I have not gotten my CHL yet (should be here in a few days). However, I have given some thought to this. To carry a gun without even a round in the chamber for what ever the reason seems to be a sure fire way of not being able to get the gun into action in a critical situation if needed. The time to "draw" and rack the slide, and then to get on target would to me seem too be too long to be realistically quick enough to protect my life or someone else's. I think (after some serious thought) the best way to go is with a round already in the chamber, and if possible with the safety off or like the Glocks without a manual safety, simply relying upon the trigger safety. My main carry weapon will be my Ruger SR40c which has the so called "trigger safety", is supposed to be drop safe and also has the "manual safety. I think I will more than likely carry it with the manual safety off and a round in the chamber. Anything which will save a few milliseconds in a life saving situation (mine) is to be desired.
I understand that some carry with the manual safety on and without even a round chambered. If that is what makes you the most comfortable, then go for it. But for me I want every advantage I can get so that if I somehow, against all odds end up in a shooting situation, I want to be able to think that I am going to give myself every advantage I can.
