[Gadsden1st]

Thanks for that link. I am right handed and unfortunately have damage to my right wrist which limits my practice.

Since I am convinced that for me, practice is much more important than caliber, what would be “softest” handgun suggestion considering size for carry.

[Hardraade]

Actually, a normal 45acp round in a standard size 1911 is, apart from the .22, about the softest thing you can shoot. No snap, just a soft push.

[papertyger]

Since I am convinced that for me, practice is much more important than caliber, what would be “softest” handgun suggestion considering size for carry.

Research the FN Five-seveN.

The 5.7x28mm round is what you'd do to a .22lr if you wanted to make it a serious defense round.