The 44 special, of course. Great ballistics -- typically just around what a 45 does, although if you can get it loaded closer to maximum pressure, it's better. (I don't know if there's any full-house commercial stuff these days, but I've got a friend who is an extremely reliable reloader, and he loads my carry ammo for me in 44.)

And it's a revolver, too. Gotta love the revolver drill for the FTGB (Failure To Go Bang): pull the trigger again. That's a lot more intuitive, instinctive, and a heck of a lot faster than, say, tap, invert, rack, assess, and you're much less likely to have to use it anyway.

The only problem is size. There's a real trade-off -- you can get down to the same size, more or less, of a 38 snubby only with the Bulldog, which is a little heavy; the Taurus ultralight is just about K-frame size. Which makes pocket carry practical only with the heavier gun.

As I said, it's just about perfect -- now, if we can only get somebody to make something Bulldog-sized in titanium or scandium...

Corbon and Buffalo Bore list loads that look to be full power. BB does specify that their ammo is not safe in Charter Bulldog's.

Taurus also made a 5 shot 45acp and 45 colt snubbies as well.

They weren't made for long but S&W made an alum(??) frame 5 shot 44 L frame with a profile like bodyguard. I think the model was 296.

I've been thinking about a snub 5 shot 44 for a while. Haven't decided to spend the money though. Either frame but with a bobbed hammer for a large pocket carry (think winter....).

Steelheart

If anyone is considering buying the (new) Charter Arms Bulldog, I suggest you take a careful look at the firearm first. I recently special ordered one for a customer and it looks like the quality has sharply declined since they've filed for Chapter 11. All Charter Arms guns are now sold through MKS Supply, makers of Hi-Point guns.

Just a word of warning!

Personally, I wouldn't get a Bulldog since, from what I've seen/heard, they aren't rated to be as strong as other 5 shot 44's. But it depends on what a person wants.

Steelheart

My avatar shows my 3" 629 which I consider about perfect and actually conceals quite well. 6 shots and you can use .44 special in the city and .44 magnum out in the country. Needs a good belt though since it is a little heavy.

BTW I'm in my Arizona location for the winter. It's been in the mid 70's every day since I arrived on Dec. 30. Shooting range right up the street and you can wear shorts and T shirt.

You can wear shorts and a t-shirt here too, but you'd be an idiot to do so!

Shorts ?????? what are they!!!

Proof positive you're not an idiot.