I smell another 100+ post here...

Asking gun recommendations is like asking what is the best birthday cake...everyone has their favorites...you';ve got the glock crowd, S&W crowd, Ruger crowd, etc.

What do you want it for? Range shooting? Concealed Carry? Home Defense? To have?

If there is a range close to you that rents guns, by all means go there, and try them out.

Different calibers are cheaper to shoot than others- you might want to consider that.

Its to each his own. If you want a sexy gun that is reliable, the Walther P99 is for you. An ugly reliable gun, Glock....the list goes on.

Mine are:
Ruger KP345DPR- .45 ACP semi- polymer frame, stainless slide, great gun, but a bit precarious for carry.

Smith & Wesson 642- Concealed hammer .38 Spl. Handles +p rounds. 15 ounces. Ultra light, and ultra small. ScottFW and Landraider carry these, and love them.

Springfield XD 4 inch compact. Great gun, great price, and comes with all the 'gear' 2 mags and a pouch, holdster, mag loader.

Plus, consider any kiddos around the house...and Glocks, Springfields, etc...no true safety on those.

For HD- nothing say 'Get the F*** Out' quite like the sound of chambering a round in a scattergun though.