I've run the entire gambit I think, of what I've carried since getting my GA concealed carry permit years ago. And, in the beginning they were larger, and heavier handguns. Let's see . . .
1. S&W Model 65 revolver .357 (3" barrel version)
2. S&W Model 686 .357 4"
3. Colt Combat Elite .45 ACP (5" full size 1911, customized for competition, then later with tritium nightsights for carry)
4. S&W 25-2 in .45 ACP (3 1/4" custom shortened barrel)
5. Browning BDM Limited in 9mm (4 1/2 barreled auto, 15+1 cap.)
Eventually I realized that I wasn't carrying all the time when it was legal . . . because big steel handguns "print" and make it very hard to do so. THAT'S NOT GOOD, because trouble comes when you look the most vulnerable.
Thus I sold off the big Colt 1911 and bought a brand new (in early 2000) Kimber Custom Ultra CDP . . . a big dollar 3" officer's sized 1911 with aluminum frame. BOY, the weight difference was thus quite noticable!!! It also concealed much better so I began to carry much more often, and this was a revelation!
After shooting several years of handgun competition, and in all the various calibers, I learned that I did my very best shooting though with REVOLVERS. In my area I was virtually unbeatable in matches with my revolvers. It was then, based on time, accuracy, stress and performance that I changed what I carried.
The first thing I did was go "automatic carry-free" for a month. Boy, was THAT weird giving up extra rounds and easy to conceal extra magazines. I survived! LOL
Then I started carrying smaller sized revolvers than the N frame. Survived that too!
Finally, I bought my first J frame S&W . . . for my WIFE, but she didn't like it so I stuck it in MY pocket and was amazed. At 25 oz. or so it was as light as my Kimber Ultra CDP, yet easier to conceal. Also, it put the very first three rounds dead into a tiny 1" target, at ten yards (standing/unsupported)!!! I finally had a little "pocket rocket" in .38 Spl. that could be instantly be popped into my front pocket (in a pocket holster), and I started carrying virtually all the time!
BOTTOM LINE . . . WHAT GOOD IS A CCW LICENSE AND A BIG, HEAVY GUN IF THIS MEANS YOU CAN'T BE PACKING ALL THE TIME?!!!
The final step . . .
I next bought my wife a little Model 37 J-frame, a lightweight aluminum-framed revolver with a rarer 3" barrel. SHE LOVED IT, for it was light AND had a barrel long enough for her to shoot really well! I WAS STUNNED HOW LIGHT IT WAS IN THE POCKET, SO I GOT MY OWN (but with the snubbie barrel)!
TODAY, my ALWAYS (on me) concealed handgun is my Model 37 Airweight snubbie in .38 Special. Like all S&W revolvers, I can drive tacks with it but it weighs almost nothing. I can even pop it in my front pocket of exercise shorts to mow the lawn or run in the local convenience store.
Yep, my ALWAYS gun . . . the gun that will probably be the one to save my life if trouble shows up.
NOW WHEN I
CAN WEAR OTHER GARMENTS TO CONCEAL A BIGGER GUN . . .
1. My 37 Airweight is STILL in my front pants pocket! But . . .
2. I MIGHT also strap on my big chopped barrel Model 25-2 in .45 ACP, or the 3" Model 65. But, if these are a tad too big to conceal with my wardrobe, I'll wear a Model 36 J frame on a belt holster to augment the Model 37.
Frankly though, I shoot the M37 better than most folks shoot big, long-barreled handguns and I feel quite well armed with just the Model 37.
BOTTOM LINE . . .
You are new to concealed carry so I'd expect you to do exactly like almost all of the rest of us have done . . . carry heavy guns with lots of punch and firepower first.
But, over time please don't be surprised if you move into lightweight handguns that are fast to put on and easy to conceal, for you'll soon begin to learn that there are many times you are out when the big, heavy guns get left behind.
Here's my preferred combo to carry today, and it includes one of the choices you're considering (a short-barreled N frame in .45ACP). Combine the big N frame with an Airweight J frame and you'll have a fantastic combination!
