Jarhead left out Beretta. Did you not like your standard issue M9? Another maker of reliable guns.

Also, 9mm is a great starting caliber. Lots more rounds in the gun, easier follow-up.

Something else often overlooked by new buyers is getting a 22LR handgun. You will learn a lot and it will pay for itself in reduced ammunition cost if you shoot often. True it won't be as effective for self-defense, but it will teach you how to get shots on target, especially helpful training women. Never met a women that started on .22LR that didn't like it.

The Glock and Sig among others even have conversion kits so you can shoot .22LR in the same platform as a larger caliber.