I have had several open pistols with popple holes. 38SC and 9mm. It depends on what your goal is. If you are in the top 5% of shooters or plan to be. I would get hole, 38SC and have Bob tune it to your shooting style.
If you are shooting as a hobby, plan to shoot a few major matches or just local. I would go with 9mm major, no holes.
I like a more snappy load.
9mm major load. 7.4g Silhouette. 1.065 OAL. Montana gold 124 JHP or RN gets me 168PF to 170PF. Without popple holes the pistol shoot quieter and no blow back on the red dot.
It is stainless. I did not coat until I have decided to retire in Oklahoma. More chance of rust there than my current Arizona.