I'm with the last guy... you cant making carrying a gun comfortable, but carrying a gun can be comforting.
That said, I have my CCW permit here in Utah... and I've carried damn near every day since I got it. Best thing I ever did. If they want my guns (government or anyone else) they are gonna get 'em bullets first, no matter what list they are readig from.
I carry the Springfield XD-9 SubCompact and I'll tell you now, its a lot lighter than any 1911. A quality holster will make all the difference, as will good belt. Mine is a C-TAC from [url]www.comp-tac.com[/url], custom made as a slide so I can carry a Duty or Tactical size when I get one (that shuould be a sign [:D] ). Some one will shurly poo-poo the 9mm, but I can get a lot of shots off fast and accurate with it and the Ranger 127gr +P+ loads will expand to 3/4" in water or wet phone books out of my pistol. The finish is not what Glocks are, but its a carry gun, not a fashion statement. Personally, I have had no problem with the finish. The trigger is great and probably around 5 pounds or so, I dont have a scale to measure; only gets better with time/dryfire. Accuracy runs at 2-3 inches at 25 yards with Winchester 124gr FMJ and the Rangers are a little better. Magazines are available for reasonable prices, and you can use the fullsize .40 magazines to hold 15 rounds of 9mm, as they are exactly the same, other than the dents in the magazine sides that limit the followers movement. This is legal, and there is a letter posted somewhere from the BATF that says so. IF you can wait, rumor has it that there will be a .40 version out sometime next year. It also points more like a 1911 or BHP than a Glock... if you like that. BTW the Subcompact is not a chopped fullsize XD, it was totally redesigned as a new weapon. Mine has functioned flawlessly for about 800-1000 rounds now. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. [jump]
Try: [url]www.hs2000talk.com[/url] for a great XD forum...even a few Glock, and...umm... FORMER Glock owners there. [flame]
Glock 26 would be ok too, but I chose the XD over the Glock. Mostly because the XD pointed better for me and the trigger felt better.
I've had a Kel-Tec P-11, it was functional and accurate enough for CCW but not much else. Long trigger pull wasnt great for accuracy work, but the pistol would shoot into 2" at 15 yards with some practice. Only problems with it came from some Wolf ammo and a long shooting session. I still have it, but I'm looking to sell it.
As for the Taurus PT-111... most of what I've heard was negative, but YMMV. I've never shot one, but I handled one. Pretty much a Kel-Tec P-11 for about $100 more was my impression.
All that said, I'd carry a .45 if I could afford to feed it as often as my 9mm... but I dont feel under-gunned at all.