Yes, just on internet research alone the Shield and the PPS look to be leading the pack with the XDS running 3rd!
I recommend a pair of Colt 1851 Navy's. If they were good enough for Wild Bill, they are good enough for you.
Glock 43 or 19 both in 9mm. 43 for every day, 19 for winter carry or "special occasions". The shield is a nice gun, but it's just "too big" of a small gun.
IF you're looking at the PPS, I would suggest trying to find the new model (m2). They just released it. I've seen it for sale at grab a gun and it is definitely on gun broker. Nothing wrong with the m1 but there was a small issue with the back grip plate and there have been really good design improvements in ergonomics with the new gun. I am also looking into getting one myself. I haven't decided yet. Going for either the Shield/XDS/G43/PPS m2 NEW PPS M2 ORIGINAL If you do not want to buy a gun online and have it shipped to your dealer, then you may not have much luck finding a new PPS m2 in stores. They are still very new. Couple months they will probably pop up. Nothing wrong with ordering online though. EDIT* Actually looks like Buds has a PPS m2 right now. $430 with free shipping http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ducts_id/719004172/Walther+PPS+M2+9mm+6Rd7Rd+
I just started carrying a Ruger LC9S Pro -- http://www.ruger.com/products/lc9s/specSheets/3248.html Fits nicely underneath a t-shirt. Paid $359 plus tax.
I carry a S&W Bodyguard 380 with a Fobus belt holster. At first the trigger pull was very hard but has lighten up after about 250 rounds down the pipe. No failures of any kind. Had to paint the sites white so I could see them. My other carry piece is a NAA 22mag revolver with holster handle. Both are light weight.
As others have posted there are a lot of variables. Based on my personal experience and ownership with a mind to reliability, effectiveness and portability I would offer the following options as ones you could possibly test fire at a range and see if they are likely candidates for you: S&W J frame revolver in .38 Special and or .357 mag. Glock 26 in 9x19 Ruger SP101 in 38 Special and or .357mag. (.327mag might be an option but I have no experience with that caliber) S&W K frame revolver in .38 Special and or .357mag. Slightly larger and heavier than the J frame but you get six rounds capacity rather than five.
After lots of research, and trying both out at the range several times, I went with a Walther PPS Classic for summer carry, and H&K P30SK for winter carry, both in 9mm
My recommendation is go to a gunshop and hold a bunch or a range where u can rent am shoot them, and whichever one fits ur hand the best get
I have a Glock 27, and I can certainly recommend it. I'm going to get a Chiappa Rhino w/ 2" barrel. Pretty much with all these "recommendation" questions, I always think it comes down to your own preferences & wants. I mean, there are so many good options.
I will second this.I went from a j frame to a BG 380 DAO and the triggers are bout the same 500 rounds down the tube not one FTE or FTF,never A LITE STRIKE
Smith and Wesson Model 642 CT. It's a hammerless J-frame in .38 +P with a Crimson Trace laser grip. I have others, but after getting this gun I think all defense guns should have a laser. It is such an enabler- keep both eyes on the target (and surroundings) without having to worry about sight picture, make odd angle or behind cover shots, and it can help you analyze your shooting at the range. Nice light gun with no hammer to snag and pretty easy shooting if you avoid the .357 version. Added bonus- the CT grips are more comfortable than the stock ones- IMO.