I've carried a Colt Python, Taurus PT 92 and PT 100 in a shoulder rig, and now carry either an XD .40 SC or a Colt New Agent in a 5.11 holster shirt. Love the XD but the New Agent feels better. However I'm more confident with the XD at longer range...decisions, decisions...
It's simple. Carry the one that fits your hand the best. Your thumb needs to fall on the mag and slide release without having to stretch. Your hand needs to wrap around the grip and not feel like the wrong end of a baseball bat (for example). The pad of your finger needs to rest comfortably on the trigger, not your knuckle, not your fingernail........
If the New Agent feels more comfortable in your hand, that's probably what you need to go for, especially since you will probably never have to shoot long range. Plus, a Colt is, well, a Colt. There's something to be said about using American Products.
Personally, I would never carry a .45 because I don't want to have to spend $60.00 for ammo every time I practice. (200 rounds at $15 or so per box of 50)
I use a 9mm for a variety of reasons but mainly it's because it's the least expensive carry-able (is that a word?) available. With the lower recoil of the 9mm, I'm much more accurate with that caliber. Also, with 16 in the pistol and a couple spare mags opposite just to balance the weight on my waist, who wants to run out of ammo??
I carry a Berretta Cougar because when I was looking for a carry pistol, it was the one that fit my hand in every area. Actually, it was a toss up between that and the Walther P99 but at the time, there were no Pre-Ban mags for the Walther because it came out after the ban was in place. The Cougar had loads of pre-bans available and for under $20.00 each.
What you carry is a very personal choice and it will be a whole bunch of fun for you to choose. All that shooting & testing and looking around...
