I use an H&K striker fired pistol as one of my EDC firearms. It is always carried with a round in the chamber. There's a trigger safety, and a passive internal drop safety system, so no external manual safety system. If you pull the trigger, it's ready to go.
I do have some pistols with external safeties ( including a revolver), but for ECD I prefer pistols without external manual safeties. About 40 years ago I had to actually point my firearm at a couple of drunken trespassers who were contemplating assaulting my spouse and I while we sleeping in a tent on our property. I came out of the tent with the gun pointed at the two "gentlemen" and they decided they needed to be elsewhere, so the situation was rapidly defused. Afterwards, I realized that the firearm had the manual safety engaged throughout the entire encounter. That incident made a deep impression. My theory is I need to be focused on the target(s) and not thinking about manipulating controls on the firearm. Yes, training and muscle memory will help alleviate the issue, but simplicity is important too. For me, I need to be able assess the target and be prepared to pull the trigger, nothing else.
The chance of a negligent discharge is minimal, if the shooter uses a proper holster, and proper technique. The most likely chance of a negligent discharge is while holstering the firearm. It even happens to "professionals". There's a great U-tube video of a DEA agent shooting himself while holstering his weapon at a school. Where I previously worked there was a "professional" who managed to shoot himself when reholstering during their annual firearm qualification. He survived a .40 round in his leg. On another occasion, this same "professional" drove off while leaving his firearm on the roof of his vehicle. The firearm was recovered after a three week search. It goes to show you that some people should not be entrusted with firearms.
