My carry options have most always been dictated by circumstances as I see them. When working, I carried a full size 1911 Government Model or a Commander with a J-Frame back-up at times. Upon retirement I went to a SIG 1911 Ultra Compact, then my 3913. Eventually I switched to a LCP. Very compact and light. But, I just could never feel the love, and I hated shooting it I guess due to the recoil and inability to please myseff with practice results. As time went on I gravitated to my old BUG J-Frame I had sitting around, and that's about where I am today. I have purchased a 49 and a 649 in recent years, and the 649 in a Mika pocket holster is my normal EDC. When I am going to a metropolitan area I will put on the 3913 or the SIG. I guess the Govt. Model is retired. The best 'shooter' for me is the SIG, followed by the 3913, then the J-Frame. All of them are suitable for self defense, and I can hit my targets at practice.For me, the 649 meets all of my needs and is not a cumbersome carry.