Rack the slide with your rear sight or red dot on your belt or a hard surface like a table.

Yes , but if Bigfoot startles me in the woods , my reaction time must be swift

Seems like you could pull a small double action revolver out of your purse or pocket, point and pull the trigger quicker than any semi with a safety. What's the mostly intended use?

My taurus was far more reliable than my smith and wesson m&p 2.0 10mm. Waste of 600 bucks there

the wifes 856 never fails to go bang

why would you operate the slide , also there are ways , but why would you need to.

I didn't know you only had one hand.

if you are drawing right , as you establish grip the safety on decent guns is already off

the thumb sweep it part of the draw

S.&W Airweight 642 .38 if you aren't fond of auto's.

I'd probably go 9mm for smaller size. .380 has some nice looking things but when you read on .380 you'll find the police upgraded from it to 9mm for more stopping power. People think .380 is less effective... but at the same time a .22 mag conceal carry has some benefits too. I assume you have smaller hands? You need something that fits into them well. i.e. The LCP 380 is small and compact but so small it doesn't fit most peoples hand and is uncomfortable to shoot. If its uncomfortable to shoot then it most likely wont get practiced with like it should. You don't want it to hurt your hand when you fire it. LCP380 was known for that. Not comfortable to take to the range.

The Sig 365 is 9mm is well rated and may fit your hand better. The 320 had misfire issues.

Shawn Ryan suggests SIG Sauer P365-AXG Legion model and will probably be my next pistol purchase. But the Legion isn't the smallest conceal carry.

"The SIG Sauer P365-AXG Legion is dimensionally very similar to the standard polymer P365 X-Macro. While the AXG Legion is slightly larger in slide length and width, it holds the same standard capacity of 17+1. The most significant difference is the AXG's metal frame, which adds substantial weight to improve recoil control"

Not to start a debate on here about the safety thing but you can carry on an empty chamber. That makes the self defense people lose their minds b/c you have to take time to rack a round. Depends how you imagine protecting yourself. Someone walking up surprising you from behind and putting you in a choke hold or someone robbing the gas station three people in front of you. With kids around I prefer and empty chamber and taking the extra second to rack one but thats a hot take and a risk Im willing to take, especially with kids around.

I recommend that you purchase from a private party. I don't believe you will pass the mental health evaluation.

If they only knew......... lol

Not sure the price of today, and I believe you can buy compact but the wife carries a ruger security 9 when she goes on trips. I like it alot other then the girly teal color.


Went looked it up its around 300 tad more that color.

Are you also planning to get some professional instruction and a license ?

MS no longer requires a license.

good instruction is a good idea.not necessarily professional , there are professionals who teach outdated or just enough to pass a qualifications target.

Yeah i know MS is permitless but she might want to go to a state that is NOT permitless but does honor MS permits.

I also think it is handy to know the law in your own state at least.

Also nice to learn to run a new gun especially if you've never operated a semi in the past.

Dont over look a gently used model of the more expensive guns recommended that are above what your wanting to spend when they are new. If you decide you dont like it later you will be able to resale it for what you bought it for or maybe a little profit if you find a good deal.

Something to think about. If your thinkin self defense by the time we react and make the decision we need to shoot there was some hesitation and things wer close range to contact shooting. A semi pushed into someone's gut can push it out of battery and it wont fire. Relvovers dont have this problem.
So maybe a hammer less 5 shot revolver or nice model 60 smith. Smith makes a small 5 shot hammer less tsht has a small spur hammer you can pull back and shoot single action will buy if I ever run across one. I cant remember the model # but they are about more than double your budget but I think you would like them.

I've carried my SIG P938 (9 mm) for years and love it. It's above the price you suggested, but well worth it if you're willing to spend more.

MS offers an enhanced carry permit, which allows you to carry in places you otherwise could not. The enhanced carry permit requires a course that involves personal instruction. Getting that permit was not in my immediate plans, anyway.