Elk Hunters Attacked by Bears in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

[kidicarus13]

I never carry a round in the chamber, too dangerous.

[DireWolf]

I never carry a round in the chamber, too dangerous.

Not sure if the above comment was made in jest, but if not, might recommend doing some research on and rethinking this issue.

Don't have any of the links handy at the moment, but plenty of research available which outlines/demonstrates why carrying a handgun with empty chamber is not a good idea.

Short version: barring the most extreme "good luck", in nearly any defensive scenario (involving either man or beast), the odds are significantly against one being able to successfully chamber and fire a round before it's too late. In other words, it almost negates the value of having a sidearm in the first place.

Safety while carrying in "Condition 0" (e.g. loaded chamber on platform with no safety other than trigger/FP mechanisms; Glock, etc.) is more a matter of using a proper holster and training (e.g. - fast draw without ND to the leg, etc., especially if using a retention/locking holster)