To OP, having fun is #1, so whatever worked for you!
That said, and zero judgement here, I would have had to start over. To me the fault would be mine due to not verifying that I was ready to go; guns loaded, boots tied, etc.
The way I was taught was very basic.
1) For Safety, -Always- assume a firearm is loaded.
2) For Survival -Never- assume a gun is loaded that has been out of your direct control.
3) Never point a firearm at anything you don't intend to kill.
Now a days 1 & 3 are usually combined but I've always thought #3 should be an 'in your face' stand alone bit. Seems to get peoples attention better that way.
Just my opinion but practicing good habits, even in a video game, helps to solidify them in the rw too.