[Cobra64]

No. Some armchair commando came up with that idea years ago. Law enforcement laugh when they hear it.

1) You have eliminated your element of surprise.

2) You have given away your position.

3) Based on 1 and 2 above, you have increased risk to your safety.

Your shooter should be loaded, cocked, an locked.

[Kartographer]

I tell the Gunnery Sergeant with the Indiana State police who told us that your thoughts next time I see him. He always said no matter ho loud the Bar fights was almost everyone heard that sound.

[Fightin Whitey]

Truer words.

The sound of the slide may discourage somebody. But not nearly as much as the sound of the discharge.

[T-Bone Texan]

Also, you can’t keep your aim on a target while racking a shotgun, or at least I can’t.

I tried.

[JoeFromSidney]

Your shooter should be loaded, cocked, an locked.

I agree. Whether it's a 1911 or an AR-15, keep it so only one action is needed to make it ready to shoot.

As for scaring intruders with the sound of a safety coming off, or a round being chambered, I'd rather not let them know I have a gun until I pull the trigger.