[Long Path]

Keep it safe.

A gun in your hand is not "brandishing," per se.

I'm more inclined to think that unsnapping while maintaining a shooting grip until you I.D.'d the possible threat would make more sense, but if you felt more comfortable with pistol out, by all means, unlimber.

But you might find, with practice, that a "speed rock" is just as fast, if you'll just half-way unholster, muzzle still in leather. Wait, and if the threat is real, pivot the muzzle up out of the holster with your strongarm wrist at an anchor point on your chest. This is actually just as fast or fater than having the gun out at your side, and doesn't offend as many, because the pistol technically never "cleared leather." Also much less obtrusive to return to regular configuration. Just push the pistol down a tad, and resnap.

FWIW,

--L.P.

Per Erick's request, this one's going to Close Quarters Combat.