If the world were a different place, and you could carry a handgun wherever you pleased without raising suspicion, you might not consider a pocket pistol cartridge like the 32 ACP or the 380 ACP. Still, a small cartridge has its merits.

A smaller handgun like a Ruger LCP weighs under 10 ounces. That’s a lot more comfortable to tuck into your waistband than a five pound Magnum Research BFR. A smaller cartridge means smaller recoil, which makes self-defense accessible to those with less experience or a slighter build. (We know a 95 pound lady who can empty her Walther PPK on a target like she’s shooting lasers out of her fingertips.) A smaller handgun is also more affordable, putting self-defense within reach of pretty much anyone’s budget.