I was browsing and came across this on www.smartcarry.com/cocklock.htm I thought it was informative and the firstparagraph was actually a good but funny reply.
Texas Ranger Charlie Miller was minding his own business when a concerned citizen came up to him, noted the hammer cocked back on the big 1911 dangling from the Ranger's belt, and asked, "Isn't that dangerous?" Charlie replied, "I wouldn't carry the son-of-a-bitch if it wasn't dangerous."