Hahaha. I like how half the people skirt the issue at hand and how they don't even answer the question. Lighten up - the point has been made.
I'd carry something like Dirty Harry's Model 29 in a vertical shoulder holster. Something between 8 and 12 inches, depending within what limits I found I could effectively shoot.
Remember: this is to answer a "what if," and my answer is slightly joking. Any kidding aside, however, I'd "carry a big stick" if the primary purpose was to carry it in public view. Of course, there'd be a BUG somewhere (whether in-pocket, tucked IWB, or otherwise), assuming an ideal scenario.
Like this:
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