[jyl]

I carry a .38 SPL snubnose Smith & Wesson Model 442. This is one of the "Airweight" models, scandium (aluminium alloy) frame, five shot. Weighs about 14 oz empty (if memory serves). [correction - 15 oz] Internal hammer so DAO. Reason - very light, decent caliber (not great), rides well in a pants or jacket pocket (with a thin sleeve holster to cover the trigger), simple operation, not too expensive, and I like the reliability of revolvers. They make a model w/ titanium cylinder for even lighter weight [12 oz - but expensive], also models in .357 Magnum if you want more oomph. You can get one with a laser sight if you expect to do any sniping - I don't. You can also get one with a grip safety - Model 40 (steel) and 42 (aluminium), I think one or both have been re-issued by S&W. Downsides - only 5 shots, not that much fun to plink with.

If I hadn't bought the Model 442, I'd probably get a subcompact Glock in 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. But they are substantially heavier than the Airweight snubby.