If you deem a 44 Special revolver as a suitable carry gun with ballistics rivaling the 45ACP, there are a few good choices out there. My own is a Rossi 971 in three-inch trim, about the size of a S&W K-frame and not overly heavy. It holds five rounds, as does the S&W 696, but it's not as heavy or as wide. Mine was priced under $250 a few years ago, and I recently had a chance to buy another for about $325...........I wish I had. Just something to consider.