I believe you were spot on in your assesment. That very situation is one reason I carry the sidearm that I do. The hammerless S&W 642 doesn't even have to come out of a coat pocket to start pumping rounds like a semiauto would. No hammer to grab material in the pocket and no slide to pinch material and jam.
Sounds awesome, but 5 rounds? I'll take my chances with my 23.