Re: what to carry
As you said, lots of stopping power in the 45.
However, plenty enough stopping power in lots of other things as well. Ammunition advancements in the last, oh, 10 - 15 years have really leveled the playing field in that regard.
45, 40, 9mm, 380, 38, 10mm, 357, 22 magnum ... ANY gun will do, so long as YOU will do.
Revolver or Semi-auto? Revolver is stone simple, but the semi may well be easier to carry and likely have a larger round capacity. 5 rounds in a nice S&W J frame ... but 10-12 in a Glock 26. Will you ever need the other 7? I dunno. If you do you are likely having a -very- bad day (and running out of ammo isn't going to make it any better!).
My personal experience (FWIW) ... started with a Glock 26. Really hot down here in SC in the summer, so I added a NAA BlackWidow in 22 Magnum for a "summer" pocket carry. (if the 22mag slug doesn't get 'em on the first shot, they will be deaf/blind from the blast/flash for my 2nd shot)
For in the house/car, added a Taurus Judge. Something for close range, turn near misses into hits (shot pattern), not much carry to prevent collateral damage to the neighbors or the kid in the playground 1/4 mile away if I have to fire from my car (Which would likely be at an UP angle. If I miss with the Glock, that slug has to go somewhere.).
Bottom line. Buy what is comfortable for YOU. Buy what YOU can fire accurately. Buy what YOU can handle safely. Buy what YOU can afford to shoot with often enough to keep your skills up (to that end, I have a .22lr conversion for the Glock).
And last but not least, once you have the CCW, carry ALWAYS. There are no "safe places" any more.
No warranty expressed or implied. Your mileage may vary. Void in all 50 states and PR. Any resemblance to any person or event (living or dead) is a damn shame, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.