[Positive]

I'd say keep it loaded, with a bullet in the chamber, cocked and place it right next to your alarm clock, near the snooze button.

No really, consider this, loaded, no round chambered, in your nightstand drawer.

If I were an intruder and I heard a gun being cocked...I might change my choice of victims.

But if you have to point it at someone...pull the trigger.

[absolootezer0]

If I were an intruder and I heard a gun being cocked...I might change my choice of victims.

there are two schools of thought on this. first agrees with you, pucker factor might have bad guys scurrying out.
however, some people believe that it serves as a warning to the criminal, who now knows you're awake, knows you are armed, and knows what direction you are in.