Shot around a half dozen pistols over the past two weeks... Baretta m9, Glock 19, Glock 22, Walther PPK, Springfield XD-45. Might have been another in there, but I don't remember it.
The Glock 19 (9mm compact) felt really good, but the glock 22 (full size .40) hurt to fire. Of the guns I've fired so far, if I were to buy a weapon for concealed carry, it'd be the Glock 19. But, I have many more to try first.
Favorite full-size pistol by far was the XD-45, which felt extremely smooth and was very comfortable in to hold. Also made me realize that it was the Glock 22, and not me, that was causing my thumb to get bruised.
It's too bad they don't have Colt 1911s to rent at the range here
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As has been said above: rent and shoot as many pistols as you can, and make your decision based on what feels best to you. As one of the guys at the range told me, it's like buying a car -- everyone has their own taste.