For the most part, many carry small guns. I prefer to carry a 38 in +p as a minimum since the 380 typically won't break a pelvic bone (if you agree with Masaad Ayoob). I personally have no clue but will go with his recommendation. I make that decision with the understanding that anything over 15-20 feet is problematic for me. Most of the needs for a small gun are usually around arms length or may be a tad bit further, but not much. But with all the gun free zone shootings as of late, and it's summer where frayed minds go even frayererererer, a person needs something that allows them to reach out an touch someone, hit the target hard. Hit the target with some serious giddy-up that allows that favorite HP to do it's job. Carrying around a concealed Mosin Nagant 91/30 that shoots flames with an intimidating sound is a tad difficult to hide (sorry for a short MN fantasy lapse there but I was out shooting it this weekend). But for many of us, we need at least something that has a 4 inch barrel and a caliber that can work in the parking lots, malls, etc. It's a pain carrying around a heavy large gun, but with the right clothing it can be done and even in hot areas. I sometimes carry my Beretta 40 cal PX4 and that sucker is heavy. But with the correct belt, holster and long flimsy open button shirt, it is not seen nor does it print and is ok to carry. The problem of carrying it, is the location I like doesn't like the vehicle seats I have. So bypassing the belt loop allows it to move from 4 o'clock to 3 o'clock. A bit better. Yep, going to have to relegate my 38 to a bug and just commit to the longer barrel and larger caliber.