In my opinion, 5 or 6 shots in a revolver is plenty for almost any scenario that you may possibly encounter......
I mean, thinking through it logically......1)Most likely the time you'll need to pull your gun will be a 1 on 1 or 2 on 1 encounter and the perpetrator(s) will assume that you're an unarmed easy target. 2)Once they find out you're armed, when you produce the gun, the "attack" will probably end immediately.... No one WANTS to get shot over a wallet, car, tv, etc.... 3)If the attack continues, lets say because they didn't plainly see you pull out a gun or they figure you're too scared to use it, and you DO have to shoot..... the sudden sound of muzzle blast from a .38 or .357 from 10' away and pointed toward them is going to sound like a cannon going off...... THAT very likely will end the encounter whether it hits them or not. 4)If you do shoot, and it does hit them, it will likely end the attack.... no one wants to KEEP getting shot or DIE over a wallet, car, tv, etc. 5)If that still doesn't stop them.... you still have 4 or 5 rounds left.
Yea someone can always argue......well what if you get attacked by a gang of 12 people who are all 6'6 300 lbs, who are wearing bullet proof vests, and are high on meth and they keep attacking even though you're shooting them........... well, maybe in that case a small revolver wouldn't be enough..... but outside of those types of situations.....
I am always amazed by the folks who carry two pistols (typically a 15+ round capacity and a "backup gun" in an ankle holster), 4 extra magazines, two pocket knives, a bowie knife, a super bright flashlight, brass knuckles, and pepper spray on their body everywhere they go. I mean....really? You're not preparing to go on a planned mission into Baghdad are you..... you're going to the gas station and home depot.....
Again, 5 or 6 rounds of good "self-defense" type ammo would be plenty for almost any situation..... And the only reason I even say "almost" is because of those folks who will reply with "well what about if XYZ happens".
Just my .02