Carrying a weapon without a round in the chamber can be deadly.
There are some people who are uncomfortable carrying in conditions 2 through 0, but their concerns can usually be solved with more training, a holster with proper firearm retention, or simply a different weapon.
Safety must always come first when carrying a firearm, but if you ever need a firearm to defend yourself you need it right now. Many people who carry in condition 3 or higher assume they will have time to chamber a round when needed. It takes less than a second, right?
The victim in the video below learned that half a second can make all the difference in the world.
If you happen to be uncomfortable carrying a chambered weapon, don’t start now just because you read an article online. Go get some training. Do some research. Practice constantly. Find the right gear that works for you and be ready to defend yourself if and when the time comes.