jwm,

Being able to shoot from inside a pocket (pants or more likely a coat) is a serious advantage to revolvers over semi-auto pistols.

At any rate carry two revolvers if you can. Not only does that double your ammunition capacity without having to reload, it provides a “backup” gun as well as a gun that you can draw from either side with either hand which could also be an advantage.

Meant for Dude.

Void. I had a aluminum frame, titanium cylinder .38 special from S&W. It was an odd duck with an L frame and a j frame grip. 7 shots. It worked. But it was bulky and that Ti cylinder needs extra care in the cleaning.

My daughter still has that gun.

I like the new S&W Ultimate Carry in 32 H&R (won’t shoot 327) with the titanium cylinder. It’s only 13 oz, but it’s very pricey. It’d make a great pocket carry.

Been seeing a lot more s&w432 in 32h&r floating around lately and tried it out. Easier than any 38spc even the reduced recoil loads and easy change if you are used to a 442. I think the ruger variety has a 327 mag which you could of course use 32h&r from but whatever fits needs and budget.

I cannot comfortably handle the mini compacts. Ruger makes a good product. I have several. But I have arthritis. J frames with standard pressure loads are about as small as I can go without a lot of pain.

Besides. I can fire my hammerless j frame from inside the pocket. A semi would get jammed up.

A single revolver with a 5-round cylinder is fine for deterring a single lazy mugger. That same revolver is sorely lacking, however, if you are defending yourself from one or more motivated attackers. Two revolvers, on the other hand, significantly increase your chances of surviving motivated attackers. So if you are going to carry a snub-nosed revolver for self-defense, carry two of them (preferably one on both sides of your body).

jwm,

Have you ever tried a Ruger LCP (chambered in .380 ACP) from a pocket holster? Due to its thin design and uniform thickness it slides out of a pocket holster with incredible ease.

F.Y.I. while all traditional self-defense ammunition is lacking in .380 ACP, the Underwood Ammunition cartridges which have bullets that look like Philips screwdriver tips are a significant step up in terminal performance and hence effectiveness. I am convinced that these new-design bullets are every bit as effective as anything available in .38 Special.