I always carry my full mag +1 in the chamber along with 2 spare mags. does not make sense not to. the little extra weight is SO worth having a means to "stay in the fight" AND the abilty to clear most malfunctions just by having a fresh mag. no contest. if you don't carry AT LEAST 1 extra mag, you are chancing your life.... not something i want to do... especially since thats WHY I STARTED CARRYING IN THE FIRST PLACE