Q, you and I have identical strategies.
For years -- most of the time I've been a member here -- I've been a fan of the small kit. Two reasons for that. 1) I've had to travel a lot for professional necessity. I've lived in 26 places in 3 states in 12 cities during the last 5.5 years. No way I'm going to haul a safe full of guns around. 2) I have very limited range time, so I prefer to own few guns so as to max my time with each.
Currently, I own only 3: .30-30, .22 LR rifle, and my Ruger SR9c, that latter one being my answer to your question. (I'm considering adding either a shotgun -- or a .223 in bolt action this year; not sure yet.)
The reason I chose it is because 1) it fits my (smaller) hand better than any pistol or revolver I've ever owned. I was a revolver convert for over seven years, but recently switched back to pistols since I knew I only wanted one, and I like the capacity. 2) I shoot it very well -- ok, ok, well enough.
The bottom line for me -- that I learned here on THR -- is that a handgun needs to fit your hand, first, and that you have to be able to shoot well with it.
What ever that is for you, good luck finding it!