Sig P229 or P226. If you want polymer then HK USP Compact, PPQ, P99, P320 Compact.
I am a 40 fan and own about all of them (31 handguns). I have carried a USPc for 20 years now. It's the right size and weight that puts it in a unique position to do everything well. I have had a USPc to , Gunsite, teach with it, etc... It's a great carry size yet still has good amount of rounds.
Had a P229 but I sold it to a friend to fund a shotgun I just had to have.
It was a great gun but I had a hard time getting comfortable with it.
I think the high bore axis and snappy recoil were the main reasons.
An SP01 Tactical has taken 2nd place on my bucket list. first place is a Colt commander in .38 super but that's just me.