I carried a .38spl and .357 for 32 years, mainly since they were the pistols we were issued.Semi-autos were weapons issued until after I retired. In a Self-defense event semi-autos are faster firing, and easier to reload. We used to use speed loaders. Under stress it can be touchy reloading, plus you are limited to 6 rounds. There was a situation here several years ago where two highway patrol officer were in a gunfight at night in the rain. It was a lengthy affair. Both officers were killed. They were using revolvers and their extra ammunition was found on the highway mixed with empty casing. Also the semi-auto pistol in my present opinion, a SW MP .40 Shield is lighter and easier to conceal.