When I was shopping for my concealed carry gun I weighed 3 variables: cost vs. size vs. reliability. I ended up with a Kahr and have been very happy with it.
I got a 9 mm just because the smaller size is easier for a small guy like me to conceal, but every gun they make comes in .40 and .45 as well.
To break the gun in, I put 200 rounds of cheap ammo through it, and it did not malfunction a single time (and I bought their lower-end pistol). I paid $350 for it. Money very well spent.
That said, a CC gun is going to be a matter of personal preference, and what's good for me may not be good for you, but I am sold on the value and quality of my Kahr.