I carry with one in the chamber. When I first started carrying, I didn't - I felt like it was unsafe. After several months, as I started to get more accustomed to carrying, I started carrying with OIC.
The best argument that I've heard for carrying OIC is the fact that you're more likely to have a malfunction while trying to rack the slide to chamber a round while under stress. With OIC, you just need to turn off the safety (if present), and pull the trigger. In addition, how do you plan to rack the slide if you're already using your weak hand to protect yourself from an attacker? Keep in mind that "an attacker" could include a vicious animal going for your throat, for example. Again, do what YOU are comfortable with, not what other people tell you, and do whatever is the safest for you. When I carry, safety is my #1 priority, with concealability and ease of reach / use coming after that.
In regards to holsters, I tried a ton of cheap nylon holsters first. They will do in a pinch, but they're generally junk. After that, I bought a few mid-range leather holsters (like this one from Galco). It was a huge step up, but I still had trouble with the holster being too bulky, not concealing well enough, or not staying clipped when I removed the pistol. Finally I bought a leather / kydex IWB holster from Shepherd Leather... wow, what a difference. It's ten-fold more comfortable, concealable, and it stays clipped to my pants. Carrying went from being a major chore to being something that I didn't notice within 20 minutes of clipping it on.
The best argument that I've heard for carrying OIC is the fact that you're more likely to have a malfunction while trying to rack the slide to chamber a round while under stress. With OIC, you just need to turn off the safety (if present), and pull the trigger. In addition, how do you plan to rack the slide if you're already using your weak hand to protect yourself from an attacker? Keep in mind that "an attacker" could include a vicious animal going for your throat, for example. Again, do what YOU are comfortable with, not what other people tell you, and do whatever is the safest for you. When I carry, safety is my #1 priority, with concealability and ease of reach / use coming after that.
In regards to holsters, I tried a ton of cheap nylon holsters first. They will do in a pinch, but they're generally junk. After that, I bought a few mid-range leather holsters (like this one from Galco). It was a huge step up, but I still had trouble with the holster being too bulky, not concealing well enough, or not staying clipped when I removed the pistol. Finally I bought a leather / kydex IWB holster from Shepherd Leather... wow, what a difference. It's ten-fold more comfortable, concealable, and it stays clipped to my pants. Carrying went from being a major chore to being something that I didn't notice within 20 minutes of clipping it on.
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