Back in the late '80's early '90's period, I trusted my life to a Charter Arms Undercover in .38 spl, every night while working graveyard shift in a 7-Eleven in a high crime neighborhood.
Thank God, I never had to use it...except for one night. No shots were fired, I never had to present my weapon, but it could not have come closer. I will never forget those eyes. Don't let anyone kid you, you know when someone is making up their mind about whether they are going to initiate violence. For my part, I had already made my decision. My hand was wrapped around the grip, waiting for him to make his. I was going home to my wife that night.
I guess he decided to hunt easier game. I never want to come that close again, ever.
I would carry a CA again, today, in a heartbeat. About the same time, I had a good friend who was a Sheriff's Deputy. He carried a PT-99 on duty. Had nothing but good things to say about the gun, He just didn't like 9 mm.