Sig P225 Decocker

Question
Dear Mr. Little:  What is your opinion and advice about carrying a Sig P225 in Condition 1 with the decocker enabled?  I don't have any specific need to do so, but I would like to learn more about the capabilities and limitations of my pistol.  BTW, I ran a search on "decocker" in allexperts that returned several answers, but none were about this question.  Thank you.

Answer
Dick,

I think that first we need to clarify a little terminology.  "Condition 1" refers to a carry condition for a 1911 style pistol.  In condition 1, a 1911 style pistol would be in the following condition:

- round in the chamber, full magazine in place, hammer cocked, safety on

Since there is no safety on the SIG 225 you can't carry in this condition.  You could only be in either 'condition zero' or 'condition two'.

Condition Zero - round in the chamber, full magazine in place, hammer cocked, safety off.

Condition Two - round in the chamber, full magazine in place, hammer down.

The problem is that we are attempting to use terms that apply to a single action semi auto to a double action semi auto.

The best way to carry your gun would be in condition two.  Since it is double action, pressing the trigger will cock the hammer and cause the gun to fire.  With the hammer down, it is perfectly safe to have a round in the chamber.  In fact, I would not consider carrying a gun with an empty chamber.  The time lost in chambering a round if you needed the gun could make a 'life or death' difference.

In terms of the decocker, its only purpose is to allow you to safely drop the hammer to a down position after firing the gun.  When you fire your pistol, the slide motion brings the gun to single action mode after the first trigger press.  To be able to safely drop the hammer to return the gun to double action mode, the decocker is used.

I hope that I answered your question.  

Best regards,

Doug