A lot of good advice here. I've been carrying a gun for well over 40 years. Even before they had concealed carry permits. Back in those days even cops didn't take it too seriously unless you were a crook.
First off have you shot any of the guns you are considering??? Very important here. My hands are big enough I can only hold the LCP with a couple of fingers and it jumps around pretty well. Any shooter knows grip is critical to hitting your target, and if the gun is in a different position in your hand after each shot accuracy suffers. I consider it more of a back up gun than a primary.
Next, you have to decide if your gun is going to be determined by how you dress, or if you are going to pick your dress, to which gun you prefer to carry.
I've also carried a lot of guns over the years and I haven't carried and shot only a couple on your list. The reason it's important to shoot the gun you want to carry is confidence makes a huge amount of difference in your use.
I'm a big believer in wearing clothes that allows me to carry OWB holster. That with the proper belt gives you a lot more latitude on what you carry. Your $500 budget allows you to carry a lot of different guns. Plus you can even carry one of those guns you are considering as a back up. I consider the LCP a gun that is better than a rock but it's primarily for people who don't really expect to have to use one. Out of your list I would select the SR9c because I've already adjusted my dress to allow me to carry that. Personally I've never met a person who has had to use his gun that said I wish I hadn't carried all 5 rounds, cause I didn't need them. People tend to rethink their gun to something that holds more rounds. Of course that depends on where you live, I assume CHP is Calif, not sure where but it's conceivable you could be in a position where more is better. Typically, once the first shot heads their way the bad guys are ducking, dodging and running but it's not something you can count on. If that round was necessary hopefully it hits your target. Bigger guns are better for that as well. If you don't expect to ever need your gun, because you go to mostly public places, most any of those guns would work. I carry a gun because I might need it, not because I don't think I will. But then this is only worth what you paid for it.
