Absolutely.
Many, many handguns have no safety; by which I mean that the gun will fire if there is a round in the chamber and the trigger is pulled. The "safety" is to not pull the trigger.
Also, most handguns require two hands and an additional second or so to chamber a round. This could make all the difference in a life or death situation. When faced with danger, the adrenaline surge will reduce motor skills considerably. Minimizing the actions needed to stop an attack is vital.
If everyone follows the four gun handling safety rules, it becomes very difficult for someone to be injured.
1) Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
2) Don't point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3) Don't touch the trigger until you are ready to fire.
4) Be aware of your target and what is beyond it.
Obey the rules and stay safe.
There is a lot of unintentional humor is Stephen King novels, esp. when Steve tries to work a firearm into the story.
One featured vampires and mentions a standard .38 police revolver. Two characters have found it in the road.
It’s owner, a LEO, has been exsanguinated by a bloodsucker.
The novel’s hero turns to his lady fair and says, “Don’t worry. I can see the safety’s on.”
Check every weapon to see if it is loaded and to render it safe, even if the one who handled it before did so.
The Four Rules,,,