I used to carry my rifle loaded and on safety until my freshman year in college. YOu see I had to come home from school to attend the funeral of a neighbor. He wasn't a real close friend but I knew him well. You see he was in colorado elk hunting and before he and his hunting partner headed into camp they unloaded their weapons. The one fellow had a Rem. 700 30-06 that the safety had to be in the fire position before you could cycle the bolt. Well, when he pushed the safety to fire the gun roared, shooting his buddy in the throat.

Now, I carry on an empty chamber with the firing pin down and the safety off. When needed I cycle the bolt and fire. The only time this doesn't hold true is when I'm still hunting dark timber. Then I'm locked and loaded with the safety on at port arms ready to rock!