I have been asking myself this question and I would like your input, please.
If you hear a noise in your house and you are resigned to checking it out with pistol in hand (double action pistol as that is what I have) do you cock the hammer and leave your finger out of the trigger guard or leave the hammer down and keep your finger out of the trigger guard or something else as you investigate.
I am refering to a situation where you are sure that "somthing is up" like you hear stange voices or crashing sounds or even the dog is going ape.
I am a noob so your insight is greatly appreciated.