The right one?

Question
Hey there, I received my concealed permit about a month ago and im not sure what is a good pistol to carry. I'm hoping for something with decent "put down" power, light weight, and possibly under $400. I've looked at lots at the gun shop but nothing really jumps out. Would you be able to advise me in this? thanks so much.
-Trevor

Answer
In terms of "put down" power, all handguns are anemic and poor stoppers, so you need to be prepared to shoot until the problem is solved. I think the advent of modern expanding ammunition has largely mooted the caliber debate.

The .40 S&W has the "best" record, but that "best" is only marginally better than the .45 ACP and 9mm with premium ammunition.  The benefit of 9mm is, being the NATO cartridge, it will always be available in almost any situation, no matter the crisis. The more esoteric the cartridge (.357 SIG, .45 GAP, 10mm), the less likely it is to be available when you really need it.

Regarding platform for launching, reliability is the most important thing in a defensive handgun. That means a gun such as SIG, H&K, or Glock. Of the three, the Glock is the most reliable, and is also the least expensive. You won't find one for $400, but if you'll take a used one you can get pretty close.

My recommendation would be a Glock 19 (9mm) or Glock 23 (.40). This the mid-sized gun, small enough to conceal, but large enough to hold on to. With the right holster, they conceal quite well (they are essentially the identical gun in different calibers).  I never leave home without one of them or the other, usually the .40.