For me the fit of the grip dictates the magazine capacity. A Shield-sized pistol is about as small as I'll go just on the basis of 'shootability'. Magazine capacity is a few checkboxes down the list, but more is better so I'm not fighting it either. The M&P M2.0 Compact checked enough boxes that I'm carrying 15+1 for the first time in years.
I'd be interested in your 'list if you're willing to post it.
Sure, as long as I can change the list on a whim.
- Ergonomics. The pistol has to point naturally and feel comfortable. This is why Browning Hi-Powers, 1911's and K-frames always start at the top off my list. With Ergonomics at the top of the list, and only pistols above a certain size are ergonomic, about any pistol I choose is going to be at least 7+1 by default. Now that I think about it, that's probably why I don't give magazine capacity a lot of thought.
- Weight. Nowadays the heaviest I prefer is 28-ounces. That puts a Lightweight Commander at the top end and is why I usually don't CC the above handguns, but they still dominate the numbers in my safe and at the range.
- Trigger. I don't have a definite striker/hammer or DA/DAO preference in a carry pistol, but the trigger pull can't be a hindrance. A crappy trigger can often be fixed, but that adds money and hassle.
- Cartridge. Suitable for the task.
- Pixie Dust. The four items above and a measure of pixie dust combine to make 'shootability'. There's a wide range of course, and with pistols such as the P365 the range gets wider all the time.
- Magazine Capacity. The trend is we can have our cake and eat it too. I'll eat the cake.
- Manual Safety. Preferred. Two otherwise identical pistols and I'll usually pick the MS. There are exceptions (Shield, WTF).
