I can appreciate optics on a handgun, to an extent. As some have mentioned, load deveopment, long range shooting, etc., I can see it there. I can see it for stand hunting. But there are limits to it for what I want. I own one scoped handgun, a Ruger SSM with an ancient Bushnell Phantom 1.3x on it. Oh, and that gun has the 9.5" barrel. I scoped it to try to work up truly accurate loads because I thought my eyes were beyond capable of using open sights. Then I got the Smith K32 and found out with an accurate gun and loads I can still shoot, not liek I could, but I wouldn't stand down range and feel safe if you know what I mean. The Ruger just isn't the gun the Smith is. BUt I'm not going to carry the Smith in the woods, or the Ruger as it is. Remove the scope, chop the barrel to 5.5" or so, find something that will shoot in it and take to the woods, swamps and fields.
For those that like them, more power to ya. I've always thought putting a scope on a little J frame 38 snubbie and working up groups would be interesting. But then it wouldn't fit in my jeans pocket.