I have all ways liked the S&W 3913 type pistols.They are single stack 8+1 rd double actions that make great carry guns.The S&W Shield is smaller yet and should really make for a wonderful carry weapon.They are very hard to find for less than $600 in my area.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/smith-wesson-mp-9-shield-range-report-new-gun-review/

Like oats through a horses ass, so are the days of my life