I too am a retired LEO. I've carried different derringers my whole life... not exclusively, but, when I perceived a low threat level, (but who can really tell?!). I had a .45/.410 4.25" barrel derringer during an attempted car-jacking in Miami. As soon as he saw those two huge holes he ran off. The gun did what the gun was bought to do. What more could I ask of it? I now sometimes carry a Bond Arms derringer in different calibers. The 9mm shoots the most accurate, (ALL 50 rounds in the human silhouette target at 7 yards-not bad for a derringer), but I prefer the 4.25" .45/.410 for carry. I may switch to the .44 Special for a shorter barrel carry some days. It's a great gun and with all of the caliber choices, it's very versatile. As you are a LEO, I'd guess your situational awareness is at a level above most others. I should think you'd be wise enough to stay out of areas you'd feel more comfortable in if you were carrying your service piece. As far as throwing it at the bad guy? Ha! I had no intention of throwing it at the car-jacker... I intended to shoot him. The graveyards are full of people killed by a derringer and I'm pretty sure it wasn't from being struck by the derringer as it was thrown! As long as you don't try to take back a town from looters and rioters all by yourself with one, I think you'll find a derringer quite useful. There are owner comments at Bond Arm's website. At least one who used it in self-defense. In most situations I'm comfortable carrying the Bond Arms with me. Concealed carry is what we do for peace of mind. If you need a 17 round magazine in your pistol or a S&W .50 caliber revolver before you have that peace of mind, then by all means, carry that instead. I think you'll feel comfortable with a derringer most times. I know I do.