Hey Tuner! Holding trigger back

[1918]

Tuner, you seem to be the "Go To Guy" here so I'm directing this to you, but would appreciate it if others waded in also:
I have an M1911, with many mods, including a new fire control group with all STI match parts, including their resin trigger w/SS bow.

Dropping the slide with a full or partially loaded mag - does it make sense to hold the trigger back to protect the sear? Am I protecting the sear, or is that just a wives tale. Am I doing something dangerous by holding the trigger back? In my "Shop Manual" by J.K., he says to always hold it back, but I've read on this forum and others where folks in the know seem to disagree with Mr. Kuhnhausen here and there. Thanks for your help!
1918

[Hammerdown]

I don't know about protecting the sear, but from a safety standpoint, that seems like a major violation of the rule "finger OFF the trigger until ready to fire". At the range, when the range is hot, is one thing, but loading a gun for carry or nightstand duty in your house....sounds like a good way to put one through the wall...

[log man]

Loading a cartridge in the chamber with the trigger held back is the way the gun operates when and during live fire. This was a practice in early match guns with light trigger pulls and steel triggers. It is not the prescription today and it never did protect the sear it just stops hammer follow due to trigger bounce. Not considered safe gun handling today, finger off the trigger.

LOG

[1918]

Good advise guys - thanks! No more holding the trigger back.
1918

[saltydog]

I have been holding the trigger back when chambering a round for a looong time.

Then, once upon a time, I chambered a round in a '97 Winchester. As Gomer would've said,'surprise, surprise'.

Some things like magazine disconnects and holding the trigger back do not apply to all firearms.

salty