tfrazier wrote:I've been carrying since 1987. Always one in the chamber, and these days, cocked-and-locked, since I've been converted into a 1911 nut (which means I went out and shot one, which is all you have to do to become a believer). But I echo those folks who've already answered, become familiar with your weapon, train, and do what is safest for you.
I recently saw a video of a few Israelis who can yank a 1911 without one 'in the pipe' out of their holster, rack the slide, and fire on target faster than some of our best military personnel can draw, flip the safety off, and fire on target, so the key to it all is training, knowledge, and skill.
Provided you have that arm/hand to use!
If anything were to happen to your weak side arm/hand prior to you being able to charge the weapon (as in an attack) then you may find yourself totally incapable of bringing it into battery. Yes, there are dozens of other ways to charge your weapon, but all of them will leave you seriously "behind the eight ball" in terms of time lost.
DO NOT carry your weapon uncharged. If you have a fear about it....GET OVER IT. Do what ever is necessary (change weapons, get training, do research, etc) to get beyond this unreasonable fear.
Seconds (sometimes fractions) "can" cost you your life. Be prepared! Use every advantage. Anything less... is to compromise your ability to defend yourself. A nephew of mine learned this the hard way a few days ago, we buried him today.
You get a bullet "up that spout" NOW! You'll have enough to think about... when dealing with a deadly threat, without worrying about getting your weapon (your lifeline) into operable condition.
Flint.