The Marines have always taught me to carry in condition three (except in combat)...It truely depends on where I'm at. If i am riding down in the ghetto on my way home at three in the morning i have it chambered, or somewhere similar where someone can get to me easily. Anywhere else where I don't feel threatened or i can see someone coming i leave it unchambered. I know the XD's have an internal firing pin block and they are extremely safe even without a thumb safety, but I don't want to take the unnescessary risk of having it chambered in the grocery store. I do consider however that anyplace I go something can happen, but it is all about risk assessment, not to mention, chambering a round is a great deterrent. I am extetemely comfortable with weapons, but safety from accidents is my primary concern.