Especially since you have a 17 I'd go with the 26. Not much point in getting a slightly smaller gun. And with the fluch magazine and it's shorter barrel the 26 conceals very nicely.
I would go with a glock 26 or a 19. The cm9 and shield I think are too small for first time owners and too small for home defense. And the car has a beautiful trigger but maybe not for someone newer to guns.
If you want a .45 but don't want a glock or a kahr which ironically one is my winter carry and the kahr is my summer carry. I'd recommend a 3 or a 4 inch 1911