You can,t go wrong with the Hi Power. I would sure go 40 S&W. As someone said above, the Ruger is a hell of a gun for the bucks. They are a little ugly but they are a workhorse. I have had several of the Ruger 45 auto' s and that would be my choice if it is to be used for self defense and target shooting. I once had about 6 or 7 45 auto' s including tricked out 1911' s and A Sig 220. None of them would out shoot that ugly old Ruger. Also the price is a real bargin.