So much depends on circumstance, use, the gun itself, etc. When I got my XD 40, I knew that I wasn't going to be dong concealed carry or anything. I wanteda plinker, but also as an SHTF gun. I looked at the tables and chose an XD 40. I might have chosen another, but for what I wanted I liked that caliber, in that gun, in that barrel length. If they had had the Springfield 1911 GI version at the time, I might have gone a different route. My friend is a Depty Sherriff in Denver. He wishes his dept would allow him to carry a 40 cal. He love the round, but I also noticed that off duty he carries a compact 45 ACP. If I was to do CC, I might just get a super compact 9mm or 380. Not because I love either round, but in the super light, thin guns I would consider, the recoil would be more manageable. I love the 45 ACP, but not in a sub compact. If I had a lot of time to practice, with one, my opinion might change.

Bottom line, consider all your options and ping them up agains the circustances and choose the one that best fits. There will be compromises, but all will work, and you'll be happier (until the circumstances change, and then you get to go shopping again.)

Spud