Hi JJ, welcome.
I'm sure you will get many responses from those on this fine forum that are much more qualified than me. I hesitated for a short while before purchasing my R9, but spent a lot of time reading the 99% positive comments on this forum about this pistol. After about 2 1/2 months wait I got mine and couldn't be happier. The quality is evident in every component, and for me, since this is my primary carry gun, I wanted something I could be proud to own and wanted a major caliber that was easy to carry in my pocket. There are many times I wouldn't carry if I was required to use a belt holster. Other comments I might add are the buttery smooth trigger, and the reliability that I've experienced. I also purchased one of RJ Hedley's pocket holsters and have caught myself admiring the quality of both the pistol and holster more times than I'd care to admit. Sure you can get something less expensive, but you will have to give up quality, caliber, or get something larger.
I do recommend spending some time with this forum, I've found it very worthwhile.
JP