[Atlas Sneezed]

If you want the ultimate in light, precision made, compact, for a real defense round (9mm) and cost is no object (we are talking over $1000), then there is only one choice:

http://www.rohrbaughfirearms.com/

If cost is a factor, then a Smith and Wesson Airweight or equivalent, or a Kel-Tec P3AT

http://www.kel-tec.com/p3at.html

[Fawn]

I like your second recomendation.
I have 3 pistols right now....2 undependable and my S&W 38 is too heavy.. Thanks...

[Spktyr]

I've shot a Rohrbaugh. The recoil is surprisingly vicious for a 9mm.

Remember that people need to practice with the arm they carry, and a weapon that's unpleasant to shoot won't be shot for practice much. That precludes the Airweight, and IMHO, just about all the snubby revolvers.

IMHO, I'd say that P3AT would work (though it's on the light side for caliber). Kahr makes the PM9 (9mm minipistol) that's gotten a lot of rave reviews. If you can live with something a hair larger, there's the micro-Glocks.

[Cobra64]

My wife and I looked at the ultra lightweights in 9mm but the recoil is really nasty. It was impossible to fire a box of practice ammo in one session.

That said, she decided on her Sig P232 .380 in stainless. She never feels it wearing it in her Bianchi conceled holster.

Many LEOs carry this as their backup.

[Lx]

I've got a Kel Tech 9mm. It's kind of a pos. It has never misfired but it does eject the brass into my forehead, I'm left handed.

[mbraynard]

I am not sure that a 9mm has enough stopping power.

I got my mom a .38 just because it was small and had an enclosed hammer (from Taurus) so it could be carried easier in a purse, but for real defense, I'd go for a 10mm, which is what I have.

[5Madman2]

Rorbaugh-Nice gun, but if I'm gonna spend that much, I would prefer one of the mid line 1911 .45s and spend another 250.00 on a Kel-tec