For a first handgun, it’s hard to go wrong with a Glock 19. Fairly small, but not too small to handle well and if you live in a free state, can deliver 15+1 +p 9mm rounds without a reload. That was my wife’s first pistol, and remains her favorite.
You didn’t mention the purpose of the weapon. Is this something for up close and personal against one person protecting just yourself or something for standing off a group of people and protecting multiple people?
Are you going to carry or is this a house gun?
There are going to be trade offs no matter what you pick. Generally once you get to know the strengths and weaknesses of your first handgun, it leads to more purchases to round out your capabilities.
Finally, the best accessory for any handgun you purchase is 1000 rounds. That is not your stash, buy your ammo stash separately. You need to go out and shoot that 1000 rounds as soon as possible preferably with a coach helping.
Let me add my voice to those who advise you to try before you buy. A particular gun may have a famous, prestige brand name and be a poor choice for you. Only by actually firing a weapon can you know if it is comfortable, AND if you can actually hit anything with it. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into making an expensive choice you will later regret!
I would suggest that you start with a .22 single action revolver, like the Ruger Single Six.
Next choice would be another revolver in 38 or 357. Once fired cases are cheap. With target loads with 3.2 grains of Bullseye and casting your own bullets, you can reload for cheaper than 22 ammo, if you can reclaim/reuse the lead from your sessions. In SoCal, you should have no problem finding a place to shoot without having to pay range fees.
Practice,practice practice. 50 rounds once or twice a week is not too often.
When you are proficient with your first handgun, then decide on the next one.
And the next,...,...,...
The biggest mistake many people make is deciding which handgun to purchase without knowing whether or not it's right for them and what they intend to use it for.
If you have a friend knowledgeable in handguns, or have a reputable gun store with knowledgeable folks, talk to them first.
As for me, I'm an HnK bigot. Anything else is just metal to me. They're expensive, high quality, and well worth it IMO, but they're NOT for everyone.
Sig Sauer, XDM, Beretta and Glock also have big followings here on FR. Plenty of knowledgeable people.
Good luck.
Am late here but if you are a female, make it light and easy to handle.
I’m into 45’s right now but will get a small, light Sig or the equivalent for concealed carry....on the thigh, in the car or in the handbag...
Most important...shoot a lot, get familiar with the weapon and gain confidence in your use of it...yes, it is a matter of life and death.
You can’t go wrong with a Sig. Any Sig.
I like the simplicity and reliability of a revolver. 357 for me!
Hmmmm typical Freep gun thread. You mention you’re thinking of acquiring a particular pistol, and two hundred strangers fill you in on what THEY’RE carrying - and no one speaks to the point.
Navy SEALS carry SIGs - what does that tell you?
Unlike scores of armchair pistoleros, their lives DEPEND on their weapons, and those SIGs prove themselves every day of the year in conditions so unspeakable you can’t even imagine them.
As I said at the outset, SIG 225 - Magnificent!
Save your money. Get the address of any freeper and find the nearest pond, river, or lake. All Freeper guns end up at the bottom of the nearest body of water. Rent some SCUBA gear and stock up....
One thing I would consider is finding out what handguns and ammunition your local police force carry. The reason, I heard, was that if, God forbid, you ever have to defend yourself you can not be accused of using a cop killer dum-dum bullet firing armor piercing death machine handgun. Something to consider in California.
If you can afford one, get a Kimber .45
One fine pistol with just the right knock em the hell OUT fire power.
My wife carries a Taurus Slim (MM which is probably similar in size and a bit cheaper - it hasn't had any issues but has one of them "pull me for a mile" triggers as part of the safety system which can hurt accuracy.
I have a Smith & Wesson 9MM SW9VE with a 16 round mag and it has been flawless for being as inexpensive as it was.
For really easy carry, I use either a Ruger LCP .380 or a similar .380 from Kahr - I like the Ruger better....