An unloaded gun is useless as has already been mentioned. but lets say that a bad guy gets past the dogs, gets past any security system, and as you wake up you see him standing in your doorway. you wont have much time to to chamber a round. you will point and shoot. that is why you keep your guns cocked locked and ready to rock. The time that you absolutely need a quick shot is the time that you will have an empty chamber.