What is the best all around gun

ec9s is good. But it depends on how you feel about recoil.

In my experience, a 4 inch barrel firearm such as the S&W compact 9mm provides the best of all things for carry. Having said that, I also like the Taurus G3, it's excellent, great value, and reliable (look at Honest Outlaws video on the Taurus G3, and M&P 9mm compact for that matter).

I think a good overall compromise would be the M&P Shield EZ. Recommend you rent one in 380 and 9mm the determine which one you like better and which one best meets your needs.

My .02 cents.

CH

@38DDSpecial welcome to the group.
I would recommend a single stack 9 mm the ec9s, Shield, XDS, & glock 43 would all be great.

If you have a local range the does rentals it would be a good idea to try as many different models as you can.. When I was in the market for a single stack I did this and found that I shot the Shield the best. My buddy shot the XDS the best.

Have fun looking & safe shooting!!!

Best gun for carrying?
Other than concealable, desirable traits include can shoot it quick & accurate and it offers ASAP incapacitation potential.
38 special and 380 are marginal (lacking) on ASAP incapacitation potential for me; I'd rather bet my life on at least 9mm.
My wife: carries in gun purse, shot several pistols: Kahr P9, Shield 9, Glock 19, 22, 21SF - she preferred the 21SF for purse - on body carry AIWB the P9.
Purse holds her pistol in a vertical holster:

Me: chronically untucked shirt, carry IWB, Glock 19 minimum, but typically carry larger (Glock 20SF/35/41)
Glock 19 easily concealed in "summer attire"


Best all around? Brace yourself, opinion coming:
38/380 is okay if that is the best you can effectively conceal on body.
There is a difference in being unable versus unwilling to conceal.
Unable: work attire, a small pistol may be the best one can do, unable to conceal larger.
Unwilling: can dress as they choose but unwilling to dress around a larger pistol, ex: think untucked shirt is "sloppy".
A slim grip 9mm such as the Shield 9mm is a good start (minimum) for carry.
Numerous 9mm loads are available that penetrate 12'' and consistently expand.
If you go with 380 there are only a couple of loads that meet that desirable criteria:
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
If you carry a 38 snub, some loads expand from a snub, some don't:
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

38DDSpecial said:

for carrying? I'm small so would need something lighter.

Click to expand...

My son, 6'3" and a former D1 FBS defensive lineman in the ACC, carries a 5" Springfield XD Tactical. I, myself, not being nearly as big, carry either an XD9 or an M&P 2.0 in 9mm.

Really depends on what you prefer.

I have grown particularly fond of the S&W shield 9. There are also versions in what they call the E-Z model that have a slide that is easier to manipulate for those who don't have the greatest hand strength. If that gun is still too bulky, I would suggest one of the Ruger 380's.

No mention of the P365 which is the best "all around gun" on the market right IMHO... Size/concealablity, weight, aftermarket support, build quality, and capacity are all checked...

The EC9s doesn't have adjustable sights, so no options for night sights. It only comes with one mag, has a finish that's more prone to rusting, and has a manual AND magazine disconnect safety. I'm surprised that is being recommend the most over Shields, Walther PPS M2, Springfield XDs, Glock 26, 43, 43x, 48, etc, Sig P365, and Springfield Hellcat. I'd also recommend the new Taurus G3s as an option. The EC9s seems like a lower level budget gun to me and is far, far from being the "best" at anything.

Your opening question. Your self description. Forget the cal for the moment.
The more pressing issue is how does the weapon feel to you. To much weight? To big for your hand ?
Automatic. Single action, what?
If you have a Bass Pro in your area, it would benefit you to go and handle some different hand guns. When you find something you like
that requirement is taken care of.
Can you handle a large cal ? Will you shoot a lot ? Some ammo is not cheap. Are you going to "carry."
You don`t need a cannon (large cal)
Bottom line, you need to make the selection. On both frame and cal. Shop around. Learning is always beneficial . Good luck.

As the OP isn't the game, time to close this.