Have a huge personal space.
Keep it loaded, and if the neighborhood necessitates it, chambered.
“if the neighborhood necessitates it, chambered”
A unloaded gun is useless. It’s a damned club. The second you waste racking the slide to charge the pistol is the second you may die.
Anyone not comfortable carrying a gun with a round in the chamber has no business owning a weapon.
My opinion:
If it isn't chambered, it isn't loaded.
If it isn't loaded, its a not very efficient club.
It doesn't matter what kind of neighborhood you're in. If you're carrying a pistol, carry it loaded. Always.
IMHO