Welcome to fraternity Pappy. (And I mean that in the non-sexist way.)
One thing to remember is that, no matter what the caliber or stopping power if a handgun is, it's only effective if you're comfortable carrying it.
While the .45, 9mm, etc. are all great. And what I'm about to say is in no way a slight on any of those weapons or the individuals who chose to carry them. I am certainly no better or no smarter than the next guy, in fact, I know the opposite is often true.
I carry a Colt Mustang .380. Why, because (using an appropriate "holster") I can comfortably fit it in my front pants pocket and it's perfectly invisible. So, no matter what else I'm wearing, except maybe a bathing suit, it's always with me. It is a little on heavy side compared to most of the small frame/small caliber polymers, but I can live with better than feeling like I have to strap something on.
BD