I don't yet have my CCW, and I will probably get a small 9mm or .40 caliber semi-auto to handle CCW chores when I finally get mine... but the only guns I pack now are one of my two Taurus M44 .44 mags in 2 3/4" and 4" barrels. I agree with Tamara -- there'd be no doubt to any perp that they were looking at the wrong end of a REAL gun. I like the fact that the hollowpoints I use for defense are visible in the cylinder too. Just an extra visual clue that my gun means "business". It's nice living in a state where I can wear my gun on my hip legally too. I don't wear it around town (keep it under the truck seat), but when in the outdoors fishing, hiking, and camping it is always at my side. I get some looks on the trail from the tree-huggers and anti's. But I kind of like that anyways. Besides, I'd be willing to bet that if one of them were being mauled by a bear -- they'd be glad I was packing a 44 mag...