I disagree. I’ve been carrying striker fired PPQ, then hammer fired P-01, then striker fired MP9 and now hammer fired Staccato.
Being newbie in this business I tried both (hammer and striker).
Never ever found hammer to be causing single problem with fast and smooth draw. I’ve been carrying in both positions:
-AIWB
-OWB 9 o’clock.
The striker fire guns are simple to operate. I could make an argument that simple is safer. With a Striker fired gun, you get a 6in trigger pull. With a DA/SA let’s say you get a safe 10ib trigger with 3ib follow up shots. Before holstering, the student should decock the gun, but a newbie overwhelmed with information might end up trying to reholster a 3ib trigger and be more likely to blow a hole on their
or their
.
I did not feel this way until committing to AIWB. I definitly see an advantage to DA/SA with AIWB, but personally, after learning the internal workings of a Glock I prefer it. I get a simple gun. It only fires when the trigger is pulled, the trigger pull is the same everytime, the only mechanisms I need to operate to defend myself is the trigger, cleaning is super simple and the guns are crazy reliable.
I think ultimately it comes down to knowing your tools well and experience over time of finding what you like/ feel confident-comfortable with.
I think it’s good for everyone to get exposed to different firearms though. I like having the knowledge of figuring out any Gun if I really needed too. I also enjoy learning and using new guns.
Do you carry the 2011s AIWB?
Yes I do. C2 with 3.9" barrel. I’m using my AIWB holster from M&P9 4.25" 
Was the predecessor to the P320. Have had my subcompact model for 6 years. Solid performer and very reliable. The 11 lb DAO pull took some getting used to, however. Mine is 9mm, but was also available in .40SW.
I guess it is Gunbroker time Dam it! - I am trouble!
I have always “thumbed” the safety on my 1911, not the hammer.
I do the same with my M&P.
Doubt I will ever feel completely “right” with a gun having no manual safety.
The hammer itself seems an unnecessary anachronism. I don’t mind the absence of the lint trap provided by an external hammer, and I don’t mind not being bit.
I’m not convinced that the coach of a “new” new shooter really need to convey much at all about how firearms do their magic. They all have a trigger; bullet always comes out the same end — what happens in between can remain “magic” for a while.
Teach the gun(s) in hand, and leave all the variations for another time. Certainly the variations should be explained (and demonstrated and experienced if possible) before it’s time for a new shooter to make a first purchasing decision (or the next one, if some gun is already in possession).
Checking thumb safety on 1911/2011 is also a good option. With safety ON there is no way the pistol goes boom.
All my handguns I’m using for defense are equipped in thumb safety. But unfortunately each manufacturer gets different setup and I don’t trust in safety as much as in 1911/2011. So my thumb on the hammer is just a habit, which works on any hammer fired handguns.
I always urge new shooters to check which firearm works best for them, without digging into firearms anatomy. Test, buy then explore. But the last part is important. I cannot imagine how somebody can shoot the firearm without any knowledge about it. 
I don’t just mean put the safety on. I mean hold the safety in position while holstering. Pretty much the same as you holding the hammer back.
That pretty much requires a shift in my grip so I can’t reach the trigger — and it prevents anything else from moving the trigger or the safety during the process. If there is a gun manufactured which I can’t trust to prevent firing while the lever is held in safe position — well, never mind that one.
I get that there are safeties which work “backwards” or maybe can’t easily be held in position — that’s beyond my personal experience.
If you never have a gun without a hammer, that method works. If I never have a gun without a proper safety, that method works. If people believe they never make errors, maybe having neither will work. Trying to get your subconscious to run too many different flavors seems a bit of an extra risk.
Thumb on hammer hell yes!!! It is a habit programmed in my self conscious. That is why it was easy for me to transition to 1911 from DA/SA. I will never own a striker fire phew phew.- not my cup of tea!
oh, OK. But for me it little weird. It is not natural position for the thumb to hold safety lever, when using hammer you just put the thumb on.
Anyway, we all have own methods and should keep it the way which works the best.
I have CZ P-01 with safety which is has so flat lever that it cannot be felt properly once handgun is holsters. Additionally it doesn’t have positive “click” and I’m never sure if it’s completely on/off ![]()
Understood.
It’s good idea to own or rent one and shoot from time to time.
During once class I’ve been introduced into defensive situation when I had to use “backup” handgun, which was not mine. Horrible feeling, when you have assailant approaching and you don’t know how to operate your tool. ![]()
Glocks have an aftermarket “striker control device” that functions the same way. I don’t have one personally, but it’s pretty common with instructors who are constantly doing demonstrations.
Shouldn’t our posts be copyright protected? I wrote it 21 hr ago…
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I know how to shoot striker phew - most have the trigger safety or a Manual safety. Please correct me. To me, it will be easy to pick up and phew. If I were coming from a striker-fired phew to a DA/SA or 1911, that would pose a problem, in my opinion.
That’s the individual part, I guess.
If I just put my thumb on the hammer, I don’t need to adjust my grip very much but my grasp on the pistol is not too secure. If I hold the hammer securely enough to catch an unexpected release, I need to shift my grip entirely to hold “front to rear” instead of “side to side”. Hand size, or something.
Holding the (M1911-style) safety also involves a grip change. I just perceive it is more secure against unintended discharge.
My take on the thumb on Hammer or safety: I personally like them on hammer for both my DA/SA and 1911. For the DA/SA, my thumb is behind the hammer. If the hammer starts to cock back, my thumb will stop/i will stop. 1911 thumb in front of the hammer - by doing this, I do not press the grip safety. I don’t feel comfortable with my thumb on the safety
In what situation might a person have to suddenly defend themselves with a firearm they have never used or been instructed in the use of?
Yeah, you are correct. Usually striker fired handgun is simple to shoot. Aim, press the trigger and pew-pew.
The problem starts when these have additional manual/external safeties… and these are different at each model. Big, small, flat, wide, narrow, visible, almost not visible… 
Any situation you can imagine. Simple street fight may end up that you have to use your friend’s handgun, sometimes even assailant’s handgun.
I’ve been always taught to not rely on your own tools only. Use anything available around you. Fight for your life is not a fair one.
If you are out of ammo and you see other magazine next to you, you’d better know how to unload it… or perhaps use in your gun?
I know it is not a standard procedure but that is me. I went through a lot of
in my life and being responsible for 3 extra people in my Family I want to be ready for everything.


