From Maxine:
Since I think after all these years w/Max I could quote him from heart, here we go!
First off, a handgun is something you use as you retreat back to your rifle.
Read that again and let in sink in real good. Too many people believe a handgun is a combat weapon, but they should really only be used in a pinch in order to get to a rifle or shotgun, or if out and about where you cannot carry a rifle or shotgun.
Next, consider its use. You are talking about an expensive piece of gear that needs to last and last, and have as much overall utility as you can squeeze out of it, aka: "the most bang for your buck". So, dont buy junk! Saving $150+ buying a budget brand will be the stupidest move ever if the SHTF, one you will not only regret, but could cost you your life. Better made guns also simply function better (there are lemons in the MOST expensive of brands tho, just like ANYTHING else you can buy), and will give you a much better feel for a weapons capabilities and handling characteristics. There are alot of brands of weapons out there, but the one that comes to mind the most would be a Ruger, truly a working mans weapon. They are built like tanks, are very affordable, and they are made here the USA, by Americans, by an American owned company.
Next, after years of listening to Max gripe out gun "elitists" out there who do nothing but hype on their favorite brand got me to read between the lines when it comes to brands. Realize this when reading your responses and in your local GS inquiries that some people will keep pointing you back to specific brands, and they will usually always be the guns with the crazy price tag, or simply just the only gun they own or even have EVER owned. Read between the lines for just the facts!
If you have never handled or shot a gun before, you need to find someone to give you lessons on safe handling and operation first. This is will be your biggest hurdle. Good teachers are few and far between. Max taught me and many of my friends, and always started out with the most simple thing of all, how to pick up the weapon safely! It will not be easy finding a good teacher, but well worth the effort. Find someone UN-biased and patient! You are a few states away or I would recommend meeting up with Max for this.
So, now prepared, arrange to go with your "teacher" and hit up your local G-Shops with ranges/rental and try out some weapons! Be prepared to spend some time and $, take good ear protection with you, and try to go when the place is empty or close to it. I would recommend starting out with a few revolvers and learn them well. They are ridiculously simple to operate, and are as inherently "safe" as you can get in a handgun. Learning on a revolver will also teach you the importance of hitting your target, and keep you away from the "spray and pray" attitude that seems to come boxed with every hi-capacity auto out there.
Once you get good weapon handling skills and trigger control down, move to some auto's if you wish.
In closing, here is my personal opinion of what you should start out with and why.
This is a Ruger SP101 3" in .357 Magnum. It has a set of Hogue grips on it. This is a medium frame revolver, which will make a good fit for any hand size, and the aftermarket grips are very "sticky", giving you good grip even if sweaty or oily. They also give you a place to put your pinky finger, something you wont find on the majority of small framed weapons or auto's. The .357 caliber lets you shoot .38 special ammo in it, giving you the ability to shoot for practice/target alot cheaper. The SP101 is a true TANK of revolvers, and will stand up to years and thousands of rounds of abuse even with magnum loads. The 3" barrel is good for concealment, but gives you a bit more power and control over a typical "snubby" 2". They are certainly heavier than the average gun their size, but again, they are rugged and as light as you will really want to shoot full power loads in. (the .357 completely out-powers the 9mm btw) If you decide to go this route, get a set of "snap caps", and spend some free time just pulling the trigger. It will give you good trigger finger strength, and the more you pull, the smoother and lighter the action will become.
Feel free to PM if you would like, I am sure Max would take the time to answer any questions you may have, even tho I may be biased, I just do not think you could get any person better to do so.
Hope this helps,
Maxine