.38 and .38 +P are very popular carry calibers. Personally I would get a .357 gun if possible and carry with .38 +P. .38 and .38 +P are going to be much easier to control & follow up with than a full .357 Magnum load, but if you had a .357 gun you could keep that option available, even if just for fun. But if you can't get a .357 then I think a .38 +P gun is still good. I personally wouldn't go with a .38 that wasn't rated for +P though.