A 38 revolver would work well for you. They are always ready to fire and no safety to forget about. A Smith&Wesson model 642 hammerless in stainless steel would work real well.

Some of my favorite carry guns..



Almost forgot my Ruger LCP 380.

I was told... wasp spray by the guy that sold the pepper spray.

longer distance, more accurate... just as effective.

I hope this doesn't turn into a gun war. It is a legitimate question. One I have asked myself many times. Since it will not be a hobby and you probably won't maintain it often, the revolver is your best choice. A concealed hammer will not snag as easily and can actually be fired from a jacket pocket without worry. I second the 642 or some other manufacturer's equivalent. The problem may become how to carry it. It will depend on how accessible you want it to be. If you toss it in your coat pocket, make sure it zips so you don't lose it. If you are going to carry in in or on the waist band, you will need to get used to having it there. Pants pocket carry, while possible with the J-frame, is bulky. I have had mine fall out of my front pocket holster while leaning back in an office chair. I would stay away from the semi autos even though they are easier to carry in a pocket. they are not as fool proof as a revolver and will need cleaned and lubed periodically. Plus the springs in magazines weaken over time if it is always loaded. I looked at the derringer type guns as well. They are just as big but heavier than the small revolvers but are typically limited to 2 rounds. If you are looking for a deep concealment, last resort, SHTF weapon, a North American Arms .22LR with a necklace holster will conceal even with a super minimum of clothing. You need to be right on top of the criminal and be able to place a shot to do damage. The sight of the gun may scare him away though. Whatever you choose, the best weapon is the one you will carry. If it is too big or confusing, it will sit at home. While I agree that pepper/wasp spray may work, if the attacker is messed up on something, I would rather hit him with lead.

Whatever you choose, even if it is wasp spray, you will need to practice. You don't need to go out every weekend but you need to know how it works and where the spray/lead goes when you pull the trigger.

North American Arms .22LR with a necklace holster

That's what I said... Mine is the older magnum version before the founders of Freedom Arms got mad at each other and one took full sized, one took necklace gun production. Just watch the front sight, mine actually fell off and got lost years ago.

Practice with a 642? Not on your life, I value my thumb too much. Horrible gun to fire more than a cylinder or two a year.

I shoot  50 rounds at a time throught my 642 without issues. Now the 640 357 J frame I have is a different story. It kicks like a mule. I only shoot 110 or 125 grain through it.

Apache Snow, it's my hand size. My standard carry is a dragoon Superblack Hawk framed Old Army. The standard Old Army with Blackhawk grip frame is too small. My 3rd Model .44HE is mostly a paperweight (very expensive paperweight, factory full nickel plate with carved pearl grip scales).

Size 13EEE boots, 4 or 5x gloves. A Sig P6 feels small. Only comfortable grip autoloader I've had was a .44 Auto Mag.

WD wrote on 07/22/13 at 20:15:45:

Shouldn't bullets just bounce off of you?...
What do you need a gun for?...
...