Chamber Flags – What are They and why Should you use Them? 

The number one rule of gun safety is to always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, and never assume it’s unloaded without checking it yourself. Using a visible reminder that a gun is empty can be reassuring to others, and let you know, at a glance, that your chamber is empty…chamber flags serve this purpose.  

How Chamber Flags Work 

Chamber flags are bright pieces of plastic or silicone that may be red, yellow, or orange. They are inserted into the open, empty chamber of a firearm and stick out slightly as a visual indicator that the chamber is empty. A portion of the chamber flag actually plugs the chamber of the firearm, prohibiting a round from entering the chamber.  

Making the firing range a safer place. 

Many gun ranges or shooting events require empty chamber indicators when a firearm is not actively being used or when anyone is downrange during a ceasefire or cold range situation because they are a highly visible, non-verbal way to indicate to everyone around you that your gun’s chamber is empty. Sometimes, the Range Safety Officer (RSO) will walk down a line checking each gun to make sure they are unloaded before declaring “Cold Range”, but a chamber flag makes that job instantaneous and visibly easy. Chamber flags are also required in some shooting sports, such as Steel Challenge and USPSA, particularly in the Pistol Caliber Carbine divisions.  

There’s never any doubt about a loaded firearm. 

Firearm safety rules should be followed even when a chamber flag is used, but chamber flags are an instant, visual, way to tell if a firearm is loaded. Not only do they show what is NOT loaded, if your gun-handling system utilizes chamber flags, but the lack of a chamber flag can also be a quick way to tell what IS loaded. 

They make traveling with a gun easier. 

Chamber flags are good to have on hand if you’re flying with a firearm. TSA agents will open a gun case, and if the gun has a chamber flag inserted, it can speed up the inspection process. People who are new to shooting may use chamber flags to get in the habit of checking the chamber when they are done, as they have to visually look as they are inserting the flag. By the way, new firearms often come with chamber flags inserted from the factory (see video).  

There are plenty of options to try. 

Chamber flags come in a variety of styles and colors, from brightly colored flags that stick out of the action to larger pieces of plastic that extend from the barrel. You can even make your own from brightly colored weed eater cord cut to size to be inserted with some extension out of the action and barrel. 

Gun safety is paramount to enjoying your 2^nd Amendment rights, and using a chamber flag is a great way to help yourself and others stay safe at the range and at home. 

Big Daddy Unlimited advocates strongly for Second Amendment rights because we believe that the right to keep and bear arms exists to protect all of the other God-given rights of American citizens. Become a member today to join our community of freedom-loving Americans, and let’s work together to support and defend our Second Amendment rights.