I carry the handgun that I believe is the best for me to win the fight for my life with should it come to that. I make no concession for ease of carry or ease of concealment, neither of which are important to me at all. To be sure, I do conceal, but my gun is not small or short or compact or slim or anything that would make it easy. It isn't light either. I would consider a long gun for the bedside, but not for carry due to the impracticality of concealing it. Nevertheless, I choose a handgun for home defense for numerous reasons. Much of the long gun's advantages are at longer ranges. The handgun is easier to handle in tight confines. It's more practical for one-handed carry and use and for holstering (a long gun can be slung, but can still get in the way). I can focus all my training and practice on one system (gun, sight, holster, manual of arms, etc.). So I choose a handgun for all defensive purposes inside and out of the house. Because my carry gun already affords me all the advantages I know of, there isn't another handgun that would be more advantageous at the bedside.
The one advantage I can think of for a bedside gun that is mostly impractical for carry is a suppressor. That's where I would make a difference. On the other hand, if I did get a suppressor, I might try to figure out how to carry it too.
