0) Ignore anyone that says you should ONLY get XYZ gun.
1) Go to a gun show or a store with a great selection.
2) Try the ‘feel’ of everything in sight. Keep in mind two guns of the same model but different caliber will feel different.
3) Take note of the top 2 to 4 guns you like best
4) find a range the rents or a friend with those modules and try them out
5) Check the internet to make sure those specific models don’t have flaws or issue
6) Buy
7) Practice
But, if in WA, dont let someone “hand” you one. :-)
Another consideration is your age.
If you tend to hang onto things, other than with the unavoidable boating accident, of course, you'll probably want something you can grow old with.
A model/caliber you could shoot well when you were in great shape might become painful to practice with as age and use/abuse catches up.
A little arthritis, maybe a few bone spurs, can change everything about what feels good in your hand.
Put as many in your hand as you can before you buy anything. Don't buy simply because someone else thinks you should buy what they like best. Let your hand decide and tell you that.
+1 indeed!
My wife and I both carry Glocks, but, that’s our choice after going to the range and using several different brands.
Just remember to get practice rounds for practice and hollow points for carry.
and
Practice Practice Practice!
One thing I would add to your list of recommendations is the option, in many cases, of being able to change the fit and feel of a handgun by changing the grips/stocks.