Never used in self defense. Carried one in central and south america, a few places in the middle east but never had to use it. Its another tool in the tool box.
The .22 is not to be ignored, there are fast 1435fps 40gr HP’s made by Browning BLR performance ammo that is perfect for the little lightweight SW 317 snub nose. 8 shots, super light weight. Very easy trigger. I CCI stingers are very fast as well with a 32gr HP if not mistaken on the weight. Both of those brands I would have no qualms about carrying for personal defense.
If you would please go to a dealer and look at the Rem380 pistol. Remington bought out a custom gun maker called Rhorbaugh a while back. Remington makes a clone of that little compact rig that is perfect for this with weak hands, elderly etc thats easy to cycle the slide and a smooth light trigger.
My elderly mother and her friends carry em, they hit the range every few weeks etc. A great small compact .380 caliber that works well. I have one as well. They work very good. Before I carry any handgun for defense I run at least 500 rounds through it. The RM380 is a keeper.
Another compact pistol to consider is the Seecamp .32 or newer .380. Very very good compact pistols that I own.
But I walk daily to a parking garage in a large city, where at night I'd like to have a small but deadly gun. Wisconsin allowed concealed carry a few years back and while I have a permit, I just can't settle on the right gun.
cheers
irish guard