Hotguns pretty much summed up my opinion as well. I am not LEO, but I have been carrying concealed for a long time and have owned / tried no less than 30 different pistols. Though I carry a Wilson KZ-45 1911 Compact currently,that is not what I recommend for your situation. I too like the SIGs. Just a matter of which model / caliber fits your hand. I would stick with 9mm or .40 for optimum capacity and ammo availability. Don't worry about stopping power of the 9mm. That is a once valid, now obsolete report. There are newer loads out there that will get the job done well enough. If weight is very important, you will find the Glocks to be lighter to carry. The G19, G23, G30 are probably the most commonly carried CCW. None of us know your hand size so go to a gun show or well stocked store and try some on for size. Pick 2 or 3 you like best and try to find a range that has them for rental.I like shooting SIGs best, but I like carrying Glocks best (weight). You will find that all of them have weaknesses and strengths. If you pushed me for a rec, I would say G19 or SIG 228 for your purposes.Both are 9mm. Alsoif you are going to be out in the boonies, a beater SKS in the trunk would keep banditos movin along if you should have a break down on a very lonely stretch. Practice, practice, practice!!!