Those are basically all considerations. Lol.
I've been through at least 5 carry guns that I can think of, from revolvers to various pistols. And am going to buy another "soon".
Carried various ways.
I started out with a 9mm, then a 45, then a 357, then 380, and a "compact" double stack 9mm, eventually I'm going to go back to a 9mm (99% sure it will be a sig365)
I've decided power factor isn't as big of a deal as I once considered it, personally. Although I do want more power then my 380, currently.
I've found that for ME, if it's big, bulky, heavy, uncomfortable... I won't carry it, at least regularly. Not concealed. If you are going to open carry in a paddle holster or similar, that's a different story. With my job, I can't legally carry anyhow, do my carry time is more limited than it use to be.
I've sold probably hundreds of handguns back when I use to have a weekend "fun job" at a local gun store. It all comes down to what YOU want. "Feel" in your hand being one of the most important factors. If you don't like it in the store, you probably never will. Get something that fits your hand. On that topic, MANY people can't stand not getting 3 fingers on the grip (on a super compact gun). Never bothered me, and many have additional length base plates for the magazing to extend this. Personally, I'd rather it be short, and thus more concealable. That's me, you do what makes you the most comfortable/happy.
Sights... I don't have a ton of preference here... the tritium night sights are pretty nice to have, but some people like fiber optics, or white dots, or no dots. I think I prefer no dots (unless tritium) since I sight off the top of the sight blade, but again, if it works for you, go for it. Most sig handguns come with tritium sights, just fyi.
Since my time in the gun shop, a lot of handguns come with red dot cuts on the slide. Red dots are fast, and easy. Holster options are probably a little less common, but again, a lot has changed since then so maybe I'm wrong. Plus, with a red dot you need to consider battery life. Maybe your sight is motion activated, maybe manually? Will that slow you down? Can you co-witness your blade sight in case of battery failure?
As far as safetys go, again total preference. A lot of first time concealed carry guys do NOT feel safe with a gun without a safety. Personally, I think without a safety is a lot faster, especially if you are just starting out. "Is my safety on, or off? Do I need to push it up, or down?" Etc. ANY holster you get should completely cover or capture the trigger, so really the only way the firearm could discharge is if you grab the trigger while presenting the weapon. Trust me, it has happened. This is the main reason (I've been told) that our PA state troopers have switched from glock (no safety) to sig. Maybe true, maybe not. But I do know of several that have shot their legs/feet while drawing from the holster. Practice practice practice with your gun unloaded, to start.
On that note, pretty much anything you get SHOULD be able to be dry fired. The old-timey notion of never dry firing is mostly outdated, for modern centerfire guns. Draw and dry fire is your friend.
Other than that, consider capacity, ease or reloading. Plus your "carry condition". I know people who have carried for years and STILL will not carry one in the chamber. For a variety of reasons. My thought is that if you are seriously carrying to protect/defend, you should be seriously ready to shoot. Just my thoughts... I know some feel better without a round in chamber around kids (access to weapon), etc, and I totally get it.
As far as where you carry on the body, try a few positions out. I find hip most comfortable vs appendix, but for small guns, ankle can be comfortable. You can vary magazing capacity or even guns depending on season/clothing. Pocket guns are super comfy, but have some obvious limitations. Also, some carry off body, such as a purse. This has some fairly obvious safety implications as well, but situational awareness helps some.
All considerations, but again. Handle a LOT of guns, and find what fits you the best. After that, get a good quality holster, practice drawing your gun safely, and finally spend a lot of time shooting it. Once you can draw safely, practice target acquisition and then speed.
Remember that situational awareness is your first line of defense.
Most of all, enjoy exercising your rights!!
Helping fit people with a defensive gun that would best suit them was one of my favorite thing about that job, and one of the thing I was most passionate about. Although a lot of people (I would guess majority of active gun guys) don't stop at just one gun, and eventually buy something else to try or fill another carry niche. I hope you find yours!
Best of luck
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I was saving up to get my first concealed carry gun ( a S&W BodyGuard) when I got a great deal on a lightly used (4 rounds through it) LCP with a laser. then later got the Taurus.
I carry an LCP daily and a Taurus PT140Pro when my clothes permit. I always wanted an ankle holster when i was younger(before I actually carried) and I saw a friend with a small .380 (maybe Colt Mustang) in an ankle holster and I decided against it. I consider ankle holsters Off Body Carry. I have no issues with OBC for a woman with a pocketbook with a holster that keeps the gun upright and readily accessible.