[Marcella]

“I even bought a S&W Ladysmith hammerless (Model 642) because it would be reliable to shoot out of a parka pocket without having to draw it.”

That weapon is very similar to my Ruger 38 special hammerless and I added a red laser. It’s loaded with hollow point cartridges and is small to conceal easily. I read it’s a favorite of cops for their second weapon due to it being small with no exposed hammer.

[Smokin' Joe]

I figured I could get five rounds out of a parka pocket if confronted, and Mrs. Joe could do the same with a purse or out of pocket, so to speak. I love semi-autos, but being able to get the first and successive rounds off with the firearm still in the pocket with a high probability of success trumped the extra rounds.

It is so light, I can carry both.

Both are loaded with frangible rounds to eliminate through-and-through penetration and increase energy transfer. Not to be used lightly, but can be used without worrying about hitting others who may be behind a perp. The anticipation is that range will be short, possibly arm's length.