called for it.

Stallone's character Marion Cobretti in Cobra (1986) beat him to it with his Colt Gold Cup in the waistband in front (more comfortable, especially when sitting down):



"Mexican carry" has been around for ages though, in various positions. Magnum's method is unusual. Most people who carry the gun—"Mexican carry" style—in the waistband in back have the grip facing in the opposite direction, like in this picture:



But without the IWB holster of course.

[only looking]

Stallone's character Marion Cobretti in Cobra (1986) beat him to it with his Colt Gold Cup in the waistband in front (more comfortable, especially when sitting down):



"You're the disease and I'm the cure"..come on classic 80's..plus with a Jatti submachine pistol with laser sighting and a 1950 Mercury Coupe,blue mirrored rayban sunglasses and black harness boots how muc more Bad Ass could one character be. Funny how the story is based of the story called "Fair Game" which would latter be made into a movie called "Fair Game" with Cindy Crawford and Billy Baldwin

[Frodoleader]

Thanks Maxim! I knew you would have an explanation. Something else I thought: since this is an "uncomfortable" method to carry a sidearm, maybe TM only used this method for short periods of time, and did not drive around with the gun there.

[only looking]

I think you're right on the short time usage on the back tuck of his 45. He wore it in a shoulder holster as well as his military hip holster with the flap (Unfinished Business). He usually wore it that way when he was trying to conceal it right before he sprang it out on the bad guys of the week.LOL

[Styles Bitchley]

In case of accidental discharge, I think I'd go for back carry vs front carry.