In my state you can carry a gun without any permit as long as its not hidden. On your hip in plan sight is perfectly okay.
The only gun I own is a beat up 4-10. I have a rather nice bow though, Grizzly by Reflex with a slam and a half cam system, wiskerbiscuit rest, carbon fiber arrows, and illuminated sights (peep sight) set at 30, 50 and 70 yards.
Back to the topic, glock would be my choice in hand guns. I like revolvers myself, but you don't need to take down any animals. Glock will do fine for dead beat thieves. I carry a switchblade, razor knife, and a boot knife on me at all timess. Two of which are well above 6 inches.