I haven't gotten my CHP yet, but when I (occasionally) open carry, I go with a Ruger GP-100 with a 4" bbl. It's inexpensive, built like a tank, and shoots straighter than any of my other pistols. I lightened the trigger pull a little for double-action, but other than that, it was great out of the box. For personal defense, I use Federal 130 gr. Hydra-Shoks.