Ditto, though the 357 Magnum version is nice too. But really any 38 snubby, preferably with a shrouded hammer, is fine.
I have the .357 magnum version of that pistol ( M&P340pd) and I carry it all the time. It carries extremely well. It’s miserable to practice with though and even with the CT laser, it’s probably no good beyond 15 yards which is more than adequate for 99.9% of your CCW self defense situations; however, after Aurora, I have decided that I need to be able to make a head shot at ~25 -35 yards under duress so I’m working on carrying my full sized Glock 21 in .45 ACP. which will do that all day long. It doesn’t carry as well of course but it’s doable and 13 rounds of .45 acp from a Glock 21 is more than enough gun for pretty much any situation you might find yourself in.
I second it. Airweight .38 or .357 w/ .38 ammo. Practically foolproof. Stiff trigger, no safety or magazine release to fumble with.
Kick feels about like catching a hardball with bare hand but it’s something you won’t be shooting often.
Easy carry in a pocket holster, loose pants.