If you want an Auto pistol that is fun to shoot, not too small but still very concealable, reliable and won't break the bank look at the Bersa Thunder or Firestorm Mini9 (Same pistol made by Bersa)
You can find them new for about $350 or like me used in great condition in the $200's.
Mine has probably 1000 rounds through it now without a single hiccup and is my "truck gun"
Good looking gun too.

Don't expect match grade accuracy but it's super reliable, cheap to shoot and isn't a significant investment.

I you get the itch you can always add a high dollar gun down the road.