To determine your own, you must determine:
- your preferred trigger configuration. Double Action Only (DA), Single Action Only (SA), DA/SA (DA first pull --> SA subsequent pulls).
- your preferred carry method. IWB (inside waistband), OWB (outside-), pocket carry, IWB- appendix, cross draw, shoulder holster, purse/man-bag, etc. Some guns are simply not suited for some carry methods. For example, you're not putting a 1911 in your jeans pockets.
- how much weight you want to carry
- external dimensions of the pistol (length, height, width).
- hammer, or striker fired?
- which type of safeties do you/don't you want? grip safety (1911, XD/XDm), manual thumb safety (1911, M&P, SR9c, etc), "trigger safety" (many poly pistols)
- in which condition do you want to carry? cocked & locked (pistol cocked, round in the chamber, manual safety engaged), etc.
Example:
I like poly style "single action" (misnomer. partially cocked striker, short and light trigger pull). I like to carry IWB, at 4:30. I like light pistols, smaller than a Glock 19. I favor striker fired pistols, and I prefer a manual thumb safety, so that I can carry with one in the pipe, and the safety engaged.