Aside from that, stainless is a plus.
Depending on what fits, for a revolver, the Ruger SP101 in .357 mag is good, and you can practice with .38 special, which the pistol will fire also.
In semiautomatics, get what fits your hand first, Sig, Glock, Ruger, Kimber, S&W, and others all make good, reliable firearms.
If you decide to go with a semiauto, learn to field strip it (not very hard, really) and keep it clean.
This significantly lessens chances of a malfunction.
Make sure you have quality factory magazines, also.
Believe it or not, most 'jams' I have seen were because the feed lips on the magazine were bent or improperly formed on an aftermarket magazine.
Whatever you decide to get, practice with it. Accuracy with a pistol is a perishable skill.
Believe it or not, most 'jams' I have seen were because the feed lips on the magazine were bent or improperly formed on an aftermarket magazine.
And limp wristing!