I realize this has been discussed before so forgive me,
What are folks favorite hand gun to carry for self defense and protection?
Recently did a bunch of question asking at a gun shop. There seemed to be a split of folks between carrying something small and easily concealed and carrying something with a better chance at stopping some drug craze fool or other bad guy.
Also, what type of holster is preferred by folks?

Just curious.
Leaning toward a .45 or a .38
Thanks or reading and answering my questions.

Thanks
Mac

I carry a S&W Shield in .45 ACP.

i look like i'm carrying an 8 month baby,does that count.

I carry a CZ P07. 9mm, 15+1 capacity, in a Black Arch Holsters "Protos-M".

most of the time i have an 870 slug gun with buckshot in it on or in the machine i'm in on the farm.

I carry a S&W 642 38+P revolver, it a snub nose. Double action only no hammer.

Thanks guys. PCR2, you may need to back off the pizza and ice cream! LOL

I carry a Keltec P11 in 9mm. At the time I bought it I could have had any handgun I wanted and spent many days at gun shows and in shops picking up guns to see how they fit. This is the one that truly fit my hand the best which I believe is one of the most important aspects of choosing a carry pistol. Some may scoff at the Keltec but I can shoot it well and have had no issues with it at all. I am very confident it will work but truly hope I never have to use it.

I recently bought my wife a Ruger LCR in .22 Mag. Very nice little revolver. She chose that after many days hefting pistols to see what fit her hand best. The .22 Mag does not have a lot of recoil so she is not afraid to shoot it at all.

Moosetrot

I carry a S&W Bodyguard 380 in a Desantis Pocket Shot holster every time I leave the house. It looks like a fat wallet in my back pocket and is easy to get too if needed.

Get what your comfortable carrying and concealing.
With ammo being available in various types like hydrashock hp's etc...stopping power is a more equal playing field these days.

I carry a Shield .45 I'm thin so at times it prints. I'm going to look into 9 mm's soon. I didn't take my ccw course with a revolver so I can't ccw one. I really like Canik's but it's a large frame.

I loved my Sticky holster but once my gun became unholstered during a confrontation I hated it. Now I use a locally made kydex holster.

My main concealed carry is a Springfield XDS .45

My wife carries a Sig P238 .380

We both carry IWB with high noon holsters

Same here I like a paddle holster easy on and off just remember if it's not easy and comfortable you will be leaving it home in the future! Leather breaths a bit better then plastic will.

Easier to show than to tell. Relentless Tactical IWB holster.

Usually a shield in .40 though I keep thinking I should trade it in for a 9mm for the extra capacity. Studies show the difference in stopping effect between 9, 40, 45 to be statistically non existent. What matters is shot placement and number of hits. The average number of hits to stop an attacker is also statistically equal between the calibers. My favorite holster for that gun is a crossbreed supertuck.

I don't know if this counts, I don't have a carry permit here but had one in NY, all I ever carry is a 22 pistol or revolver I like the performance of the Tauras TX and its lite holds 16 no holster it fits in my back pocket, I have others for uninvited company!

One or the other, but usually the 45

I have a couple 1911's a Kimber and a Springfield Armory. They are both 45's with a 4" barrel and the 1911 style just fits my hand well.
They are a pain for me to carry concealed, too heavy and as much as I love them I find it uncomfortable so therefore do not use them much as such.
In the colder months with a jacket they ride good with a pancake Shado holster though. My wife bought me a Sig 938 in 9mm last year and it is a fine weapon.
I figure that on a daily basis I will not get into more trouble than 8 rounds of 9mm cant handle and it is a joy to carry. I carry it in an Outback iwb holster.
Zim

Just remember your training is more important that your gear. Practice, practice,and practice some more. Your dry-fire practice should be like 10x your live fire practice. Remember if you're going to shoot someone, most likey it won't be with two hands standing square to the target, taking all the needed to line up sights and ensure proper grip. Those things along with accuracy matter, for sure, but in the moment it'll all be over before you can even think of those things. You won't rise to the occasion, you'll fall to your training. Practice shooting offhand, unconventional shooting positions, reloading, racking the slide, clearing malfunctions, your draw, using cover/concealment, moving, situational awareness etc etc. The best gun,belt, and holster in the world won't do you a bit of good if you can't draw it smoothly and quickly and then put shots on the target without getting shot yourself.

All of this!!

S&W model 36 3in. barrel bianchi top break holster