I don't often have to worry about two legged varmints. I carry a model 19 4" or a Model 15 4" in holsters on the hip mostly, when hiking in the woods. But I bought a Model 19 snub nose for visiting St Petersburg where it seemed to me two legged varmints abound.
I have a 9mm semi and a 45 auto but I prefer the revolvers for
1. bullet selection
2. Cases don't fly all over
3. Load from light to hot - no function problems
The LCR 9mm would not have the flying case issue, granted.
But if I had to travel to places where two legged varmints frequent, the LCR in 38 or 357 would be my choice and would probably be better than the Model 19 that I own because it is not so bulky or heavy(I really like my 19's though). Semi-autos have one advantage - flat sides. Revolvers have more advantages in my opinion. The LCR seems to me a good solution to the two legged varmint issue. If you prefer the 9mm sounds OK to me.
BTW, I rarely shoot factory ammo so that would be one reason my view would be different than yours.
