.38 is plenty for concealed carry, most confrontations happen at or within 7 feet. if you cant knock someone off there feet with it then you shouldnt be carrying it anyway.
Hey if you wanted a 9mm why didnt you just buy one? Bersa makes a 9mm 10 round, and 9mm 17round. The 9mm is only 6.5in. I take it you got a 7 shot. That comes in at 6 5/8.