If you want a slick, concealment 9x19mm for protection, I'd suggest the well made SIG Sauer P239 DAK/SASII.
You can add 3 dot night sights and a CT lasergrip:
www.CrimsonTrace.com .
If a P239 DAK is out of your price range, a Kahr compact or maybe a Kimber, Colt or Springfield Armory in 9mm(1911a1 CDR or Officer model).
For general protection or CC, I would look into the powerful .357sig caliber too.
It's better than the 9x19mm and feeds well in short barrel/sub-compacts.