I love these threads!
Everyone is going to have their favorite. The only right handgun is the one you are able to put rounds accurately on target, conceal comfortable, and the most important of all, the one "you" carry!
All other are preferences.
I have had many single stacks (by default easiest to conceal), many double stacks (fit my hand perfectly), a couple revolvers (reliable, but semi's have surpassed them IMO). Some I can't stand the grip angle on (Glocks) though that has not stopped me from owning and carrying them. Some are unnecessarily difficult to clean (compared to others).
I have have had .38's, 380s, 357's, .41 mags (favorite wheel gun) .44 mags, 9mm's, 10 mm's, .45's, and my current daily carry is a XD, 4 in. .40 cal.
All are valid options.
Go to a range, rent, and shoot many different sizes and calibers.
You will find a compact or sub-compact with the same caliber, will shoot differently then the same gun in standard size.
I owned many single stacks before I realized my hands preferred double stacks better. I owned and still own Glocks before I realized I do not really like the angle their grips are.
Then narrow down which manufacturer you prefer, and shoot, shoot, and shoot some more, LOL
