I'm in agreement with Mobuck and Jeepnik, that between the crime and social unrest, there is more violence on the streets than I remember in my life. I'm starting to rethink what I carry. I've been Carrying a Taurus G3c which is a fine, reliable pistol, that's 12 + 1 ready, but these smaller guns have their weakness, and that being
1. how light they are their recoil doesn't make them as controllable. I don't notice it so much but I know I can double tap a medium frame gun, so much better.
2. Ease of use, it's just not there for these smaller guns with the smaller grips where your finger seems to go in too far, where you get a low and left shot, due to finger placement. It just happens unless you are diligent and effective on using your support hand.
3. They are actually less accurate, with the short sight radius and being more awkward to manipulate.
4. Lot's of people won't spend the time practicing due to the other issues, which isn't a good thing.
5. Acquiring a solid grip. We all know your initial grip is what determines where your first shot is going to go. You don't get that as naturally with a compact gun as you do with a full size gun, or at least something in the Glock 19 size. I've carried Ruger SR9's and S&W M&P 9's, a fair amount and they are quick to draw and go on target quicker. I like using my S&W SD9VE which actually is Glock 19 size and it works well for me. Capacity is good and if you are getting hits, if you need to you can go for head shots more confidently than with the smaller guns. You just don't know when you are going to have to take care of business. I'm not saying don't carry the smaller guns, because they are absolutely better than leaving your gun at home, but they just don't make things happen as naturally. I'll still sometimes carry my Taurus, because I will not be on the street, without something to protect myself and family, but truth is I don't have the same confidence.