He seems to say that there should be a cartridge in the chamber at all times. “One in the spout” may be fine and necessary when facing a high probability of encountering a criminal, but, given the normal low probability of that, isn’t it a little too much for everyday use?
I suppose for 9,999 days out of 10,000 you are perfectly OK to carry the gun completely unloaded (everyday use). What is really tough is determining when that other day is going to occur.
No it isn't too much. A round should absolutely be chambered and ready to fire if one is going to carry for personal protection. Carrying a weapon with an empty chamber is begging to die "studpidly" as the Sword Saint of Japan, Miyamoto Musashi would put it.
Most people will indeed go their entire lifetime without ever having to use deadly force, but even if it only happens once in your life the event and it's outcome will be of significant importance to the person it's happening to.
The lesser probability of it happening doesn't mean you are at a lower risk if it does. I wouldn't go out on the road without a spare tire, even though I rarely need one, because it only takes once to get stranded on a lonely road. Same principle.
If I’m carrying it, it WILL be ready to fire.
When you’re attacked, there’s very little time to rack the slide and chamber a round. This video demonstrates that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rytJweALgqw
No, it is not "a little too much". It is exactly right. Your weapon was DESINGED to be carried loaded. Loaded means a round in the chamber, or a round in all chambers in the case of a revolver. (The only exception is certain single shot revolvers. You're not carrying one for self defense.) If you aren't comfortable with a cocked and locked 1911 or Hi-Power, then carry a DA or DA/SA pistol or carry a DA revolver.
IMO