The 5 rules of a gun fight
1) Gun beats no gun
2) A hit beats a miss
3) Fast beats slow
4) Big holes beat small holes
5) Two holes beat one hole
Understanding these simple facts AND THEIR MEANINGS, can greatly assist in the selection of a sidearm.
Rule #1, as Paul Harrell states, is program compliance. There maybe compromises for one reason or another. However, if you are not carrying because the firearm is too big, etc. or awkward, then it is all moot.
Find the best solution and compromises that ensure that you are more likely to carry your firearm.
Lastly, I like the statement...”concealed is exactly that.” Even though you might be able to open carry legally in some cities and states, concealed gives you the advantage of surprise. Plus, you can still carry, at your own risk of course, in places (private businesses) that may not want you to carry. However, places like banks and government offices are verboten.
Anyway, the three rules of self defense — surprise, speed and strength. Surprise being the first.
Just my two cents...
Women have a real advantage in that they often carry purses.
She is very petite with weak wrists - .22 that she can consistently hit a target with is better than a 9mm she can't wield.
Gen 5 Glock 26 for my wife, and reinforced steel strap on our purse so not once can cut the strap and run off with it.
I have to disagree with the 115lb woman not being able to carry a m1911. I meet a woman at a gun shop that was probably 110lb soaking wet. She carried a full size m1911 in her purse, a commander sized m1911 on her hip and a .380 auto on her ankle. She not only carried, she practiced frequently and took defense classes. I am not sure what happened to her but I am sure it’s not going to happen again, at least without a big struggle.