Without a doubt a small caliber pistol is not "ideal", even a large caliber pistol is not "ideal", BUT as you said, it is better than nothing. The firearm in your hand is far better than the one you left at home. I would much rather have one of my shotguns with 00 buckshot or my .308 semi auto rifle, but I don't carry those around with me either. the 9mm I do have.
gotta be better than trying to pluck a little limb off of a tree and whipping the bear to death with it.![]()
Just like slathering up your hand gun with vaseline...