Another thought: All those US Secret Service agents carrying revolvers from the days of safeguarding President Lincoln during the Civil War to the attempted assassination of President Reagan; were they irresponsible or were they just using the best tools available to them?

In the Army I had no choice; I carried what was issued to me (M1911A-1 .45 caliber pistol). Most of my years as a cop I had little or no choice; the boss said to carry a Colt or S&W revolver, .38 Special or .357 magnum, 4" barrel, blued steel finish. I trained very hard with both, and continue to train and practice now (22 years after retirement), so I know that I am reasonably proficient with either type. I don't feel unarmed or irresponsible when carrying either type.

YMMV