Yep, the world is full of crims not like good old
Singapore.
You could conceivably argue that the criminals in Singapore are
the ones holding public office and drawing multi-million-dollar
salaries. 
At a close range, say 3m, would the small .357 do as
much damage as the big .357?
That would depend on the weight and type of the
projectile.
Both calibers use projectiles of approximately the same diameter
(0.355" and 0.357" for the 357 Sig and 357 Magnum, respectively),
and projectile weights can vary widely. Commercial 357 Sig ammo can
be found with projectiles ranging from 125 gr. to 147 gr.; 357
Magnum ammo is available from 110 gr. all the way up to 180 gr.
Also, a hollowpoint projectile is apt to do more damage than an FMJ
one, if it properly expands in the target medium.
Commercial 125 gr. 357 Sig ammo is typically loaded to a muzzle
velocity of around 1400 fps, with 158 gr. 357 Magnum ammo at
approximately 1500 fps.
(By the way, gr. = grain, and 7000 gr. = 1 pound.)
I am sure testing using ballistic gelatin has been performed to
ascertain the effectiveness (as measured by penetration, expansion
and projectile mass retention) of both calibers, but I currently do
not have that information. However, at 3 meters, a well-placed shot
from either caliber is likely to disable a normal human (i.e., one
who isn't high on pain-suppressing drugs).
Next I would love to own a shotgun - I know no one
argues with a shotgun.
Except that it's rather difficult to conceal a shotgun in
public. 
How do you qualify for a license to carry a concealed
weapon? Are you in law enforcement? Or are you a CZ Armourer as
your signature indicates?
The procedure for applying for a handgun carry permit varies
from state to state, but the requirements are usually quite
standardized: you have to attend a state-sanctioned firearms
training/safety course and submit an application to the city or
county office or LE agency. A criminal background check will be
performed, and if it comes back clean, you are a candidate for a
handgun permit.
I say candidate because
there is a wrinkle in the process. In some states, handgun permits
are given on a "may issue" basis, meaning that you have to show a
need for carrying a handgun in public, even if you meet all the
other requirements. In these states, the issuing authority (usually
the county sheriff) is the sole authority in determing whether the
need is valid or not. Most law
enforcement agencies in this country are vehemently anti-2A and do
not want firearms in the hands of private individuals.
Consequently, most handgun carry permit applications in these "may
issue" states are denied for the flimsiest of reasons.
Other states, including Minnesota, have "shall issue" handgun
permit laws, meaning that you cannot be denied a permit if you meet
all the prerequisites.
And yes, I am one of the several CZ-certified armorers servicing
the Upper Midwest region. I am not in law enforcement, but I do
occasionally work on CZ pistols carried by LEOs.
MG
