Well, this is just one person’s experience, but here goes:
My first auto was a Ruger P-94 in 9mm, which I bought long ago, before I knew anything about how a pistol should fit one’s hand. Although I qualified for my CWL with it, it never felt right. Also, the location/accessibility of its slide-mounted safety is poor IMO. Though I have large hands, I found it to be very blocky and ill-fitting.
However, the biggest problem by far was that regardless of how clean or dirty it was, or what type of ammunition used, it jammed far too frequently to be reliable.
I replaced it with a 9mm all-steel EAA Witness (CZ-75 clone by Tanfoglio) in Wonderfinish. Perfect fit, accurate, and flawless with about 1650 rounds of all types of ammo through it, and in varying states from immaculate to filthy.
I’ve owned it for years, and had my first and only problem with it about a month ago at the range, when it jammed on one specific brand of ammo.
While EAA (the importer) has a reputation for very poor customer service, I’ve never needed them. The Tanfoglio guns are very highly regarded, as are other CZ clones. And, of course, the CZ’s themselves are legendary. (Although the Tanfoglio guns have higher magazine capacities yet a slightly slimmer grip. Their 9mm holds 18+1!)
A year or so ago, I added a fullsize steel Witness in .45 to my collection, for only $269 brand-new! Another purchase with which I’m very pleased.
I carry one of the EAA’s when the situation calls for it, and am ALWAYS armed with my Kel-Tec P-3AT, except where I’m (unconstitutionally) not permitted to do so.
The new CZ-75 SP-01 in 9mm holds 19+1. I got to shoot one at a special exibition by some factory reps. It is VERY nice.
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=73
The best part about the witness, IMO, is that it’s available in 10mm. I hate ruger autos. They look horrible and they have a screwy breakdown procedure and they feel cheap. My favorite CZ variant was the IMI jericho. Now that I’ve tried the new SP-01, I’m not so sure. The SP-01 might be better. The jerico still looks better though.