I don't normally care about safeties, because if I am carrying one of my semi-auto's; I normally carry it with no round in the chamber. Sorry, but I grew up in New York City; moved to New Jersey; spent 21 years in the military; have lived in New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming for a combined 23 years. I don't NEED some Hollywood scenario of producing my gun and firing in .325 seconds. I feel quite confident and comfortable being able to chamber a round when I need to. I'm not afraid to live life and I don't live in a Hollywood wild west world or pretending that I am FBI or Secret agent; and that my job automatically increases the odds of needing to protect multiple people on a daily basis.
My guns are nothing more than "Tools" to me. I don't put my life in them or their capabilities. I put my life in MY CAPABILITIES. And I have a lot of "Tools" in my arsenal to protect me. My carry gun is just 1 tool. Now, having said all that, each gun is different, so I do carry or store them differently.
1. 357 magnum revolver: Almost never carry it. I keep it loaded and stored at home for quick access for home defense. All 6 rounds loaded. Obviously, no safety. 1977 S&W Model 13 "K" frame.
2. SigSauer P220 45acp: 50-50 Home defense and self defense. I only carry it in the colder months when I have a coat for easier concealment. Also, the BG has thicker clothes on. It uses a decocker and not a safety, but I don't keep a round in the chamber. I don't need to. The gun is probably one of the MOST RELIABLE guns on the planet. If I need to brandish and pull out the weapon; I have no problem chambering a round at the same time. Same at home. I have absolutely no need to leave it chambered.
3. Walther PPK 32auto. This one has a safety with a drop down hammer combination. When I carry this; (Warmer months where I and the BG usually aren't wearing much more than a shirt or light jacket); I have a round in the chamber with the drop down hammer and safety on. I have absolutely no problem turning off the safety and doing a double-action pull for the first round.
I also have a Springfield-Armory 1911A1 that is really only for home and the range. I almost would never carry it. But when I did carry it and use it at home for my primary home defense; I never carried one in the chamber. I am not a fan of the "Condition 1"; "Cocked, Locked, and Ready to Rock" mentality. I'm not saying people can't carry their 1911A1 this way if they want. Go for it. And if people have a deep seeded feeling that they're the master of the 1911A1 and are preparing to kill a whole gang of bad guys; have fun. I just don't need it. That extra .325 seconds isn't that important to me. Plus, I've seen the safety of a 1911A1 accidentally get turned off and simply re-adjusting the weapon (In holster) on a man's belt, and the weapon discharged. No one was hurt, but there was absolutely no need for this to have even happened. Because, with the right knowledge, training, and practice; you don't need a cocked and locked gun. Not unless you are on patrol. I.e. military, police, etc... entering a bldg. OR Home defense when you hear a noise and you grab your gun to go look. Then you cock and lock it. And with the right practice, you know when the safety comes off and you're ready to pull the trigger.
Anyway; I don't have any need for a loaded chamber most times. I am completely in control and can chamber a round as needed. For the experienced shooters; practical and real life; you know what you like. Do what you like. For the non-experienced gun owner; DON'T learn shooting on the internet in forums. You learn about shooting; especially YOUR GUN; by going to the range. You practice standing, kneeling, lying down, You practice 1 handed, 2 handed, around corners. You practice a couple hundred rounds a month. You practice drawing your weapon, chambering, locking on target, and firing. The chambering part is literally no additional time to the process if you train properly. This isn't the Wild West and a shoot out. But most importantly, you practice the mental exercising that helps you understand the many different ways to not let yourself get put into a position where you need to use the gun. At home is different. But it's your "Home Turf". You've got the advantage. But when out and about, learn how to stay safe. Again; put your LIFE IN YOUR CAPABILITIES. Not in your GUN'S capabilities. The gun is just a tool. And a tool is only as good as the person using it. Just like we keep telling the LIBERALS: "Guns don't Kill People; PEOPLE Kill People". Same goes for self and home defense. "Guns don't PROTECT People; People Protect People". The gun is just a tool.
