I have nothing against someone using a SA revolver for SD; any gun that you are proficient with will give you an advantage over someone who is shooting a gun that they don't know. That being said, it seems like the question is a bit vague in that it does not specify what SD senario in which it would be used. Personally for CCW, I would prefer a more concealable pistol like my H&K P7, but a nice S&W 442 would make a great bug tied to my ankle. At home I do believe that my tactical Remington 870 loaded with 00 buck would be my first choice, but a 44 Mag on my night stand would be quicker to put into action. As for open carry, a person that can weild a SA from a holster accurately stands as good a chance as anyone to successfully protect themselves in a moment of need.