The facts are that it is a trade-off. Not having one in the chamber is more safe, and no amount of cliches or stupid sayings will change that. I also agree that a properly stored and properly operated semi-auto with one in the chamber is sufficiently safe. But people make mistakes, and not having one in the chamber gives one more layer of protection against mistakes. I carry with one in the chamber, and believe that the minimal increase in risk that I encounter through this approach is worth the quicker and more sure response I can provide in the event it is needed.
I checked and can draw, rack, and fire within 0.1 or 0.2 seconds (about as close as one could determine with a handheld stopwatch) of the time it takes me to draw and fire with one already in the pipe. But I *DO* have to have both hands free and I have to remember to rack. Those two factors, primarily the latter, convinced me to keep one in the pipe, and to accept the minutely increased risk that comes with it.
While I'm on the soapbox, an unloaded gun is NOT the most dangerous gun and has never killed anyone, unless possibly someone used it as a hammer on another. On the other hand, a loaded gun that someone *THINKS* is unloaded is a very dangerous situation. Overstating for dramatic purposes like that destroys your argument with me. Of course, that's your right, so feel free to continue with the cliches and other.
Have a nice day everyone. I'll be back next week for the next thread on... "one in the pipe or not".
