[Black Tooth]

Yes, I understand that. But for a female that may not want to spend $600 plus bucks, and wants it strictly for protection in the purse, (doesn't enjoy going to the range like some of us) and wants something tiny, super light, a derringer is better than nothing, every single time.

I agree with you, there are much better choices on the market for someone that may want to pursue the defense angle fully. But the derringer just came up as an easy, very inexpensive choice.

And we all know that practice with one's chosen weapon is *very, very important*.

In reality, most women that carry, don't practice. They go out a few times, learn to use it, and like many of us, neglect to go routinely and practice. I even know cops that can't find the time.

As you know, most shooting involving handguns/defense are within a few feet. Not much practice needed there except for reloading techniques.

[Spktyr]

I don't know where you're getting $600 - most Glock 30s can be found new in stores for between $400-$500.

If that's out of the budget, Kahr makes some excellent inexpensive small polymer-framed automatics in .45 as well.

Even Ruger has a somewhat compact .45 that is easy on the budget. Though Rugers tend to be a bit heavy, they're some of the most reliable arms out there. And you can use one as a hammer and it won't care.

Automatics really aren't all that expensive any more. A Ruger will cost about the same as a good derringer in a real caliber.