i checked with the fiance on this as he's much more knowledgable in this area than i.
first things first. what follows is a general guideline on carrying chambered. remember, GENERAL. there will always be exceptions (discussed later).
1. any revolver with a firing pin [i][b]on[/b][/i] the hammer, carry with the hammer down on an [b]empty[/b] chamber. a simple cocking of the hammer "loads" the next round and gun is ready to fire.
2. the above rule applies to semi's as well, carry unchambered if the firing pin is on the hammer.
3. as beekeeper said, most DAO semi's will be safe to carry chambered. but again, beware of the internal mechanism just to be sure.
4. if you can't utilize your weapon one-handed, i wouldn't recommend carrying it. meaning, if you can't carry with one in the chamber and/or load that first round without using two hands, find another gun. this will include all semi autos that require the slide to be racked if they shouldn't be carried "hot". revolvers, DAO like glocks that can be safely carried with a round in the chamber, and 1911-style .45s made to carry cocked-and-locked are good choices because they do not require two hands to "prime" them for battle. one caveat, if you can't pull the hammer back with one hand on a revolver, don't use that as a carry gun either! [:)]
regarding the safety (the mechansim, not procedures) on weapons. a sticky subject since it depends on what function the safety "impedes." does it prevent the trigger from being pulled? (this won't do much to prevent an AD if the firing pin in on the hammer and gun is dropped or bumped really hard on the hammer.) does it prevent the hammer from falling on the firing pin [i]or[/i] prevent the firing pin from contacting the primer?
unfortunately, baddog, i can't help with the specifics for the guns you mentioned because i won't carry anything with a caliber smaller than 9mm/.38 and therefore haven't had any experience with any smaller caliber guns.
common sense says that if you're worried about carrying chambered, even with a safety on, don't do it. better to be safe than sorry.
finally, (you're probably thinking "'bout time") regarding your statement of bulky revolvers. have you handled a taurus ultra-lite lately? i have a 2" snubby (if the bullet doesn't kill 'em, the muzzle flash will) that i carry in my purse 24/7. i prefer it [b]over[/b] the glock for CC in a purse because of the extreme light weight. neither is it bulky in the "too wide" sense. in fact, it's just as narrow (without the hoster) than my cell phone. additionally, the taurus (not sure if this is standard on all tauri or just the ultra-lite models, can't remember) has a transfer safety bar that prevents the hammering from stricking the firing pin. the hammer has to be cocked to make contact with the firing pin. a drop on the ground is not enough to cause an AD.
oh, and beekeeper, i love writing "cocked and locked" too. there's a kimber custom CDP waiting for me in phoenix. i can't wait to get my grubby little hands on it.