Thank you for a very detailed and informative response. I have no idea why anyone would choose to carry a semi handgun and leave it unloaded (aka without a round in the chamber). It makes no sense to me. I carry a .380 Walther PPK for defense in a pocket holster. There are better self defense pistols, no doubt. But after trying many different guns, I found this is the one that I will carry and pocket carry is the only way that I will consistently and comfortably carry concealed. A full size Glock in my glove box does me no good. And as cool as it looks (to me), OC of a full size just doesn't work in most of the places I go.
One part of carrying my Walther I am still thinking about is weather to leave the safety on. Currently I do. It can be switched to fire with my right thumb (pushing up). However, after practicing at the range, I've begun to wonder if the extra step would hinder my reaction in a self defense situation. Drawing from a pocket is already not ideal, but that's the way I carry. The double action pull on the Walther is very heavy, though with practice I have gotten better at getting off the first DA shot. I've also thought of cocking the hammer with my thumb while drawing as well. In this scenario the safety might also be a distraction. Right now I keep my gun in the glove box of my car while driving, or if I'm going in somewhere I can't carry. That's another reason why I leave the safety on...in case someone got at the gun in the glove box whether a passenger mistakenly or a bad actor.
Anyway I'm still thinking on it.