I have a S&W Shield 9MM, 19 oz empty. I carry regularly. IMO the key to a comfortable carry is the right holster & belt. The Shield has a very nice trigger, and good sites. Bullet availability is also good. I would buy that gun again if I had to do it over.
My wife has the S&W Bodyguard 380. Very easy to carry, fits in your front pocket,dont even know it there. That gun has a very long trigger pull but with practice you get used to it. Sites suck!! but are an easy fix with a little testors paint. I painted the rear white the front flo. orange. Worked out real nice.
Both guns have safeties, some people like that others don't. It don't really care one way or the other.
Handle as many as you can see what feels good in your hand!
As far as self protection I wouldn't carry anything less than a 380 load with some hydroshoks or golddots.
As far as recoil, both are very manageable.
Lasers I'm not a fan but that's just my opinion.
Last edited by jerry d; 12-17-2014 at 05:38 PM.