I think it is kind of interesting that someone in this day and age might be packing a break-top revolver as a defensive handgun. I'm no spring chicken, and - collectors aside - I associate those things with people who were senior citizens when I was in high school. I suppose some are still in use because they were stolen, had for peanuts or just what someone had squirreled away...
But I like to think that "Granny" forgot that she had the family pistol in her purse because she was worried about Tweety being in the baggage compartment when she went to the airport to travel in one of those infernal flying machines.
North American Arms just came out with a top-break .22 magnum.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2018/02/jeremy-s/gun-review-naa-ranger-ii-break-top-mini-revolver/
As a collector and cowboy action shooter I use my .38 S&W topbreaks for side matches. The bullets are so slow I can see them travel down range.
Might kill you. Might bounce off your skull.
Not my choice as a carry weapon
Fun to own and play with though.