There are some parameters that can guide you needs:
- Threat assessment based on location. If am I working/hiking on or near my property, the highest threat is four-legged, specifically cats or bears. This is a concept that is foreign to many urban defensive experts who only validate two-legged threats. My choice in such a location is different than what I would select in town.
- Concealabilty based on environment. Once again, regardless of experts, your carry choice can be dictated by the degree of NPE. Not everyone can function in their job or required social environment carrying a full-size duty gun IWB. Everybody who carries a gun is not retired, self-employed, or able to stay in their bunker once it gets dark. A compact discreet carry gun is sometimes the only viable choice.
In some areas, you can get the trifecta of two-legged, four-legged, AND highly delayed LEO or medical response if they can even be contacted at all due to poor commo coverage (see my other recent scenario thread in S&T). That's were weapon choices get real interesting.