Absolutly true, It also needs to be cocked Locked and ready to Rock. As does the shooter. A unloaded firearm in a emergency situation is the equivalent of a Rock with a real nice grip!
If not properly trained and experienced you should not carry a loaded gun. 99 chances out of ten you will not be effective with it if you have not practiced extensivly! I shoot allot Rifles, Shotguns, IE skeet and Trap and handguns. One thing is for sure you pull a gun out better be prepared to use it. This is detramental to your own ,and bystanders saftey!
No such thing as being to safe.
I have counter assault bear spray myself. That is what I carry backpacking for the most part. The stuff is nasty! I am confident it will turn a bear, or a national park drug grower around!
I also carry a loaded firearm most of the time I am not hiking. Thats just how I roll. I have never had to use either and hope I never will! Guns that woul be effective on a bear are allot heavier than bear spray!