So I know this is the annoying practical answer that I hate getting when I ask these questions myself, BUT you could carry another 9mm with higher capacity in the winter.
I carry a Shield 45. I love the gun. I’ve carried it whenever I legally can since early February of last year. It’s a reliable gun. It’s a good gun. However, as I’ve done research, I’ve wondered if I should have looked into other guns like the p365, p365xl, or hellcat. Maybe I should have got a G-19, or a Glock 43x like yourself. I carry 8 rounds, but for the size of gun I carry, I could have around 12 9mm. That’s 4 more shots that probably will be more shootable.
There’s also the fact that you could just carry your 43X full time. Maybe buy some of the Shield arm mags that allow for 15 round capacity.
I carry 45 and I will be for the foreseeable future. I just really like my Shield 45, it’s easy to carry, shootable ( also fun to shoot), reliable, has a lifetime warranty, and I have already put lots time and money into the gun. I think this makes it an overall practical gun for me imho.
Now if by 45 you mean 1911, than that’s a whole other story. 45 out of a heavy gun will be much different than plastic (though I think the plastic is shootable).
I do think it’s good to have options in other calibers just in case it’s hard to find ammo, BUT if you make it all the same you can just buy in bulk.
I really like having a 45 on my hip. I have trouble with some of the smaller compact frames. I try to find a balance between weight and recoil, my carry gun needs to be fun to shoot at the range! That said I carry a commander size 1911 with a bobtail.
SW 1911pc scandium frame weighs about 30 oz.
I know Shield Arms makes a 15 round mag for the 43x which I have on back-order; also, I may just go with the Glock 19x I’m planning on purchasing. But, I’ve got a lot of good suggestions from everyone and definitely have a liking for Springfield Army, S&W, and, since I’ve had a chance to fire one, H&K Compact.
I carried a Glock 36 for many years. A few days ago I purchased a Glock 30S which has 10+1 versus 6+1 on the 36. Shoots great, carries great, love it. Got it for valentines day for myself. Just had to get something nice for myself.
