“Well, if it ain't loaded and cocked, it don't shoot!” - Rooster Cogburn
Yes, you should carry with a round in the chamber. The entire point of carrying a gun is having it ready so you can protect yourself or those around you. The process of removing the gun from the holster, or where ever you have it concealed, should be as simple as possible. It’s basic Murphy’s Law… Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. So, eliminate anything that can go wrong ahead of time.
I think most people understand that idea, but I continually see this question on social media. So lets talk about why people worry about carrying with a round in the chamber.
Safety… Most people have only handled loaded guns on a shooting range with the gun pointed down range at a target. They shoot until the magazine is empty and eventually put the gun back in it’s case or bag to take home. It’s uncomfortable taking that loaded gun and putting it into a holster on your body.
Here’s the truth about concealed carry. Most people who have a concealed carry permit don’t carry a gun because they are uncomfortable with the idea of carrying a gun. Of the people who decide to actually carry the gun, it’s even more uncomfortable attaching a loaded gun to your body when you’ve never handled a loaded gun outside of a shooting range.
It’s a trust issue. Either you don’t trust the gun not to “go off” or you don’t trust yourself to safely handle it. Which is it? Maybe a little of both?
In my experience, quality, modern handguns do not just “go off” on their own. If one does, it’s defective. I carry a loaded gun every day… and have for years. I’m surrounded by other people who are also carrying loaded guns. None of them “go off”. After an accidental discharge, people say the gun went off to avoid acknowledging that they pulled the trigger… or more often it’s people who are super comfortable with guns and they became complacent while handling the gun and were not consciously aware of pulling the trigger. (And ‘No’ I don’t believe Sig P320s just ‘go off’ on their own either)
Most accidental discharges happen when someone is handling the gun; typically loading or unloading. The best way to carry is load a bullet into the chamber and put the gun in your holster… and leave it that way. When you take the gun off, leave it in the holster and put it in your safe. When you’re ready to go out again, take the holstered pistol out of the safe and put it on. It’s that simple.
With all that said, I’m not going to criticize anyone who chooses not to carry loaded. It’s better to have the gun than not.