I have a 19 that's close to 20 yrs. old. Good shooting gun and easy to carry. If you have big hands, you may wanna go with the 17. If I was buying a new one, though, I'd go with a 40 or 45. Like you, I don't plan on shooting anyone.......but I like the thoughts of the bigger bullet and more energy. I'm from NC and have noticed alot of the local Highway Patrol officers are carrying tne 357 SIG caliber. I think it's a 9mm bullet with 40 cal ballistics. Might be worth looking into.