Sig Sauer P938
Can't go wrong with a Sig
For what you are describing, the Ruger LC9 is one of the better priced standards everyone seems to praise. (no experience with it myself).
http://www.ruger.com/products/lc9/models.html
I ask because You can get a Ruger LCP .380 (6+1 capacity), or a S&W 642 .38 special (5 round capacity) stock with a laser.
Is this your first pistol? If it is, learn how to shoot and practice w/o the laser.
Iron sights first then lasers.
My 2 cents...
You might find the MouseGuns comparison chart useful.
http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf
Can't go wrong with a Sig
What are you comfortable shooting? Is the firearm for self defense? A 9mm or smaller isn't much good against large four-legged predators. Are your hands large, average or small?
You can't point and plug? Most confrontations occur within 3 meters in a home setting, and I can do that in the dark without my glasses. Anything longer distance, I'm going to want glasses, pants, and a rifle. And maybe shoes. I find visible light lasers to be a distraction.
/johnny
S&W Bodyguard 380 sounds like the gun you want. Its easy to conceal, has an integral laser, has a DAO trigger that isn’t going to get pulled by accident but is easy to keep on target. I’ve put about 300 rounds though mine (5 brands of a mix of JHP and FMJ) and have never had a misfeed or fail to fire.
I carried a j-frame for years, but this has replaced them as my everyday carry gun.
At twelve feet you don’t need a laser.
Another vote for the Ruger LC9.
http://www.impactguns.com/advsearch.aspx?i=1;q=laser;q1=Firearms;q2=Handguns;sort=RetailPrice;x1=t1;x2=t2
do some browsing here (not the only online site I recommend, but they have a good selection; http://www.budsgunshop.com is good too and has better prices). It’s a nice look at price and availability on some options that will be mentioned here. To some extent, you get what you pay for.
Laseraim was making the last weapon with an integral laser sight, but many makers offer a sight bundled with a weapon (usually a Crimson Trace) or you can get one aftermarket.
Smith & Wesson 380 Bodyguard. Comes with the laser and can be carried in a pant pocket
Reviewed by Mr. Hickok himself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT1q1C_PnIY
S&W Bodyguard .380 fits your bill. I carry it in my back pocket w/pocket holster. Also carry Kel-Tec P3AT .380 in my front pocket. Carry it in my front pocket for quick retrieval and no safety on it for draw and fire...if need be. Both are double action, but the S&W has laser sights. Yes, I conceal carry two...
Light, accurate, concealable.
I've only put about 500 rounds through mine, but no problems whatsoever. Also, I like that it has no safety. It has a long, smooth trigger pull, which takes a little getting used to but actually works quite well. My daughter has a P9 which has special rifling and night sights. It's popular for LE backup gun.
My wife (She Who Must Be Obeyed) likes it too. That's a plus.
You might consider modifying an OTC green light laser to be extra powerful. Much more potent than red light.
US citizens cannot buy any OTC green laser over 5mW. But you can legally modify your 5mW green laser all the way up to 150mW, with power depending on the module used.
This is legal because while it is illegal to buy a functional laser as such, you can import laser modules over 5mW without FDA safety features 100% legally. It is also legal to assemble your own handheld laser over 5mW as long as you don’t sell it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQWx-7lH8ec