My only handgun for the past 4 years here in Alaska, has been an sp101 4.2" with a reflex sight. 180 grain swift A-frames over 15 grains lil gun for exactly 1200 fps for moose and bear protection. 158 grain speer tmj over 8 grains of unique for small game. I don't use the phrase "kit gun", but it's my main trail gun. 29 oz with reflex sight. Anything lighter, I wouldn't have put away the hundreds of lbs of beaver, grouse, ptarmigan or snowshoe hare. The lighter ones don't settle down. I wouldn't want a shorter barrel either. The 4.2" pistol fits in my pocket, plenty compact.
