S&W 638 or similar revolver. I've been required to carry off-duty for the last 15 years, and just recently purchased this one. With my bigger auto, I would often leave it in the truck due to the bulk, but I can carry this on my hip or ankle and forget it's there. I've got speedloaders, but in reality it will all be over in 3-5 shots at close distance (based on stats), and a revolver should not fail you.