[id10t]

I wouldn't feel undergunned with anything reliable, no matter what caliber - except maybe 25acp.

That said, a 5 shot 44 spl. is certianly "more" than a 5 shot 38, but... Federal has the new 327 magnum out, which is a longer 32 mag, and is available in super compact revolvers as a 6 shot instead of the 5 that a 38 would give. May want to look at that. Or perhaps a small auto, since the 44spl charters are bigger than the small 38s available...

Anyway, at the gunshop I help out at and post auctions for, we have a hard time keeping lightweight 38 special revolvers in stock. Seem to sell 4 or 5 a week, and then have to tell 3 or 4 more folks "this one is sold and waiting for pickup, but we'll have more middle of next week"