I started with about 8 guns or so I wanted to try. After the first month I narrowed it down to 3 guns. I went to all the gun shops every friday and made my rounds holding every gun and test driving them (not with live rounds, just dry fire, and operating it). I did this for several months before setlling on a taurus pt-111 mil pro 9mm with 12+1 in a compact, light weight, DAO, no rails, for my conceal only weapon. I am sure the gun shop owners thought I was nuts or casing the joints. But you get what you want and are comfortable with.
What I was checking for on each of the guns was this:
1. Could I reach all the controls with my shooting thumb - safety, slide release, and mag drop. I mean rack the slide back and lock it open and see if you can actually release the slide using your thumb. Do you need the help of your other thumb ?? Is your other hand always going to be able to help if you need it, does your weak hand carry the flashlight or mace or something else. It shouldn't, both hands should be on the weapon, IMO. Can you drop the mag from a shooting position, do you have to rotate the weapon in order to operate the mag release ?? Can you operate the safety as you are drawing the weapon ?? Does the safety make sense ?? Is it what you are use too ??
2. Could I rack the slide easy if I were in a combat/hostile situation ?? Could it be easly grabed ?? would it tear up my hand if I got a lot of adrenaline going through me and I REALLY grab it, pull, and my hand slips off ?? or I grab the top of the slide, get a partial grip and use the rear sight by accident with part of my hand ??
3. Was there enough grip to hold on too?? Every little bit helps. Is it comfortable ?? does it feel good in the hands ?? One gun shop I went to actually had a holster for a CZ RAMI 2075. I strapped on the high ride open top holster and slid the gun in to it and did a couple of practice draws. Loved the gun, the holster, the fit, and the setup, just couldn't get over the small upper slide (which is why I didn't buy it).
4. Is it reliable ?? Are the LEO's carrying it as a backup, primary off duty conceal, or anything else ?? Who else is buying this weapon ?? How is this weapon being bought compared to some of the others ?? Depend on the gun shop owner and how well you know them and how well you know the LEO's, the gun shop owner may tell you anything you want to hear.
5. Rounds. How many rounds is thing holding ?? Does the single stack or double stack fit you better?? Depends on your theory of what type of situation you may find your self in. Do you think your good enough to stop someone with 6+1 and no extra magazine, 12+1 and an extra magazine for a total of 25 shots. Thats your call. I opted for 12+1 and not to carry my extra magazine all the time. All though the jury is still out on this decision. All though I did buy a gun with 12+1 and an extra magazine.
6. Price. Is it worth it ?? only you can answer that. Who has the best deal ?? ALWAYS ask for a lower price, you may be suprised. If you been in there enough, they know you are serious and they know that they are not the only game in town.
7. Warranty. Does this gun have a life time warranty ?? Will it transfer to my buddy when I am ready to move on to something better ??
8. Gun shop. How reliable is the gun shop. After you buy your gun will they help you with problems and getting it sent back ?? will they do it for you ?? or are you on your own ??
9. Does it look cool ?? I mean come on. You have to look it, at least when you clean it !! And some of your friends are going to see it and hold it. Your not going to get friends and family into this if your toting an ugly gun.

Also, your going to be carrying this thing 2/3 of the day, you better like it.
-- Buying a weapon is like buying a car. You do your research. Touch as many of them as you can. Test drive them if possible. Get in the driver seat. Start it up, push on the gas peadal and make sure it sounds awesome and loud. Turn on the stereo and crank it up. Try out each of the electric windows and door locks. Open and shut all the doors. Look under the hood. And last, kick the tires. You get my drift here.
-- This is a serious piece of equipment you are buying.
You and your family's life depends on this piece of equipment !!!
These are just some of my thoughts. I am sure you know all of this. I just thought I would help refresh your memory !! Enjoy the hunt for a new weapon.