A self-defense handgun should be reasonably powerful and shootable, features which favor the larger and heavier pistols and revolvers. Unfortunately, they’re tougher to conceal.
Careful holster choice, however, can make them more comfortable and more discreet in daily wear. For most of my adult life I’ve carried either a full -size service handgun (4” barrel revolver or 5” semi-auto) or a compact version of same (3” barrel revolver or 4” barrel auto).. Here’s a video I did about thirteen years ago on the topic, from Panteao Productions. Google Panteao Productions, or catch it on YouTube, here: