Number one it must fire when required.
But handgun selection is a very personal decision. You will see this running through the posts. Get a glock, I have a glock. Only get a .45, I have small pen*s. etc. (a different arguement than reasonable stopping power, control, and nubmer of rounds available)
Your selection should be one that you are comfortable and confident firing given you are in a situation where you will need to fire the weapon. It should not be what someone else things is right for you.
Recommend trying a wide variety.