Exactly. Most assailants use speed and surprise to win. You will not have time to chamber a round.
The weapon you're carrying should be your last line of defense, not your first line. Too many people fail the recognize the need to be always on the alert. Stay out of the bad parts of town. Maintain situational awareness. Check your surroundings when exiting a building. If you think you're being followed, cross the street. In a parking lot, walk down the center of a lane. On a sidewalk, walk closer to the curb, but watch for suspicious vehicles, especially vans and vehicles with heavily tinted windows. There's so much more, but just be aware of your surroundings.