I would also think about if you are going to want to conceal the gun on your person when you are out. If so, you definatly want a subcompact. 9mm are cheap comparitivly, but a 40 wouldnt be much more. You can buy ammo dirt cheap for the 9mm (Walmart sells 100 rounds for like $10) so you can practice alot which you better be doing no matter what gun you buy! Narrow your wants down a little more and I think you will get more specific answers from the guys on here.

Edit after your last post: If you think these guys know what you are doing, its even more important that you know the gun 150% in and out. Don't get yourself killed trying to defend yourself from someone who just wants in and out of the place and had no intention of being a murderer.

"Moore has also accused the American people of being the stupidest, most naive people on the face of the Earth. And after last weekend, he's got the box office numbers to prove it!"