Recomendations Please

Welcome to the Forum Roadking, congratulations on getting your permit. Both Bersa and the Springfield XD series are getting great reviews, though there seems to be some corrosion issues with the XD finish on all but the .45ACP (the .45 has a better finish). I've got a 4" XD45 on layaway myself.

Without knowing your handgun experience it's a bit hard to suggest any particular model, I personally prefer a 1911 in .45ACP but that requires "Condition 1" or "Cocked and Locked" carry in order to be ready for the worst (loaded chamber, hammer cocked, safety engaged) - some folks are comfortable carrying that way, some aren't. Para Ordinance does offer their LDA 1911 that allows for hammer down, double action carry and they usually get good reviews as well.

Glocks are also fine weapons and most lefties seem relatively pleased with the control setup.

Don't overlook the J-frame revolvers. In .38 +P or .357mag they make a nice pocket gun and aren't that uncomfortable or difficult to conceal in a belt holster.

As far as calibers to keep in mind: .38spl, 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 Sig, .45 ACP, .357mag, 10mm will all save your butt in a pinch provided you do your part. Shot placement is always critical so it comes down to what format you prefer, what capacity you're comfortable with (5 rounds in a J-frame or 10 to 15 in a hi-cap auto).

Wish I could be more helpful but it's really such a personal decision that the best advice I can offer is go to a gun shop and handle as many guns as possible then rrent whatever you can. The gun needs to fit your hand as naturally as possible or you either won't shoot it often or won't carry it as often as you should.
Jack

Caliber: with modern bullets, just about any caliber is OK (40, 45, 357, 9mm, etc).

Revolvers: there are several thinner revolvers out there that work OK for concealment. My favorite is an SP101 (.357) ($300-$350). S&W makes some lightweight ones in .357 and .38. They will cost you more, but they are much lighter to carry.

Autos: they have a higher capacity and faster reloads. Springfields are good guns, there are many people on this forum that have them.

Which one: chiefs-special-guy hit the nail on the head with the suggestion to try some out. If you are only planning on buying one, spend some time holding them in gunshops and renting them to shoot at a range if at all possible. If you aren't comfortable with it, you won't practice with it and might not carry it.

Also: don't forget to budget for a quality carry holster. That will add to your budget, but (again) if you aren't comfortable with carrying, you won't carry it.

If it helps, my carry gun is a Ruger SP101 in .357 carried IWB. I've carried it so long, I can't even tell it's there anymore and a longer shirt covers the protruding grip.

Hope it helps.

And welcome to the forum.

I currently only have 2 handguns. A Ruger MK II (.22) for practice and a GLOCK 26 (9mm). I have shot quite a few other makes including Springfield XDs, various SIGs, various 1911's, and many revolvers. My next purchase wll be a Kahr PM9 and it will be for pocket carry.

I personally love my GLOCK. I've put over 1500 flawless rounds through it. It is very accurate and I can't recommend GLOCK enough. That being said I think the Springfield XD line might be better for you due to the fact that the XDs have an ambi mag release and GLOCKs do not. Either the XDs or GLOCKs should be within or near you price range.

But also keep in mind that the double stack guns will be harder to conceal. If you don't think you could confortably conceal a double stack handgun, I'd go with a single stack like any Kahr pistol. Also you will need a good holster. If you like leather there are many good holster makers on this forum. If you like kydex I and many others will suggest www.comp-tac.com. I have one of their C.T.A.C.s and its perfect.