Pete, congrats on the new purchase... as for your BG versus Shield original question... I hands down say Shield. I personally carry the shield and have been able to successfully carry and conceal in ALL attire. I live in FL and have worn it with gym shorts with the right holster. Getting the proper holsters for comfort or maximum concealment is the ticket. To me the .380 will get the job done but you will be able to practice way more with the shield since it is actually COMFORTABLE to shoot and relatively easy to find reasonably priced ammo when OBAMA isn't in office... this is going to give you a lot of time at the range which will pay off in the long run if you plan on getting both guns. To me pocket guns are more of a luxury... where if you wake up one day and say... ya know I really want an ultra light gun to fit in my pocket... you can... I forsee it getting a lot of safe time if you are used to the shield/similar.

JMHO