Real world does hold a lot of sway, I agree.
I have a number of mouse guns, from .22 Short through .380. That includes .22s/LR and WRM and .25s and a .32 to be clear on the subject. Any and all of them are candidates for carry depending on clothing and circumstances. My main carry, as I just wrote in another thread, is .38 Special, sometimes 9mm, but I have carried everything else as the spirit moves me and circumstances dictate.
Any gun beats no gun. Repeat that mantra anytime you are confused on the subject.
Correction - the .22 Short is NEVER carried. It has been but never again.