Get a Glock 19; it is compact and can hold 15/1, and is very accurate and alarmingly sturdy. Pistols don't need an actual "thumb off" safety, so long as you don't walk around with your finger on the trigger. If you are that worried about a safety, don't put a round in the chamber until you are ready to practice shooting. All of this is just my humble $0.02...

 

Glocks are great and I really like them...but I got a smith & wesson M&P 9mm recently and absolutely love it. Feels better in my hand than the new glocks. Great price from my local dealer as well.

Best advice is to rent a few at the range and see which one you like better.

 

Glock 19

 

I love my Sig P226 Elite Stainless with Crimson Trace grips!

 

+1, couldn't have said it better. A Glock will never accidentally fire unless you pull the trigger.

Also Glocks have a safety, it's called a safe action.

 

i would suggest a sig P220 or P226, both great guns. Sig has a CPO program where you can buy a pre-owned gun that has completely been re-done at the factory for almost half the price of a new one.(these come in a red box)

if you are considering glock...take a look at the FNX-40 or the FNP-40
FNX-40 Matte Black Stainless Handgun

they are comparable in price with glock but have a better "feel" IMO

 

Go to a range, rent a few and purchase what you are most comfortable with.

 

All great guidance, but you need to go to a range and fire as many pistols as you can so that you can judge for yourself.

Everything mentioned here will serve you well, but ultimately, you will fire some better than others.

The only "sure" thing is that you can't go wrong from a bet your life on it reliability expectation from one of the pieces of combat tupperware mentioned here. Glock, Springfield XD, the new Smiths. They're uber reliable, easy to use, and good service weapons.

Do not focus on caliber. If you can learn to shoot accurately, caliber is secondary.

Go to the range and report back then!

 

Thanks again guys. Gotta find a range and then I'll get back to ya.

 

If you are looking for a 9mm make sure you try out a CZ or a Browning hipower. If you are only going to have one gun get the Sig or Hk.