So.............I'm leaning towards 9mm, but would consider 40 S&W also. Primarily I'm looking for small, light, and not a mortgage payment.
As far as handling . . . I regularly shoot my .45 colt Redhawk one handed with +P ammo. I'm not crazy about it . . . but I can manage the recoil.

Check out the little double barrel from Heizer Defense. It's available in .45 ACP or 9 MM. It's.............................................. .................................different.

Definitely small . . . but I'm leaning towards a semi-auto. Not sure 2 rounds is enough(!?)
Thanks though.

Look at the Kahr CW9 or CW40. My wife has both and loves them!

I picked up a Taurus PT709 Slim. Haven't had a hiccup with it yet. Probably 200 rounds shot thru it so far.

I carry a Sig Sauer P250 Sub Compact. It's quality that can't be beat at a very competitive price.

I'm partial to single-action semi-autos, so I carry a Sig P238 (chambered for .380). I understand that they will soon release a 9mm version called the P938. Sigs are a little on the pricey side, but, given that a carry weapon is meant to be used in potential life threatening situations, I think it's well worth the investment.

The Sig Sauer 938 is only a half oz heavier than the 238 and shoots 9mm. Single action like a miniture 1911.

It seems that you want the best pocket pistol you can get for the $$$. For that I can only suggest what has worked for me. I have a Kahr PM40. They have just came out with a cheaper version called the CM40. It's not fun to shoot as it has rather nasty recoil for such a small pistol but it's the most firepower (.40) you can get in a micro 9mm platform. Kahrs have smooth DAO triggers. Mine has been 100% reliable. It's lightweight, powerful, reliable, more accurate than I expected. What more can you ask for?

I'm liking what I read about Kahr. Some good stuff guys and thanks. I was liking the Diamondback DB9 but read horror stories on jamming and like ipscshooter said, this is no gun to cut corners on. I wish I could go and shoot a couple before buying, but the gunshops here have the attitude of "You buy it then you try it!"
Hey stalkingbear, is that a Kentucky Elk?!