When I first started CCing this was a internal debate as well. When I turned of age my Dad gave me a full size semi auto as a birthday present so it was the first thing I started to CC. It was a pain in the ass and as a result I started carrying less and less. Eventually I realized that a pistol is powerful a has a high capacity but you never carry because it is a pain is way worse that something smaller but you actually carry. I got a tinny little .380 and ended up carrying it everywhere. But it had such a short barrel and was so small that it was very difficult to shoot well even with frequent training. Eventually I settled in the middle with a compact 9. I think thinkness is by far more critical than HxW for concealability so I definitely recommend a single stack even though you will sacrifice some capacity. IMO a single stack and an extra mag is easier to carry than a double stack with the same capacity.
I think whatever someone is actually comfortable carrying is best for them. There is no perfect fit for everyone. And I agree with what you said. I'm just getting old and though not the most effective, my LCP does the trick for me. If I ever need it, it's there ... but in reality, I'm just looking for something that goes bang.
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