Full mag, 1 in the pipe, cocked and locked and at least one other full mag in a pocket.
At the range, I've run into some who carry other brands and type semi's with an empty chamber and de-cocked. They have their reasons and I guess it works for them. At a CC course attended a while back, those that carried this way were consistently longer in time between recognition of a problem to getting the first round off. None of them could complete a Tuller drill successfully before they drew, cocked the gun and fired. Those that carry cocked and locked, including myself, got it done most of the time.
On the spare mag: For me, I usually carry it in a left side pant pocket, top down, facing left. Nothing else in that pocket either. In other words, when I go for the mag, it naturally goes into the hand ready to insert without fumbling. My left thumb is on the primer of the top round and the heel of the palm on the baseplate ready seat it in the magwell firmly.
On sights: The one time I did draw, I don't remember seeing sights. It was after dark but there were street lights. Same sights as Broz' gun.
There is one more aspect to this way of life that hasn't been mentioned and that is 'Situational Awareness.' It IS far easier to stay in command of a situation when you recognize a threat, real or perceived, at a distance. With distance there is time to sort out your options. When you get surprised near or inside your personal space, your choices are fewer and there is less time to come up with an alternative plan.
I back this all up with a prayer that I'll never need to use any of this equipment, training or practice on anything with 2 legs and a vertical spine.
Pete