I got out of the service and went on duty in the late 60's on a dept. in So. Calif. At that time we had to provide all our own gear, including uniforms and side arm. My first handgun was an old used 4" Colt Trooper in .38 special. As soon as I saved up enough, I bought a 4" S&W Highway Patrolman .357 (N frame), which I carried for the remainder. I am now retired, bailed out of "Kal-if-ornia", and live out in the country in beautiful East Texas, where I was born. I'm still packing that N frame (now with stag grips and .357 mag. ammo), and have never felt "out gunned" as long as it's within reach.
And, God Bless Texas!