Not to argue, because every man must make his own decision. However, a .38 with a barrel length of 2" or less (most are 1 7/8") is a gun with almost no energy. I wouldn't want to be shot with one, but if I were, I'm certain I'd have time and ability aplenty to return fire. A snubnose .38 has been the mainstay of concealed carry for more years than I've been alive (and I'm old), but the ballistics of that round even in the +P variety, is nearly nothing in terms of self protection. It, like a .25 or .32 acp, will "probably" change the minds of a would-be assailant, but if said bad guy was intent on harming you, you would get harmed.
I mean to say if you are worried about being harmed, carry a gun with enough oomph to stop any confrontation. Don't allow room for being harmed. If a .38 is your choice, get a 4" and stuff it full of 158 grain lead +P. Even then, you ain't got much. Understand that just because the .38 has been the choice for self defense for several generations, it's no stronger than it's ever been and it will not always keep you from being killed. Other calibers offer more insurance. Some calibers offer total insurance. When it comes down to trading bullets with someone who wants to kill you, you don't want a 2" .38. Manufacturers have developed .38 rounds they name "short barrel." Do not fall for that. Defensive capability in a short barrel .38 is nonexistent. Good grief. Such statements amount to nothing more than a commercial.
Now, what that means is that any particular individual must chose his or her own defensive device. For some, it's nothing more than a knife. For inner city folks, it might be a gun that he can easily conceal. Therein is the trade off. If your chances of encountering a life or death threat is minimal, you might want to carry nothing at all for defense. If your chances are maximum, such as downtown slums, you might want a .45. Or a .308.
But, if you insist that your chances are minimal, that your actual need for self defense is near zero, then you are an idiot. If you carry a weapon to defend yourself and your choice of weapons is based on nothing but ease of carry, you are an idiot and your severed spine is your own fault.
If you carry a weapon at all, if you value your right and freedom to be armed, then arm yourself with a gun that will actually protect you from being killed.
A 2" 5-shot .38 ain't it.
I think what I'm trying to say is that we live in a nation that allows us the right to carry firearms. If you carry something inadequate, then you haven't taken advantage of your right, and you are an idiot. Just like the person with his seatbelt not worn, who drives his car among other idiots. We control our own death to some extinct. Lots of idiots have died earlier than those less stupid.
