For a serious CCW, reliability is #1...period. Nothing else matters if it does not go "bang" first time, every time. Reliability can be a function of the gun, ammo and...in the case of the autopistol... magazines and / or the operator. In fact, given good handguns, ammunition,  and proper maintenance, most malfunctions are shooter-induced. As you noted, in a PA winter, you might also be certain your carry load will penetrate several layers clothing / jacket, etc.

For me, nothing under 9mmP or .38Spl. gets the nod as a primary CCW handgun.

Congratulations and Good Luck!

I carry the same type weapon in the same place on my body with the same ammno and same mags 365/24/7. I have one weapons platform and one only.

Quoted: However , Some of us like to celebrate Diversity.

Too much Diversity may very well get you killed, there is no second place winner in a gunfight.

But hey it's your butt not mine.

Quoted: Quoted: I carry the same type weapon in the same place on my body with the same ammno and same mags 365/24/7. I have one weapons platform and one only. Yes , I am well aware of your Affliction. However , Some of us like to celebrate Diversity.

My $.02 here...

As "enthusiasts" we all too often tend to concern ourselves about things that really don't matter much in a "no-shit / live or die / right the fcuk NOW!" situation. When the time comes to party for real, it will be a "come as you are" affair. Issues such as weapon(s), ammo, holsters, sights, trigger actions, etc. must be addressed well ahead of time, because your subconcious will default to your training.

I once saw John Shaw...at the peak of his competition career...attempt to draw his pistol from the wrong place in a match because he had switched holster locations and his subconcious, even with some re-training, had not "caught up" with his concious brain. It cost him maybe a second, but in a fight a great many things can happen in a second. Now if John Shaw can do that in a match, I have to figure I just might get hurt real bad if I decide to carry a different "gun of the day" or "holster of the day" etc. I figure I need all the help I can get to keep Mr. Murphy off my back when the shit gets up close, down and dirty. The more I can simplify things like gear, the less I have to concern myself with them while I am trying to keep my old, slow ass alive.

Range fun is great. Nothing at all wrong with diversity when we are having fun in the sun with guns. When some punk thug sticks his gun in my face in some deserted parking garage, etc. and says "Give it up MF", diversity may not be the best policy.

JMO

I have a number of carry guns from .38 snubs to .45 1911s.  Yes, carry is seasonable often.

The one gun I probably carry most is my Glock 26 in a leather Don Hume snap holster.  Its a compact gun so conceals with about anything short of going to the beach, the mag has 10 rounds, stores well in most consoles,  its lightweight, comfortable to carry, good low recoil, and utterly reliable for a semi.  

Its not my ultimate carry gun but if I had to advise someone on only one gun or their first this is it.  If for anything, you will carry it more.

Tj