Somewhat of a serious question. Church attacks

I had the same thoughts as you when that loonie snuck in a short pump 12 and killed a fellow (maybe 2?) before a CCW instructor took him out with a head shot and .357 SIG. it was about 15-20 yds. with folks running wild in the way.

My pocket .380 is the one gun I have notable difficulty shooting accurately past 15 steps. It has great sights, it’s just small and light, difficult to manage. But respectably powerful. It fits in my front pocket and I forget it’s there. A 7-shot extra mag in the other pocket with my pocket knife. But I’m armed, and not totally helpless.

In the winter time I can and do carry larger handguns. Mainly for my own pleasure. There is the SIG 320x, Glock 19/23 (9,.357,.40), S&W 686+, and Beretta 92A1. I am much more proficient with all of those up to maybe 50 yds. BUT that’s totally unstressed! The Kahr P9 Covert, P9, P40, and PM45 are intermediate pieces I carry in between. They are all more accurate than I can shoot and pack light. Im getting comfortable with them.

The 5.7’s (Roman has a FN and really likes it) are generally larger platforms. The new Kel-tec may hold promise there. I also like their P-15 9mm. Many of the medium size guns mentioned can be had with optics.

Our Security Cop told me their shooting scores for qualifying went up significantly, instantly, when they transitioned to Glocks with SIG Romeo red dots. Roman just went with one on his Shadow Systems 9 and says that’s the way to go. I have mono-vision eyesight mostly and I’m slow to transition with the red dots. I think normal folks have an easier time and can really score better, longer shots using a medium sized gun (one you can grip securely) fitted with modern optics.

I think a bigger platform with a red dot gives you an edge. You pick the caliber. But the old guy staring over a S&W red-ramp front, he’s no push-over!

Much like I wouldn't bring a knife to a gun fight, I similarly wouldn't take a short barreled handgun to a rifle match. That being said having nothing, is even worse. I usually go out carrying a 9mm or 380 in an "in the belt" holster or my pocket where it is out of sight. I am not sure you can go out anymore and be totally prepared for all emergencies. I certainly would not want to take on a multi magazine rifle with a 9mm pistol but given that its hard to carry an rifle out of sight, it about the only choice you have got. That leaves only practice, and there is no substitute for practice, I know several folks I would not want shooting at me with a pistol at any distance.

(FN, S&W, Ruger and Keltec). There may be one or two I haven’t tried. Because of the climate in our country now I found the S&W to be my go to outfitted with a Holsum. I is extremely accurate and carries 22+1 in the tube. Additionally, 2extra mags full up. (Suppressor ready)
Additionally a Beretta Tomcat (new model) in an inside the waistband holster. Very accurate at 10 yds with 20 inches if penetration.
These are dangerous times and you must be prepared. As always to make 50yd shots you must practice practice and practice.
Keep your heads on a swivel, and read the signs and stay safe. Hope this helps.