In all honesty, I would probably go with an FMK9c1.
I mean come on... the Bill of Rights is engraved on the freaking slide.
$299 for the most patriotic striker-fired 9mm ever.
My buddy is somewhat stingy... Partly due to his budget, but mostly due to him just being a cheapskate.
He posed a pretty interesting question:
"If you could pick any carry gun, what would it be?"
Naturally I went through the basics; Glocks, M&P's, etc.
Then the kicker: "It can't be one of the...
I'm sure the majority of us are familiar with the good channels, but what are some of the really bad ones in your opinion.?
Hands down worst in my opinion: VigilantSpectre Operations. :noway:
For the money/performance/quality ratio, you can't go wrong with Glock, M&P, and XD.
Many calibers, frame sizes, and aftermarket stuff (if that's what you're into.
Also, since you're looking to carry, these all have a LARGE niche in the holster market. I can't think of a holster company that...
Smith and Wesson M&P40
Smith and Wesson M&P40c
Both have an AEK Trigger installed.
Compact has just the duty/carry trigger.
The full size has the competition trigger, as well as all the other AEK innards.
Make sure to handle multiple firearms from multiple manufacturers to get a feel of what you're after.
Rent some from a shop and see how they shoot.
Have fun with it!