The one thing that always enters my thought process on the matter is this: If you need to use your handgun in self defense, you are going to need it to STOP a determined attacker. Anyone can be effectively threatened with a .22lr derringer, a Raven .25, a knife or even a sharp stick for that matter. I would not count on a .22 up through .380 to stop or repel a large human attacker, possibly 'altered' with drugs or alcohol, who is bent on harming me or my loved ones. I decided that for me, I will not rely on less than a 158 grain +P .38 for that. I had, carried and could accurately shoot a Kel-Tec .380. It was, contrary to a lot of other stories I've heard, 100% reliable with ball and Hydra-shoks. It was absolutely of a size, weight and shape that could be carried anywhere in any pocket. I always carried it summer mornings walking the dog in just 'gym shorts'. Compared to the KT, my snubby is huge and heavy, but in the grand scheme of things, it is still small and light enough to go everywhere with me, and for the most part it does.
That's why I don't consider my larger frame service size guns for CCW except on winter days when the temps drop to the point I ain't sweating in a T shirt...
I wear good ankle covering boots and usually an armored summer vest when I ride in addition to the jeans and prefer a tinted face shield to keep my nose from burning to a crisp on a long ride.
