The 1911 (Kimber Custom II)with a round chambered and cocked and in a proper holster is pretty safe - but still makes me nervous. I will go through the process of pulling the slide back and letting it pick up a round. (Amazing how the sound of that action gets attention!) For long term I stay with the revolver (Taurus M817 snub nose, 7 shot). I never keep a round under the hammer, however. Maybe I missed it but no one has mentioned ammo. I use hollow point - otherwise I'm just kidding myself. Luck. Dale