Rule #1 Safety

Rule #1 is there for your safety.

"All Guns are ALWAYS loaded."

Great tip. That way you don't become complacent and can never claim after a negligent discharge "I thought it was unloaded..." Ingrain it, and it is second nature, and you are a bit more responsible.

But what about the other way?

What if, for your safety, for you VERY LIFE... you need that gun to be loaded. You need it to go BOOM, instead of click, to save you life. Rule #1 said it was loaded. But it just went click. Not very safe in that dire emerency where you need to defend yourself...

Another reason to change Rule #1 to "KNOW the condition of your weapon at all times."

That rule covers a lot of bases. Is the mag full? How many are in it? How many in a full mag? Is there a round in the chamber? Is the safety on? Is the gun clean and lubed? Is it in good working order? Are the sights zeroed? What kind of rounds are in the weapon? Where is it if it is not in your hand? If you have a strange gun in your hand you picked up or borrowed you better know all the previous answers toot-suite...