I think it's a great choice for self-defense. It's reliable and it hits hard. If it were me, I'd use .38 rounds for range practice, and load it with .357 rounds for concealed carry. This main thing about this gun is that is isn't going to fail on you when you need it. Semi-autos lock up *all the time*. They are unreliable. Revolvers almost never malfunction, no matter how badly they are neglected or abused, and Smith & Wesson are quality guns. It will be there when you need it. Five rounds are enough. Only an idiot or a nigger sprays bullets.