I'm new to carrying too. After weighing all the options I went with the Gen4 Glock 23. Couldn't be happier.
I feel like it was the perfect choice. In NYS the max mag capacity is 10, which is what the 23 holds anyway. So I've got a compact enough pistol loaded with 10 rounds of 185 grain hollow-point .40 cal with an extra mag on the opposite side of my waist. That gives me 20 powerful rounds to get done what needs to get done. If that's not enough, I should have stayed home.
I figured that, no matter how reliable a revolver is, it's going to be fatter than a pistol and max out at 5 or 6 rounds with a slower reload. I'd have to carry 3 speed-loaders to get the same capacity as I carry with one spare mag.
Now I have been SURPRISED that NO ONE has noticed I've been carrying a compact Glock for these past two months. Not a single person has noticed all Summer, including when I'm only wearing a wife beater under a T-shirt. My frame is 200lbs + but I'm not a huge guy. I just go with an IWB Kydex holster, and not even my Law Enforcement buddies know I'm carrying. I've been surprised at how not-noticeable it is, even to trained eyes. And even my closest civilian friends have noooo idea I'm carrying.
I can't recommend the Gen 4 Glock 23 enough. The new grips are better. The mag release is a much better target for my thumb, and it's powerful enough to be effective but controllable enough to reacquire the target quickly after firing.
On the other hand, my Dad got his CCW the same time I did. He chose the S&W Bodyguard .380. The advantage is that he's got a much slimmer, shorter weapon than mine. The disadvantage is, well, everything else. Less powerful (by a lot). Less rounds. Less accuracy. Less grip.
I shot both side-by-side, mag for mag. I was much happier than ever with my choice.
So that's my 2 cents. Hope you are as happy with your final selection as I am with mine.