Try the lc9s before you discount it from the lineup. I had a shield but sold it since I needed the cash for an emergency and would look hard at the lc9s if I had to buy another single stack 9mm.
Everybody that says that these half ton trucks will pull that much weight have never had a vehicle manhandled by a trailer, or tried to get one under control in a panic situation. It's like saying 22lr will shoot 200 yards. Sure it will, but it isn't the correct tool for the job. You add in...
It has always been legal to open carry, no permit required in Mississippi. They just changed the wording to clarify the point. As to the OP yep you can have one in your car here without a permit just like Louisiana.