It would seem, perhaps, that one possible useful answer to the question would be for folks to identify their own favourite pistol, and offer a few words on why they like it so much.
In that vein I offer:
The Browning Hi-Power. I like it because:
1) It fits my hands, almost perfectly. Like they designed it for me. Except I wasn't alive in 1935. Spooky.
2) I can shoot it very well.
3) Well made, solid, excellent fit-n-finish, feeds almost anything.
4) 13+1 rounds 9mm hollow points should resolve any social problems I might reasonably expect to encounter.
5) For a "full size" pistol, it's remarkably easy to conceal.
6) Did I mention how well it fits my hands?
YMMV.
Mrs. Bustard doesn't care for it much at all. She's a Glockophile.