I am not impressed with 9mm's (was involved with the military testing back in 79-80) and am pretty much a hardcore .45 guy. New ammo developements have greatly improved the 9's effectiveness over the ol' 147gr hardball. Even though this is the case I have carried a 9mm often. Normally I carry a Colt .45 Officers Model but I guess I am getting old and it seems like it is getting heavier every year.

Might want to check out the CZ's also. I carry a CZ 75B Compact when the occasion requires. Built like a tank and fairly accurate. CZ's are very under-rated .

I am currently looking at the Kahr Arms PM45 but they also have the CW45 which quite a bit cheaper albeit a little larger/heavier. These are also available in 9mm and 40 S&W. Actually the more I look at .40's the more I may go that route.

Good Luck with what ever you choose.
WW