Another revolver you might consider, which has excellent knockdown power, is quite accurate, and doesn't really have any more kick than a .38 Special with +P loads - the old .44 Special (NOT the .44 Magnum, which is a silly cartridge for a carry gun, I don't care who you are.)
It will be a little harder to find ammo for it, but you don't have to hunt for a used one any more because a revived Charter Arms has reintroduced the Bulldog revolver. It runs around 300 clams, you could get a used Bulldog at a gun show for a little less (but not much less because they are in demand - I saw one locally at a gun show here for 250, it had obviously been carried til the blue wore off, but it was perfectly functional.)
I don't own a .38 special revolver - I have an ancient .38 S&W (not .38 special - the caliber is totally obsolete). But I'm not really a revolver person, because they just don't fit my hand right.
If that's the case with you -- if a semi-auto with its flatter sides is an easier hold and you shoot better with it -- you might want to consider devoting the extra time to training and becoming proficient. In that case, I would look at a semi-auto with a little more oomph than a .380 . . . maybe a .40 S&W or .45 ACP. Even a 9mm (not a caliber I love) is better than a .380.
Between my Dad and brothers, I grew up shooting (and was a better shot than any of my brothers *snicker*), but it’s been awhile so I’ll definitely need some practice either way! lol I’ve always had a shotgun for home, but now I sometimes have to carry large amounts of cash (and even if the bank bag is empty, most people assume it’s not) and need something to carry.
I’m really short, so I don’t think I’d like the kick of the PPK. OTOH, I have small hands so I might like the way it fits my hand better. You’re right, the way my Dad’s .38 fits my hand leaves something to be desired, but I wondered if swapping out the grips might make it more comfortable.
I guess I’ll add the Bulldog to the list and test drive one of each. :\
Thanks for tons of useful info! At least now I have a better idea of what I’m looking for. :D