TY. Yes, I would take a class.
Buy AFTER taking the class. In a good NRA handgun course, you are very likely to shoot a whole lot of different guns. I like the revolver in general, but it can be harder to hit with many of them because the barrel is higher and it kicks up more. I carry a Glock, but that would be a terrible choice for someone who doesn't want a gun to go off in the wrong hands - Glocks go off if you pull the trigger (over-generalization, but one with a lot of basis). Shoot several different guns at the class, think about what you want it to do and what you wan to pay, and then decide.
The best gun is one you will have with you when you need it. The best is one you can hit with when you have it and need it. The best is one that stops the threat when you need it and hit with it. For my dad, the best gun is a .22 pistol, since he can no longer handle the kick of anything bigger. For me, a 9mm or .45 ACP is just fine still. I like semiautomatic, but I shoot one daily. Revolvers are nice because they are very simple, just make sure you know how to use the safety (both putting it on and taking it off) if that is one of your concerns.