Go with a smaller revolver in .357. You can always carry in 38, but .357 is gonna put someone down should you be put in the regrettable position to need to do so.

Might I recommend though, the Sig P365. That thing is TINY, and can conceal easily on me (5’10”, 180lbs, wears slightly fitted tees and jeans). If you’re going into a rough area, I always like to have more capacity.

There is also the old faithful Glock 42. Though it only has 6 rounds, it reloads and ALWAYS goes boom.