Hi Maui Ron,
The "Insurance Policy" I carry with me in the Calif. Mountains is a 454 Casull, bullets from it go through 3/8" steel plate. It is NOT a city park type weapon. Taurus has a revolver called the Judge. It fires 44 Colt Western OR 410 shotgun rounds. It may be a bit bulky however it is more of a general all around use defensive weapon that is, for at home or out somewhere. However for parks I would be more inclined to carry the Wasp spray that shoots 20 feet, I've used one and it works, or else pepper spray as it works as well. With either spray one needs to pay attention to which direction the wind is coming from however the Wasp spray is heavy and tends to buck the wind well. The Wasp spray is about 1/4" in diameter after it comes out of the nozzle and it is kind of amazing to use it. Of course no can of spray goes "BANG" or emits SMOKE & FIRE, all big hits with guys. The 454 really ROCKS!
Good Luck, 63bkpkr
OH, one last thought for semi auto pistols, bird shot rounds can be purchased for many handgun calibers and are effective at close range. They are expensive, you must ask owners of the brand & caliber of the weapon you wish to purchase if the bird shot rounds will feed, eject and cause the next round to load in the chamber but a face full or groin full of bird shot is going to hurt for a long time. Bird shot rounds work in ANY revolver.
