<P> The normal mode of carrying an SA semi-automatic pistol is condition 1, popularly known as cocked and locked . Condition 1 (a term popularized by Colonel Jeff Cooper) refers to having the magazine full, a round chambered, the hammer fully cocked, and the thumb safety engaged or on, at least for right - handed users . For many single - action, semi-automatic pistols, this procedure works well only for right - handed users, as the thumb safety is located on the left side of pistol and is easily accessible only for those who are holding the pistol in the right hand . </P> <P> Many SA semi-automatic pistols have a hammer position known as "half - cocked". Squeezing the trigger will not fire the gun when it is in the half - cocked position, and neither will dropping the gun in this state cause an accidental discharge . During WWII in the Pacific Theater, an unofficial and unapproved carry mode for the SA M1911 by left - handed US soldiers in combat was carrying the gun with the magazine full, a round chambered, the action in half - cocked position, and the thumb safety (accessible only to right - handed users) positioned in the off (or ready - to - fire) mode . </P> <P> The primary advantage of the half - cocked position versus the uncocked position in that particular scenario was added sound suppression (of the click of the weapon being cocked). A secondary advantage was the avoidance of accidental discharges if the gun were accidentally dropped . The half cock was revised by Colt in the 1970s and subsequently other manufacturers--the hammer will fall from half cock if the trigger is pulled on most newer 1911 type guns . </P> <P> In general, single - action, semi-automatic pistols should never be carried cocked with the safety off, although many newer SA pistols have modified actions which allow the hammer to exert pressure against the firing pin only when the trigger is pulled . Many modern SA semi-automatic pistols have had their safety mechanisms redesigned to provide a thumb safety on both sides of the pistol (ambidextrous), thereby better meeting the needs of left - handed, as well as right - handed users . </P>

Where is the chamber of a semi automatic pistol located